-----------
This high quality machine translation is powered by: https:// geriatrictranslations.com/
Special Permission was given to upload the novel on WebNovel.
Geriatric Translations can be supported on patreon (https://www. patreon.com/geriatricvibes) where additional chapters can be enjoyed.
You can also join the Geriatric Translations Community on Discord to connect with other readers: https:// discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua
-----------
Konoha.
Three days ago, Konoha suffered its greatest disaster in history. The Nine-Tails, in its full glory, was an absolutely terrifying natural disaster. The earth-shaking attacks left two-thirds of the village's buildings damaged to varying degrees.
In the end, the Nine-Tails' rampage ended with the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage and his wife, along with countless other ninja.
The Third Great Shinobi War had just ended, and Konoha's sudden heavy blow made the border regions even more unstable. This was the most important reason why the Third Hokage could smoothly take power. If the situation had been stable, a Fifth Hokage might have been chosen instead of the Third Hokage taking charge again.
At the same time, because the Nine-Tails had a Sharingan in its eye, the Uchiha Clan in Konoha was already being suspected and distrusted. The higher-ups used the need to re-plan the village as a reason to move the Uchiha Clan to the outskirts, far from the village center.
The Uchiha Clan, though deeply dissatisfied, could only endure it. After all, the Sharingan in the Nine-Tails' eye could not be erased.
Since then, the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha has gradually escalated to an irreconcilable point.
...
"Yoru, how can our clan regain the village's trust? This time, the village has suffered a great loss," Uchiha Shisui said, his face clearly showing worry as he walked out of Naka Shrine. Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but sigh at this scene. No wonder the Second Hokage said the Uchiha Clan was extreme; you're worried about the village instead of your own clan.
Uchiha Yoru feigned a sorrowful expression and sighed, shaking his head. "Shisui, it's not about how our clan can regain the village's trust, but how the village can trust the Uchiha."
Seeing Shisui's confused expression, Uchiha Yoru muttered to himself that he had to save Shisui, who was in a state of life confusion, before he got stuck in a dead end. He couldn't let Shisui side with the Hokage.
Otherwise, just like in the original story, the Uchiha Clan had three Mangekyou Sharingan users, two of whom were loyal to Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the other chose to have his son kill him. It would be unjust for the Uchiha to be wiped out, with their strongest fighters suffering from mental issues.
Moreover, Shisui couldn't have been brainwashed early on. He probably had a good impression of the Hokage. After the Nine-Tails attack, the village's increased vigilance against the Uchiha led the Third Hokage to secretly develop his informants within the Uchiha Clan. Shisui was gradually assimilated after the Nine-Tails attack, and Itachi was still a five-year-old kid at the time.
"Shisui, many in our clan are holding in their anger. But to prove our innocence and show that we are part of Konoha, the Uchiha Clan humbly agreed to move to the outskirts and be under constant surveillance. We have put down our pride, and the village should see that."
This time, Uchiha Yoru looked at Shisui meaningfully, feigning a look of frustration and helplessness, as if he had to swallow his teeth and keep them inside.
This scene left Uchiha Shisui stunned. Yes, the proud Uchiha Clan had put down their pride and moved to the outskirts to prove their innocence.
Seeing the hope in Shisui's eyes, Uchiha Yoru inwardly sighed. Indeed, this Uchiha Shisui was a bit naive, or perhaps he was a blank slate in this regard. No one is naturally on one side; they gradually move toward one side.
At this point, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but sigh. The Uchiha Clan's talent development was still lacking. No, they were too confident, believing their geniuses would naturally be loyal to the Uchiha.
"Yoru, do you think the village will trust us again after we move to the new location?"
Uchiha Shisui's eyes were filled with hope. Uchiha Yoru frowned and thought for a moment before sighing.
This scene immediately sparked Shisui's curiosity, and he looked at Yoru with hope. Yoru cautiously glanced around to ensure no one was around before whispering.
"Shisui, you're too naive. If the Fourth Hokage were still around, the Uchiha would have more trust. Similarly, if any of the Sannin became the Fifth Hokage, the Uchiha would be more trusted."
Yoru's words left Shisui confused and puzzled. Yoru inwardly sighed. Indeed, Shisui was a genius in ninja matters but a disaster in politics. Of course, it wasn't entirely his fault; the ninja world was still young, and there weren't many generations or experienced predecessors.
"Big Brother Yoru, why do you think any of the Sannin becoming the Fifth Hokage would be better than the Third Hokage?"
At this moment, Shisui, without realizing it, used the title "Big Brother." Hearing this, Yoru inwardly smiled in triumph. Indeed, as long as he played his cards right, the Uchiha Clan would not be easily wiped out, even with two traitors among them.
Uchiha Yoru shook his head and sighed. "Shisui, do you know about Elder Tachibana's past?"
This question made Uchiha Shisui look embarrassed. He cautiously glanced around and, finding no other ninja, whispered, "How could I not know? What does that have to do with this?"
Tachibana was a member of the Konoha Police Force during the Second Hokage's reign, inheriting the will of Uchiha Madara and belonging to the hawkish faction. He was later arrested by the Second Hokage's Anbu for attempting to incite the Uchiha Clan to rebellion and was imprisoned. (Refer to available records)
It was only after the Third Hokage took power and to stabilize the people that Tachibana was released. Since then, he had become dispirited but remained a strong presence in the Uchiha Clan.
Seeing Shisui's cautious expression, Uchiha Yoru gestured for them to walk toward the waterfall, and they continued talking as they walked.
"Shisui, you know the Second Hokage's policies. After all, during that special period, it was reasonable to be wary of the Uchiha Clan. Do you think the Second Hokage's disciples, who inherited his ideology, would view the Uchiha Clan differently?"
This question left Uchiha Shisui shocked. He had never thought about it this way, but as a descendant of the Uchiha, he understood some things. His brows furrowed, and it was clear he was deeply affected.
Sensing Shisui's wavering, Uchiha Yoru smiled and shook his head. "Shisui, don't lose heart. The Third Hokage, though he inherited the Second Hokage's ideology, will eventually step down. As for Danzo and the two higher-ups, let's not mention them for now. After all, Orochimaru is the most likely candidate to become the Fifth Hokage."
Without criticizing the Third Hokage, Yoru suggested another perspective. During the Third Hokage's reign, did he truly trust the Uchiha Clan? And as a disciple, wouldn't he have inherited the Second Hokage's policies of vigilance against the Uchiha?
These words initially made Shisui frown and feel some resistance, but the mention of the Fifth Hokage made the previous concerns seem trivial.
At this moment, Uchiha Shisui looked up at his fellow clan member, who was only a year older. Uchiha Yoru shrugged and smiled confidently. "Shisui, don't worry. I know the Sannin, and none of them have a bias against the Uchiha. After all, it's not the same era."
Referring to the Second Hokage's era, that was shortly after Uchiha Madara's betrayal and the First Hokage's death. It was natural for the Second Hokage to be wary. This period was indeed special, as the Uchiha Clan indirectly caused the First Hokage's death.
The Third Hokage took office during this period, and the Second Hokage's influence was inevitable. However, the Sannin were still young at the time and thus unaffected.
Hearing this, Uchiha Shisui felt a sense of relief. Though he wanted to argue, the idea that the future Fifth Hokage would not be biased against the Uchiha made him smile.
Indeed, regardless of past wrongs, these would become history. They only needed to build a good relationship with the future Fifth Hokage.
Seeing Shisui's hopeful and anticipatory smile, Uchiha Yoru inwardly sneered. He was planting the idea that the Third Hokage and his allies had inherited the Second Hokage's vigilance against the Uchiha. Then, when the Fifth Hokage was not chosen and the Third Hokage clung to power, Shisui would realize the truth.
Thinking of this, Yoru's lips curled into a wicked smile. As long as he was around, he wouldn't let Shisui be easily brainwashed.
Once the seeds of doubt were planted, they wouldn't show immediate effects, but he would need to water them occasionally to help them grow into a towering tree. Then, hmm!
"Big Brother Yoru, what kind of person is Orochimaru?"
Uchiha Shisui was clearly already immersed in the grand vision Yoru had constructed. It wasn't that Shisui was unintelligent; no one could have predicted Orochimaru's betrayal. Currently, Orochimaru was the most popular candidate in the village. Once the border stabilized, the selection of the Fifth Hokage would begin.
Seeing Shisui's hopeful expression, Uchiha Yoru was happy to play along, smiling. "I've heard that Orochimaru, though somewhat cold and unpredictable, is a trustworthy person. After all, he was one of the candidates for the Fourth Hokage."
When Yoru mentioned that Orochimaru was a candidate for the Fourth Hokage, Shisui smiled and nodded firmly. "That's right. Though Orochimaru is cold on the battlefield, that decisiveness is essential for a Hokage."
In Shisui's eyes, anyone selected as a Hokage candidate had inherited the Will of Fire. Orochimaru's decisiveness in commanding the ninja army, though causing some casualties, also led to victories, which were essential for a Hokage.
Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but smile. Shisui was really good at filling in the blanks, clearly influenced by the Hokage's鸡汤 (inspirational teachings) at school. However, when Shisui saw Orochimaru's betrayal in the future, hmm.
Thinking of this, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but look forward to Shisui's reaction at that time.
...
(End of Chapter)