On the fourth day of training with Uchiha Shisui, just after the afternoon training ended, Uchiha You faintly heard cheers.

His senses were extremely sharp at this moment. Before Uchiha Shisui heard any movement, he recognized the name that was mentioned repeatedly in the cheers - Orochimaru.

Uchiha You understood in his heart that Orochimaru had finally completed the handover of the front-line work and returned to Konoha Village.

It’s just that Orochimaru’s reputation seems to be a little bit high, probably beyond the expectations of the Third Hokage, or even... maybe beyond the tolerance of the Third Hokage?

Uchiha You's mouth curled up slightly. Through their long-term contact, he found that Orochimaru was very different from what he remembered.

Orochimaru took the position of Hokage very seriously and did a lot of work seriously.

The various exchanges of interests between him and Uchiha Yuu and the rebel alliance he established were just a small part of the work he did behind the scenes.

Uchiha You learned from Elder Ryunosuke that in the past six months, Orochimaru had been communicating frequently with the ninja families and outstanding ninjas of Konoha Village.

He sent people to communicate with the Uchiha family, but Uchiha Fugaku had difficulty making a choice and responded by delaying the meeting, neither refusing nor agreeing.

It was a catastrophically bad response.

Therefore, when Orochimaru did not want to give up the power of the Uchiha family, forming an alliance with Uchiha Yu was his natural choice.

However, the fact that he personally went there instead of sending his trusted ninja to communicate also proved that he attached great importance to Uchiha You.

Since Orochimaru has done so much work, it means he will never give up easily.

Uchiha You laughed because he had already predicted that in the next period of time, some very interesting things would happen in Konoha Village, such as the dispute between master and apprentice, and the personnel war.

Uchiha Shisui couldn't hear the cheers in the distance, but he saw his teacher's smile and asked curiously, "Brother You, what are you laughing at?"

Uchiha You replied: "I heard cheers. They were welcoming Lord Orochimaru back to the village. He is my old superior, so I am very happy."

Shisui curiously put his hands to his ears, closed his eyes and listened carefully for a while, then shook his head and said, "I can't hear it."

Uchiha You placed his right index finger on Shisui's Yuzhen acupoint and carefully injected a trace of wind spirit's natural energy, gently surrounding it around his ear.

Uchiha Shisui was shocked instantly, and he shouted in surprise: "Wow, I heard it!"

"So clear, so magical, I seem to be able to hear how far away they are. Is this the world that Brother You hears?"

Uchiha You chuckled and said, "What do you think?"

Shisui stuck out his tongue and made a face, he already understood that the world he heard was far inferior to Uchiha Yu's perception.

With such exaggerated senses, it is no wonder that Uchiha You is so powerful. Shisui felt a burning passion in his heart and he made up his mind to intensify his training. He also wanted such keen perception.

Suddenly Uchiha You retracted his fingers and natural energy, and said to Shisui: "The time is up. If you continue to listen, you will feel uncomfortable."

"Will it be uncomfortable?"

As soon as Uchiha Shisui asked the question, he felt dizzy and his vision went dark. It took him a long time to recover.

He asked with lingering fear: "Brother You, what happened to me?"

Uchiha You tapped his forehead and replied, "After your hearing ability has skyrocketed, you can hear a lot of sounds. The reason why you don't feel the clutter is because your brain's subconscious mind filters out those unnecessary or unimportant sounds."

"This is a huge drain on the brain. Especially for you right now, the burden is extremely heavy. It's natural that you will feel dizzy after consuming too much."

Uchiha Shisui's heavy breathing finally subsided. He wiped the sweat off his face and asked, "So that's how it is. Is the consumption of the brain so terrible?"

"In just a few minutes, I felt like I had been running for an hour with weights."

Uchiha You rubbed his head and said with a smile: "The consumption of the brain is indeed great, but it is not as exaggerated as you said."

"Although you feel terrible, it's just because you consumed too much energy in an instant. As your body reacts and energy is replenished quickly, you will feel better in just a few minutes."

Uchiha Shisui agreed, "Brother You is right. I feel much better now."

Uchiha You nodded at Shisui and said, "This state is also an opportunity. While you are still tired, use the cycle refining method."

"yes!"

Uchiha Shisui was very obedient. He took a horse stance without hesitation, closed his eyes slightly, and began to practice.

Seeing that he had gotten into the state, Uchiha You carefully checked Shisui's body and soon discovered the changes he had made to his own skills.

After verifying it with his own body, he found that one of them was probably an error caused by habit, three were clear optimizations, two were better solutions when the mental state was not good, and several others were impossible to judge in a short time.

The harvest is not small.

Uchiha You recorded all of this on the scroll with satisfaction, and when Shisui finished his training, he pointed them out to him one by one, explaining in detail why they were wrong and why they were right.

Since the second teaching a few days ago, Uchiha You told Shisui about the optimization of the technique and praised him as a true genius. Shisui was beaming with joy, which made him clear the way for the matter.

From then on, when Uchiha You was teaching Shisui, he would carefully explain each adjustment and seriously discuss his feelings with Shisui, thus obtaining valuable first-hand information, and the efficiency of adjusting the technique increased immediately.

In just a few days, Uchiha Shisui benefited a lot.

He absorbed Uchiha You's knowledge like a sponge, began to actively think about cultivation issues, and actively participated in optimization and adjustment work.

Shisui's progress is so obvious that now Uchiha You not only actively asks for his opinion, but also treats every word he says seriously and does not treat him as an ignorant child.

Uchiha You's attitude of respect was unprecedented. Not to mention that Uchiha Shinin did not have such an attitude, even the servants in the house only respected Shisui's background, not him personally.

Uchiha Shisui felt proud from Uchiha You, which greatly boosted his confidence. Fortunately, he had a humble personality and did not become proud and complacent because of this. Instead, he became more respectful to You.

Moreover, in the past few days, Uchiha You frequently mobilized natural energy to conduct a detailed inspection of Shisui, and unknowingly leaked some of his knowledge to Shisui.

Uchiha Shisui keenly sensed that Uchiha Yu's energy was as deep as the ocean. Under the seemingly ordinary chakra, there was natural energy as terrifying as a volcano.

From this, he vaguely felt Uchiha You's power. Although limited by his current knowledge, Shisui could not accurately judge how strong Uchiha You was, but this did not prevent Shisui from feeling admiration for him.

Because by comparing his own chakra with Uchiha Yu's chakra, Shisui couldn't help but develop a giant worship.

Uchiha You did not participate in the excitement of Orochimaru's return to the village, but he heard from old man Xin Yin that the scene was very exaggerated.

Not only were the ninja clan leaders in the village, such as Hyuga Hiashi and Nara Shikamine, present, but all the jonin in the village were present as well, making it almost like a jonin meeting.

The Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, along with his old classmates Mito Kado En and Utane Koharu, walked hundreds of meters out of the Hokage Building to greet Orochimaru, who was like a star to the moon.

In front of a huge crowd of people, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru staged a perfect meeting, and their performance of the love between master and disciple was so touching that countless people were moved to tears.

The cheers of the onlookers were deafening, and most of Konoha Village heard the noise. After much hesitation, Uchiha Fugaku finally rushed over with his trusted clansmen.

Unfortunately, when Uchiha Fugaku arrived, Orochimaru and the Third Hokage had already entered the Hokage Building. He stood among the dispersing crowd, feeling secretly annoyed and regretful.

Uchiha Xinyin couldn't help but shook his head when he said this, and said helplessly: "Before he ordered you to be the president of the study group, I thought Fugaku might not be that stupid."

"But it seems today that he is still the 'indecisive Fugaku'. The order appointing you should be an unexpected and extraordinary performance."

Uchiha Yuichiro also sighed, but then he cheered up and said, "You, I followed your plan and successfully convinced Elder Ximi, and finally opened up the situation among the doves."

"When are you going to meet with Elder Ximi?"

Uchiha You calculated the time and said, "Four days from now is June 25th, the day of the monthly summary meeting of the Security Department, which will be held in the evening of three days from now."

"The clan leader and the Hawk elders are all working in the Security Department. They will be very busy with their preparations, and the chances of my meeting with Elder Ximi being interrupted are minimal."

Uchiha You smiled and said, "Elder Ximi and I have too many topics to discuss in depth, and it will definitely take a lot of time."

Uchiha Yuichiro immediately agreed: "No problem, I will inform him when I get back."

Uchiha Ryunosuke asked curiously: "Xiya is so obedient, Yuichiro, what reasons did you use to convince him?"

Yuichiro looked at Uchiha Yuu, and only spoke after getting permission: "According to Yuu's suggestion, I put forward a condition to Ximi."

"When Uchiha Yuu becomes the clan leader, he will fully support Shisui in becoming the disciple of the Fourth Hokage, and promise to hand over the position of clan leader to Shisui at the right time."

"After Ximi confirmed it, she agreed to join us."

"What?"

Uchiha Shinin and Uchiha Ryunosuke were shocked, especially old man Shinin.

Uchiha Shinin has been taking care of Shisui for more than three years. When he was in poor health last year, he was actively looking for a guardian to replace him within the clan. He had no idea that Uchiha Xiya valued Shisui so much.

The old man squatted and said angrily: "How is this possible? I asked him in person last year and he refused without hesitation. Why did he do something completely different today?"

"Is my face so worthless, old man?"

Old man Xin Yin was so angry that he blew his beard and glared, but this made Uchiha You and the two elders laugh, so he became even angrier.

Uchiha You was worried that the old man was angry, so he quickly comforted him: "It's not that your face is worthless, but the situation is stronger than people, and Elder Ximi has no choice."

"Last year, your body was shaky and Shisui was not even four years old, but your talent was clearly revealed."

"Uchiha Shisui is like a piece of shining gold. He needs strong protection, but your sudden weakness makes it possible for Shisui to become unprotected."

Uchiha Xinyin said angrily: "I know, that's why I tried so hard to find a new protector. Why didn't Ximi agree to me?"

Uchiha You replied: "Old man Xin Yin, you underestimate your prestige. Although you don't have a decent power in the clan, you can protect Shisui with your prestige."

"But if you pass away, Elder Ximi won't be able to protect Shisui with his own strength. If he forces himself to step in, he will drag Shisui into the vortex of factional fighting."

"Because if Shisui is protected by Elder Ximi, it means he belongs to Elder Ximi's faction, and it is inevitable that some ruthless elders will attack him."

"And if something really happened to Shisui, the first person responsible would also be Elder Ximi, so the murderer could hide himself easily."

"So last year, Elder Ximi's protection was actually very dangerous. It would have been better to let Uchiha Shisui be without a guardian and become a family treasure that does not belong to any faction."

"As long as everyone has a chance to get Shisui, no one will attack Shisui, giving him time to grow."

Uchiha Shinin's mood calmed down. He now understood everything. He sighed and said, "I really misunderstood Ximi. With Shisui's talent, he will grow up in just a few years."

"You, when you meet Ximi, I'll go with you. I'll go and apologize to him. I've scolded him a lot over the past year."

Uchiha Shinin felt embarrassed as he spoke. He said with a sigh, "Last time I beat them up, I was the hardest on Ximi. I'm so sorry for this kid."

Uchiha Yuichiro rolled his eyes and snorted, "Haha, uncle, you said that as if you didn't hit me lightly last time."

Uchiha Ryunosuke smiled and said, "Oh, uncle, you hit me pretty hard."

“Get out of here!”

Uchiha Xinyin jumped up, pretending to drive them away, and shouted, "If you say that again, I will beat you up again. Don't you know that you should give in to the old man?"

Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha You watched the three old men making funny faces and laughed out loud, and cheerful laughter rang out in the yard.

…

As there was laughter and joy in Uchiha Shisui's courtyard, under the same starlight, the Third Hokage personally escorted Orochimaru out of the Hokage Building.

Ever since Orochimaru returned with the newly formed snake army, the Third Hokage and Orochimaru had been holding a meeting in the Hokage's office, which has not ended until now.

The master and disciple talked about everything, from Danzo's death to the authority of the Root, from the layout of the front line to the research work in the village, from the education in the ninja school to the formation of a new ninja unit, from the balance of power among the ninja clans to the authority conflicts of various functional departments.

They talked about almost everything, except the succession rights of the Fourth Hokage and the relationship between the two as master and disciple.

The Third Hokage and Orochimaru had a full exchange of views, defined the boundaries of their respective powers, and even stuck to every personnel arrangement, but did not mention Jiraiya and Tsunade.

Orochimaru left with a smile on his face but very disappointed.

After seeing Orochimaru off, the Third Hokage's face was gloomy and he let out long sighs one after another.

They both hoped that the other would not be able to resist talking about the topic of feelings, but at the same time they both held back.

Sarutobi Hiruzen hoped that after Orochimaru surrendered, he would cede more power to him, preferably handing over the command and personnel rights of the snake army.

What Orochimaru hopes to see is that the Third Hokage can soften his heart and express his care and love for him, and it would be best if the inheritance rights of the Fourth Hokage can be made clear.

They were all very disappointed.

"It seems that Orochimaru no longer wants to obey you, his teacher."

Mitomon En's tone was filled with disappointment and reluctance.

He and Utane Koharu appeared silently behind Sarutobi Hiruzen, and accompanied the Third Hokage to watch Orochimaru's back gradually disappear at the end of the street in Konoha Village.

Orochimaru's unwillingness to obey Sarutobi Hiruzen, coupled with the popularity he displayed in the afternoon, showed that he was determined to become the Fourth Hokage.

Then he would never take on Danzo Shimura's dirty work, and would not attack Konoha Village's internal enemies, such as the Uchiha Clan, without scruples for the benefit of the Third Hokage.

Because doing so would quickly damage Orochimaru's reputation, and would soon bring him downfall, making him the Third Hokage's most useful political weapon, but he would never have anything to do with the position of Hokage.

No one would accept a Hokage who once hid in darkness and was full of stigma.

Don’t mention the Five and a Half Hokage in history. Danzo Shimura was not a Hokage at all. He was just an acting Hokage who took advantage of loopholes in the system to perform the duties of the Hokage.

If Danzo had not died on the way back to the village, when he returned to Konoha Village, he would know what a 100% vote of no confidence meant.

The Third Hokage slowly turned around, his eyes filled with cold ruthlessness, and said coldly: "I didn't expect that I would actually teach a traitor. What a failure."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Mitokado En and said calmly: "En, I'll leave the matter of the Root to you."

Mitomon En lowered his head and said respectfully: "Hokage-sama, leave it to me."

Mitokado En doesn't want to be the second Danzo, but he has no choice. He does not have the reputation and strength of Orochimaru, and he does not have the confidence to fight against the Third Hokage.

Now that Danzo Shimura is dead, the Third Hokage's group must have a character who walks in the dark. Orochimaru doesn't want to defile himself, so Mito Kado En has to do the job.

Mitomon En was very sad. He could have stayed on the dry shore, doing nothing and would never make any mistakes.

As long as the Third Hokage did not fall into disgrace, he could continue to live comfortably.

Now he was forced to dive into the mud and struggle, and the anger in his heart could almost turn into reality.

Because this kind of work is dirty and tiring, and is destined to have a bad ending.

The Third Hokage will eventually die, and the Fourth Hokage will take over, and then Mito Kado En will have no choice but to step down.

The dark ones without the protection of power can only end up dead.