Among the Uchiha, the Sharingan stood supreme.
Externally and internally alike, this was an unquestioned truth.
To awaken the Sharingan, to refine it, to deepen its power—this was the path every Uchiha acknowledged as the orthodox road.
Without the Sharingan, one lacked true talent as a shinobi.
Shisui had long grown accustomed to this mindset. Though he did not despise clansmen who had yet to awaken their eyes, he too believed that without the Sharingan, one could never go far on the path of a ninja.
Sima Yi fell silent at this.
A clan that recognized only a single path was inherently walking a dangerous road.
Yet the Uchiha's problems were too many to solve at once. He merely took note and said nothing.
In the days that followed, Sima Yi took on the role of a student during daylight, asking Shisui detailed questions about sealing techniques and chakra theory, utterly disregarding the usual teacher-student hierarchy.
At first, Shisui felt awkward answering like a mentor.
But as the questions grew more intricate, he gradually shed the identity of "student" and explained everything he knew without reserve.
Thus their roles reversed.
By day, Sima Yi sought instruction.
By night, he resumed the mantle of teacher.
Ten days passed in this rhythm.
Then, at last—
Word arrived from the rear.
Relief forces had reached their position.
They could go home.
"Yes! Finally we don't have to stay in this miserable place! I'm going back to drink, eat grilled meat, and sleep for three days straight!"
Uchiha Hui cheered, grabbing the ANBU's dispatch order and nearly kissing it.
Shisui smiled faintly.
"Thank you for delivering the message. Please inform the Third Hokage that I will lead the unit back to Konoha as soon as possible."
The masked ANBU knelt briefly, nodded, and vanished in a flicker of body movement.
"Shisui! Let's go, let's go! We leave today! Uncle Yi, stop reading— we're finally heading back!"
Hui could hardly contain himself. The extended delay caused by the Mist had stretched their stay far beyond expectation.
Sima Yi simply stroked his beard and smiled.
Shisui, however, thought for a moment before replying apologetically,
"Sorry, Hui. The earliest we can depart is tomorrow."
The relief force had arrived. There were handovers to complete—and other matters to arrange.
"…Alright."
Hui sighed. No matter how close they were, Shisui was still the commander. He would not overstep.
At that moment, Sima Yi spoke casually.
"If we leave tomorrow, why not hold a banquet tonight? To celebrate—and to welcome the newly arrived troops."
Shisui paused.
He immediately understood the implication and considered it carefully.
After a long moment, he nodded.
"That… sounds reasonable. Perhaps everyone could use some relaxation."
Hui stared at him in disbelief.
"Wait. You're serious? In the military camp?"
"Of course," Shisui replied calmly. "No alcohol."
Hui burst into laughter.
"Deal! I'll save the drinking for when we're back! I'll check supplies—we can use the materials we seized from the Mist camp!"
He hurried off, practically glowing with excitement.
"Wait," Shisui called. "Bring the squad leaders who came as reinforcements the other day. I have some arrangements to discuss."
Hui nodded without suspicion, assuming it concerned sector handover.
Once he left, Shisui turned to Sima Yi.
"Teacher, you mentioned holding a banquet earlier. Why wait until now?"
Sima Yi set down his book.
"A commander must constantly gauge morale. Resentment left to fester becomes instability. Proper release is necessary."
"But why today?"
There would be many eyes watching. Wouldn't such relaxation invite criticism?
"You wish to restore the Uchiha's reputation. One man alone is insufficient."
"You need more clansmen willing to lower themselves, to mingle with ordinary villagers and win their hearts."
"Tonight presents the opportunity."
Shisui reflected deeply.
The nature of a banquet… the state of the reinforcement shinobi…
Suddenly his eyes brightened.
"You mean to use the banquet to create direct contact between our clan and the others?"
"Exactly."
"You are not an emperor. There is no need to keep people at a distance. Only through contact can understanding grow—and perception change."
Sima Yi spoke solemnly.
Yet he withheld a deeper truth.
These were shinobi.
They were worth recruiting.
Only shinobi, in his view, were "the people" that truly mattered.
"In the military, such things are simpler," he added with faint regret. "If only we had begun months earlier…"
Shisui quickly reassured him.
"You've already helped me more than I can repay. Without you, our situation would be far worse."
Sima Yi laughed.
"Do not mistake idle reflection for regret. Remember this—he who possesses magnanimity becomes capable of greatness. If you clutch every matter to your heart, you only burden yourself. How could you endure long?"
His ease was infectious.
Shisui felt, once again, that every word from this man contained a lesson.
"Yes, Teacher."
Just then—
A voice called from outside.
"Lord Shisui, Koizumi Satsuki and the others have arrived."
"Then seize your opportunity," Sima Yi said quietly, stepping out of the tent.
Shisui's eyes burned with determination.
I won't disappoint you.
Eighteen squad leaders had come as reinforcements. Four had died in the night ambush.
Fourteen remained.
They stood outside, faces bright with the news of rotation. The thought of returning home to their families filled them with relief.
"Koizumi Satsuki—Lord Shisui requests your presence."
An Uchiha messenger approached.
The others exchanged puzzled looks. If this were merely a handover matter, why summon them individually? Had something changed?
Satsuki himself blinked in surprise but quickly discarded his cigarette, straightened his attire, and entered.
Inside, he saw Shisui seated at his desk, studying a report with intense focus.
Not wishing to interrupt, he waited silently.
After a moment, Shisui looked up in mild surprise.
"Jōnin Koizumi—apologies. I was reviewing the ambush report and didn't realize you had entered."
"No, no. I failed to announce myself. Please don't mind it, Lord Shisui."
Shisui smiled gently.
"According to the report, you demonstrated strong proficiency in Fire Release that night. Even in that waterlogged environment, you protected the field medic with Great Fireball."
Satsuki flushed in embarrassment.
His Great Fireball had produced nothing more than a puff of steam before being extinguished.
Had Shisui not arrived in time, the field medic would have been slaughtered.
"No… it's not that impressive. It's just that among the techniques I know, Great Fireball has the most power…"