There were many genin in the camp, but few dared to step onto the arena.
In just over half an hour, the top three were decided—one Uchiha, two civilian shinobi.
Amid roaring cheers, Hui stepped forward with a grin and awarded them their prizes: three C-rank ninjutsu scrolls, each winner free to choose a technique matching their chakra nature.
C-rank techniques were widely available in Konoha. For around one hundred thousand ryō, anyone could purchase one.
But for ordinary shinobi, that was still a heavy expense.
The two civilian winners clutched their scrolls with shining eyes, bowing repeatedly in gratitude.
Hui felt satisfied watching their joy.
When it came time to award the Uchiha genin, however, Hui's smile remained—but his eyes sharpened with pointed scrutiny.
The Uchiha boy lowered his head awkwardly.
He swore he had held back.
He had even activated his Sharingan to better control his strikes, terrified of accidentally landing a serious blow.
And yet—
Fate was fate.
He could already foresee Hui "reasoning" with him later… the Uchiha way.
The three winners fled the stage—one practically sprinting, the other two walking briskly.
Next came the chūnin matches.
Compared to the genin, their exchanges were far more dazzling.
Techniques flew like a staged performance—earth walls, wind blades, fire streams—drawing wave after wave of cheers.
They reveled in both combat and applause.
When it ended, Hui presented the rewards.
First place: a custom-forged katana.
Second: a chakra-conducting short sword.
Third: a specialized kunai.
At first, disappointment flickered across their faces—no scrolls.
But the moment they grasped the weapons—
"What—?! These are chakra-conductive weapons!"
Shock rippled through the crowd.
Even the least valuable kunai was worth enough to purchase a powerful B-rank technique outright.
Even the jōnin seated below Shisui could not help casting envious glances.
"Tch! Why isn't there a jōnin division?!"
Shisui heard clearly but could only sigh inwardly.
Jōnin-level combat would tear the arena apart. Worse, those who survived the battlefield fought with lethal intent. Once bloodlust ignited, accidents were inevitable.
Even he could not guarantee saving everyone in time.
"If any of you wish to exchange insights on training," Shisui called out warmly, "come find me once we return to Konoha."
From a shinobi like Uchiha Shisui, even a few fragments of cultivation advice could sustain someone for a lifetime.
Cups were raised again.
"Thank you, Lord Shisui!"
Late into the night, the banquet concluded.
The shinobi dispersed in high spirits.
Shisui returned to his tent to find Sima Yi and Hui already waiting.
Sima Yi's presence was expected.
Hui's was not.
"How do you feel?" Sima Yi asked quietly.
"Drank too much water. My stomach's bloated."
Shisui rubbed his belly sheepishly.
He was still underage; his cup had held only water all night.
Sima Yi smiled knowingly.
"Tomorrow we return to Konoha. There, you will need more allies. From today onward, Hui will study alongside you."
"Yes, Teacher!"
Shisui's eyes brightened.
One more person meant one more pillar of strength. There were matters he had long wished to share with Hui, but he had feared endangering Sima Yi by speaking too openly.
Hui, meanwhile, sat with his head lowered.
He was in his twenties already. Study what, exactly?
Clearly, no one cared about his opinion.
"Sit," Sima Yi said lightly. "Tell me your thoughts about tonight."
"Nothing much. Just tired."
Hui sighed. He hadn't competed, hadn't really drunk, and had spent the whole day organizing.
Sima Yi chuckled and turned to Shisui.
Shisui closed his eyes, replaying the evening carefully.
"Teacher… was the platform meant to embody what you called 'balancing grace and authority'?"
Sima Yi nodded approvingly.
"Grace and authority are necessary. But tonight's primary goal was to elevate your prestige."
Shisui frowned slightly.
"But you once said I am not an emperor—I need not create distance. Then why tonight?"
"No rush. Tell me first—how did it feel standing atop that platform?"
Shisui clicked his tongue softly.
"It was strange. They were just steps. Yet before I even climbed them, I felt nervous."
"And once I stood there, I hadn't even done anything—but everyone else grew tense as well."
"That," Sima Yi said calmly, "is prestige. That is power."
Power.
The first image that flashed in Shisui's mind was the Hokage.
"When you possess strength that inspires belief, countless eyes will fix upon you. Your every movement, every word, will shape the hearts of many."
"Like the Hokage? His words affect Konoha—every shinobi."
"Exactly. Then have you ever wondered why those shinobi obey the Hokage?"
Shisui froze.
Why… do they obey?
Hui scratched his head.
"Because… because he's the Hokage?"
"Yes. And no."
"Can you stop speaking in riddles, Uncle Yi?"
Sima Yi laughed.
"How did the Third Hokage obtain his position?"
Hui perked up.
"I know this! He said it himself at the Academy opening ceremony. The Third was appointed in a time of crisis!"
Shisui nodded. He had once told Sima Yi about the Hokage lineage.
"If the Second Hokage had chosen Danzō instead," Sima Yi asked evenly, "would you now be obeying Danzō?"
Hui blinked.
"…Probably."
Shisui answered more steadily.
"If he were Hokage, then yes. It would be our duty as Konoha shinobi."
"In other words," Sima Yi said, eyes narrowing slightly, "you do not obey the Third as an individual. You obey the one selected by the Second. You obey the Second's authority."
Shisui's gaze sharpened.
"But the Second was chosen by consensus after the First passed. It was not the First's command."
Sima Yi continued calmly.
"And if he had not been the First's brother? Not even a member of the Senju clan?"
Would they still have chosen Tobirama?
Silence.
Unless—
He possessed power equal to the First.
Power.
The word struck Shisui like lightning.
He understood.
"It was the First. It was the First's strength. Whether the Second or any later Hokage—we ultimately submit to the First's power."
Sima Yi smiled faintly.
"Correct."
"The First Hokage united the Land of Fire, established Konoha, and wielded strength capable of sweeping aside all opposition."
"When one holds the power to define order, his words become justice. His actions become righteousness."
"That," he concluded softly, "is the Greater Cause."