"In this incident, both you and the rear guard bear responsibility. That cannot be denied."
"However, you were able to arrive before the rear guard and lead the rescue in time. That is your strength."
"As for your weakness… it lies in the same place."
Shisui wore a bitter expression. He could understand why leading the rescue was considered an advantage—but how could it also be a disadvantage?
Seeing his confusion, Sima Yi continued calmly,
"The wounded are already low in spirit. After suffering such heavy losses from this attack, resentment is bound to fester. Though you saved them, you also exposed yourself before them."
"With the slightest guidance, that resentment can be redirected entirely toward you. That is your weakness."
Understanding dawned on Shisui's face.
He recalled the moment Kohane Utatane spoke—and how the crowd's grief instantly turned against him.
"I see… In that case, wouldn't Mito Gate Shōgo also have one strength and one weakness?"
Sima Yi smiled and nodded.
"Indeed. You are teachable."
"But Teacher," Shisui frowned, "why would they do this? The war is nearly over. Aren't they afraid that if something goes wrong, the Mist might abandon their retreat and prolong the war?"
Sima Yi lifted his gaze, concealing the indifference in his eyes.
"And what of it? The ones who would die are not them."
Shisui fell silent.
Several times he opened his mouth to refute the statement—but the images in his mind would not allow it.
Kohane Utatane—the medical unit captain.
Mito Gate Shōgo—the rear guard commander.
Unless the situation was dire, neither would step onto the front lines.
"Once someone takes action, it is because they seek something in return."
"They likely received advance notice that the war was about to end. In this conflict, you have contributed greatly. They require a pretext to suppress your merit."
"Or rather… to suppress the Uchiha's merit."
On the eastern front especially, Konoha's stability had rested almost entirely on Uchiha Shisui.
Whether within the clan or the village, his influence was extraordinary.
"Just for merit… they would endanger their comrades?"
Shisui clenched his teeth, anger blazing in his eyes.
"You must learn to appreciate an enemy's methods—not merely rage at them."
"…"
Sima Yi chuckled softly.
"And you have no time for anger. If nothing unexpected occurs, they will make their move at dawn. You must prepare."
Shisui's face tightened. After thinking for a moment, he ventured cautiously,
"Teacher… you mean they will blame yesterday's Mist attack on me during today's jōnin meeting?"
"Correct. Immediately after the two prisoners are handed over."
"They colluded with the enemy. That is betrayal. The Mist shinobi are still in my custody. I have witnesses. If I reveal everything tomorrow—"
Shisui's eyes brightened.
But halfway through his sentence, he stopped.
Sima Yi's calm gaze alone was enough to tell him—
He did not approve.
"Witnesses?" Sima Yi repeated lightly. "What witnesses? Did they personally see members of the rear guard?"
"No… they did not."
Even Mito Gate would not be foolish enough to send someone directly into the enemy camp. At most, messages would have been delivered by carrier birds—or stones.
"And what is the Uchiha's reputation within Konoha?"
"…Poor."
The word came reluctantly.
Since the Nine-Tails incident, the Uchiha's name had been nearly dragged through the mud.
"A clan famed for genjutsu. A family already viewed with suspicion. If such a clan produces 'witnesses,' do you believe they will be trusted?"
Shisui's face turned pale.
Only now did he grasp the trap fully.
If he produced testimony, he might very well be accused in return.
"Teacher… If witnesses are useless, what should I do?"
Sima Yi laughed.
"Even without witnesses, you may still accuse them of colluding with the enemy. Think carefully. Some matters are not as complicated as you imagine."
"Sometimes, the simplest method is best."
"The simplest method…?"
A flicker crossed Shisui's eyes.
He lowered his head slowly.
The three tomoe appeared once more, hesitation wavering in his heart.
Thwack.
The wooden skewer tapped against his head.
Shisui instinctively rubbed it. It didn't hurt.
Sima Yi's mouth twitched.
The moment Shisui lowered his head, he knew exactly what the boy intended.
"Brute."
Shisui flushed red, saying nothing.
"Uchiha Hikaru. What is he like?"
"Brother Hikaru?" Shisui blinked. "He can be a bit hot-tempered, but in private he's kind. He's always taken care of me. He's strong—and trustworthy."
"A clansman. Impulsive. Powerful. Loyal."
Sima Yi chuckled.
"Excellent."
He beckoned.
"Come closer."
"Yes, Teacher."
Sima Yi leaned toward him and spoke quietly.
"Tomorrow, you need only do this…"
Shisui listened intently.
Gradually, light returned to his eyes.
He nodded again and again.
At dawn, a messenger arrived.
Nara Suzaku had convened a meeting to discuss the withdrawal.
Shisui and Uchiha Hikaru departed at once for the command tent.
"Hm?"
The moment Hikaru stepped inside, a flicker of puzzlement crossed Nara Suzaku's eyes.
By convention, each clan typically sent only one jōnin to represent its stance. Even civilian jōnin chose representatives rather than attending en masse.
If all jōnin were to gather, even Konoha's sizable forces would not fit within a single tent.
Suzaku sensed something unusual.
But he remained silent.
Surveying the twenty-odd individuals present, he spoke in a steady, resonant voice.
"By order of the Hokage: The war between Konoha and the Hidden Mist has officially ended. We have succeeded in protecting the village."
"It's finally over!"
"We've won!"
Cheers erupted throughout the tent.
Excitement. Relief. Some even choked back tears.
Shisui smiled, unable to suppress his own joy.
A handful, however, remained composed.
They had already known since yesterday.
"Quiet down," Suzaku continued. "Next, I will assign the withdrawal arrangements. Remain vigilant. Do not allow the Mist to exploit any gaps."
A retreat required strategy no less than war.
Suzaku did not relax simply because victory had been declared. He issued each order carefully, ensuring nothing was overlooked.
By the time he finished, it was nearly noon.
"That concludes the recent assignments. Execute them with caution. May you all return safely to Konoha."
"Yes!"
The jōnin rose in unison.
Some, visibly excited, began heading toward the exit.
"Wait!"
A sharp voice cut through the air.
Kohane Utatane, seated at Suzaku's left, suddenly stood. Her expression was stern as she pointed directly at the two Uchiha.
"Uchiha Shisui—yesterday, why did you—"
Bang!
Before she could finish, Uchiha Hikaru slammed his hand onto the table and shot to his feet.
His expression was even fiercer.
He pointed across the tent at a figure who had remained silent the entire time.
"Mito Gate Shōgo! Don't you have something to explain?"
"Why did you allow the Mist to attack the rear camp yesterday?"
Allow?
The single word froze the room.
One by one, the jōnin halted and turned their gaze—
Away from Shisui—
Toward Mito Gate Shōgo.
Kohane's face paled, her movement faltering mid-step.
Nara Suzaku cast a long, thoughtful glance at Shisui.
Mito Gate Shōgo's pupils shrank.
Instinctively—
He looked toward Kohane.