Koizumi Satsuki gave an awkward laugh. Saying it out loud felt embarrassing—but it was the truth.
"I only have Fire-nature chakra. Over the years, I've spent nearly all my savings on acquiring a few Fire Release techniques. Great Fireball is the one I've practiced the most—it's the strongest technique I can reliably use."
He knew full well that if not for wartime discounts on ninjutsu purchases, he would have had to wait even longer to afford them.
"I see."
Shisui nodded thoughtfully.
After a brief pause, he reached into his belongings and took out a scroll.
"This is the training method for the B-rank technique Scorching Hard Work. I've carried it with me for some time but never found the chance to study it. Since the opportunity presents itself, I'll lend it to you."
He had considered gifting it outright.
But that would make the favor far too heavy.
Under Konoha's internal regulations, ninjutsu purchased through official channels were generally forbidden from being shared—even direct relatives could not learn them.
If one wished to buy a technique for family inheritance, the price rose drastically.
This scroll was different.
If given away, it would effectively become Koizumi Satsuki's heirloom.
"A B-rank technique…!"
Satsuki's heart pounded. His breathing grew uneven.
"Th-This subordinate has rendered no great merit. I cannot accept such generosity!"
Though his words refused, his eyes never left the scroll.
For a civilian-born shinobi, mastering a powerful technique could alter one's destiny.
"If you call yourself my subordinate, how can you refuse my order? Take it."
Shisui's tone hardened deliberately.
Satsuki stiffened.
Almost unconsciously, he stepped forward and accepted the scroll with trembling hands, his emotions tangled and turbulent.
Shisui noticed the struggle in his eyes.
"Then let's do it this way," he added gently. "Consider it a rental. One thousand ryō per month—until you've mastered it."
One thousand ryō.
Barely enough for a modest meal.
In exchange for a B-rank technique.
Satsuki understood perfectly.
He no longer hesitated. Tucking the scroll into his vest, he dropped to one knee.
"Thank you, Lord Shisui! I will never forget this grace. To serve under you is my honor!"
"Up, up. Now that you have the technique, don't forget your duties."
"Yes!"
After assigning a few simple tasks, Shisui dismissed him.
Koizumi Satsuki strode out of the tent, chest lifted high, the scroll hidden close against his heart.
The others, who had been waiting anxiously, relaxed at the sight of his expression.
"Koizumi, what did Lord Shisui want?"
"That's a secret," he replied mysteriously. "You'll know soon enough. I've got duties to attend to."
And off he went, leaving behind a circle of puzzled faces.
Nearby, Sima Yi observed quietly, nodding faintly.
One by one, the remaining squad leaders were summoned.
Those who waited patiently while Shisui "reviewed documents" received carefully prepared scrolls.
Those unwilling to wait were simply assigned handover tasks and dismissed.
By noon, the last shinobi exited the tent, clutching a scroll that might reshape his future.
Only then did Sima Yi step inside.
"How do you feel?"
"…Strange."
There was no joy in Shisui's voice.
He replayed every expression from the morning in his mind.
He could see through their emotions effortlessly.
With a few carefully chosen words, he could stir their sorrow or ignite their gratitude.
And all he had offered were a handful of ninjutsu scrolls—techniques the Uchiha themselves rarely bothered to practice.
In the thousand-year legacy of the Uchiha, these techniques were mere fragments of an iceberg.
Yet to those men, they were treasures beyond price.
"Strange how?" Sima Yi asked.
"It was just ordinary ninjutsu. Yet they reacted as if given the world. Is it truly that difficult to obtain techniques in the village?"
Sima Yi fell silent for a moment.
From Shisui, he had gradually learned the structure of Konoha—especially the Academy system.
At first, he had admired the Second Hokage's ingenuity.
After deeper understanding, he admired him even more.
It took brilliance to devise a system so efficient at producing expendable soldiers.
"You stand too high," Sima Yi said at last, "and fail to see that knowledge itself is a barrier."
"It is a wall that separates and restricts those below."
"The Uchiha possess special bloodlines and may not feel it as strongly. But for clans built upon secret techniques, widespread ninjutsu dissemination is equivalent to digging their graves—eroding their foundations."
Shisui blinked.
"Is it truly that serious?"
In his view, teaching ninjutsu strengthened Konoha.
Was that not a good thing?
Sima Yi waved a hand.
He chose not to elaborate further. Too much at once would only muddle Shisui's thoughts again.
"Today was practice."
"Once we return to Konoha, never do this openly."
"If discovered, the Uchiha would become the common enemy of both the high council and the major clans. At that point… even you could not turn the tide."
The gravity in his tone left no room for doubt.
Shisui nodded firmly.
"I understand. I'll be careful."
"Good."
Though less than a month had passed since they met, Sima Yi trusted Shisui's discipline.
"Bring me the roster. I will arrange tonight's banquet."
Shisui handed it over without hesitation, though curiosity bubbled up first.
"It's just a banquet. Everyone gathers and eats. Why do you need the roster?"
Sima Yi laughed.
"Observe more. Learn more. Think more."
He turned to leave, then added over his shoulder,
"Call Hui. I'll need his help."
With that, he was gone—leaving Shisui blinking.
"…Why Hui? I'm free too…"
He muttered softly, unheard.
By evening, Sima Yi and Uchiha Hui moved through the camp, directing preparations.
"Uncle Yi, it's just seating! Why make it so complicated? Let people sit wherever they like—what's the big deal?"
After an entire afternoon of organizing, Hui was exhausted.
If it were meaningful work, fine—but most of their effort had gone into cross-checking shinobi backgrounds… just to arrange seating.
Sima Yi remained patient.
He understood one truth clearly—
When a great hall is on the verge of collapse, one beam alone cannot hold it upright.
If the Uchiha wished to reverse their fate, Shisui alone would never suffice.
He needed assistants.
He needed pillars.
And Uchiha Hui—
Was the first he had chosen.