Although there were many Genin in the camp, few dared to participate in the matches. In just over half an hour, the top three were decided: one Uchiha and two civilian ninjas.
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Kai smiled as he presented rewards to the three—three C-rank Ninjutsu, which they could choose based on their compatible attributes.
While C-rank Ninjutsu were widely available for purchase in Konoha at around 100,000 ryo, it was still a significant expense for ordinary ninjas.
The two civilians were incredibly excited when they received the scrolls, constantly bowing and thanking Kai.
Seeing the happy smiles on their faces, Kai felt very satisfied.
However, when it was the Uchiha Genin's turn, he wore a smile, but his eyes revealed strong resentment.
The Uchiha Genin awkwardly lowered his head. He swore he had really held back; to ensure he did, he even activated his Sharingan for assistance, fearing he might accidentally hit the other.
But alas,
Fate has its own plans, and little is within one's control!
He seemed to foresee that tonight he would be lectured by Uchiha Kai using the Uchiha methods.
Holding the scroll, the three of them with varied expressions fled the arena like the wind—one escaping and the other two following suit.
After the Genin matches concluded, it quickly transitioned to the Chunin matches. Compared to the Genin, the Chunins showcased a wider array of techniques, unleashing various Ninjutsu as if they were performances, which drew continuous cheers from the crowd.
They enjoyed the matches and the cheers, and when everything ended, Kai presented the rewards to the top three.
The first prize was a special Tachi, the second was a special short sword, and the third was a special Kunai.
The three were initially a bit disappointed that it wasn't scrolls, but as soon as they got their hands on the weapons, their expressions changed dramatically.
"What is this?! A weapon made with Chakra-conducting materials!"
Everyone was stunned by the Uchiha's generosity; even the cheapest Kunai among them was worth enough to buy a powerful B-rank Ninjutsu.
Even the Jonin Squad Captains sitting below Shisui couldn't help but cast envious glances.
"How ridiculous! Why isn't there a Jonin competition?"
Shisui heard them clearly but felt helpless. The strength of the Jonin was already very high, and such a ring couldn't accommodate their full capabilities.
Moreover, those who survived on the battlefield and sat here were all likely to kill when they fought, leading to the potential for accidents. Even he couldn't guarantee that he could save everyone at a critical moment.
"If you all want to exchange training insights, feel free to come find me when we return to Konoha!"
For a strong figure like Uchiha Shisui, just sharing a few training tips could sustain them for a lifetime.
Upon hearing this, everyone raised their cups and exclaimed, "Thank you, Shisui-sama!"
Late at night, after the banquet had concluded, everyone began to disperse. Shisui returned to the tent and found Sima Yi and Uchiha Kai already waiting inside.
Shisui wasn't surprised to see Sima Yi there, but he wondered why Kai had come.
"How do you feel?" Sima Yi asked softly as Shisui entered the tent.
"I drank too much water and have a bit of a bloated stomach," Shisui replied, patting his belly with a shy smile.
He hadn't reached adulthood yet, so he naturally wouldn't drink alcohol; his cup was filled with water.
Sima Yi chuckled, understanding that Shisui was deliberately hiding something. He then said, "We will set off to return to Konoha tomorrow. Once we get there, you'll need more help, so starting today, let Kai study with you."
"Understood, sensei!"
Shisui's face lit up with joy. Having one more person meant more strength. There were some things he had wanted to discuss with Kai for a while, but he was worried that it might bring trouble to Sima Yi.
However, Kai lowered his head, clearly not very happy. He was already in his twenties—what more did he have to learn?
But it was evident that the two of them didn't care about his feelings.
"Let's all sit down and discuss what insights you gained from today's banquet."
"Not much, just a bit tired."
Kai sighed, realizing that he hadn't participated in the banquet matches, hadn't drunk more than a couple of sips of alcohol, and had worked all day.
Sima Yi shook his head with a smile and looked at Shisui.
Shisui tried hard to recall everything from the banquet and said seriously, "Sensei, was today's stage set up for me to practice the benevolence and authority you mentioned?"
Sima Yi nodded in appreciation. "Benevolence and authority are necessary, but the main purpose of today was to help you further establish your prestige."
"But you previously emphasized that I am not an emperor and shouldn't make people wary of me. Why today?"
"Don't worry about that. First, tell me how it felt to stand on that high platform today."
When this topic came up, Shisui couldn't help but click his tongue in wonder. "It felt really strange. It was just a few steps, yet I started feeling nervous before I even stepped up. Once I was on it, I didn't do anything, but everyone seemed to be tense as well."
"That is prestige; that is power!"
"Power?"
The first thing that flashed through Shisui's mind was the Hokage.
"When you possess convincing strength, countless eyes will be on you. Every action and every word you say will influence many."
"Just like Hokage-sama? His every word affects Konoha and every Ninja?"
"Exactly. But have you ever wondered why these Ninjas in the village obey the Hokage's orders?" Sima Yi narrowed his eyes slightly, a gleam of brilliance flashing in them.
"Huh?"
Shisui was taken aback. Why did everyone listen to the Hokage?
Kai, equally confused, instinctively spoke up.
"Because... because he is the Hokage!"
"Yes, but also no."
"What do you mean, 'yes, but no'? Can you stop being so cryptic, Uncle Yi?"
"Hahaha, do you know how the position of the Third Hokage was obtained?"
Kai's eyes widened in excitement. "I know this! The Hokage mentioned it during the Ninja Academy's opening. It was when the Third was appointed in a time of crisis!"
Shisui nodded; he had discussed the history of the Hokages with Sima Yi.
"If the Second had chosen Shimura Danzo, wouldn't we have to follow Danzo's orders today?"
"This..." Kai scratched his head and slowly nodded. "That seems to be the case."
Shisui responded, "If he were the Hokage, then we naturally would have to obey his commands; that's the duty of Konoha Ninjas."
"So, what you're saying is that you're not obeying the Third, but rather the person chosen by the Second, obeying the Second's orders."
Shisui's expression subtly changed, as if he had grasped something. "But the Second was elected by everyone after the First Hokage died, not appointed by the First's command."
Sima Yi had also learned a bit about the First Hokage, and for the time being, he refrained from commenting on that person. He continued to ask, "Then, if he were not the First's brother, or even not a member of the Senju Clan, would those people still choose Senju Tobirama as Hokage?"
It was hard to say!
Unless he possessed the same strength as the First, able to dominate all of Konoha?
Wait!
Strength!
Shisui suddenly had a flash of insight; he finally understood. "It's the First, it's the power of the First. Whether it's the Second or the subsequent Hokages, what we are obeying is the strength of the First."
"Exactly! The First led the Senju Clan to unify the Land of Fire and establish Konoha, possessing the strength to sweep away all opposition. Everything he said and did became moral, convincing everyone. This is what is known as the greater justice!"
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