In the southwestern sector of Konoha lay an area designated for development, though construction had yet to begin. The surrounding structures had already been mostly demolished, the entire zone enclosed by fences. The original plan was to build a new residential district here, accommodating Konoha's ever-increasing population.
But now? With a decisive gesture, Naruto had handed the entire area over to Sasuke.
Using his Wood Style, Sasuke instantly erected numerous buildings out of thin air. The members of the Uchiha clan who had arrived in this era were temporarily settled here under his direction. Housing five or six thousand Uchiha clansmen in such a large area wasn't bad, all things considered.
However, for some clan members haunted by bitter memories, Konoha's decision felt disturbingly familiar—like the Uchiha were once again being pushed to the village outskirts. Was this another form of exclusion?
Even more unsettling for these clansmen was the revelation that Sasuke wielded Wood Style. Sasuke himself offered no opportunity for questions, instead directing his subordinates to settle everyone in first. He needed to speak with Fugaku privately.
After Sasuke and Fugaku departed, the various clan leaders exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend what they had just witnessed.
"Uchiha Sasuke! He can actually use Wood Style?"
The leaders looked at each other, utterly perplexed. This was the signature ability of their sworn enemies, the Senju clan—specifically, Senju Hashirama. How could Uchiha Sasuke possess such power? Could he possibly have Senju blood mixed in? The thought arose but was instantly dismissed. It was impossible for Sasuke Uchiha to carry the Senju bloodline.
"Uchiha Sasuke... Just what kind of shinobi is he?!"
The clan leaders were now thoroughly intrigued by Sasuke. A clansman who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Hokage, even hailed as the strongest ninja in the world. Although the Uchiha clan of this time seemed diminished, the existence of such a powerful member, even with fewer numbers, meant they couldn't truly be called fallen, could they?
"You, come here. Tell us everything about this world, and most importantly, everything about Uchiha Sasuke!"
Questioning a contemporary Uchiha clansman to gather intelligence about this era was, naturally, the most crucial task at hand.
Hearing the question from the past clan leaders, the Uchiha shinobi hesitated, a frown creasing his brow. Sharing this information wasn't forbidden, but Lord Sasuke's orders were clear: settle the clan members first! Disobeying Lord Sasuke could bring consequences he couldn't bear.
The leaders seemed to sense his apprehension.
"Rest assured, we'll have others handle the task of settling the clan members!" one declared.
"Right now, you just need to tell us everything about Sasuke. We need to know exactly what kind of person this young man is!"
If that was the case, then there shouldn't be a problem. The clansman nodded. "What is it the esteemed leaders wish to know?"
"Everything."
"Everything about Sasuke. Why does he seem to have such a good relationship with the Hokage? It can't just be because of his strength, right?"
They could all see it – the current Hokage seemed to place extraordinary trust in Sasuke. Such trust wasn't solely born from Sasuke's power; it felt like there was some deeper bond between them.
Regarding this question, the clansman thought for a moment. "That's quite natural, wouldn't you say? Lord Sasuke and Lord Hokage were teammates back when they were Genin. They share an incredibly deep bond!"
Teammates as Genin? That explained it. No wonder their relationship seemed more than just professional courtesy.
"That person earlier claimed Uchiha Sasuke is the strongest ninja in the world. Is that true?" another leader inquired.
The Uchiha shinobi nodded firmly. "Yes. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Lord Sasuke not only defeated Lord Madara Uchiha but also faced the combined assault of the Five Kage without faltering. In fact, he defeated all Five Kage single-handedly."
"Furthermore, even Lord First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, was easily defeated by Lord Sasuke!"
Hearing this, the clan leaders froze, stunned. They hadn't imagined Uchiha Sasuke was capable of such terrifying feats.
"Wait... Sasuke defeated Lord Madara and Senju Hashirama? How did that happen?"
The shinobi then recounted the events of the Fourth Shinobi World War.
As they listened to the tale, the Uchiha clan leaders could barely remain seated. It was simply too horrifying. The Edo Tensei technique had been used so recklessly, so madly. And Uchiha Sasuke… he was even more terrifying. Even the Sage of Six Paths himself… wasn't his match.
Learning all this left the Uchiha leaders feeling even more incredulous. A restless feeling had initially stirred within them upon arriving here. But now, realizing the sheer power of Uchiha Sasuke alone was enough to quell any rash thoughts.
In this light, the elders exchanged glances. Yet, the emotion reflected in their eyes wasn't fear, but exhilaration.
The Uchiha clan had produced such a member.
This meant the Uchiha clan could finally... finally... take control of Konoha. Reclaim the Hokage title that rightfully belonged to the Uchiha!
From what they had heard, it was clear Sasuke didn't care about the Hokage position at all, essentially leaving it to the current Hokage. If they just devised a plan, they could surely maneuver Sasuke into becoming Hokage. It would be legitimate, and neither Konoha's shinobi nor its civilians would likely resist. In fact, they would probably offer considerable support.
Thinking this, a sharp glint sparked in the leaders' eyes. The Uchiha clan could finally reclaim what was theirs.
Meanwhile, Sasuke remained blissfully unaware that these members of his clan were already plotting to cause him considerable trouble. He was currently strolling beside the lake in Konoha Park with Fugaku and Sarada.
Seeing the familiar lake before him, Fugaku smiled, taking Sarada's hand.
"Right here, long ago, is where I taught your father the Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
Sarada looked surprised, explaining that this was also where her father had taught her Fire Style ninjutsu. Of course, Fugaku had taught Sasuke more than just that, but he didn't elaborate. With Sasuke standing right there, Fugaku felt a little embarrassed bringing it all up. Still, he glanced at Sasuke, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
"I used to dream about a scene like this countless times... It's just a pity Itachi isn't back yet!"
"Soon," Sasuke replied, gazing at the calm surface of the lake, lost in memories of his own past days in Konoha. "The Kage Summit is about to begin. Itachi and the others should be back within the next day or two!"
"Why did they leave the village?" Fugaku inquired.
"To capture the Tailed Beasts!"
Capturing Tailed Beasts? Entrusting such a critical task to an Uchiha... It seemed the Uchiha of today were indeed treated differently than before. Had the village truly, finally accepted the Uchiha? Or, Fugaku wondered, was it simply using the Uchiha again now that they no longer posed a threat...
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