Saying goodbye to the tribesmen of Akaguchi, the three happily returned to Yingtou Peak. They shared their experiences with everyone, and the clan members rejoiced. Uchiha Yang had persuaded a group of allies to return to the village and hold a grand ceremony, culminating in the signing of a historic agreement. The scene would be nothing short of spectacular!
With no other thoughts in mind, the group focused on returning home. Their previously planned trip to the Land of Craftsmen had to be postponed. They traveled swiftly and efficiently, finally reaching the borders of the Land of Fire. Rather than taking the main road, they moved directly toward Konoha, using their speed and stealth to avoid unnecessary encounters.
Along the way, they came across a remote mountain village. After observing for a while, they found the villagers to be simple and welcoming. They escorted a father and daughter into the village, providing them with a safe place to stay. Uchiha Yang handed them an Uchiha clan token, instructing them to show it to any ninja who might trouble them. They even constructed a small shelter and left some money behind. Before departing, they informed the village chief that the father and daughter were under the clan's protection.
Once those matters were settled, they rushed toward Konoha without pause. Anyone witnessing their urgency might have thought they were being pursued. From a distance, Uchiha clansmen stationed at the village gates recognized them and immediately came forward. As they arrived, the dusty and battle-worn group was met with questioning looks.
"What happened? Were you being chased?" one of the Uchiha gatekeepers asked.
Instead of answering, they simply laughed, leaving the others confused. Then, Uchiha Yan turned to his brothers and said, "Prepare yourselves. We may have a clan meeting this week." With that, they proceeded onward without another word.
Upon reaching the main crossroads leading to the Uchiha district and the Konoha Police Force headquarters, they split up. Uchiha Yan and Uchiha Reel went to inform the elders and Uchiha Saka of the meeting. Uchiha Kuzan sought out their mentor, Zefa-sensei. Uchiha Starry Night reported to their captain, while Uchiha Yang headed to the police headquarters to meet with the Uchiha patriarch's uncle.
Uchiha Yang nearly burst into the uncle's office. The guard, Uchiha Tsuru, was startled by his urgency. Inside, Nobunaga Uchiha was tending to a bonsai tree when he saw his nephew's abrupt entrance.
"What's the matter? What's wrong?" Nobunaga asked, setting aside his watering can.
Uchiha Yang grinned. "It's good news! Uncle, hurry up and come with me to the clan district. Everyone is being summoned." As they walked, Yang explained everything that had happened.
Before they reached the Uchiha compound, someone called out behind them. Turning, they saw the charismatic uncle of the family, Uchiha Shuai.
"Yang, did you get into trouble again? Tsuru told me you left in a hurry."
Uchiha Yang scoffed, "Trouble? Me?"
Nobunaga waved his hand. "We'll find out everything once we're with the clan."
They hurried to Naka Shrine, the sacred meeting place of the Uchiha. By the time they arrived, the others had already gathered the necessary people.
Without wasting time, Uchiha Yang performed a summoning jutsu. A loud bang echoed through the shrine, and a massive black dog appeared.
"Master, what do you need?" the giant hound asked, drawing gasps from the gathered Uchiha members.
Yang had expected to summon three dogs, but only one appeared. "What's your name?" he asked.
"I am Black Claw. You didn't use enough chakra. If you wish to summon Lord Akahu, you will need much more. But Lord Akahu sent me in his place—I am one of the strongest of our kind." The hound bared its fangs as it spoke.
Yang turned to the gathered Uchiha. "Black Claw, please introduce your clan, how the summoning contracts work, and what abilities your kind possesses."
Black Claw nodded. "We are a branch of the Hellhound clan. Our ancestors bred with psychic ninja dogs long ago, creating our unique lineage. Our current leader in the summoning realm is Lord Rossi, while the leader of our combat forces is Lord Akahu.
For an Uchiha to sign a contract with us, they require the approval of our leader. More importantly, since our summoning contracts are bound to the soul, only those who possess the Sharingan can form a pact. Without it, the contract will break, resulting in the death of both parties.
Our clan specializes in Wind Release. Some, like Lord Akahu, evolve into three-headed dogs. Others gain Wind Release ninjutsu, enhancing their tracking and battle abilities. The weakest of us are simply stronger than normal ninja hounds, but only those with awakened abilities can form contracts."
Uchiha Yang smirked. "Thank you, Black Claw. Please send my regards to Lord Akahu and inform him that we will soon hold a formal contract ceremony."
Black Claw licked Yang's face before vanishing with a poof.
Yang turned back to the gathered Uchiha. "We've returned with not only a powerful blade but also the chance to form an alliance with the Hellhound clan. By combining our Fire Release with their Wind Release, our combat potential will soar. Our scouting and assault capabilities will also improve—but remember, only those with the Sharingan can sign this contract."
The Uchiha elders exchanged glances, their faces red with excitement.
Uchiha Shuai laughed heartily. "This is an incredible opportunity! It will strengthen our clan's position immensely."
Uchiha Boretsu added, "When our warriors awaken their Sharingan, they will not only master powerful jutsu but also fight alongside these ninja dogs, creating elite assault teams! Those with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan could form squads with high-tier ninja dogs, making them a force unlike anything seen before!"
The elders and clan leaders nodded in agreement.
Uchiha Yang stepped forward. "Honored elders and kin, the most pressing matter is to hold a clan meeting and conduct the psychic ceremony. We must finalize the contracts before other clans try to interfere. We are not the only family with strong minds and strong eyes."
The grand elder slammed his cane on the floor. "Call the entire clan! We hold the ceremony at dawn!"
That night, the Uchiha worked tirelessly. They gathered contract scrolls, preparing for the mass summoning. By morning, nearly a hundred Uchiha with awakened Sharingan had assembled at Naka Shrine. Even those without Sharingan stayed up all night, observing the historic event with anticipation.
As dawn broke, the ceremony began. Each Uchiha with Sharingan stepped forward, writing their name on the summoning scroll. The elders and clan heads gave speeches about the Uchiha's future, emphasizing unity with their newfound partners.
Uchiha Yang raised his hand. "My kin, today marks a new chapter in our history! These ninja hounds are not our pets—they are our partners, our comrades in battle. We will fight together, live together, and share our glory together!"
A hush fell over the shrine as the Uchiha focused, forming soul connections with their new partners. Moments later, Yang gave the command.
"Prepare—Summon!"
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Explosions of smoke filled the shrine. As the dust cleared, massive ninja dogs stood beside each Uchiha. Some were the size of houses, while others were sleek and agile.
The hounds threw their heads back and howled in unison.
"Howl~!"
The Uchiha clan erupted in cheers, their voices blending with the howls of their new partners. This was more than a ceremony—it was the beginning of a new era for the Uchiha.