When Sho U led a long line of clansmen into the clan grounds' gate, the first to discover them was Uchiha Shisui, who was practicing Shuriken throwing at the edge of the training ground.
"older brother?!"
"Alas, my foolish otouto."
Shisui's eyes lit up, and then he saw the dense crowd behind Sho U, dressed differently but all carrying a familiar aura of clansmen. A look of immense joy instantly bloomed on his youthful face. He forgot to even put down the Shuriken in his hand and came sprinting toward Sho U.
"Brother! You're back! And you brought... you brought so many clansmen back!"
His shouting alerted the others within the clan grounds.
Soon, the ten Uchiha who had first followed Sho U in defecting here, led by Uchiha Mikka, poured out from the houses and the training ground.
When they saw Yashiro, Inaho, and many other familiar or not-so-familiar but definitely Uchiha faces, they were first stunned in disbelief, which then turned into wild joy.
"Big brother Yashiro? Inaho? It's you?!"
"They... they really came?!"
"Great! This is great! The clan grounds are finally going to get lively!"
Rice Fire and the others stepped forward excitedly, giving heavy hugs to Yashiro, Inaho, and the others, slapping each other's shoulders hard, with tears even shimmering in their eyes.
Although they had chosen different paths, the connection of blood and the sense of intimacy from seeing fellow clansmen in a foreign land instantly diluted the previous estrangement and unfamiliarity.
"Quick, everyone, don't just stand there! It's been a hard journey."
Rice Fire reacted quickly. As the current practical daily manager of the clan grounds, he showed his capable side, calling out to the original ten clansmen.
"Go prepare hot water and clean clothes! Bring out all the stored food and cook a good meal to welcome our family home."
The clan grounds suddenly became bustling.
The original ten Uchiha, like welcoming the most precious guests, enthusiastically guided the thirty-plus newcomers to familiarize themselves with the environment, arranged temporary housing, and brought out the best food and drinks.
Uchiha Yashiro and the others found themselves in this strange yet welcoming environment.
The road ahead was still unknown, but at least for now, they were no longer fighting alone, nor were they rootless drifting duckweed.
Sho U stood not far away, watching this noisy and lively scene, a gentle and satisfied curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.
The Uchiha's foundation in Kumogakure, from today onwards, could truly be considered to have begun consolidating.
The fat from the roasted meat dripped into the fire, stirring up an even richer aroma.
The original ten Uchiha and the thirty-plus newcomers sat together. At first, there was some constraint and subtle estrangement brought about by the change in status.
But under the food, drinks, and the unfeigned warm greetings from Rice Fire and the others, the atmosphere quickly heated up.
Laughter, conversation, and some even began to hum old tunes from the clan's festivals in their memories. Although the tunes inevitably carried a hint of the melancholy of leaving home, there was more of the relaxation and faint excitement of surviving a disaster and finding a new starting point.
Uchiha Yashiro sat at the edge of the crowd, holding a cup of Kumogakure's unique, high-proof shochu, watching this scene.
The firelight flickered on his face, reflecting the complex emotions in his eyes.
Inaho and several other core Jonin also sat nearby, talking in low voices, adapting to this brand-new environment.
Sho U carried a cup of green tea—he rarely drank alcohol—and walked silently to Yashiro's side, gesturing toward a quiet stone path leading to a small training ground at the back of the clan grounds.
Yashiro understood and put down his glass. The two of them, one in front of the other, left the noisy center, leaving the laughter and chatter slightly behind.
At the edge of the training ground was a naturally formed stone platform with an open view, overlooking most of the clan grounds' buildings and the scattered lights of the distant Hidden Cloud Village, while also being able to hear the bustle of the square behind them without being disturbed.
The night breeze blew past, carrying the unique scent of vegetation from the valley and a hint of coolness, dispersing the smoke of the bonfire and the smell of alcohol.
Sho U stood still by the stone platform, not speaking immediately, just quietly looking at the windows lit up by the lights within the clan grounds below, and the dancing figures in the firelight on the square.
Yashiro stood slightly behind him, also gazing silently.
After a while, Sho U spoke, his voice calm, showing no particular emotion, as if just asking casually.
"How does it feel here?"
Uchiha Yashiro did not answer immediately.
He took a deep breath of the cool night air, his gaze sweeping over those buildings that blended two styles.
He glanced over the clansmen on the square who had temporarily forgotten their troubles and were talking and eating freely, and finally looked further away at the dwellings and lights of the Hidden Cloud Village, which, though rough in style, appeared orderly and full of vitality.
There were none of those ubiquitous, scrutinizing, and complex gazes found in Konoha.
"Very good."
Yashiro finally spoke, his voice somewhat low, but carrying a long-lost clarity after shedding part of his burden.
"It's very different... from Konoha."
He paused, seemingly organizing his words, searching for an accurate description.
"In Konoha, no matter where we go, even in the most ordinary civilian areas, those gazes... curiosity, awe, jealousy, fear, alienation... all mixed together like an invisible net, reminding you every moment that you are an Uchiha, that you are different from us."
"Walking on the streets of Konoha, even if you do nothing, you can feel that... oppression. The wariness and calculations from the higher-ups, the guardedness from other ninja clans, the instinctive estrangement from the villagers."
Yashiro turned around and looked Sho U directly in the face. His Sharingan was not activated in the night, but his gaze was exceptionally sharp and honest.
"There isn't that ubiquitous atmosphere of oppression like in Konoha. The air... seems to be free."
"Although I know that Kumogakure also has its own rules and struggles, and the Raikage's high regard is also built on our value, this straightforward exchange of interests and recognition of strength actually makes one feel more grounded."
"At least, we know what the rules of the game are, and we know our position can be won through strength, rather than being restricted by birth and suspicion."
Sho U listened quietly, and only after Yashiro finished did he nod slightly.
He was somewhat surprised; after all, in his memory, Uchiha Yashiro was a more radical Uchiha Hawk Faction member than himself, usually giving off a brainless impression. But at this moment, he had to change his view of him.
"You felt it."
Sho U said softly, his gaze also casting toward the distant lights of Kumogakure.
"That is one of the reasons I chose this place. Kumogakure worships strength, respects the powerful, and loathes hypocritical political maneuvering and subtle exclusion."
"Here, the Uchiha's Sharingan is a symbol of power to be feared and respected, an asset worth winning over and relying on, rather than an unstable factor that needs to be sealed and monitored."
"We can stand tall, earn our living through our skills, and win status and respect through our contributions."
He turned to Yashiro, his tone becoming solemn.
"Senior Yashiro, I know that complete adaptation takes time, and complex feelings for Konoha are hard to let go of immediately."
"But please believe that here, Kumogakure, will be the starting point for the Uchiha's resurgence and for truly taking control of our own destiny."
"The respect and future that Konoha couldn't give, we can build here with our own hands. And you all are the foundation of this future."
Yashiro met Sho U's gaze. This time, there was not much hesitation or struggle left in his eyes, only determination.
He nodded slowly.
"I understand, Sho U."
Yashiro said in a deep voice.
"Since this path has been chosen, I will walk it to the end. For these clansmen who followed me out, and for... the name Uchiha, so it is no longer treated as a pawn that can be discarded at will or an outsider that needs to be guarded against."
Advance chapter available on pãtrêon Got1808