Konoha: The thirty-year-old Uchiha is not motivated.

"Young Master Fugaku? Young Master Fugaku is back!"

Given the striking nasolabial folds on his cheeks, even without Uchiha Gin's prompting, some of the clan members present recognized the considerably older Uchiha Fugaku.

"Then Lord Izuna has also returned?"

After their initial shock, they all stood on tiptoe to look behind the other person's short figure, trying to find the tall, imposing figure that could give them immense peace of mind.

Many more tribespeople, their faces filled with hope, quickly stepped forward and respectfully inquired.

"Young Master Fugaku, where is Lord Izuna?"

Seeing Uchiha Fugaku surrounded by his clansmen, Uchiha Setsuna, who had been the protagonist of this election just a moment ago, looked increasingly grim.

"Damn it, why did they have to come now of all times?"

He was in a panic. If Uchiha Izuna returned, his position as Grand Elder, which he hadn't even officially assumed yet, would likely be gone.
"Damn it, were we set up after all?"

No wonder Uchiha Roza acted so confidently from the beginning; it turns out he had received advance notice that his biggest backer had returned. From now on, the position of Grand Elder was basically welded to Roza's backside.

And all his previous efforts will ultimately be in vain.

"You guys won."

Thinking of this, despair filled Uchiha Setsuna's heart. He looked at Uchiha Ryuzaki, who remained calm and composed beside him, and hung his head in frustration.

"I finally went all out this time, but you made me lose so completely."

To compete for the position of Grand Elder, he endured humiliation and hardship, sacrificing almost everything.
Every day when he closes his eyes, he is horrified by the disgusting images that make him break out in a cold sweat, causing him to be unable to sleep all night.

What are you muttering to yourself over there?

Uchiha Ryōza was completely bewildered by Uchiha Setsuna's sudden monologue. Had this kid gone mad with joy after being promoted to Grand Elder?

"Young Master Fugaku is back, what are you doing standing here, the newly appointed Elder? Go and pay your respects!"

"what?"

Uchiha Setsuna looked up in surprise upon hearing this. Could it be that Izuna-sama wasn't here to pet him?
"Thank you all for your concern. I am the only one who has returned to Konoha this time. My father is still on a garrison duty in the Land of Waves."

Uchiha Izuna didn't come back?

Hearing the childish answer from the crowd, Uchiha instantly relaxed, nearly collapsing to the ground in shock.

"Fugaku! Fugaku! Come quick!"

Upon hearing Uchiha Gin's call, Uchiha Fugaku, surrounded by admirers, stepped out from the excited crowd and ran to his great-uncle.

"Greetings, Uncle!"

Knowing the daunting task ahead, Fugaku Uchiha's small face was filled with seriousness.

"Come, come, let me introduce you. This is our Uchiha clan's newly appointed Grand Elder."

Pulling aside the relieved Uchiha Setsuna, Uchiha Gin considerately introduced him to his nephew.

"Elder Setsuna, thank you for your hard work."

Uchiha Setsuna was a figure of some importance within the clan, and Uchiha Fugaku naturally recognized him. He immediately greeted this elder, with whom he would later have a long-term working relationship.

"It's not hard work, it's not hard work~"

Seeing Uchiha Fugaku's composed and unyielding demeanor, devoid of any arrogance in his eyes, Uchiha Setsuna, somewhat flattered, quickly returned the greeting.
Recalling the way the other person had addressed him, he was momentarily stunned.
Does this mean I've gained official recognition?
"May I ask what brings young master Fugaku back this time?"

After a brief moment of distraction, Uchiha Setsuna cautiously asked,
"The three-year period has come to an end, and my father has specially sent me here to receive training from the clan chief."

Under the watchful eye of Uchiha Gin, Fugaku truthfully revealed his purpose for returning to Konoha, leaving Uchiha stunned into silence.
"But I know there is still a lot I need to learn, and I hope Elder Setsuna can give me more guidance in the future."

Looking at the little bean sprout bowing to him with a sour expression, Uchiha Setsuna suddenly felt a headache coming on.
No, I just became the Grand Elder and you've already parachuted in a new boss for me. Are you kidding me?
Seeing Uchiha Sasuke's momentarily pained and contorted expression, yet hesitant to speak, Uchiha Gin immediately stepped in to smooth things over.

"Don't worry, Elder Shana is the newly elected Grand Elder, chosen by our votes. He has an excellent character, is courageous and decisive, and always puts the interests of the clan first. He not only actively helps clansmen in need but also personally funds the long-term distribution of free supplies to the elders of the clan. You've made the right choice by following him!"

No, me.

Upon hearing the word "long-term," Uchiha Setsuna's already unpleasant expression turned completely dark. He quickly spoke up, trying to explain away the misunderstanding that was about to escalate.

“That’s right! Elder Setsuna really did give us elderly people living alone eggs for free.”

"I've lived for so many years and I've never eaten such sweet and delicious eggs."

But the clansmen below the stage clearly didn't give him a chance to explain. The elders, who were still waiting to receive the free eggs for the day, loudly praised Uchiha Setsuna's selfless act of kindness.

"Without Elder Setsuna's eggs, I'm afraid I wouldn't have made it through this winter~"

"Elder Setsuna, the ancient Greek god who delivered eggs!"

Hearing these heartfelt words, Fugaku Uchiha's face immediately showed deep respect, his bright eyes staring intently at the dark-faced Setsuna Uchiha.

"I never expected Elder Shana to be such a person of great vision and magnanimity. The title of Elder is well-deserved. I will write to my father now and ask him to personally confer the title upon you."

"Oh, I can't accept that."

Upon hearing the words "personally conferred the title," Uchiha's expression instantly changed. If Uchiha Izuna truly vindicated him, he could essentially hold onto his position as Grand Elder until the day he dies.
"Actually, these are all minor matters. It's just a pity that I wasn't an elder before, so I could only do my bit for the family. I hope you won't laugh at me, young master Fugaku."

He waved his hand dismissively, feigning indifference, but then his expression turned one of deep regret.

"No, no, Elder Setsuna is too modest. I should learn more from you in the future."

"For young master Fugaku to say such a thing shows that his understanding and vision are far beyond those of his peers, and his future is limitless."

Forehead.
Seeing the two, one big and one small, suddenly start praising each other, Uchiha Gin and Uchiha Ryūza, who had been left out, exchanged a glance, both seeing deep helplessness on each other's faces.

"Alright, alright, if you keep going like this, it'll get dark." Finally, Uchiha Gin, who was in a hurry to get back to eat his oyako-don (chicken and egg rice bowl), couldn't stand the disgusting conversation any longer and interrupted the two.
"Hearing the Elder's words is better than reading 'The Will of Fire' for ten years."

Fugaku Uchiha let out a long sigh of relief, looking at Setsuna Uchiha, who was still full of admiration, with a face full of respect.

"Young Master Fugaku is too kind. There is still much I need to improve upon."

After saying this, Fugaku Uchiha took out a pre-prepared letter and handed it to Gin Uchiha.

"Uncle, this is something my father specifically instructed me to give to you personally."

Uchiha Gin feigned surprise as he accepted the letter, whose contents he already knew. He opened it in front of everyone and began to browse it openly.

After a moment, he slowly closed the letter, a rare seriousness appearing on his usually expressionless face. At the same time, he shifted his gaze to Uchiha Setsuna beside him, causing the latter to tense up.
"Elder Setsuna, Fugaku is now in your hands. I hope you can assist him well and nurture him into a responsible clan leader."

How could I dare?

Upon hearing Uchiha Gin's words, Uchiha Setsatsu was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped.
He was merely a chief elder, essentially a high-ranking employee within the Uchiha clan. His status was less than that of someone on the street compared to the authority of the clan head's lineage.
To have him train the future clan leader is truly going against the natural order.

"This is a task personally assigned by my younger cousin, instructing the clan's elder to assist the young Fugaku in handling clan affairs until he comes of age and formally assumes the position of clan head."

"Even if it's a mission, this is too much."

Honestly, Uchiha Setsuna was tempted. If it were really as Uchiha Gin said, wouldn't he be able to control the entire clan and truly dominate it?

"Hey! Do you lack confidence in yourself? Well then, how about this: invalidate the previous votes and let Elder Lü Cha continue to serve as the Grand Elder?"

"Ah this."

Uchiha Setsuna, who had originally intended to exchange pleasantries, instantly snapped to attention upon hearing these words and hurriedly nodded.

"Elder Lü is getting old and may not be able to take on this important task. However, I have gotten along very well with Young Master Fu Yue, so I will reluctantly accept this responsibility. I do not seek merit but only to avoid mistakes."

"In that case, effective immediately, Uchiha Setsuna will assume the position of Grand Elder and be responsible for assisting Fugaku in handling clan affairs."

"Thank you for your trust, Lord Izuna. I, Uchiha Setsuna, am willing to dedicate myself to the clan until my dying breath!"

As he received the Elder's token from Uchiha Ryōshi, Uchiha Setsuna was filled with emotion; all his efforts over the years had finally paid off.
As he stroked the familiar patterns on the token, tears welled up in his eyes. They had finally retrieved the token that once belonged to their lineage as the Great Elder. From now on, their lineage would never lose this token again.

"I finally feel so relieved."

After handing over the token, Uchiha Lucha's face showed fewer wrinkles.

He was forced into the position of Grand Elder by Uchiha Izuna, and now that he's passed this hot potato to Uchiha Setsuna, he can finally sleep soundly.
"Elder Lü Cha, please wait a moment."

Uchiha Ryuzaki, who was about to go home to change his clothes and collect the eggs from Uchiha Setsuna, was stopped by Uchiha Fugaku who suddenly spoke up.
"Um? Is there anything else, young master Fugaku?"

"I may have to trouble Elder Lü Cha in the future."

Seeing the bewildered look on Uchiha Ryōshi's face, Uchiha Fugaku solemnly pulled out another letter from his robes.

"This is?"

After receiving the letter with some doubt, Uchiha Ryōzashi opened it in front of everyone, only to find that it was also a handwritten letter from Uchiha Izuna. The letter was short, containing only a few sentences.
The information wasn't overwhelming; it simply involved entrusting Uchiha Ryōzashi to care for the orphaned and helpless Uchiha Fugaku, and then moving out once Fugaku was older and had basic self-care abilities.
"Oh dear~ The little wild boar is going into the cabbage garden!"

Uchiha Gin glanced at the contents of the letter, a smirk playing on his lips, and immediately began to speak sarcastically.

"This isn't right, Brother Yin. Logically speaking, shouldn't Young Master Fugaku be going to your house?"

Fugaku still has Uchiha Gin, a blood relative in Konoha, and it's neither his place nor Uchiha Ryōzashi's responsibility to take care of him.

“I’ve had enough of taking care of the kids. Besides, it’s not convenient for me to stay at home. The environment in which a child grows up is very important. If I delay Fugaku’s development, how will I explain it to my younger cousin?”

Uchiha Gin shrugged, his answer logical and well-reasoned, making Uchiha Ryōzai suspect that he had been set up.

"But who am I to deserve this? What merit do I have to take care of the future clan leader?"

“I trust you, otherwise I wouldn’t have recommended you to my younger cousin to take care of Fugaku.”

"what?"

Upon seeing Uchiha Gin's self-disclosure, Uchiha Roza almost fainted.
Taking care of Fugaku Uchiha's daily needs was no easy task; it was even more difficult than Setsuna Uchiha's mission.

"Just consider it helping out my brother."

Recalling their first encounter decades ago in a dark dungeon, Uchiha Ryuzashi, who had been manipulated by Uchiha Gin his entire life, finally let out his long-suppressed grievances.
"But I've helped you my whole life!"

"That proves I have a good eye for people!"

With the turmoil over the position of Grand Elder subsiding, Uchiha Setsuna, who had just assumed the post, was eager to throw herself into her new role.

The clansmen gathered at the Nanka River Shrine then dispersed, leaving only the elderly group waiting to collect their daily share of eggs.

Uchiha Lucha went ahead to rush home to prepare a room and other necessities for Uchiha Fugaku, trying to get everything done before the eggs were distributed.
"Let's go, your eldest cousin will host a welcome dinner for you."

Seeing everyone busy with their own tasks, Uchiha Gin patted Fugaku's head, signaling him to follow.
The two walked together to the commercial street. Looking at the bustling shops on both sides, he asked his nephew for his opinion.
"Want some barbecue tonight?"

"No, I want something light."

Back in the Land of Waves, Fugaku was frequently taken by Jiro to his brother's yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant to eat to his heart's content, which caused him to develop yakiniku PTSD at a young age.

"Then come home with me and have oyakodon. You know how good your sister Banzi is at cooking."

Upon hearing Senju Itama's alias, a faint fear flashed across Uchiha Fugaku's face as the shadows of his childhood returned.
"Um, never mind, oh? Is this a newly opened shop? Uncle, I want to eat there."

As he shook his head in refusal, he suddenly noticed a small shop on the street corner, its warm glow contrasting sharply with the surrounding commercial establishments, successfully piquing his curiosity.

Uchiha Gin looked in the direction the other person pointed and saw that it was the new store he had recently visited. He then waved his hand magnanimously.

"You decide! Don't worry about the price later, eat as much as you want, your uncle will make sure you're full!" (End of Chapter)