Konoha: The Soul King from the Uchiha Clan

Chapter 55 The feud is now established

The allure of returning to the village was strong for the frontline ninjas, but less so for Orochimaru and Gen Uchiha.

I have a peaceful life where I can conduct experimental research and study without worry, and a peaceful life where I can improve myself. I really don't want my otherwise enjoyable life to be disrupted.

However, the matter of returning to the village was beyond their control. After receiving the news, Orochimaru began moving and preparing for the handover.

Once the first group of ninjas returned to the village and arrived at the border, the person in charge handed them over in person, and the group of ninjas officially returned to the village.

Eager to return home, the long-waiting Konoha ninjas unleashed unprecedented speed, arriving at the village entrance in only two-thirds of their usual time.

Because the return time was too fast, a blunder occurred, and the welcoming team hadn't even arrived yet.

The ninjas who returned to the village before were always greeted by a welcoming party, so surely the last batch of ninjas who sacrificed the most couldn't be left out, right?

So, the ninjas returning to the village waited at the entrance of Konoha Village, and one of the Chunin guarding the gate quickly ran towards the Hokage Building.

After waiting for about half an hour, Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived with a large group of people, including high-ranking officials from various departments of Konoha, heads of major clans, some Jonin, and many Konoha villagers.

The higher-ups, the heads of various clans, and the Jonin were relatively reserved, offering normal welcomes, receptions, and pleasantries. The villagers of Konoha, however, were quite excited.

Villagers with relatives in the procession called out their family members' names loudly, while those without relatives either praised loudly or cheered joyfully.

Although there were no drums and gongs, firecrackers and lion dances, it was still quite lively.

This heroic treatment made many ninjas blush with excitement, feeling that all their life-and-death struggles on the battlefield and their hard work in guarding the border were worthwhile.

After the commotion, Orochimaru and other high-ranking officers on the front lines left with Hiruzen Sarutobi and other high-ranking officers, while the others went home to their respective families.

Since the other Uchiha clan ninjas had already returned in previous batches, Uchiha Gen returned to the Uchiha clan territory alone.

When he arrived at the gate of the clan's territory, Uchiha Gen was slightly taken aback. He saw three figures standing at the spacious gate: Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Shisui, and Uchiha Itachi.

"Misaka-nee, what are you doing here?"

Uchiha Gen snapped out of his daze, smiled, and walked over, looking surprised.

"It was Fugaku who sent us to welcome you here."

"Because it wouldn't be good to make a big fuss, since everyone in the clan has their own things to do, only the three of us can come to welcome you."

"Please don't take offense."

Mikoto Uchiha held Itachi Uchiha's hand with her right hand, smiled gently, and spoke in a soft, gentle tone, like a kind and approachable older sister next door.

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Gen looked deeply moved and said, "What are you saying?"

"I'm sorry to have troubled the clan leader, and I thank you all for coming to welcome me."

This is a clever way to win people over, and it's an open and aboveboard scheme. Whether he can see through it or not, he has to accept this favor.

Was this method Fugaku Uchiha came up with himself, or was it suggested by someone else?

Whether in the manga or the anime, Fugaku Uchiha is portrayed as rather serious and rigid, not someone who could do something so delicate...

This method seems more like something a woman would use!

With this thought in mind, Uchiha Gen glanced at Uchiha Mikoto unintentionally, and was convinced that it was probably her idea or her own decision to come and greet him.

Mikoto Uchiha is indeed extraordinary!

Indeed, as the daughter of the former hawkish leader Uchiha Setsuna and now the clan leader's wife, how could she really be a clueless, gentle housewife, or a kind older sister next door?

In the original work, Fugaku Uchiha had many conversations and discussions with Mikoto Uchiha. Judging from the details, Mikoto Uchiha was aware of many of the Uchiha's actions.

"Itachi, call for help!"

"Brother Xuan."

Uchiha Itachi, who had been staring at Uchiha Gen, obediently called out upon hearing this.

"Hmm, Itachi has grown quite a bit taller."

Uchiha Gen reached out and patted Uchiha Itachi's head, coaxing him like a child. Itachi frowned slightly, but didn't pull away.

Uchiha Gen watched this unfold. Did this little brat think he was all grown up and mature?

Damn, even after living two lives, he wouldn't dare say he's completely mature.

Uchiha Gen withdrew his hand and smiled, "Shisui, long time no see. How have you been?"

"That's great! The war is over, how could it not be great?"

Uchiha Shisui had a bright, sunny smile on his face, showing that he was genuinely happy.

"By the way, Gen, Fugaku asked me to apologize to you."

"I can't fully keep my promise to you, so I can only make you a deputy squad leader in the police department, just like Shisui."

"Because the two elders feel that you and Zhishui are too inexperienced and lack management experience. It may not be a good thing for you to be in a high position at such a young age."

"Therefore, in order to better train you, you need more learning and experience."

Mikoto Uchiha bowed slightly, her face full of apology.

The two elders were not only elders of the Uchiha clan, but also two vice ministers of the police department. They had a certain degree of checks and balances on Fugaku Uchiha, both within the clan and the police department.

Uchiha Gen: "..."

Cao Nima has little experience, and he hates the word "experience".

Also, I lack management experience. How do I know I lack management experience if I don't try?

A team, including myself, is only seventeen people. Does such a small number of people require a lot of management experience?

Whether the two elders were suppressing them to promote their own people or genuinely believed that this was the best way to cultivate them, he was furious!

"Shisui, what do you think?" Uchiha Gen asked calmly.

"I think the elder's concerns are reasonable, and I should gain more experience."

Shisui smiled sheepishly and honestly revealed his true thoughts.

Uchiha Gen: "..."

It's true what they say: it's not the god-like opponents you fear, but the pig-like ones. How can I possibly offer my opinion if you're like this?

Well, we have no choice but to retreat as a means of advancing.

The role of a deputy is best suited for people who lack ambition; they can comfortably coast along.

Someone as ambitious as him is best suited to be the top leader. Since he's not the top leader, there's no need to put in too much effort.

Let's secretly strengthen our forces and wait for the right opportunity.

It's not worth falling out with the two elders over something so trivial.

Furthermore, given that Fugaku Uchiha also agreed, the three of them have most likely already completed an exchange of benefits and reached a tacit understanding.

Fugaku Uchiha would most likely not support him, and would only offend another person; a genius is ultimately just a genius...

Those in positions of power are often treated like royalty when they are useful, but discarded like worn-out shoes when they are no longer needed.

Many people in positions of power lack integrity and only know how to weigh the pros and cons.

However, he remembered this grudge and would get it back with interest later!

"The elders' concerns are indeed not without merit. I'll take the position of vice-captain. I'm still young, and I'll have plenty of opportunities in the future."

"Besides, I've been learning from Orochimaru-sensei all this time, so I might not have had time to manage the squads."

"In that case, I'll just lend my name; Orochimaru-sensei's matter is more important!"

The Uchiha were cunning and shrewd. Despite their displeasure, they showed no emotion on their faces and even wore a smile.

Being "regularly employed" means not having to go to work or perform any tasks, but simply receiving a salary.

If he can't be the top leader, he'll slack off and take advantage of others.

Although Uchiha Gen didn't show any dissatisfaction, Uchiha Mikoto's womanly intuition told her that dissatisfaction had already arisen.

The intervention of the two elders was unexpected. It was a bad thing for the boy in front of him, but not necessarily a bad thing for Fugaku.

Only by being dissatisfied with the two elders can the Uchiha geniuses get closer to the clan head's line, and only then will Fugaku's position be more secure!

"I will convey your meaning to Fugaku; there shouldn't be any problem."

Uchiha Gen: "..."

Last time, your husband agreed just as readily as you did.

"To express my apology, please come to my house for dinner tonight."

"Shisui will go too."

Uchiha Gen smiled slightly and said, "Then I'll take my leave."

He has to go to this meal, otherwise people will think he's dissatisfied with the clan leader, even though he does have some complaints.

The two elders took the blame, and Fugaku Uchiha also had to take the blame.

"Then I'll go back and cook."

"Who are you, Itachi?"

"I'll go to training with Shisui-nii," Itachi Uchiha quickly said.

"Xuan, do you want to go training together?"

Uchiha: "..."

Zhi Shui seems to have some issues with emotional intelligence. Didn't you see I just got back, all travel-worn?

However... it's good to go and see for myself, so I can get a feel for Itachi Uchiha's thoughts and feelings.

"Okay, but I need to go home first."

"Okay, we'll be waiting for you at the clan's third training ground."

"understood."

Mikoto Uchiha watched the interaction between the three of them with delight, and her smile grew even wider.

Itachi has already shown extraordinary talent, and with the guidance of his father, her, and the two geniuses from the Uchiha clan, her eldest son's future is bound to be limitless!

After agreeing on a destination, the four of them traveled together for a while before going their separate ways...

(End of this chapter)