Chapter 192: The Uchiha Clan Still Lives

Chapter 192: The Uchiha Clan Still Lives

Hagoromo Gengetsu led the Uchiha clan through the Konoha crowd, nonchalantly walking towards the village's outskirts.

"These guys!"

"How arrogant! Do they think Konoha is their playground?"

"Should we engage them?"

The Konoha ninjas, initially subdued by Gengetsu's imposing presence, now regained their composure, feeling both ashamed and enraged. They, along with their comrades, glared at the departing Uchiha, itching to act and wash away their recent cowardice.

"Lord Hokage?"

The Konoha ninjas, indoctrinated with the Will of Fire and ready to fight, turned to Tsunade, awaiting her command.

Tsunade clenched her fist.

Jiraiya approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder and shaking his head with unprecedented seriousness.

The combination of Gengetsu and three pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan was unbeatable for their current forces. Even if they gathered all of Konoha's strength, a hard-fought victory would leave the village crippled, no longer among the Five Great Shinobi Nations.

Moreover, the battle would devastate the village and its inhabitants, far surpassing the destruction of the Nine-Tails' attack and the Chūnin Exams.

Such a battle was unthinkable.

Gengetsu and his forces were now beyond what any single village could handle alone. Konoha could not be the one to provoke them.

Tsunade understood Jiraiya's reasoning. Despite her usual temperament, as Hokage, she had to consider the bigger picture, sometimes even retreating when necessary.

She took a deep breath, preparing to speak.

But Jiraiya stepped forward first, instructing, "The Uchiha have been part of Konoha for decades. Though they leave today, the bonds remain. Their vengeance is complete, and it consoles us for those who died in the massacre. We were once comrades; let them go."

Jiraiya, seasoned and tactful, leveraged the bonds between Konoha and the Uchiha, emphasizing the Uchiha's contribution by eliminating the traitor Itachi. This diplomatic approach offered both sides, particularly Konoha, a dignified retreat.

If word spread that Konoha allowed Gengetsu to roam freely, it would tarnish their reputation. But framing it as respecting old ties and acknowledging the Uchiha's contribution altered the narrative.

For internal politics, any blame could fall on Jiraiya, shielding Tsunade and maintaining her authority.

Thus, Jiraiya preemptively issued the command before Tsunade could speak.

As one of the Sannin, Jiraiya held considerable sway, and many Konoha ninjas instinctively followed his directive.

A peculiar scene unfolded: Gengetsu and the Uchiha leading the way, followed closely by Konoha ninjas, creating an oddly harmonious atmosphere.

Glancing back at Jiraiya, Gengetsu smiled faintly. "He's quite the talent."

Not only was his writing impressive and memorable, but his quick-thinking and diplomatic skills were also remarkable.

Gengetsu had heard Jiraiya's speech. He had no interest in correcting it but figured it couldn't hurt to make a gesture.

If the Uchiha and Konoha still had ties, a farewell to the villagers seemed appropriate.

Changing course, Gengetsu led the Uchiha through Konoha's bustling center, taking a shorter route out.

"Wait, they changed direction?"

"They're heading for the village center!"

"Damn! What are they planning? Are they targeting the village?"

"Will they use the villagers against us?"

"What should we do now?"

Seeing this, the Konoha ninjas became increasingly uneasy.

Among them, Ino quietly muttered, "Worrying for nothing! He's not that kind of person."

From her understanding of Gengetsu, she knew he wouldn't harm innocent civilians, even if he turned on the ninjas.

"Compared to the last time with Dr. Souke, the real Gengetsu is even more impressive."

Ino, who had also met Gengetsu in the Land of Waves, remained calm, even taking the opportunity to jot down notes. She had long resolved to document Gengetsu's deeds, aiming to complete a comprehensive biography in her lifetime.

"Ino, keep it down," Shikamaru whispered. As part of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, he knew Ino's personality well. Though she was somewhat star-struck and biased, it wasn't severe.

Usually too lazy to argue, Shikamaru decided it was necessary to temper her enthusiasm for now.

As for Gengetsu's change of direction, Shikamaru wasn't worried. If Gengetsu had meant harm, he would have acted already. Seeing the Uchiha emblems, Shikamaru speculated on their intentions.

Jiraiya, familiar with Gengetsu, also felt uncertain but did not fear an attack on the villagers. Calming the anxious ninjas, they continued to follow, almost as escorts.

Soon, they approached the bustling heart of the village.

Turning back, Gengetsu smiled at the Uchiha. "We're here. We visited our clan grounds; now it's time to see the village. Only then will our return be complete."

"Take one last look at the streets and the people from your memories. Tell them…"

"The Uchiha Clan… still lives!"