Chapter 35

"There is no grand feast awaiting the world," Fugaku stated as he looked at the members of the 009 squad. "Your paths will intersect when destiny allows. Remember, you are part of a village. Focus on carrying out your missions diligently before disbanding."

These squad members had varying lengths of camaraderie, ranging from a few months to less than half a year. However, having experienced numerous life-and-death battles, Fugaku couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment.

As the team dispersed, Fugaku didn't seek out members of the same clan for further conversation. Some words were better left to be spoken in Konoha.

After spending a few days resting in the dormitory, Fugaku remained inside his tent until the team began gathering to return to Konoha.

Konoha remained relatively stable. The tensions between factions hadn't reached their peak prior to Kyuubi's attack on the village. Although the Uchiha clan needed to be cautious, their position was secure.

Being the top genius of the clan brought excessive attention, especially after the mission in the Land of Rain. Fugaku's exploits in that land would be known throughout the upper echelons of Konoha.

Certain individuals might not desire the Uchiha clan to possess a prodigy who could potentially become uncontrollable and act covertly.

Uchiha Kon, along with several other Uchiha clan members and Fugaku, had ventured to the Land of Rain together. However, not all of them returned. Some fell in battle, and their bodies were transported back to Konoha ahead of the others.

In Fugaku's opinion, regardless of their strength or personality, Uchiha clan members held a strong sense of honor. Even in death, they refused to bring shame to the Uchiha name and sought to live on through their legacy.

During this era, the origins of the Sharingan were still shrouded in mystery. Konoha hadn't initiated any research on the Mangekyou Sharingan, and only a few shinobi truly paid attention to the Sharingan's potential.

As the Sharingan was repulsive to those outside the Uchiha bloodline, the bodies of fallen Uchiha warriors were carefully recovered, ensuring that their eyes remained untouched.

Observing the several Uchiha clan members present, Uchiha Kon's face revealed a hint of discontent.

"Take a look," Fugaku said. "War has always been merciless, yet they continue to uphold the Uchiha's honor. Perhaps honor holds greater significance to them than their own lives. Having their names engraved on the memorial tablet is the greatest comfort they can attain, for they have given their youthful lives to protect Konoha and the clan."

Kim nodded in agreement. As a shinobi, he understood Fugaku's words. None could be certain when unexpected circumstances would arise during a mission, leading to the loss of a comrade's life or even one's own.

When choosing to become a shinobi, one must be prepared to confront the possibility of death, both for oneself and their companions.

It was jarring to witness the transformation of partners who were once filled with joy and laughter during missions, only to see them reduced to lifeless corpses in the blink of an eye.

The team set off in the morning and took two days to return to Konoha.

The current state of Konoha differed greatly from decades later; it still retained the appearance of its original generation. It wasn't until the Third Great Ninja War and Kyuubi's attack that Konoha planned to construct new buildings.

Upon entering the village, numerous shinobi bearing the Uchiha clan emblem could be seen patrolling the streets of Konoha. Following the assassination of two elders, the Police Force adopted this increased surveillance approach and hadn't let their guard down since, apprehending many spies who aimed to destabilize the village.

The strict martial law imposed by the Police Force had significantly improved Konoha's security, leaving many clans with biases against the Uchiha clan speechless.

Arriving at Fugaku's home, Uchiha Tenjo, the patriarch, sat quietly on the floor, patiently awaiting Fugaku's return. As the Uchiha patriarch, he possessed his own intelligence network and was well aware of his son's situation.

Fugaku was taken aback when he saw his father, who had been waiting for him for quite some time.

"Otōsan," Fugaku greeted him. "I've returned, and the mission went quite smoothly."

Uchiha Tenjo nodded, fully aware of Fugaku's outstanding performance in the Land of Rain. He was extremely satisfied with his only son.

"I was informed by Hokage-sama yesterday," Uchiha Tenjo began. "Shinobi who returned from the Land of Rain are entitled to a two-month vacation and will receive a new assignment afterwards. At this stage, I don't intend to place you in the Police Force."

Fugaku nodded, allowing his father to speak without interruption.

"You have started off on a high note, and your performance in the Land of Rain has caught the attention of the higher-ups. Joining the Police Force would be too easy for you. It might dull your enterprising spirit over time and lead you down a path of mediocrity."

"I hope you continue to serve in a regular shinobi team, make friends from various clans, experience more battles, and enhance your reputation. Your abilities have gained recognition among other ninjas, and the Uchiha clan will also develop accordingly," Uchiha Tenjo advised.

Understanding his father's concerns, Fugaku acknowledged the importance of remaining in a regular shinobi team. The main task of the Police Force was to maintain Konoha's safety, but it meant that Fugaku might spend an entire year in the village without facing a battle where his own skills were truly required.

As a shinobi, even a prodigious one, remaining in a comfortable environment without engaging in battles could result in stagnation or even regression of one's abilities.

"I will follow your guidance, Otōsan," Fugaku replied. "By the way, does the clan possess any scrolls on Fuinjutsu? I would like to focus on learning it during the next two months."

During their expedition in the Land of Rain, Fuinjutsu, as demonstrated by Okasawa Ono, played a crucial role. Seizing the opportunity, Fugaku desired to delve into the intricacies of Fuinjutsu.

"The clan has collected several scrolls on Fuinjutsu, and you can begin learning from them starting tomorrow," Uchiha Tenjo revealed. "Remember, there are rewards to be gained for an exceptional shinobi who invests time in learning certain ninjutsu."

The two conversed extensively, with their discussion lasting from morning until afternoon.

On the following morning, Uchiha Tenjo led Fugaku to his usual study. Inside, there was a secret room that held numerous Uchiha clan secrets. Fugaku took a brief glimpse, noting the presence of various exclusive clan ninjutsu, including Fire Release.

"This is a small secret room reserved for the clan," Uchiha Tenjo explained. "It contains some of our clan's secrets and treasures of ninjutsu. Over time, more will be unveiled to you. Much of the information inside must remain hidden from the outside world, as its dissemination could easily cause panic."

Fugaku nodded, realizing that the room likely contained the secrets behind the evolution of the Uchiha clan's Sharingan, as well as a detailed account of the Mangekyo Sharingan.

The Mangekyo Sharingan had attained a somewhat mythical status among the Uchiha and within Konoha. This was mainly due to Uchiha Madara's immense power during his time, leading people to attribute much of their strength to the Sharingan. Consequently, an excessive pursuit of the Mangekyo Sharingan had emerged, as if activating it would grant Uchiha Madara the power to dominate the entire ninja world, not just within the Uchiha clan but across all ninjas.

There were no tales of an Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, as Uchiha Madara was considered the only one to have achieved this advanced stage by transplanting his brother's eyes.