Chapter 210: News

Her long hair, initially draped over her shoulders, had been neatly tied into a ponytail. She wore a Konoha forehead protector and a green ninja vest, with a long ninja sword strapped to her waist.

She exuded less of the gentleness and grace of the original character, appearing instead with a valiant and heroic demeanor.

"Was Toshirō's mission successful this time?"

As soon as Uchiha Mikoto left, Fugaku inquired about Toshirō's mission. He was aware of the mission that Toshirō was executing.

Before heading out on the mission, Toshirō hadn't intended to keep it a secret from the family and had directly informed them about the mission's details. 

As for secrecy, he didn't care!

Taking a step back, don't all clan ninjas do this? It's not just the Uchiha.

"This mission went relatively smoothly, and there were no irretrievable casualties."

"Is that so? That's really good news."

What he feared most now was hearing news of clan members' casualties. Since he took over as clan head, the pressure from the village on the clan had increased, causing the number of casualties among the clan ninjas to rise sharply.

Although they're all striving to end the war, the pressure Uchiha bears is immense.

"Although we achieved the mission's goal with no casualties, there was..."

Toshirō paused as he spoke, wanting to observe Fugaku's expression. He was somewhat uncertain about his new clan head. If he turned out to be another brainwashed patient of the Will of Fire, it would be a headache.

"No need for concerns. No casualties is already the best news. If there are any issues, the clan can also prepare in advance."

Facing his new position as the Uchiha clan head, the Konoha higher-ups had given him a clear view of the war's cruelty.

As long as it's not a large-scale loss of clan members, he could remain calm.

"The mission took quite a while, so the village might have some gossip."

Seeing the other party's attitude was fine, Toshirō didn't beat around the bush and detailed the mission's specifics to Uchiha Fugaku.

"I know what mission you were on. Did it just exceed the time limit?"

"I see. I will explain the situation to the village!"

As the newly promoted captain of the Konoha Police Force, he could have a say in such matters. Unlike the clan members on mission teams, whose tasks he had no authority over.

Seeing the other party's response, Toshirō felt somewhat reassured. It seemed that this clan leader was at least temporarily adequate, knowing to protect his clan members.

"However, Toshirō's strength continues to impress me! Many in the clan believed this mission might fail and result in significant casualties. I didn't expect all of you to return safely, which is a pleasant surprise!"

Looking at Toshirō seated nearby, Fugaku's face showed relief. The other was his uncle's disciple, naturally forming a close connection with his family. The other's strength was excellent news for the current clan.

However...

"Did something unfortunate happen?"

Seeing the change in Fugaku's expression, Toshirō asked. He wondered who might have sacrificed this time.

"Uchiha Jūsei has sacrificed."

"..."

Hearing this sudden news, Toshirō's expression froze, momentarily unable to process.

"Sensei Jūsei, too, died in battle?"

He then remained silently seated, lost in thought.

To be honest, he hadn't spent much time with Uchiha Jūsei, barely two years. Since the last Chūnin Exam, their entire squad had been assigned to the Police Force. Jūsei had then gone to the battlefield with the previous clan leader. Their bond wasn't profoundly deep.

But receiving his death news so suddenly sent a wave through his heart. Scenes of Jūsei teaching him, Yan, and Zhe repeatedly played in his mind. Their time together, though not long, left unforgettable memories.

Jūsei's earnest guidance and care deeply impacted him. Returning to the camp only to hear of his sacrifice was unexpected.

"How could Sensei Jūsei have fallen with his strength?"

Although saddened, Toshirō remained rational, starting to inquire about the specifics.

...

Hearing Toshirō's question, Uchiha Fugaku didn't immediately respond. Instead, he closed his eyes, unmoving for quite a while.

???

"It was my fault. In the battle two days ago, to save me..."

After a long attunement, Fugaku finally spoke, his expression turning sorrowful.

It turned out in the last battle, Fugaku, as the clan head, lost control, charging deep into enemy lines due to heavy clan losses. Uchiha Jūsei bravely covered him, allowing his retreat. Jūsei returned to the camp but was on his deathbed.

"Is that so..."

Hearing the result, Toshirō was momentarily dazed.

Having been active on battlefields for long, he had seen such things many times. Although Jūsei was his teacher, this outcome wasn't surprising.

"Who was the killer?"

He didn't overly mourn, nor did he emotionally collapse. He didn't awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan either. He only looked seriously at Fugaku, asking this question. Avenging Jūsei was the only thing he could do. He trusted Fugaku to handle any orphan left behind.

"The enemy was an elite Iwa ninja, already killed on the spot."

Even as Jūsei was severely injured, he managed to kill the enemy, avenging himself. But the damage he sustained was too critical.

Hearing this, Toshirō was slightly disappointed. He hadn't even a chance to personally avenge his teacher. That really...