Homecoming Plan

Exiting Orochimaru's laboratory, Natsuki was introduced to all of Orochimaru's confidants.

As expected, aside from the few individuals whose names were known from the previous world, none of the others exhibited any special attributes.

However, upon encountering the remaining four of the five Ninjas, a notification chimed in his ears.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for greatly altering the life trajectories of the four Sound Ninjas.]

Congratulations to the host for acquiring: Cursed Seals X4

[Ding! Successfully recruited four Sound Ninjas.]

Congratulations to the host for obtaining: affinity for the earth release, proficiency in music, proficiency in archery, and multitasking.

Natsuki couldn't help but wonder why these four individuals didn't have names.

While an affinity for the earth release was still beneficial, what was the use of proficiency in music and archery? 

Did multitasking count Sakon and Ukon as one person?

Were they perhaps born as conjoined twins and not transformed by Orochimaru?

Shaking his head, Natsuki observed that Orochimaru's associates in this life appeared quite normal, with minimal transformation evident.

However, all four individuals were proficient in using curse seals, which meant that their abilities were centered around the curse seal.

Combined with what he obtained from Jugo, Natsuki could now utilize the curse seal five times.

...

In the Sound Ninja Village, the spacious conference room was filled with people.

Natsuki emerged from Orochimaru's quarters and called upon all the Uchiha clan members who were still in Otogakure and not currently on missions.

Those Uchiha who were available promptly assembled.

Taking his seat at the head of the room, Natsuki was followed by the Third Elder, Itachi, and Shisui.

Over the past few years, the Third Elder had seen his lifelong dream come to fruition.

Witnessing the village's growth from a mere hundreds to thousands, he had played a key role in its development, particularly during Kabuto's occasional absences, during which he effectively managed leadership responsibilities.

Reviewing the Third Elder's attributes using the power template, Natsuki noted a change: while his previous specialization had been in management, it now included leadership qualities as well.

Reflecting on this, Natsuki couldn't help but acknowledge the wisdom in involving these Uchiha members.

"It has been more than four years since our journey began. I appreciate all your hard work,"

Natsuki expressed, rising from his seat and offering a respectful bow to the gathered assembly.

After all, despite the radical changes brought upon them by Kotoamatsukami, these individuals remained living beings.

Once considered a desolate land, Otogakure had transformed from a small, struggling community to its current flourishing state largely due to the contributions of the Uchiha clan members.

"Natsuki-sama, you're welcome!"

"Natsuki-sama, this is all of our own free will!"

"Natsuki-sama, this is all for the family!"

The responses from the Uchiha clan members came one after another, creating a lively atmosphere. It was evident that everyone held no grievances.

Though life was initially challenging upon their emergence, there was no discrimination.

Land of Sound, their initial refuge, was remote and offered simple tasks. However, it was manageable.

As word spread about the Uchiha's presence in Otogakure, nearby smaller nations began offering missions, providing much-needed support during the toughest times.

Later, with the joint efforts of the Daimyo and Otogakure, life became significantly easier, especially with the introduction of delicious food.

Pleased with the sincerity of their responses, Natsuki addressed them further.

"After spending so much time away, some of you must be feeling homesick."

A hesitant silence followed until Uchiha Katsura finally spoke up.

"My mother gave birth to a younger brother, who should be two years old now. I wish to return home and see him."

Upon hearing his words, his teammate sounded in, "My wife hasn't seen me for a long time. I want to go home and see her."

"My mother hasn't seen me for four years, and I want to go back and visit..."

"I..."

As one person began, others followed suit, expressing their longing for home.

Most of those present had relatives they wished to see, while even those without immediate family felt the pull to return to their clan and observe the state of the Uchiha.

Natsuki raised his hand to quiet the room, and the chatter reduced.

Turning to the third elder, who had remained silent, Natsuki sought his input.

"Do you also wish to return to Konoha?" Natsuki inquired.

He nodded. "I may no longer have any relatives in Konoha, but I still have a desire to visit."

Natsuki acknowledged his response before addressing the group again.

"Do you know who founded Otogakure?" Natsuki asked, scanning the room for answers, but met with blank stares.

Though the leaders were aware, they remained silent, allowing Natsuki to explain.

"Otogakure was founded by Orochimaru, although he rarely appears. In his absence, you are led by Kabuto and the Third Elder."

The revelation caused a stir among the Uchiha, as they realized they were essentially rebelling against their former village.

However, they quickly quieted down, absorbing this new information.

Natsuki nodded and continued, "Orochimaru was framed by Danzo back then, which led to his betrayal of Konoha."

"He has always been a Uchiha's ally."

"There will be an opportunity for all of us to return to Konoha later. Those who wish to stay can remain with the clan, and those who prefer not to can also come back."

The excitement was palpable among the group.

After living overseas for so long, it was natural to yearn for home, especially knowing that their families were now free from Konoha's control and living comfortably.

Despite the convenience of using psychic beasts to convey messages, everyone desired to return and see their loved ones in person.

Natsuki clapped his hands. "Alright, let's spread this news to the other clan members who couldn't be here today. Keep it confidential."

"Third Elder, Itachi, Shisui, please stay. The rest of you may leave."

With hopeful expressions, everyone rose from their seats, saluted Natsuki, and exited the meeting room in an orderly fashion.

Once they were alone, only Itachi, Shisui, and the third elder remained.

Sensing their anticipation, he spoke up, "Upon my return this time, I will take the position of clan leader."

The revelation startled the trio, despite their previous expectations. They hadn't anticipated the announcement to come so swiftly.

Several people had no objections to him taking over as clan leader and were quietly waiting for his next words.

"The Third Hokage understands that Orochimaru's defection was orchestrated by Danzo, and he intends to welcome Orochimaru back to Konoha."

"If Orochimaru returns to the village, I intend to support him in taking the position of the Fifth Hokage."

All three of them had seen the future disaster, so they didn't prioritize the Hokage position now.

Both Itachi and Shisui understood that Orochimaru was one of their own.

The third elder was aware of Shisui's other alliances.

He also vaguely suspected that Orochimaru might be one of their own, but he didn't ask, placing trust in Itachi and Shisui's decisions.

"After us..."