The village was abuzz with discussion.
Aside from the commoners, who knew nothing and had been kept completely in the dark by the village, the various shinobi clans thought much the same as Ino-Shika-Cho.
No one was stupid!
The Konoha Higher-ups' actions over the years had been plain for everyone to see, and they had long since grown dissatisfied with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
It was just that this resentment had been buried deep in their hearts.
That was also why, when Orochimaru launched the Konoha Crush Plan, Konoha suffered virtually no losses elsewhere. Only the Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, died.
Surely Konoha, the foremost Shinobi Village, could not have been unable to deal with a Four Red Yang Formation set up by four Chunin?
The Four Red Yang Formation was indeed formidable, but that depended on the strength of the ninja maintaining the Barrier!
Therefore—
As long as the clash between the Uchiha and the Konoha Higher-ups did not affect their clans, they were more than happy to sit back and watch the tigers fight.
Uchiha Ancestral Land.
Though they had only been gone for two or three years, the Uchiha could not help but burst into tears upon returning.
At the same time.
Everyone's respect for Uchiha Jin rose to an entirely new level!
Compared to Fugaku, who only knew how to yield and muddle through, they were far more willing to support Uchiha Jin.
After all...
Uchiha Jin truly could lead them to victory and gradually change the Uchiha's current difficult circumstances.
"All right, everyone."
"I have now fulfilled what I promised."
"All commoners may return home and resume their normal work and lives as soon as possible. However, do not leave home lightly over the next few days unless necessary."
"The ninja are to immediately set up defensive Barriers, and the Patrol Teams are to begin patrol operations at once."
"Also, dispatch a special squad made entirely of Jonin. Search the entire Uchiha Compound as thoroughly as possible, chiefly for traps deliberately planted by the Konoha Higher-ups."
Uchiha Jin spoke in a stern tone.
Returning to the Uchiha Compound was certainly a good thing, but safety remained his greatest concern. Who knew whether the Konoha Higher-ups had laid any traps? What if they simply went mad and covered the entire underground compound with Explosive Tags?
At Uchiha Jin's orders, everyone bowed and accepted them.
Clearly.
After his repeated actions during this period, especially after he had reclaimed the Uchiha Compound this time, everyone was now truly willing to pledge loyalty to him.
Immediately afterward.
The entire Uchiha Compound became bustling with activity.
Smiles filled everyone's faces, and laughter rang throughout the compound. An emotion called hope burst forth in people's hearts.
Meanwhile.
Accompanied by several elders, Uchiha Jin arrived directly before an enormous residence.
"Jin!"
"Your status is different now. You cannot remain in that little courtyard of yours."
"Otherwise, if a Clan Meeting is held in the future, your home will not even have a place to convene."
"This residence once belonged to Clan Head Madara. After Clan Head Madara left Konoha, it naturally stood vacant. Even Fugaku and his father, the two later clan heads, merely built new clan head residences elsewhere."
"Your contributions to the clan make you worthy of living in this residence!"
Uchiha Setsuna's gaze was utterly sincere.
The other elders raised no objections. They too felt that Uchiha Jin was qualified.
Uchiha Jin narrowed his eyes slightly.
Looking at the ancient residence before him, he had not expected it to be Uchiha Madara's former home.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the gates.
Before him lay a vast artificial lake, complete with rockeries, flowing water, pavilions, and towers. Passing through the front courtyard and arriving at the middle courtyard, he found an immense Training Ground.
Once he reached the rear courtyard, there was yet another enormous garden.
There were many rooms here as well. Housing one or two hundred people would be easy.
He really knew how to enjoy himself!
Such an enormous Three-Courtyard Mansion—just as expected of Uchiha Madara!
But after getting used to living in a place like this, how could Madara later endure living in that pitch-black underground cave?
Uchiha Jin's eyes flickered.
Still, he said nothing more about it. He simply nodded and said, "Since everyone agrees, I won't stand on ceremony. From now on, this will be my home."
"As it should be." Everyone nodded.
Two hours later.
The Uchiha commoners arranged by Setsuna and the others had thoroughly cleaned the entire residence. Everyone then came to its Tea Room. As they took their seats, a young girl had already brewed tea for them.
"Jin, let me introduce her to you."
"This is my granddaughter, Uchiha Tsuki."
"Her talent as a ninja is mediocre. She only has a Two-Tomoe Sharingan now, and it will be difficult for her to advance any further in this life. Let her manage your household affairs from now on."
"I have transferred a group of Attendants here for you. After all, you cannot possibly clean such a large residence by yourself."
"Although you are not yet the clan head, you have many matters to worry about every day. You cannot waste your energy on such trivial things."
"You will also need your own guard in the future. Jin, you may select two elite Jonin Squads."
Uchiha Setsuna introduced them with a smile.
The other elders had even less objection to this. Given Uchiha Jin's standing, these things were essentially standard provisions.
Previously, the clan had been too chaotic, with the various factions competing against one another and the village causing trouble from outside. Jin had also been in power for too short a time...
Now that things had temporarily stabilized, the proper arrangements naturally could not be neglected.
As for this.
Uchiha Jin's expression remained calm. As an Uchiha, he knew the clan had such rules.
Since they were offering them, he would accept them.
Only Elder Setsuna's granddaughter made him unable to resist speaking up. "Elder Setsuna, isn't it inappropriate for your granddaughter to do this?"
"It's fine." Uchiha Setsuna waved his hand directly. "Let her work under you, Jin."
"My granddaughter's talent as a ninja is ordinary, and this old man does not have much longer to live. Naturally, I must find her someone to rely on in advance."
"You'll grant me this small favor, won't you, Jin?"
As an Uchiha, he was exceedingly straightforward.
He could not be bothered with roundabout schemes and stated his true thoughts outright.
When he had met Uchiha Jin before, he had never allowed his granddaughter to meet him, because he had not been certain of Jin's abilities at the time.
Even though he had handed over the position of Leader of the Radical Faction, he still had to carefully consider his granddaughter's safety.
But now, things were different!
Uchiha Jin had proven his ability, so he naturally made his decision without hesitation.
As for this.
Uchiha Jin considered it briefly and understood Setsuna's intentions.
Favors were something that diminished with every use!
Perhaps in the future, he might help Setsuna's granddaughter a few times out of consideration for Setsuna. But once he helped too often, that favor would be spent.
Therefore.
Having his granddaughter work under him was indeed a shrewd arrangement.
"All right, I accept!"
As Uchiha Jin nodded, a faint smile appeared on Setsuna's face.
For a time.
The atmosphere in the Tea Room became very relaxed.
But at that very moment, Uchiha Tadashi walked in. "Elders, Anbu came by."
"He brought the Hokage's order. We are required to resume the Konoha Military Police Force's work as soon as possible!"
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