The mornings in Konoha should have been filled with the vitality and hope of post-war reconstruction.
But a strange and unsettling undercurrent is quietly eroding the tranquility of the streets and alleys.
At first, it was just a few vague whispers, circulating in the corners of Izakaya and among the gaps in the crowds at the market.
"Have you heard...? The Uchiha Clan once produced a notorious traitor..."
"Yeah, I think his name was Madara Uchiha? They say he was incredibly strong, but also truly ruthless; he almost destroyed the entire Konoha..."
" The Sharingan... wouldn't you go crazy if you looked at it for too long?"
"Who knows? It's best to avoid those with such ominous eyes..."
"..."
These words were initially just scattered speculations, tinged with tentative anticipation and uncertainty.
But within two or three days, the rumors seemed to have been infused with malicious chakra.
It mutated and expanded rapidly, becoming quite detailed and lifelike.
"More than just a traitor! Madara Uchiha wanted to destroy Konoha! He wanted to drag us from a village into the Warring States period of ninja clans!"
" The First Hokage was kind-hearted and, out of consideration for past friendships, only defeated him without killing him... If you ask me, he shouldn't have shown mercy!"
" The Sharingan can see the darkest parts of the human heart. If used too much, it will make you cold-blooded and ruthless, even to your own family..."
"Look at those Uchiha guys now. They seem a bit more well-behaved, but when they stare at you, it's still creepy..."
"..."
Rumors spread like a plague, far exceeding the speed and degree of distortion of ordinary rumors.
Clearly, there are one or even several skilled hands secretly pushing and fanning the flames behind the scenes.
They are no longer limited to Madara Uchiha's "past," but begin to subtly point to the present Uchiha Clan.
"Ultimately, what's in your blood is hard to change..."
"It's good that you've done something good, but who can guarantee that the next Madara Uchiha won't appear?"
" The Hokage Position? Let someone from the Uchiha take it? Just thinking about it is terrifying... Will Konoha still be Konoha then?"
"..."
Panic and suspicion are the most contagious emotions.
Many ordinary villagers began to cast strange glances at the Uchiha clansmen. Their previously natural and harmonious conversations became cautious, and some merchants would even subconsciously suppress their smiles or slightly move their goods away when the Uchiha clansmen passed by.
People from the Uchiha are inherently sensitive.
The atmosphere within the clan's territory quickly became oppressive and filled with anger.
"Damn it! What nonsense are they spouting!"
Tekka Uchiha slammed his fist into a wooden stake in the Uchiha Training Ground, sending wood chips flying.
"It's the Third Hokage! It must be him!"
Another Radical Faction gritted his teeth.
"They can't stand to see us doing well, so they resort to such despicable means!"
"A freckle is a freckle! We are who we are! Why should we condemn our entire people because of one person!"
" The Clan Leader has done so much for the village! Are they all blind?!"
"..."
Resentment was building within the clan, and many young members were filled with righteous indignation.
He desperately wanted to rush out and confront those who spread the rumors, and even wanted to use his Sharingan to make those fools "see the truth."
At a critical moment.
Fugaku stepped forward again, suppressing his anger and anxiety, and sternly rebuked the impulsive clansmen.
"Calm down! Don't make any sudden movements!"
Fugaku stood among his clansmen, his face ashen, but he tried his best to keep his voice calm.
"This is clearly a provocation! They're trying to provoke us and make us do something irrational!"
"If we make a move, we'll be playing right into their hands!"
"Are we just going to let them slander us?!"
Someone shouted indignantly.
"Of course not!"
Fugaku's eyes were sharp.
"But we must not fall into their trap."
The Clan Leader had already instructed us to observe the situation and remain calm.
Trust the Clan Leader, he must have a plan!
Mentioning Chiyo calmed the restless crowd somewhat.
But that humiliation and anger still weighed heavily on everyone's hearts like a stone.
Outside the clan's territory, some Uchiha clan members, when on missions or traveling, also felt the chilling changes in the external environment.
That silent rejection and fear is more unbearable than direct verbal abuse.
However, it is precisely within this dark fog woven from the ghosts of history and malicious rumors.
The new generation of Konoha, those young ninjas who are gradually growing up and developing their own independent judgment.
But they were the first to stand up and voice a different opinion.
While Kurenai Yuhi and Mitarashi Anko were having dinner together, they overheard several Chunin at the next table discussing how terrifying Madara Uchiha.
Kurenai Yuhi frowned, suddenly put down her chopsticks, turned around, and said in a clear and firm voice.
What's the point of talking about things from decades ago?
All we know is that it was Chiyo Uchiha who protected the village and ended the war.
The Uchiha Guard Unit has become increasingly disciplined in its law enforcement practices over the years.
The last time my uncle came home drunk and out late, they were the ones who patiently brought him back.
We should not use the shadow of the past to judge people in the present.
Anko paused for a moment, looked at Hong's serious expression, nodded, and said loudly.
"Kurenai is right. Doubt and fear won't solve anything. I believe in the Uchiha I see."
On the other side, Might Guy was undergoing his insane physical training, walking upside down around the Training Ground.
I overheard two women whispering about the evil of the Uchiha.
He suddenly flipped over and jumped up, revealing his gleaming teeth, and shouted.
"Discussing one's comrades is not a youthful act! Chiyo Uchiha is a man who acknowledges my ninja way!"
They are formidable opponents, but also respectable allies!
I believe in him! I believe in the trust and friendship that are nurtured by hard work!
His voice was loud and clear, full of undeniable enthusiasm, leaving the two whispering women passing by speechless for a moment.
Rin Nohara and Shizune, who were helping out at Konoha Hospital, also heard similar rumors recently.
Lin spoke gently yet firmly to the injured person who was spreading rumors.
"Please don't say that. Obito is my comrade; he's from the Uchiha Clan."
He is kind and enthusiastic, and has always dreamed of becoming Hokage to protect everyone.
"Nowadays, most of the Uchiha Clan members are kind-hearted people like him."
Shizune nodded in agreement, adding to the discussion.
"My Uncle Duan once said that Lord Chiyo proposed the principle of ' Enforcement with Warmth ' back then."
Many of us have felt it.
We cannot negate the present of the entire group because of the past of a few individuals.
The most eye-catching are Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha.
Obito heard the slander against his clan, he was so angry that he almost activated his Sharingan to confront the culprits, but Kakashi grabbed him.
"Idiot, calm down."
Kakashi's deadpan expression remained, but his tone carried an unusual seriousness.
"If you rush out to fight now, you'll only make things worse."
"But they! That's what they said!"
Obito's eyes turned red.
"Proving something with actions is more effective than refuting it with fists."
Kakashi looked at him and said calmly.
"Have you forgotten what Lord Chiyo said before? 'Integrate into the village and protect the villagers.'"
Everyone has witnessed what the Uchiha has done over the years.
"It can't be completely erased because of a few rumors."
He paused, then looked around at the people casting their gazes at him.
He raised his voice slightly, addressing not only Obito but also everyone else.
My father taught me that to judge a person, you should look at their behavior, not their background.
Teacher Chiyo Uchiha ended the war and protected the village from further bloodshed.
Obito Uchiha was my teammate; he always protected his comrades during missions.
I only believe what I see with my own eyes.
As for Madara Uchiha from decades ago...
When he betrayed the village and left, not a single Uchiha followed him.
He's just a missing-nin.
It wouldn't be this bad if Madara Uchiha affected the entire Uchiha.
The matter of Madara Uchiha has nothing to do with the Uchiha we know."
Kakashi's words carry significant weight among the young ninjas.
His calmness and objectivity, like a sharp Kunai, instantly pierced through those vague fears.
Obito looked at Kakashi, then at the villagers around him who looked thoughtful because of Kakashi's words, and the anger in his heart was gradually replaced by a complex emotion.
He rubbed his eyes hard and shouted.
"That's right! We Uchiha are not like that!"
I will become Hokage! I will change everyone's perception!
"Let me show you what a real Uchiha is!"
The voices of these young ninjas may still sound a little immature.
But they represent the Mirai of Konoha, a new generation unbound by past grievances.
Their questions and voices, like glimmers of light, began to gradually dispel the fog of suspicion that permeated the village.
They believe in real, tangible feelings.
It was the Uchiha Guard Unit's no longer cold and arrogant attitude, Chiyo Uchiha -like strength and reliability in End of War, and the kindness and enthusiasm of Uchiha and his comrades.
"Law enforcement should be compassionate" —Chiyo's previous philosophy was silently proven true at this moment.
Those subtle changes and the gradual integration over time finally became the ballast that stabilized the ship when the storm came.
Rumors continue to swirl in the shadows.
But under the sunlight, more and more people are beginning to reflect and think.
The Uchiha they saw seemed to be exactly as the rumors described...
They are not quite the same.
And the Chiyo Uchiha they revered was not the Madara Uchiha of yesteryear.
Deep within the Uchiha Compound.
Chiyo stood in the courtyard, watching two slender figures busy in the courtyard.
The fiery red-haired Kushina is watering the flowers, while the gentle black-haired Mikoto is pruning the branches. Their smiles are radiant, and their unintentional actions reveal a deep intimacy...
These past few days have been filled with joy for Chiyo.
My best friend, my best friend!
We should be together!
Only in this way can we achieve the effect of 1+1 being greater than 2!
Feelings deepen, happiness abounds...
Chiyo withdrew her gaze.
Having landed on the table, Fugaku Uchiha was meticulously reporting on the recent situation.
Did Chiyo really not know about the Uchiha Clan's actions?
Yes, I know!
Chiyo simply let them do as they pleased.
Because the Uchiha are, after all, a clan, this was a spontaneous action by the clan.
He listened as Fugaku reported on the rampant rumors circulating outside and the reaction of the younger generation of ninjas who recognized the Uchiha.
His face remained expressionless, only a barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Look, Fugaku."
Chiyo spoke softly, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of walls to see the vibrant figures in the center of the village.
"Back then, the seeds of change for the Uchiha were sown and have already sprouted."
All we need is time and patience.
" Hiruzen Sarutobi... the more he acts this way, the more it proves his powerlessness and fear."
"He is burying the old era he is trying to protect with his own hands."
"And we only need to wait quietly for dawn."
"There will be ninjas to defend me, to defend our Uchiha."