Uchiha's New Path

The armistice period also brought with it more elaborate succession ceremonies.

Auspicious days, specially constructed succession platforms, fragrant baths, ancestor worship, and a whole host of trivial matters.

Not only Madara, but also Izuna, the Vice Clan Leader, was not exempt.

After three full days of ceremonies, they finally reached the last step: the oath.

Yes, something similar to Tsunade's inauguration as the Fifth Hokage, standing on top of the Hokage Building and swearing to the Konoha residents below.

With Madara's personality, he simply couldn't do such a thing.

Izuna couldn't imagine what lines the original Madara said when he took office, but now that he was here, it was a minor matter.

Standing on the grand succession platform, Madara faced thousands of Uchiha Clan members below, as well as a considerable number of non-Uchiha surname affiliated farming odd jobbers.

After clearing his throat, he recited the words Izuna had taught him the night before in a loud voice: "Today, I, Madara Uchiha, assume the position of Clan Leader, and I only want to tell everyone--"

"Wherever the leaves dance, the Uchiha's flame will burn, the shadow of the Uchiha's flame will illuminate the clan, and allow new leaves to sprout..."

That's right, these were the lines that Hiruzen Sarutobi would use for his future sales pitch... ah, no, speech.

Izuna had taken it out, modified it beyond recognition, and thrown it to Madara to use.

And the facts proved that these lines were really something.

The clan members below, especially the young people under the age of twenty, had shining eyes after hearing it, as if they had seen a broad road leading to peace.

"Long live the Uchiha!"

"Long live the Clan Leader!"

"The Uchiha's flame will illuminate the entire Sengoku!"

First the first, then the second, then the third, and finally even the refugees taken in by the Uchiha, the Civilians responsible for cultivating the land and forging iron, joined in, raising their arms and cheering.

"What profound lines could that kid Madara come up with?"

Standing in the corner of the succession platform, Kōshi Uchiha and the other Elders stared at Madara's back, muttering inwardly.

When he glanced at Izuna's back on Madara's left, he couldn't help but pause, and a guess floated in his heart.

After the succession ceremony, Madara didn't stop, and immediately summoned the higher-ups to prepare for his first high-level meeting as Clan Leader the next morning.

Even after becoming the Clan Leader, there were still many things to be busy with.

In the early morning, he took off his armor from the battlefield, put on a thick and solemn robe, and entered the council hall again.

Madara, who had originally sat in the decision-making position, now sat in the Clan Leader's seat, representing the highest power.

Izuna also sat to Madara's left as he wished, representing the Vice Clan Leader position of "Clan Leader's Deputy".

"Today, I formally assume the position of the new Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan. Everyone, feel free to speak your mind about any beneficial proposals for the clan."

After becoming the Clan Leader, Madara's aura also changed, like a sharp knife sheathed, but occasionally revealing its edge.

"The first thing to do is naturally to allocate duties."

Second Elder Uchiha Tenzou said: "In the battle of Mount Kumogakure, there were many casualties. In addition to the previous Clan Leader, many comrades in important positions also died in battle. We need to replenish them in a timely manner to ensure the normal operation of the entire clan."

The Jonin below were somewhat saddened by the deaths of many comrades, but they couldn't help but feel excited, as this represented the possibility of promotion!

"Of course. Last night, I discussed the new candidates for each position with the three Elders and the decision-making team. If you have any objections, you can raise them immediately..."

As Madara spoke, he took out a list and read: "Administrator, Takihiko Uchiha, Intelligence Reconnaissance Team, Uchiha..."

He read out a long list of positions and candidates.

Very few people objected, because this was indeed a decision made based on the merits and strength of each individual.

There was no nepotism or back door dealings.

"Finally, the highest person in charge of the Mount Kumogakure camp, Uchiha Gakugyo."

The last position made everyone's expression freeze.

Mount Kumogakure, the boundary line between the Uchiha and Senju Clan Grounds, one of the most important garrison locations for the Uchiha.

The highest commander who was previously responsible for garrisoning there had died in battle, so it was only natural to send a master over there.

However, although this position was very high, it was also very difficult.

This was also natural. There, one had to be on edge all the time, ready to prevent the Senju's surprise attacks, but it was also easy to make meritorious achievements.

It could be said to be a position with high status, high rewards, and high risks.

For a time, many Jonin began to murmur in their hearts.

Was Madara intentionally pushing Uchiha Gakugyo, who had competed with him for the Clan Leader position, into danger, or was it Uchiha Gakugyo who proposed it?

However, Madara hadn't finished speaking, and continued: "In addition, it is announced that Elder Kōshi Uchiha is old and frail, and will enter a semi-retirement state from now on, and Uchiha Gakugyo will be a pre-selected Elder."

As soon as these words came out, the Jonin who were murmuring in their hearts understood, and couldn't help but secretly say that this old guy Kōshi Uchiha had a trick up his sleeve.

Seeing that his son couldn't become the Clan Leader, he began to prepare to push him to the position of Elder.

In any case, he himself was over sixty years old, and according to the average age of the Sengoku era, he didn't have many years left to live.

"Alright, the allocation of vacant positions is decided. Next, let's talk about the future development path of the Uchiha."

Madara put down the list and moved on to the second topic.

Third Elder Uchiha Kai suggested, "The three years of ceasefire with the Senju must be used well to avoid all wars, and at the same time, develop the power of the new generation."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Uchiha Kai's suggestion.

The Uchiha are indeed warlike, but they are not Saiyans; they won't fight for the sake of fighting, not caring if they die.

Right now, the Uchiha are battered and bruised and must recuperate.

But Madara's expression was strangely complicated.

He had just become Clan Leader, and according to tradition, he should make a splash with three fires as a new leader.

For example, conquering a small clan to show off his abilities as the new Clan Leader.

When Tajima Uchiha became Clan Leader, he immediately launched the North campaign, conquering two small Ninja clans in a row to establish the Clan Leader's authority.

Madara's fleeting complex expression was naturally seen by Izuna.

But Izuna just smiled faintly at this and did not show anything unusual.

At the end of the meeting, Izuna also brought out the set that Konoha schools would play with in later generations.

It's just that it's not a Jonin leading three students; there aren't that many Uchiha Jonin, but there are many students who must go to the battlefield.

One Jonin leads nine students, training, learning, and practicing combat.

The Land of Fire has not yet formed, and the entire Ninja continent is controlled by many city lords.

They hire Samurai and Ninja to do things they can't do themselves.

Although many of the things from later generations have not yet formed, the matter of taking on missions already exists.

Even if there is no war, this can be used as combat practice for students to cultivate.