Harvest

Hearing that Shisui was to be sent to Shino Academy, the Uchiha Clan once again broke into hushed, astonished murmurs.

However, after Fugaku swept his gaze over them, they immediately quieted down considerably.

Shino Academy.

The Uchiha Clan naturally knew that it was an academy dedicated to systematically training Shinigami, teaching all kinds of Shinigami skills. Upon graduation, one could become an official Shinigami.

Its nature was much like the Ninja Academy.

Naturally, the Uchiha Clan had no objections to Kenma's decision. On the contrary, they strongly approved of it.

Kenma had already mapped out the Uchiha Clan's future direction, and Shisui was one of the clan's greatest geniuses. It was excellent for him to have a different path ahead of him.

Shisui's existence was equivalent to the clan's public emblem, the first roar the Uchiha Clan had sent out after descending into this world.

Upon hearing Kenma's decision, Shisui's expression turned solemn. He dropped to one knee. "Shisui will certainly not disappoint my lord's cultivation."

"Mm. Return to Seireitei with me first. In a few days, Shino Academy will begin accepting students from outside. I'll take you there then," Kenma said.

"Shisui understands."

Fugaku, standing nearby, seemed hesitant to speak. Kenma saw it clearly and frowned. "Fugaku, is there some difficulty? Speak plainly."

"Yes, my lord. Please allow me to explain... We have seen that my lord is alone and still lacks attendants at his side. Could we select a few capable men from the clan to handle some ordinary affairs for you?"

Fugaku secretly glanced at Kenma above him, his tone somewhat uneasy.

Kenma was interested.

He was now the Fourth Seat of the Second Division and also the captain of the Onmitsukidō Guard Unit. Though he had Subordinates within the division who followed his orders, he lacked trusted confidants.

Now that Fugaku had brought it up, he simply asked, "Do you have suitable candidates?"

Fugaku nodded. "After several days of training, a few clan members have completed the introductory stage and possess considerable Spiritual Pressure. They are sufficient to serve as my lord's Subordinates."

Seeing Kenma nod, Fugaku gestured toward several people in the courtyard. Three men then stepped forward and knelt on one knee in the open space before Kenma.

"We greet my lord."

Fugaku introduced them to Kenma. "My lord, these three were all elite Jonin of the Uchiha Clan in life. They awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan and were also the first to condense Spiritual Pressure after arriving in the Soul Society. Please inspect them."

Kenma looked over the three men's expressions and examined the Spiritual Pressure within their bodies, then nodded lightly.

"Not bad."

The three had only just begun cultivating, yet they already possessed the Spiritual Pressure of ordinary Shinigami members. They were barely worth using.

As they continued cultivating, their strength would at least reach vice-captain level. They would surely become valuable aids to him.

"Raise your heads and state your names."

Hearing the command from above, the three Uchiha raised their heads. Their scarlet Sharingan lit up as their proud voices rang through the courtyard.

"Uchiha Yashiro."

"Uchiha Tekka."

"Uchiha Inabi."

Kenma looked over the three of them: a middle-aged man with brown hair, a young man with long black hair, and another young man with short black hair and a black mole on his forehead.

One experienced elder leading two energetic young men—together with Shisui, they made a standard Ninja squad.

After committing their names and appearances to memory, Kenma said to them, "For now, the three of you will serve as guards at my side. When the time is right, I will assign you to the Onmitsukidō."

Kenma generally stayed in either the Second Division or the Shikokuin Family estate, so he had no real need for guards.

The so-called guards were merely a title. He would keep them at his side to cultivate for a while, and once they grew stronger, they would be more useful in his hands.

"Understood."

As soon as the words fell, the three stepped away with still-unfamiliar movements and vanished into the courtyard, concealing themselves.

Watching the three disappear in an instant, Kenma sensed them. They had already concealed themselves nearby and were carrying out their duties as guards.

He was startled. It was not only Shisui who possessed talent; even these three were exceptionally gifted.

"In barely ten days, they have not only learned Flash Step, but have also mastered those Kido."

"Uchiha... truly a treasure worth digging into."

Seeing Kenma accept the three, Fugaku and the others below let out sighs of relief.

The Uchiha Clan had already become deeply bound to Kenma. If one suffered, they all suffered; in Life and Death alike, they would prosper together.

They had eagerly put forward the three men for two reasons. First, to display the clan's own value; second, to protect the safety of this New Lord.

Even if they were not strong enough for now, they could still offer the Uchiha Clan some measure of comfort.

At the very least, should danger arise, they could step forward and take the blade for Kenma.

Elder Setsuna raised his brows at Fugaku from the side, signaling for him to bring up the most important matter next.

Fugaku's hesitant look in response made the old man sigh inwardly. He had known Fugaku would be unreliable at a time like this.

As the clan head, he could not lower himself or bring himself to say it aloud. It could only fall to an old fellow like him, one who had lived far too long, to step forward.

Setsuna cleared his throat and stepped out, his cheeks slightly red as he said to Kenma above, "My lord, there is one more matter. At present, many members of the Uchiha Clan can feel Hunger. Um... the money you left behind earlier is somewhat insufficient. Could you perhaps..."

Before the old man could finish, Kenma understood.

Looking at the hundred or so Uchiha in the courtyard, he realized he had not considered this matter.

"As for money, I have plenty. There is no need to worry."

Previously, supporting so many people at once would have been rather difficult for Kenma.

But now, he held the Shikokuin Family's financial authority in his hands. Supporting the entire Uchiha Clan was no problem at all.

Using the Shikokuin Family's assets for his own benefit, Kenma did not feel the slightest bit embarrassed about it.

Whether in life or after death, he had always clearly understood that he was not a good person!

"Thank you, my lord."

After kneeling in thanks, the old man made a promise.

"The Uchiha Clan has already adapted to life in the Soul Society. From now on, we certainly will not trouble my lord with such matters."

If the Uchiha Clan was to put down roots in the Soul Society, they would have to become self-sufficient in the future.

They could not always rely on others for aid. The proud Uchiha Clan simply could not afford to lose that much face.

After discussing the clan's future direction with the Uchiha for a while longer, Kenma had largely accomplished the purpose of this trip.

Moreover, his gains had been exceptionally plentiful.

As he prepared to leave the Uchiha Clan with Shisui and the other three, Kenma looked at the four following behind him, then waved a hand at Fugaku and the others. "This area will be yours from now on. Use it as you please."

This place lay on the outskirts of Junrin'an District. The concentration of Reishi was not low and was sufficient for the Uchiha Clan's cultivation.

It had originally been a gift from the vice-captain of the Second Division, but Kenma gave it to the Uchiha Clan without the slightest reluctance.

"Thank you for your generosity, my lord!"

After bowing deeply, they watched with grateful expressions as Kenma boarded the carriage and departed with Shisui and the others.