Bird in a Gilded Cage

"You've arrived, Haori."

"Elder."

Inside a detached house belonging to the Uchiha clan, Haori bowed slightly to the old man before him, even though he felt somewhat displeased deep down.

Having just returned to the village and parted ways with Kakashi and the others, he hadn't even made it back to his own home before being brought directly here.

The reason was simple: Uchiha Setsuna, the Great Elder, wanted to see him.

This situation couldn't help but remind him of the time he met with Uchiha Fugaku several days ago.

Except that last time, he had received a brand-new main quest.

"Sit down, no need for such formalities."

Uchiha Setsuna was currently pouring tea from a teapot, and a birdcage hung from a tree beside him.

A beautiful little bird was hopping around inside the cage, making him look just like an ordinary old man.

Seeing Haori enter, he nodded gently to signal him to sit, then finally spoke.

"Haori, would you like some tea?"

"Thank you, Elder, but no."

Haori shook his head; he didn't know the purpose of this Elder's meeting at such a time.

Furthermore, he didn't like this Elder; after all, he hadn't forgotten how he had been forcibly roped into being used for propaganda by him.

"Young people might not be used to drinking tea yet, but believe me, you'll grow to like it once you reach a certain age."

Uchiha Setsuna shook his head slightly, took a sip of tea, and then turned his gaze toward Haori.

"Your performance this time was excellent. Your deeds are being spread all over the village now."

"'Hero of the Sharingan', what a wonderful title."

"Thank you, Elder."

Haori was actually quite surprised to hear this; he hadn't expected his exploits on the front lines to have already spread throughout Konoha.

But thinking about it carefully, it was understandable. Konoha had been caught in the middle of a pincer attack and had suffered heavy losses.

Regardless of who completed that mission, the village would likely promote it heavily to boost morale.

Besides, once the ninjas from the front lines returned, the matter would spread sooner or later, so Konoha might as well promote it openly and generously.

Moreover, Haori had already guessed the reason why this Elder was looking for him now.

"It's a pity that you aren't the only 'Hero of the Sharingan'."

Uchiha Setsuna set down his cup, his gaze fixed quietly on Haori.

"And one of them is a dead man, while the other is not a member of the Uchiha clan."

It was just as Haori had expected; once his deeds spread through Konoha, it would inevitably bring up another matter.

That was the case of Kakashi and Obito.

Giving a clan's bloodline limit to an outsider—what Obito had done could no longer be described as merely foolish.

The Sharingan had always been coveted, but due to compatibility issues and the strength of the Uchiha, few dared to act on it.

But now, with a successful case like Kakashi, more people would likely yearn to become the next 'Kakashi'.

Take Shimura Danzō, for example; it was very likely that he had seen Kakashi's success and found inspiration in it.

"Elder, I am very sorry."

Haori pondered for a moment, adopting the same attitude he had used to play word games with Namikaze Minato behind enemy lines, before speaking slowly.

"But I am only a chunin, and Jonin Minato was present at the time; he indicated that he would visit the Uchiha at a later date."

"Is that so?"

Uchiha Setsuna continued to look at Haori calmly, and it was only after a long while that he nodded.

"Then what do you think Konoha's attitude will be? When Namikaze Minato visits the Uchiha, what will the clan head's attitude be?"

"Elder, I am just a chunin."

Haori frowned and emphasized it once more.

In truth, Konoha's attitude was already somewhat obvious, or else they wouldn't have promoted it like this.

By solidifying this matter and then negotiating slowly, no matter the final outcome, Konoha would not fall into a disadvantageous position in terms of public opinion.

If they kept the Sharingan, it would be 'following the will of the deceased', and it wouldn't give the impression of seizing a bloodline clan's secrets.

If they lost the Sharingan, it would be the Uchiha 'completely disregarding the dying wish of a hero', while Konoha respected the clan's choice.

Occupying the moral and public opinion high ground meant that no matter the result, the only loser would be the Uchiha.

Haori would absolutely not wade into such muddy waters; if there were any problems, they would inevitably be Uchiha Fugaku's problems.

After all, Uchiha Fugaku was a lunatic who 'sought wealth through sycophancy', sending Haori to the battlefield without knowing the mission details.

Given this way of 'showing filial piety', he shouldn't be surprised that Haori triggered a new main quest.

For a moment, the two fell into silence, with only the chirping of that bird continuing incessantly.

"It seems you don't wish to discuss this matter too much, Haori."

After a long while, Uchiha Setsuna shook his head, looking slightly disappointed.

He picked up a cup of tea, took a light sip, and then spoke in a low, lingering tone.

"I have heard that you displayed extraordinary intelligence behind enemy lines, but it is fine if you do not wish to speak of it.

Just as you said, you are merely a chunin."

Having said this, Uchiha Setsuna paused slightly, his gaze turning somewhat serious.

"However, there is one thing I must tell you: no matter what you think, you belong to the Uchiha.

Your power, your bloodline, and even everything you have now were bestowed upon you by the clan.

I hope that in the future, you will consider things more from the clan's perspective and prioritize the clan's honor above all else.

You are a smart man, and I believe you understand what I mean."

After saying these words, Uchiha Setsuna picked up his teacup again, while Haori frowned slightly.

This old man seemed to be much more sensitive than he had imagined.

However, Haori soon gave a carefree smile; even if the man was sensitive, he seemed to have misjudged the direction.

"I understand the elder's meaning, and I have always taken pride in the Uchiha."

Haori nodded gently, indicating his agreement with the elder's words.

"As long as you understand. I said you were a smart man, and I hope you truly understand."

Uchiha Setsuna also revealed a smile, saying earnestly.

"Perhaps the clan has treated you unfairly in the past, whether regarding your previous life or this mission.

But as a member of the Uchiha, you need to remain hungry; only then can you continue to move forward.

And now, you can have everything you want, because the Three-Tomoe Sharingan is what you have gained this time.

Furthermore, you can obtain even more, and there will be a seat for you at the clan meetings.

But I hope you always remember my words: everything you have is bestowed by the clan.

The clan's glory and the clan's interests must be higher than everything else in your heart!"

"I will remember that."

Haori pondered for a moment before finally nodding.

So, Uchiha Setsuna was here today to keep him in check, while also offering him a 'sweet treat.'

But he likely had a deeper motive for doing this, didn't he? To brand him thoroughly as a 'hawk'?

"Go on, you just returned and need to rest, our clan's hero."

Uchiha Setsuna's smile remained as he spoke slowly to Haori, though he emphasized the final sentence slightly.

"Elder, then I shall take my leave."

Haori also stood up with a smile, though his gaze swept over the birdcage still hanging on the tree nearby.

Looking at the bird inside—with its full plumage, locked in a cage where it could only chirp joyfully but never fly freely—he paused for a brief moment.

However, he quickly withdrew his gaze. Although a smile still hung on his face, his eyes had turned somewhat cold.