Under the guidance of Uchiha Clan guards, Uzumaki Kuming passed through the Uchiha district and arrived at its innermost depths.
The streets in the Uchiha district were much like those elsewhere in the village, though they were somewhat quieter. From talking with the guard, Kuming learned that everyone living in the district belonged to the Uchiha Clan.
Even the owners of the shops along the roads were Uchiha. The practice of gathering an entire clan in one place and enclosing it behind high walls reminded Kuming of Shimura Danzō's policies.
Uchiha Fugaku's home was a typical courtyard house. It occupied a large plot, but there were no guards at the entrance. The person guiding Kuming stepped forward to knock on the door for him. A middle-aged woman opened it, apparently serving as a housekeeper.
"Miss Ayako, these people are friends of Clan Head Fugaku. They've come to see him."
"The clan head is at a clan meeting right now. Please entertain them for the time being."
"This is the Fourth Hokage. He's just returned to the village, so make sure he's well looked after."
The ninja guiding Kuming and the others spoke the last sentence quietly in the woman's ear, so only the two of them could hear. Sure enough, the woman named Ayako's expression shifted slightly. She glanced at Kuming before nodding.
Then she smoothed her disheveled hair, opened the door, and said to Kuming:
"Lord Hokage, please come in and sit down. I'll fetch the lady of the house."
Ayako Uchiha bowed slightly and extended her right hand toward the house. At that moment, Kuming's gaze settled on her wrist.
"That black tattoo is exactly like the one on the guard earlier."
"Could it be a coincidence? The Chakra it contains is different, but the technique is the