The Uchiha Clan Compound, Fugaku's home.
In the solemn residence, afternoon sunlight filtered past the eaves and fell onto the tatami mats lining the corridor.
The pines and cypresses in the courtyard were meticulously pruned, and a faint fragrance drifted through the air from the tea room.
Fugaku sat cross-legged in a corner of the corridor, listening to his subordinate's report with his brows tightly furrowed.
Uchiha Tekka stood half a step below Fugaku, saying nothing as he quietly awaited the clan head's response.
"Ryuichi... was killed?"
Fugaku let out a heavy sigh, genuine regret flashing in his eyes.
Even in the Uchiha Clan, which produced elite shinobi in abundance, a jonin who had awakened the Sharingan was an invaluable fighting asset.
Ryuichi's death was a tremendous loss to both the village and the Uchiha.
"Tekka, set aside an additional sum from the clan's budget for Ryuichi's family, separate from his death benefits.
He hadn't gone home in months, all so he could teach young Kou. And now he's even given his life.
He did everything he possibly could for the Uchiha. We... must not let him down."
"Yes, sir!"
Tekka answered firmly and bowed respectfully.
Fugaku nodded and continued solemnly:
"Also, send an elite squad to the place where he died and see if they can recover his body.
Young Kou should have already destroyed Ryuichi's Sharingan in accordance with clan rules, but a hero's remains deserve a proper burial."
"About that..."
Tekka opened his mouth, a trace of hesitation in his voice:
"Kou brought Ryuichi's body back, along with the bodies of his fallen comrades from outside the clan.
Ryuichi's body has already been placed in a coffin. We're only waiting for your instructions on whether to bury him in the Konoha Heroes Cemetery or here in the