By now, quite a few Uchiha clan members had gathered in the hall.
Ever since this imposing building had gone up, everyone had been guessing what it was for.
Some said it was a training ground; others said it was a meeting hall.
Some even guessed that Clan Head Gentō had built himself a private residence specifically to keep secret mistresses.
Today, when they heard that Fugaku had returned carrying Mission Scrolls, their curiosity grew even stronger.
Word spread quickly, and in less than half an hour, a crowd had gathered at the hall's entrance.
They peered inside in little groups, chattering nonstop.
"Hey, what do you think this place is for? Lord Fugaku brought back so many scrolls."
"No idea. Shall we go in and look?"
Fugaku ignored the noise at the entrance.
He set the heavy wooden box on the counter, opened the lid, and began reading through the Mission Scrolls one by one.
Having served as head of the Konoha Military Police Force for years, he knew the clan members' abilities inside out.
Who excelled at tracking, who was good at fighting, who was meticulous enough for escort missions, and who was quick-witted enough for reconnaissance.
He had a clear mental record of them all.
As he read, he silently matched each mission to suitable candidates.
"This C-Rank escort mission..."
He pulled out the first scroll and skimmed its contents.
"Escort a merchant to the Land of Tea. Seven days for the round trip, with possible bandit encounters. Tekka's squad can take this one. They work well together and have combat experience."
Then he picked up the second scroll.
It was a B-Rank bandit extermination mission.
Fugaku's gaze turned serious.
A band of robbers had been plundering merchant caravans in the eastern mountains of the Land of