Moving to Konoha Center

The group walked toward the Uchiha Clan compound. Once they reached the gate, Uchiha Fugaku finally spoke: "Zhan, why on earth did you reject Shikaku Nara's proposal?"

"The Third Hokage has signed his resignation, the position of Hokage is vacant, and you avenged the Fourth Hokage and the villagers by driving away the mysterious assailant."

"You even demonstrated your power, letting everyone know that your strength is the greatest in Konoha. Why not seize such a perfect opportunity?"

Uchiha Fugaku voiced what everyone was thinking. Everyone looked at Uchiha Izuna, hoping for an explanation.

Uchiha Izuna chuckled: "We just published the newspaper, and the Third Hokage immediately steps down. If the Uchiha Clan takes the position of Hokage, won't people say this is a conspiracy? That it was a blatant setup by the Uchiha to seize the Hokage's seat?"

Uchiha Fugaku laughed in frustration: "So what if they say that? We have the advantage of time and place right now; we can just kill anyone who says it."

Uchiha Izuna looked at him and said slowly: "If one person says it, you kill one. If ten people say it, you kill ten. But what if it's a hundred, a thousand, or even half of Konoha? Can you kill them all?"

Uchiha Fugaku fell silent. He lowered his head. To be honest, he had been blinded by the impending victory. Seeing the Uchiha on the verge of ascending to that supreme position, Uchiha Izuna's rational decision to stop left everyone heartbroken.

"If all you want is to vent the Uchiha's anger, I will take men to slaughter Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō right now, and wipe out their clans."

The Uchiha ninjas were shaken. They shook their heads; they only wanted the village to stop ostracizing the Uchiha, not to commit genocide.

Uchiha Shisui looked at Uchiha Izuna with a smile. He knew Uchiha Shisui wasn't a bloodthirsty man. Uchiha Itachi looked at Uchiha Izuna, feeling that his younger brother's perspective was even higher than his own—perhaps even higher than that of a Hokage!

"If the Uchiha wants the village and the people of Konoha, then don't worry about these temporary gains and losses! The day we win over the hearts of the people is the day we ascend to the position of Hokage," Uchiha Izuna said with a faint smile.

Everyone felt relieved. As long as Uchiha Izuna had ambition, they could rest easy. They followed Uchiha Izuna to change their fate; he was their backbone!

Seeing that everyone was placated, Uchiha Izuna laughed: "However, I am taking you to collect a little interest right now."

Uchiha Itachi raised an eyebrow: "What does that mean?" He looked at Uchiha Izuna, puzzled.

Uchiha Izuna looked at everyone: "Notify all Uchiha ninjas and all the civilians. Now, follow me and move the clan compound to the center of Konoha!"

As his words fell, the entire crowd went silent for three seconds, followed by cheers.

"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!!!!!"

"Lord Zhan is mighty!"

"Back to the heart of Konoha!!!!"

They shouted as they headed toward their homes. Uchiha Izuna curled his lips upward; they really were a simple-minded clan. A mere relocation had them dancing with joy.

However, Uchiha Izuna, who knew the plot, knew this wasn't their fault. After being suppressed for so long, being able to return to the center of Konoha was a moment of vindication.

At the same time, this was a declaration to Konoha: The Uchiha Clan has returned!

In less than an hour, all the Uchiha had packed their luggage and stood at the gate of the compound. Things that were difficult to move were left behind for now.

Zongyi Uchiha volunteered to guard the home until everything was settled, at which point he would return to the center of Konoha.

This gesture earned him a nod of approval from Uchiha Izuna. Although they had argued over ideology at first, Zongyi Uchiha seemed to be leaning toward Uchiha Izuna now.

Uchiha Izuna naturally saw no need to hold a grudge against Zongyi Uchiha; they were all one family, after all.

Uchiha Fugaku watched this scene, his eyes slightly moist. Back then, they had been forced to move to the outskirts in humiliation, and many had voiced their grievances.

Buying groceries, going to school, or picking up missions—everything required an hour-long walk. It was incredibly inconvenient.

Now, under his son's leadership, they were actually returning to the center.

Uchiha Izuna looked at the Uchiha clansmen carrying their luggage and bundles, and said: "Move out!"

"Move out!!!"

"Going home!!!"

Uchiha Izuna led the way, with Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui acting as his left and right guardians. Uchiha Fugaku followed behind them, organizing the clan's relocation.

Although they were tired, they walked with their heads held high, a sense of honor welling up from within.

As they walked through the streets of Konoha, they attracted much attention. Most people knew about the Hokage situation and that the Uchiha Clan had been framed, so they came out to greet them and offer water.

Uchiha Izuna responded with a smile, allowing his men to drink the water but forbidding them from touching any food. They would not take so much as a needle or a thread from the masses.

The loyalty of the Uchiha ninjas toward Uchiha Izuna had reached its peak; he was the one who had restored their dignity and was leading them back to the center.

Seeing the Uchiha Clan's integrity, the villagers cursed themselves for being beasts, having treated these good people with such harshness.

Soon, news that Uchiha Izuna was leading the Uchiha Clan toward the center of Konoha spread throughout the village.

Hyuga Hiashi smiled and brought Neji Hyuga, Hinata Hyuga, and his confidants to welcome them on their path.

But when Hyuga Hiashi arrived, he saw Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, and Inoichi Yamanaka leading a ceremonial guard, beating drums and gongs as they waited for Uchiha Izuna's arrival.

Hyuga Hiashi's mouth twitched. Stop trying so hard! You're making us look stiff!

Neji Hyuga glanced at his uncle, blinked, and then ran toward Shikaku Nara with Hinata Hyuga.

"Uncle Nara, can you give us a drum? We are good friends with Uchiha Izuna!" Ever since Neji Hyuga had dealt with the Caged Bird, he had become much friendlier, treating everyone with courtesy and humility.

He was nothing like the arrogant youth in the original story who used his martial talent to mask his deep-seated inferiority!

Hearing this, Shikaku Nara laughed immediately: "What are you saying? The Ino-Shika-Cho trio and the Hyuga Clan have always had a good relationship, and we may be working together in the future."

"So, take this drum!" As he spoke, Shikaku Nara pointed to a large red drum and two drumsticks!

Neji Hyuga's eyes lit up: "Thank you, Uncle Nara!" With that, Neji Hyuga hugged the large drum and walked toward the Hyuga Clan, with Hinata Hyuga following close behind.

Shikaku Nara looked at Hyuga Hiashi, his eyes filled with smugness, as if to say: "Brother, even though we are colleagues, you just don't have the social grace for this~"

Hyuga Hiashi snorted and turned his head away. He had to admit that in this regard, he was no match for Luming Nara!