Danzo's death marked the end of Konoha's old era.
The next morning, hundreds of clan members gathered in the Uchiha Clan Compound's assembly hall. The atmosphere was fervent and solemn. It was the most important meeting the Uchiha Clan had held in decades—the family's revival assembly.
Xingye stood on the stage, his Mangekyō Sharingan slightly activated. His powerful presence plunged the entire hall into silence.
"Fellow clan members," Xingye began, his voice clear and strong. "Today, at last, we can hold our heads high."
Thunderous applause erupted below. Excitement shone in the clan members' eyes.
"Danzo is dead," Xingye continued. "The mastermind behind the Uchiha Massacre has finally received the punishment he deserved."
"The Uchiha Clan's grievances have finally been cleared."
Applause rang through the hall again. Many of the older clan members even wept with emotion. They had lived through the years when the Uchiha Clan was ostracized, and they knew the fear of persecution. Now, it was all over.
"But," Xingye said, changing course, "revenge isn't our goal. What we truly need to do is change the fate of the Uchiha Clan."
"Starting today, the Uchiha Clan will no longer be Konoha's 'threat,' but its 'pillar.'"
"We'll prove our worth through strength and wisdom."
The hall fell silent. Every clan member listened closely to Xingye.
"The Third Hokage has already promised," Xingye continued, "that the Uchiha Clan will receive the position it deserves in Konoha."
"The Uchiha Police Force will be upgraded to the Uchiha Guard Corps, becoming one of Konoha's core forces."
"Members of the Uchiha Clan will join Konoha's various important departments and contribute to the village's development."
Another wave of enthusiastic applause erupted. The Uchiha Clan's revival was finally becoming a reality.
Fugaku walked up beside Xingye and took the microphone.
"Fellow clan members," Fugaku said, his voice full of emotion, "we've waited a long time for this day."
"My son, Xingye, changed the fate of our clan through his wisdom and courage."
"As clan head, I'm proud to have a son like him."
Applause thundered through the hall as the clan members shouted Xingye's name.
"Xingye! Xingye! Xingye!"
Xingye bowed slightly in thanks.
Itachi also stepped onto the stage, standing beside Xingye and Fugaku.
"Brother," Itachi said, gazing at Xingye with admiration in his eyes, "you changed our fate."
"Itachi, this is the result of our efforts together." Xingye patted Itachi on the shoulder. "You'll need to keep working hard in the future."
Itachi nodded solemnly. "I'll follow you, Brother, and protect the Uchiha Clan together."
The applause rose again as the clan members cheered the rise of the Uchiha Twin Stars.
Xingye returned to the front of the stage, his expression growing serious.
"Fellow clan members, though we've won, this is only the beginning."
"Greater challenges lie ahead."
The hall quieted. Everyone watched Xingye, waiting for him to continue.
"The Akatsuki," Xingye said slowly, "has already taken notice of me."
"They plan to gather the Tailed Beasts and enact the Eye of the Moon Plan. I won't let their scheme succeed."
An uproar broke out. The Akatsuki was one of the greatest threats in the Shinobi World, and the hidden villages of every nation were helpless against them.
"Xingye," an elder said, rising to his feet, "the Akatsuki has S-rank missing-nin. Can we really fight them?"
"We can," Xingye said firmly, "because I don't represent only the Uchiha Clan. I represent all of Konoha."
"I've already reached an agreement with the Third Hokage. The Uchiha Clan will become one of Konoha's core forces, and together we'll fight the Akatsuki."
"And," Xingye continued, "I also have Orochimaru's help."
The hall erupted in astonishment. Orochimaru, the S-rank missing-nin who had betrayed Konoha, was going to become Xingye's ally?
"That's right, Orochimaru," Xingye explained. "He may be evil, but he's highly capable. If I can put his abilities to use, fighting the Akatsuki will be much easier."
"Besides, Orochimaru's research will also be of great help to Konoha's future."
The clan members murmured among themselves. Some supported the idea; others questioned it.
Xingye fell silent for a moment, then continued. "I know some of you can't accept working with Orochimaru."
"But please trust me. I've made every possible preparation."
"I've brought Orochimaru under my control. He won't betray me."
"And we need more allies."
"The Sand Shinobi, the Stone Shinobi, the Mist Ninja—the hidden villages of every nation should unite and fight the Akatsuki together."
The clan members began nodding, gradually understanding Xingye's plans.
"Xingye," another elder said, rising to his feet, "you have such a broad vision."
"This isn't just the Uchiha Clan's revival. It's a transformation of the entire Shinobi World."
Xingye smiled faintly. "You're too kind, Elder. I only want to change this cruel world."
"From today on, the Uchiha Clan will no longer limit itself to the interests of our family. We'll strive for peace throughout the Shinobi World."
The loudest applause yet erupted. The Uchiha Clan's revival wasn't just a victory for the family—it was the beginning of a new order in the Shinobi World.
"Next," Xingye said, "we'll get down to the specific tasks."
"First, the Uchiha Guard Corps will be formed within a month and officially become one of Konoha's core forces."
"Second, the Uchiha Clan's elite will join Konoha's important departments, including Anbu, the Konoha Military Police Force, and even the office of the Hokage Advisor."
"Third, we'll take the initiative to establish ties with the hidden villages of other nations and prepare for a future Shinobi Allied Forces."
"Fourth, I'll personally track the Akatsuki, gather intelligence, and devise a battle plan."
The clan members listened attentively. Each of them understood the responsibilities they would have to shoulder.
"Finally," Xingye said, "I want to tell every member of the clan something."
"The Uchiha Clan's revival isn't just for ourselves."
"It's also to prove that the Uchiha Clan doesn't have 'cursed Sharingan,' but 'Sharingan that protects.'"
"We'll make the entire Shinobi World see the Uchiha Clan in a new light through our strength and wisdom."
Another round of enthusiastic applause broke out. Pride and hope shone in the clan members' eyes.
"Xingye," Fugaku said, stepping beside him, "the future of the Uchiha Clan is in your hands."
"Father," Xingye replied, "it's the future of all of us."
Itachi came over as well, standing beside Xingye and Fugaku.
"Brother," Itachi said, "I'll become your most loyal partner."
Xingye looked at Fugaku and Itachi, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile.
"The three of us hold the future of the Uchiha Clan in our hands."
The loudest cheers yet rang through the hall as the clan members shouted the three men's names.
"Xingye! Fugaku! Itachi!"
"Xingye! Fugaku! Itachi!"
After the meeting, Xingye stood alone on a high platform in the Uchiha Clan Compound, gazing out over all of Konoha.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The villagers were busy with their daily lives, and children played in the streets.
"I'll protect this peace forever," Xingye murmured.
Just then, the system's voice sounded again.
[System Notification: Volume Three Complete] [Congratulations, host. You successfully prevented the Night of the Uchiha Massacre and revived the Uchiha Clan.] [Reward: Strength increased to late Kage Level; obtained new skill: Rinnegan Prototype]
Xingye's heart leaped with joy. Late Kage Level! Rinnegan Prototype! These were formidable powers.
With these powers, I'll be able to protect Konoha and the Shinobi World even better, Xingye thought.
Xingye gazed into the distance, anticipation shining in his eyes. "Akatsuki, Black Zetsu—your end is near."
Xingye turned and saw Fugaku and Itachi coming up onto the platform as well.
"Xingye," Fugaku said, "the road ahead may be even more difficult."
"I understand, Father." Xingye nodded. "But I'm ready."
"Brother, I'll follow you to the very end," Itachi said.
"Itachi, Father," Xingye said, looking at them with determination in his eyes, "let's work together to change this cruel world."
The three stood together, gazing at the sky in the distance. The sun was setting, bathing all of Konoha in gold.
The Uchiha Clan's revival was only the beginning. Greater challenges still lay ahead.
But this time, the Uchiha Clan would no longer wait passively. They would strike first.
Xingye, Fugaku, and Itachi—the Uchiha Big Three—would lead the entire clan toward a new golden age.
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