Going Home

With that said, Inoue dropped to one knee and shouted, "Understood, Lord Kangetsu! This subordinate will certainly complete the mission!"

He turned and left immediately, while the others also knelt on one knee and shouted, "Lord Kangetsu, this subordinate takes his leave!"

No sooner had they spoken than they all vanished right before Kangetsu's eyes.

This scene left Tajima in shock, for he hadn't even sensed Inoue and the others move before they disappeared entirely. However, he could feel their presence reappearing not far from the house.

Tajima stood stunned, thinking to himself, What kind of ninjutsu is this?

Does the Uchiha clan possess such a technique?

While Tajima pondered this in his heart, Uchiha Madara, Izuna, and Meigetsu gazed at Kangetsu with expressions of pure adoration, impressed by the sheer number of subordinates he commanded.

Kangetsu, however, narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Mother, I'm hungry."

His voice, long accustomed to cold indifference, lacked any trace of emotion. Yet, despite his frigid tone, Eiko quickly replied, "Yes, yes! Mother will go make it for you right now—your favorite!"

With that, she hurried toward the kitchen.

Kangetsu walked silently past Meigetsu and came to a stop beside Madara, his eyes fixed on the boy's tightly clenched fists and the look of utter frustration on his face.

It wasn't just Uchiha Madara; Uchiha Izuna also stood with his head bowed in silence, his own fists gripped just as tightly.

Watching them, Kangetsu thought, Are you frustrated? Frustrated that your younger brother is out there killing, experiencing life and death, while you can only stand by and watch without taking any action?

After a moment, Kangetsu said softly, "Frustrated? Then work harder. Even though you are the older brothers, don't let it come to a point where I, the younger brother, have to protect you."

He walked past them, leaving behind two brothers who, despite their frustration, watched his retreating back with a deep sense of heartache.

Kangetsu then passed by Tajima, his scarlet eyes locking onto him.

Tajima, having activated his Sharingan at some point, looked at Kangetsu and said in a low voice, "You've returned."

"En. I'm back."

With that cold reply, Kangetsu brushed past Tajima and walked away without another word.

Uchiha Tajima let out a long, heavy sigh.

Seeing that Kangetsu had already disappeared from view, he walked over to Madara and the others and said, "The three of you go back first. Father has some business to attend to."

He walked out the door and headed toward the home of the Uchiha clan elders.