Shift Change and Return

The search and rescue mission in the ruins of Whirlpool Village lasted for a week.

Within the ruins of Whirlpool Village, they managed to save only a dozen or so villagers and ninja who still had a breath of life left in them.

"Nao-kun, we haven't found any survivors for three days now. Let's head to Konoha!"

Uzumaki Nao understood by now that there would be no more survivors.

His pale face nodded. "Very well, Nara-kun."

The two Whirlpool Village ninja leading the Uchiha squad were both jonin named Uzumaki Nao and Uzumaki Qu, both of whom were skilled in sealing techniques.

Amidst the grief of their shattered homeland, these Uzumaki clansmen and survivors all looked deathly pale, clearly unable to accept the reality that their home had been destroyed.

"You cannot stay in Whirlpool Village any longer. Those forces might return to search this area frequently. Come with us to Konoha!"

Nara said to Uzumaki Nao.

As a clan with a thousand-year history, seeing them vanish into thin air like this made the Uchiha, also a clan of a thousand years, feel a sense of shared sorrow.

A great clan of thousands was now reduced to a mere handful of stragglers; it was practically the same as total annihilation.

Uzumaki Nao nodded without replying, silently leading the ninja and villagers rescued from the ruins as they followed behind the ninja squad.

"Once we reach our garrison, you can rest for a few days. I will escort you to Konoha then; it just so happens to be time for our rotation."

"Nara-kun, thank you very much."

Although Uzumaki Nao was in no mood to talk, he had to respond politely.

While Uzumaki Nao was not in the mood for conversation, Nara certainly was, and he probed indirectly:

"I have heard that your clan's sealing techniques are peerless. Perhaps the unknown ninja attacked precisely for that reason. Once you are in Konoha, you won't have to worry about such things anymore."

"The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques have long since been taught to Konoha. Since we are moving to Konoha, we naturally won't be coveted like this again."

Uzumaki Nao said indifferently, while simultaneously pulling a scroll from his pocket and tossing it to Nara.

"The Uchiha are also a clan of a thousand years, yet I have never heard of any famous sealing techniques among you. This is a scroll of our Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques; see if Nara-kun has any interest in it."

Nara took the scroll, feeling somewhat delighted. This Uzumaki Nao was quite sensible, knowing that the Uchiha were not well-regarded in Konoha.

The so-called Land of Whirlpools Style Sealing Technique was entirely monopolized by the Hokage faction. The Uchiha hadn't even heard of them, let alone seen them.

"In that case, many thanks. I truly do wish to study and learn about the path of sealing techniques."

Having accepted the gift, Nara's favorability toward Uzumaki Nao increased; this brother was sensible and easy to work with.

The Uzumaki and the Senju clan of Konoha were old family friends. Now that the Senju clan had retired, the relationship had extended to Konoha and Whirlpool Village.

Uzumaki Nao knew that Whirlpool Village had long ago passed its sealing techniques to Konoha. By handing a copy to Uchiha Nara now, he was both currying favor with a major Konoha clan and not leaking the techniques to outsiders, as it was still people from Konoha Village learning them.

The Uchiha could be considered saviors of the Uzumaki clan. Since a benefactor was interested, giving them a copy of a technique already circulating in Konoha was a way to forge personal friendship.

As the premier clan of Konoha, building a good relationship with the Uchiha would likely make life easier for them in the future.

During the rotation along the eastern coast of the Land of Fire, Nara's squad led the Uzumaki survivors toward Konoha.

Konoha.

Hokage Building.

Third Hokage: "My apologies. After receiving the distress signal, we dispatched ninja to Whirlpool Village immediately. I only hope there are survivors!

From now on, you will be settled in Konoha. Whirlpool Village and Konoha were old friends; perhaps you should have come to Konoha long ago."

Hiruzen Sarutobi comforted Uzumaki Fei, who had led the orphans, as he took a puff from his pipe and sighed.

"Thank you for Konoha's shelter." After Uzumaki Fei arrived in Konoha to pay his respects to the Hokage, the sorrow of his lost nation, combined with Hiruzen Sarutobi's gentle and approachable demeanor, caused Uzumaki Fei to drop his guard and break into tears.

"Go now, child. I have already arranged land and housing for you. From now on, you are members of Konoha.

Where the leaves of Konoha dance, fire also burns on. The light of the fire will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout.

You, the new leaves, have already arrived in Konoha Village; you will sprout and take root here."

Seeing Uzumaki Fei's unbearable grief, Hiruzen comforted him, taking the opportunity to spread the Will of Fire to encourage those who had lost their homes and country.

"Yes! I will definitely protect the Uzumaki seedlings so they can take root and sprout!"

At this time, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still in his prime, known as the Professor, but the kind and approachable temperament he would later be known for was already evident.

After leaving the Hokage's office, Uzumaki Fei felt at ease. After his contact with the Third Hokage, he actually felt that perhaps they could live better in Konoha Village.

When they eventually came into contact with Danzo Shimura, they might not feel that way anymore.

Land of Rain.

Danzo Shimura sneezed and couldn't help but feel suspicious. He had always been strong and healthy, so why would he sneeze for no reason? Was it Hiruzen Sarutobi?

Danzo shook his head.

Night.

Uchiha Clan Grounds, Naka Shrine.

Although the ninja world is currently embroiled in the Second Great Ninja War, it does not affect the Uchiha clan meeting.

Following the Senju clan's withdrawal from the limelight, the Uchiha stand as the premier clan of Konoha. Controlling the Konoha Military Police Force, they are truly a high-ranking, prestigious, and noble family.

"Very well. Those who support Uchiha Nara for clan head, please raise your hands."

Of the hundred-plus ninjas present, nearly half raised their hands, the majority being members of the Military Police Force.

"Very well. Those who support Uchiha Fugaku for clan head, please raise your hands."

Again, nearly half of the hundred-plus ninjas raised their hands.

"Very well. The count is complete: Uchiha Nara, 55 votes; Uchiha Fugaku, 56 votes."

"Wait, we old fogies haven't cast our votes yet."

The elderly ninjas sitting in the elders' seats spoke up.

At this moment, both Nara and Fugaku were somewhat nervous; both were the young elite of the Uchiha clan and the rising faces of the Uchiha's public image.

The vote count was neck and neck. Fugaku had originally thought he would win by a narrow margin, but he hadn't expected this twist.

Nara, meanwhile, stared dry-eyed at the old men, hoping they would cast their votes for him.

"You are both outstanding young men, and I think highly of both of you. How about this: have a spar. Whoever wins shall receive the votes of us old men."

Choosing a clan head is not the same as choosing a brawler; while strength is important, popularity is even more so.

The fact that the clan members' votes differed by only one shows that both men are highly regarded by many.

Fugaku is currently 17, four years older than Nara. Between the ages of 12 and 16, a ninja's strength grows rapidly, and at 13, Nara has yet to fully mature.

Fugaku, however, has already finished developing; his tall stature gives him a significant advantage.

Hearing the elder's words, Nara nodded. Without this chance to spar, he would have already lost, as the Great Elder holds more prestige among the clansmen.

Although this contest is not entirely fair, Nara still has the strength to put up a fight.

Uchiha Nara is known as Copy Ninja Naraku, while Uchiha Fugaku is known as Wicked Eye Fugaku. Both are Uchiha elites who earned their reputations after only two stints on the battlefield.

Because of this, Konoha hurriedly reassigned the Uchiha to guard duties far from the front lines, preventing the two from accumulating further merit.

"Nara, you are no match for me. Give up; I will make you my right-hand man."

Fugaku said calmly. Uchiha Fugaku is quite precocious and powerful; were it not for Nara's sudden emergence, there would truly be no one to compare to him.

"Brother Fugaku, that is exactly what I wanted to say to you."