Choice

"You're back. Well done—you've lived up to your name. Never forget that we're the strongest clan. The Uchiha Clan will always be proud!" A handsome man in a jonin uniform smiled at his beloved son. "Your mother made a meal at home. We'll go back and eat together at noon. You're a Genin now, so act like a man. When I was your age, I was still attending the clan academy. But don't get conceited. We have no shortage of anything in our clan, least of all geniuses. The most important thing is awakening the Sharingan. It's what allows our clan to stand tall in the Shinobi World! I talked to your uncle last night. He'll come over this evening, and we'll have a little party to celebrate you becoming Konoha's youngest Genin."

That's right, this talkative man was Uchiha Yo's father, Uchiha Ieyasu. Uchiha Yo had once suspected that behind every cool and aloof Uchiha was a talkative one. "But Yo, have you made up your mind?"

"What do you mean?" "Are you joining the Military Police Force or a regular mission squad?" "I think I should ask Uncle first. It doesn't seem that simple." "I'll talk to your uncle. Whatever you decide, I'll support you. Don't worry—I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. Now, hurry home. We don't want your mother getting impatient."

He walked Yo home, bragging to the other members of the Military Police Force along the way. Listening to him made Yo feel embarrassed, as if he were Uchiha Madara reincarnated.

"You're home! Congratulations on becoming a ninja, Yo!" A gentle woman hugged him tightly. In a quiet voice, she whispered, "Promise me you'll be careful. Don't show your enemies any mercy. Your kindness could become a Kunai aimed at your own back. Always stay alert. Be extra careful." A red glow appeared in the gentle woman's eyes, and the three Tomoe in each eye looked especially beautiful in the sunlight. "Today is a happy occasion—our son has become a ninja. Let's not talk about that now," Uchiha Ieyasu said, trying to comfort her. These were Uchiha Yo's parents in this life: a talkative father with powerful connections, and a gentle mother with a story of her own. This warm family mattered more to him than anything else in the world. No one could destroy it. No one. He silently swore to protect his family, no matter what.

That evening, his uncle's family and his aunt's family came to celebrate. His unsmiling cousin, Uchiha Fugaku, and his cheeky younger cousin, Uchiha Rei—the Uchiha Clan really did seem to have both wisecrackers and ice-cold types in abundance.

"Yo, your father told me about your career choice. I'd like to hear what you think." His stern-faced uncle stared at Yo, as though trying to read every tiny movement he made.

"Uncle, I've decided to join the Military Police Force and do my part for the clan and Konoha." "Very good. Remember to report in tomorrow afternoon." "Thanks for the meal!"

After everyone left, his father drank in gloomy silence. "Why not join a mission squad? I've already tried to get you a way out. You've always been smart and sensible. Can't you see the situation we're in? Can't you feel how the other villagers treat us?" "Enough! It's fine if he doesn't join a mission squad. At least he'll be safe. His clan brothers will look after him, and they're better than those ungrateful outsiders. Who knows if someone might stab him in the back during a mission!"

"Father, Mother, I have my reasons. Please respect my decision." Not wanting to discuss it any longer, he hurried back to his room, closed his eyes, and thought, Father is still too kind. He's thinking too simply. He thinks joining a mission squad will let him fit in with Konoha and earn the leaders' approval. Even if the entire Uchiha Clan bowed down to them, nothing would change. Only by standing together and growing stronger, by making ourselves so powerful that the leaders wouldn't dare act, could we keep the clan safe.

See you tomorrow, Konoha!