The Choice

"You've arrived. Well done. You haven't let your surname down. Never forget that we are the strongest clan; the Uchiha clan is forever proud!" A handsome middle-aged man wearing a jōnin uniform looked at his proud son with a smile. "Your mother has prepared a meal at home. We'll go home for lunch. You are a genin now; you must act like a man." "When I was your age, I was still in the clan academy, but don't get cocky. Our clan has nothing if not geniuses. The most important thing is to awaken the Sharingan. The Sharingan is the foundation upon which our clan stands firm in the ninja world!" "I spoke with your uncle this evening; he'll come over for a small banquet to celebrate you becoming the youngest genin in Konoha."

That's right, this chatterbox of an uncle was Uchiha Yo's father, Uchiha Ieyasu. Uchiha Yo once suspected that behind every aloof Uchiha was a talkative Uchiha. "But Yo, have you considered it?"

"Considered what?" "Are you going to join the Police Force, or join a regular mission squad?" "I think I should ask my uncle first; it doesn't seem that simple." "I'll handle your uncle. No matter where you go, I support you. Don't worry, with me here, I guarantee everything will be foolproof. Anyway, let's hurry home; don't make your mother wait."

He spent the whole way back boasting to other clan members in the Police Force, leading Uchiha Yo home. Uchiha Yo felt embarrassed, as if he were Uchiha Madara reincarnated.

"You're back. Yo, congratulations on becoming a ninja!" A gentle woman gave the protagonist a hug, holding him tight, and whispered, "Promise mother you will be careful. Do not be soft-hearted toward enemies; your kindness will become a kunai aimed at yourself. Always stay vigilant, be careful, and be even more careful." Red light flashed in the gentle woman's eyes, and a pair of three-tomoe Sharingan looked exceptionally beautiful under the sunlight. "Today is a happy day since our child has become a ninja; let's not talk about such things for now," Uchiha Ieyasu urged. These were Uchiha Yo's parents in this life: a talkative father with connections and a gentle mother with a hidden past. Such a warm family was what the protagonist cared about most in this world. No one could destroy it, absolutely no one. He swore to himself that no matter what, he would protect this home.

That evening, his uncle's family and his aunt's family came to celebrate. There was his stern cousin Uchiha Fugaku and his grinning cousin Uchiha Rei. Truly, goofballs and the aloof were the main themes of the Uchiha household.

"Yo, your father told me about your future path. I want to hear your thoughts." His uncle, with a serious face, stared at the protagonist, seemingly trying to see through his every subtle movement.

"Uncle, I have decided to join the Police Force to contribute to the clan and to Konoha." "Very good. Remember to report tomorrow afternoon." "Thank you for your hospitality."

As everyone left, his father drank gloomily. "Why not join a mission squad? I had already secured a chance for you to break away. You have been clever since you were young and handle things with discretion. Can you not see the current situation clearly? Can you not feel the attitude of the other villagers toward us?" "Enough! It is better that he isn't in a mission squad; at least it is safe. Having clan brothers look after my son is much better than those ingrates out there. Who knows if they would stab him in the back during a mission!"

"Father, Mother, I have my own reasons. Please respect my decision." Not wanting to dwell on this topic, he walked quickly back to his room, closed his eyes, and thought, Father is still too kind and thinks too simply. He thinks that joining a mission squad would allow me to integrate into Konoha and gain recognition from the top brass. Even if the entire Uchiha clan knelt, it wouldn't change anything. Only through unity and becoming stronger—using absolute power to make the top brass afraid to act—can we ensure the clan's stability.

See you tomorrow, Konoha!