Daimyo's Commendation

Uchiha Yo had been taught a lesson yesterday, and only then did he realize that something so obvious to his mother had gone completely unnoticed by him. After yawning, Uchiha Yo headed to the training ground. He had arranged to meet his companions today to discuss what else they wanted besides the five lower-volume scrolls. The two had already arrived. Uchiha Retsu was injured, one arm in a sling, while his other hand held an osmanthus cake Uchiha En had brought for him and Uchiha Yo. Standing beside him, Uchiha En asked whether it was too sweet or a little too sticky. Why did it feel like these two big brothers had come for a picnic? Wasn't this the training ground...?

After some discussion, Uchiha En and Uchiha Yo went to find Uchiha Nobunaga. With the clan head accompanying them, they went to the Hokage Building to receive their commendation. After knocking on the door, they entered the Hokage's office. This was Uchiha Yo's second time here. As he watched Hiruzen Sarutobi walk behind his desk, his heart was filled with wariness.

Hiruzen Sarutobi launched into a speech about how everyone in Konoha was one family. He then gave a positive assessment of how the Uchiha Clan had diligently and painstakingly served Konoha over the years, expressing Konoha's gratitude for the Uchiha's contributions. To that end, it had been decided that the clan would receive a financial commendation next quarter. In addition, the Uchiha squad had performed exceptionally well during this spy pursuit operation and would be rewarded. Last time, you took the upper volumes, so this time, the lower volumes are for you. Apart from forbidden techniques and sealing techniques, you may also choose one ninjutsu scroll. Oh, and this is the daimyo's letter of commendation for the Uchiha's eradication of Black Market Valley. The daimyo expressed his approval of the Uchiha Clan's dedication to safeguarding the Land of Fire and hoped the Uchiha Clan would keep up its efforts and achieve even greater results. He then went on and on about how the Land of Fire and Konoha were closely linked, how the Uchiha were the foundation of Konoha...

Then the Uchiha clan head spoke, and it was nothing but another round of mutual flattery. At last, it was the children's turn. Uchiha En stepped forward and said, "Lord Hokage, we want the Dark Night Walking Technique."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the three left the Hokage Building. One matter remained on Uchiha Yo's mind: the daimyo's commendation. If not for that letter, he would have nearly forgotten that the daimyo was the nominal ruler of the Land of Fire.

After Uchiha Yo and Uchiha En took their leave of the clan head, they slowly headed toward the training ground. Uchiha En was the first to break the silence. "Yo, my grandfather told me yesterday that we were set up. It was probably the Great Elder, and your uncle must have been involved too. Most importantly, Teacher Ming was the one who carried it out. If Teacher Ming had simply told me that I needed to be bait, I would definitely have gone for the sake of the clan. But the way he did it made me feel like I had been betrayed."

Uchiha Yo looked at his somewhat agitated brother. Didn't he feel the same way? One of those involved was his own teacher, while the one who had devised the plan was his own uncle.

Uchiha En continued, "Our squad will probably be disbanded. Your mother is taking you to Iron Country to find your grandfather, and my grandfather wants me to go home and train with him. As for the reason, you should know. This squad's mission seems to be over! From beginning to end, we were all puppets on strings. What you said that day... I really hope it can come true someday. I'm leaving first. I hate goodbyes!"

Uchiha Yo watched his receding figure. Who liked goodbyes, anyway...? Dragging his heavy feet to the training ground, he found Uchiha Retsu staring blankly while holding a box of osmanthus cakes. As Uchiha Yo approached, he saw that it was a farewell letter from Uchiha En. When Uchiha Retsu saw him arrive, he handed over the letter and said, "En has left. I guessed right—you'll be leaving for a while too. No one can keep training under someone who betrayed them as though nothing happened. Our squad really has been disbanded."