Return to Konoha

When the carriage reached the main gate, it came to a stop. Uchiha Yo stepped out and saw the First Elder, his uncle, and several elderly people being supported. He understood that the clan elders had come to receive his grandfather. Uchiha Yo and the handsome uncle greeted them one by one, then the carriage slowly headed toward his grandmother's grave.

When they arrived at the clan cemetery, some clan members had already prepared everything and waited quietly for his grandfather's arrival. Uchiha Yo saw familiar faces: some of his mother's close friends, his three teachers, his aunt's family, and his uncle's family. He also saw his good brother. The two did not stand together, instead standing behind the First Elder and Third Elder respectively.

After a simple farewell ceremony, Uchiha Yo's family thanked everyone in turn. His mother held his grandfather's portrait as she sat in the carriage, while his father remained by her side. Uchiha Yo drove the carriage, and the family returned home.

The next day, Uchiha En and Uchiha Retsu came over. The three had not seen each other for a long time and had much to talk about. After explaining things to his mother, they headed for Hokage Rock together.

When they reached Hokage Rock, Uchiha Retsu spoke up. "Yo, you were gone for so long. At first, I thought you were only going out to clear your head, but I never expected you to return only now. Oh, right, En and I have both been promoted to squad captains. I have three squads under me now. Hehehe." Uchiha Retsu said smugly. Uchiha En continued, "I've already become a Chunin. How about we spar? That way, we can get a more direct understanding of our training over these past years."

Uchiha Yo shrugged, signaling that he had no problem with it, then formed the seal of confrontation with Uchiha En. The instant Uchiha En moved, he activated his Sharingan. Then he saw Uchiha Yo close his eyes, take a deep breath, and assume a sword-drawing stance. Uchiha En shouted, "Fire Release: Fire Dragon Technique!" He then created two Shadow Clones. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!" "Fire Release: Dragon Flame Technique!" "Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet!"

Uchiha Yo had already felt the scorching heat before him. The hand loosely resting on his sword hilt clenched in an instant. "Sword Draw: Sky-Cleaving!" "One-Sword Style: Fine Snow!" "Uchiha-style Swordsmanship: Flash Cutter!" The three consecutive sword techniques not only scattered the combined ninjutsu, but also destroyed the two Shadow Clones. His sword was already back in its sheath, its hilt pressed against his friend's heart.

Uchiha En wore a look of astonishment, while Uchiha Retsu stared dumbfoundedly and muttered, "This guy's become even more of a monster..." Regaining his senses, Uchiha En asked, "Did you learn that swordsmanship from your grandfather?"

"Mm. Grandpa didn't just teach me swordsmanship. He also taught me what it meant to be a true strong person," Uchiha Yo said. Then he looked toward the forest beside them. Seeing that no one emerged after a long while, he bowed toward the trees and said, "You two, come with me to the Military Police Force. I need to see my uncle."

Uchiha Retsu threw an arm around Uchiha Yo's shoulders, and the three of them headed for the Military Police Force. In the forest, Uchiha Ming remained silent. He seemed unwilling to meet his former team member yet. As for Uchiha Yo being able to discover him, he merely assumed that Uchiha Yo had grown stronger over the years. The little monster had returned home...

When they arrived at the Military Police Force, they explained their purpose to Uchiha He. He nodded and gestured for them to enter. When they walked into the captain's office, they found that little had changed. His uncle stood by the window, looking outside. Uchiha Yo stepped forward and said, "Uncle, this time I brought back a ninjutsu I developed myself. I want to submit it to the clan and add to the Uchiha Clan's collection of ninjutsu."

Hearing this, Uchiha Nobunaga turned to his nephew. "Is it the Rasengan? Your father mentioned it in his letters. You've worked very hard these past years, and your grandfather was an extraordinary ninja. This technique is highly valuable. This is an appointment letter promoting you to Chunin and squad captain. Also, you can offer this technique to the village, but you can't say that you invented it. Say it was your grandfather. As for what you want in exchange from the Hokage, decide for yourself." With that, he handed Uchiha Yo an appointment letter.

Uchiha Yo chuckled. "Then thank you, Uncle. If there's nothing else, I'll go collect my uniform. Oh, Father also asked me to deliver a letter to you. He said he'll be staying home with Mother these next few days, so he won't be coming in to report." Uchiha Nobunaga took the letter and asked doubtfully, "Why did he need you to deliver a letter? Didn't he just come by? He even said he was coming to your house for dinner tonight..."

He opened the letter in front of Uchiha Yo, then shook his head and chuckled before handing it to him. The letter was his father's recommendation. It said that Uchiha Yo was incredibly talented and would surpass him, his father, in a few years. Those were not his father's words, but his grandfather's final words. It praised Uchiha Yo as unmatched under heaven, one of a kind on earth, and someone who would one day stand alongside the Uchiha Clan's ancestors. It also pointed out that his son's good brothers had all been promoted while Uchiha Yo, despite his formidable strength, was still a Genin. How could he, as his uncle, bear it? Just make him a deputy captain or something and let him lead seven or eight squads...

Uchiha Yo did not know whether to laugh or cry. He said to his uncle, "Uncle, I'll take this letter back first. See you tonight." Uchiha Nobunaga nodded with a smile and waved him off. After Uchiha Yo left, he looked out the window again and muttered, "Father, Little Brother is still that idiot, but I've become the clan head. Senior Ieyasu has passed on too. The Uchiha have lost another strong one..."