When Shaoyu led a long line of clan members through the gates of the compound, the first to spot them was Uchiha Shisui, who was practicing shuriken throws at the edge of the training ground.
"Big brother?!"
"Ah, my foolish little brother."
Shisui's eyes lit up. Then he saw the dark mass of clan members behind Shaoyu, dressed differently yet all carrying a familiar presence. A huge look of delight instantly bloomed across his young face. Forgetting even to put down the shuriken in his hand, he sprinted toward Shaoyu.
"Brother! You're back! And you brought... brought so many, so many clan members back!"
His shout alerted the others within the compound.
Before long, the first ten Uchiha who had followed Shaoyu in defecting here, led by Uchiha Mihuo, poured out from the houses and training grounds.
When they saw Hachidai, Uchiha Inabi, and so many faces they knew or did not quite know, but which undeniably belonged to Uchiha, they froze in disbelief before erupting in wild joy.
"Brother Hachidai? Inabi? Is that really you?!"
"You... you really came?!"
"Wonderful! This is wonderful! The compound is finally going to be lively!"
Mihuo and the others rushed forward excitedly, embracing Hachidai, Inabi, and the rest tightly and patting each other hard on the shoulders. Some even had tears glimmering in their eyes.
Though they had chosen different paths, the ties of blood and the warmth of seeing fellow clansmen in a foreign land instantly washed away the previous distance and unfamiliarity.
"Come on, don't just stand there! You must be tired from the journey."
Mihuo quickly came to his senses. As the compound's current de facto daily manager, he showed his capable side and called out to the original ten clansmen.
"Prepare hot water and clean clothes! Bring out all