When Did Konoha Start Bearing the Shimura Name?

Early the next morning, before the thin mist outside the Uchiha compound had dispersed, the street entrance was already packed with ANBU.

Two full squads, sixteen people in total, stood with their ninja swords half-drawn, sealing off the gates completely.

The cat-masked captain responsible for delivering the order last night stood at the front, his palms soaked with sweat.

The Hokage's orders to him had been very clear: escort the four of them to the Council Chamber, and do not cause any unnecessary trouble.

But this was the Uchiha compound, home to a bunch of ruthless people who dared to awaken their eyes whenever their emotions flared.

Not to mention that the Uchiha Clan had produced two genuine pairs of Mangekyo.

This was not picking people up. This was beating a gong at the entrance to a powder keg. Hit it a little too hard, and the whole village would be attending a funeral feast.

The ANBU behind him did not dare speak. They could only stare at the tightly shut gates, each breathing more quietly than the last.

Creak.

The heavy wooden gates finally opened from within, and the morning mist drifted through the gap.

Ye was the first to step out, his hair still carrying the messy look of someone who had not fully woken up. He opened his mouth in an utterly unrestrained yawn.

Obito followed behind, leaning on his newly replaced wooden cane, while Kakashi and Rin walked side by side at the rear.

The four of them carried no additional Ninja Tools, and no Uchiha clansmen accompanied them. It was far too quiet.

The cat-masked captain's heart, which had been hanging in his throat all night, finally settled halfway back into his stomach.

Ye stood on the steps and swept his gaze over them before