Summer was nearing its end, and a hint of autumn chill had already crept into the air.
The Courtyard's ground was snow-white, magpies and crows perched in the trees, and dew silently soaked the yellow flowers.
The next day arrived.
Having returned to Azure Tide Port from the Pocket Dimension where the God Tree stood, Xuandou did not search for the Shinigami mask to settle the matter of the otherworldly Shinigami once and for all.
Instead, he donned a solemn black kimono embroidered with the Uchiha Ping-Pong Gunbai Flag and led a great procession of Uchiha clan members toward Naka Shrine.
Today, he was going to accomplish something of great importance.
Among those heading to the Shrine were Uchiha elders who had lived through the Warring States period, as well as the clan's middle-aged generation, but most were new clan members born here after the relocation to Azure Tide Port.
Fugaku, Shisui, Kagami, Itachi, Sasuke...
Several of Xuandou's children: Hanyu, Mitianxia, Sōsuke, Mikazuki, Hiiragi, Mirai, Yunyou, and Shiwa.
Apart from a few who were still too young, such as Xuandou's three children who were not yet a year old-Yuzu, Shiroya, and Baichen-
And Uchiha clan members unable to attend because of circumstances beyond their control, such as illness, unconsciousness, or being stationed elsewhere.
Almost the entire Uchiha Clan turned out. Even some clan members with disabled feet set off, supported by several others.
A sea of people filled the way.
Everyone wore a solemn expression as they climbed the steps toward the Shrine, one step at a time, their hearts filled with reverence.
Naka Shrine was the Uchiha Clan's ancestral shrine, the center of its clan governance, and the hiding place of its greatest secrets. It was the heart of both Uchiha spirit and authority, its standing equivalent to the