By then, quite a few Uchiha clan members had already gathered in the hall.
Ever since this imposing building had risen from the ground, everyone had been guessing what it was for.
Some said it was a training ground, while others said it was a meeting hall.
Others guessed it was a private residence Clan Head Xuandou had built for himself, specifically to keep secret mistresses.
Today, hearing that Fugaku had returned carrying mission scrolls made them even more curious.
Word spread quickly, and in less than an hour, a crowd had gathered at the hall's entrance.
They peered inside in small groups, chattering nonstop.
"Hey, what do you think this place is for? Lord Fugaku brought back so many scrolls."
"No idea. Want to go in and look?"
Fugaku ignored the noise at the entrance.
He set the heavy wooden chest on the counter, opened its lid, and began reading through the mission scrolls one by one.
Having served as chief of the Konoha Military Police Force for years, he knew the clan members' abilities inside out.
Who was good at tracking, who excelled in combat, who was meticulous enough for escort missions, and who was quick-witted enough for reconnaissance missions.
He had a clear account of it all in his mind.
As he read, he silently matched the missions with suitable candidates.
"This C-rank escort mission..."
He pulled out the first scroll and scanned its contents.
"Escort a merchant to the Land of Tea. Seven days there and back, with possible bandit encounters. Tekka's team can take this one. They work well together and have combat experience."
He picked up the second scroll.
It was a B-rank bandit extermination mission.
Fugaku's gaze grew serious.
A gang of bandits in the eastern mountains of the Land of Fire had