c55: Liang Zi Is Finally Settled
The desire to return to the village after prolonged border duty is strong for most frontline Konoha shinobi but not so much for Orochimaru and Uchiha Gen.
For Orochimaru, the solitude of the border had offered the perfect environment for continuing his forbidden experiments and advancing his research without surveillance from Konoha's higher-ups. For Uchiha Gen, the absence of clan politics and village bureaucracy had allowed him to focus on training, reflection, and improvement of his Sharingan and taijutsu without interruption.
Yet, the decision to return to the village was not left to personal preference. Upon receiving formal orders from the Hokage's office, Orochimaru began preparing for the official transition, packing up his lab equipment with a hint of reluctance.
When the first batch of shinobi slated for return arrived at the Fire Country border, the appointed liaison officer conducted an in-person transfer of authority. With the formalities completed, the group began their journey home to Konohagakure.
The long-awaited return felt urgent, like an arrow released from a taut bow. The Konoha shinobi, hardened by combat and weary from border duty, traveled with unprecedented speed arriving at the village gates in two-thirds the usual time.
However, their rapid advance caused an unexpected issue: the welcoming delegation hadn't yet assembled.
In previous weeks, every returning group of shinobi had been met with proper ceremony. Surely this final and most battle-scarred unit, which had suffered the greatest casualties during the Third Shinobi War, could not be allowed to return unnoticed.
And so, the returning ninjas waited at Konoha's grand gate. A young gatekeeper chuunin, startled by the early arrival, sprinted toward the Hokage's office to report the oversight.
Roughly thirty minutes later, Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived in person, flanked by a sizeable contingent of Konoha's upper echelon elders like Homura and Koharu, clan leaders such as Hyuga Hiashi and Aburame Shibi, veteran jōnin including Hatake Sakumo's peers, and dozens of enthusiastic villagers.
The clan heads and ranking ninja maintained decorum, exchanging reserved greetings and formal acknowledgments. In contrast, the civilian population many of whom had relatives in the returning unit burst into cheers, calling out names and waving as they rushed forward.
Though there were no festive drums, paper lanterns, or ceremonial lion dances as one might see during the Fire Festival, the atmosphere buzzed with life and joy.
The warmth of the welcome struck a deep chord in the hearts of the returning shinobi. Their months spent in mud and blood at the war-torn borders now seemed validated. Several warriors, not known for emotional displays, blushed slightly under the praise.
After the excitement began to subside, Orochimaru and the other high-ranking commanders accompanied the Third Hokage to the administrative quarters for a debriefing, while the rest of the group dispersed some to reunite with family, others simply to collapse in their own homes.
Since most of the Uchiha shinobi had returned in earlier waves, Uchiha Gen made his way to the Uchiha compound alone.
As he reached the wide entrance adorned with the clan's fan crest, he paused in mild surprise. Standing by the gate were three familiar figures: Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Shisui, and a very young Uchiha Itachi, who clutched Mikoto's hand and looked up curiously.
"Sister Mikoto, you're here to greet me?" Gen asked as he approached with a smile, visibly moved.
"It was Fugaku who asked us to come," Mikoto replied warmly. "It's hard to gather many people on short notice everyone's attending to their own duties. So only the three of us were sent. I hope you're not disappointed."
Her tone was gentle, motherly consistent with the Mikoto seen in both manga and anime, always the composed and gracious matron of the Uchiha clan.
"Of course not!" Gen responded sincerely. "I'm grateful to the clan head for the gesture and to you for coming out to meet me."
It was a simple yet effective move one that could subtly reinforce clan unity and loyalty.
Gen wondered if this idea had really come from Uchiha Fugaku. Though competent and devoted to the clan's strength, Fugaku was known for his rigid seriousness and often stern demeanor, as reflected in his interactions with both Itachi and the Konoha leadership.
This kind of personal, emotional diplomacy the soft touch that showed care without formality seemed more likely the idea of a woman.
Perhaps Mikoto herself, or even an elder woman in the clan, had suggested it.
Whoever it was, the message had been received. The battlefield may be behind him, but the political game in Konoha was just beginning.
At this thought, Uchiha Gen glanced subtly at Uchiha Mikoto, and he became certain it was either her idea or her personal initiative to come and greet him.
Uchiha Mikoto was clearly no ordinary woman.
As the daughter of Uchiha Setsuna, once a staunch hawkish voice in the clan and a known proponent of political reform, how could the current clan head's wife truly be the image of a demure housewife, all softness and gentleness, like the idealized "sister next door"?
In the original manga, Uchiha Fugaku is often shown discussing serious clan matters with Mikoto, suggesting that she was well-informed about Uchiha politics and strategies. Her quiet nature belied a sharp mind, fully aware of the clan's internal dynamics and movements.
"Itachi, call him properly."
"Brother Gen," Uchiha Itachi, who had been quietly gazing up at Gen, responded with a respectful and clear voice.
"Mm. Itachi, you've grown even taller again."
Gen Uchiha extended his hand and gently patted Itachi on the head. The motion, clearly intended to be affectionate, made the child frown slightly, though he did not retreat.
Gen noticed this reaction. This little one did he already think of himself as grown-up and mature?
Ridiculous. In both his previous and current life, Gen didn't dare claim full maturity himself.
Retracting his hand with a light chuckle, Gen said, "Long time no see, Shisui. How have you been?"
"Doing great! The war's finally over what more could we ask for?" Uchiha Shisui replied with his usual bright smile, a genuine optimism that made him stand out even among prodigies.
"Oh, right Gen," Shisui added, his tone dropping slightly. "Fugaku-sama asked me to pass on his apologies. He said he couldn't fully honor his original promise to you. So for now, like me, you'll be appointed vice-captain of the Konoha Military Police Force."
"It's because the two elders believe that you and I still lack sufficient experience and seniority. They think promoting us too quickly might not set the right precedent."
"To better prepare us, they want us to gain more leadership training first."
Mikoto's expression held genuine regret as she bowed slightly and added, "I apologize, Gen. The decision wasn't Fugaku's alone. The two elders—Uchiha Yashiro and Uchiha Inabi hold significant sway as both Police Force deputy commanders and clan elders. Their power counters Fugaku's authority in both spheres."
Uchiha Gen: "…"
To hell with the word "seniority" he hated hearing it.
As for "insufficient management experience" how could they know if he wasn't even given the chance?
The team he would be leading numbered only seventeen. How much administrative expertise could that really require?
Whether the two elders were trying to suppress him to uplift their own faction or whether they genuinely believed this approach to be beneficial, he still felt stifled.
"Shisui, what's your take?" Gen asked with a neutral tone.
"I think their concerns make sense," Shisui replied earnestly. "A bit more field experience would definitely help us grow into better leaders."
Gen Uchiha: "…"
That's it. You fear divine-level enemies less than you fear teammates like this. How could he react freely when Shisui offered responses like this?
Fine. Then let's play the long game.
Vice-captain was a position better suited to those content with comfort and routine.
For someone ambitious like Gen, true leadership was the only acceptable goal. But if he couldn't lead now, there was no point wasting effort on bureaucracy.
He would focus on increasing his strength in secret and wait for the right moment.
It wasn't worth openly clashing with the elders not yet.
Besides, the fact that Fugaku had agreed suggested that the elders and the patriarch had reached some kind of internal compromise.
Fugaku would likely not support him on this. Why risk losing political capital over a single talented youth?
Geniuses, after all, were only valued when they served a purpose.
To those in power, tools are revered when useful, discarded when not. Morality didn't factor into the equation only interest did.
Still, Gen silently recorded this slight.
He would make sure to pay it back with interest someday.
"The elders' reasoning isn't without merit," he said at last. "Vice-captain is fine. I'm still young there'll be more chances."
"Besides, I've been under Orochimaru-sama's tutelage recently. I wouldn't have had time to lead a unit properly."
"So I'll keep the title, but I won't engage too deeply. Orochimaru-sama's projects are a higher priority."
Though irritation lingered beneath the surface, Gen's face remained calm, even pleasant.
After all, a nominal position still meant a paycheck with no obligations.
If he couldn't lead, he might as well coast and take advantage of the situation.
But despite his calm expression, Mikoto's intuition told her he was quietly dissatisfied.
The elders' unexpected intervention might have hindered Gen, but for Fugaku, it was advantageous.
A frustrated prodigy, excluded by the elders, would naturally feel more inclined toward the clan head's side. It would ultimately strengthen Fugaku's political base.
"I'll let Fugaku know what you've said," Mikoto offered with a gentle nod.
Gen Uchiha: "…"
The last time, your husband agreed just as pleasantly, too.
"To make amends," Mikoto continued, "why not join us for dinner tonight?"
"Shisui will come as well."
Gen offered a polite smile. "Then I'll humbly accept."
He had to attend. Refusing would make him appear openly dissatisfied with the clan head which, in truth, he was but appearances mattered.
The elders might bear the brunt of this misstep, but Fugaku wouldn't escape it completely.
"Then I'll go prepare the meal."
"How about you, Itachi?"
"I'm going to train with Brother Shisui!" Itachi responded quickly.
"Gen-nii, do you want to join us?"
Gen Uchiha: "…"
Shisui's EQ was seriously lacking. Did he not realize Gen had just returned from a long, exhausting journey?
Still… it wasn't a bad idea.
He'd get a clearer read on Itachi's mindset and that was worth observing firsthand.
"Alright. But I need to stop by home first."
"We'll be waiting at the clan's third training ground," Shisui replied cheerfully.
"Understood."
Uchiha Mikoto watched the three youths interact, her heart filled with quiet joy. Her smile deepened.
Itachi already showed immense promise, and with guidance from his father, herself, and these two brilliant young men, his future would surely be limitless.
After settling the arrangements, the four strolled together briefly before parting ways.
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