Chapter 166: The Tour
"You're too kind." Shisui straightened, gaze sincere. "I'm only standing on the shoulders of those who came before."
Fugaku gazed at the capable, steady young clan leader before him, recalling that bright-eyed youth who'd once been at Itachi's side. He couldn't help lamenting how swiftly time passed.
"Walk with me." Fugaku said warmly. "I want to see the current Uchiha."
Shisui readily agreed. The three walked slowly along the Naka River.
Along the way, clan members constantly greeted Shisui. Older shinobi who recognized Yu bowed respectfully.
"After opening the clan grounds, there was indeed considerable opposition initially." Shisui explained unhurriedly. "But gradually, the younger generation began intermarrying with other clans. Children made friends at the academy... These changes made clan members realize that integrating with Konoha didn't mean losing ourselves."
They paused beside a training ground. Several Uchiha youths were instructing students from other clans in Fire Style, patiently explaining hand seal techniques.
"This is an exchange program that started at the academy." Shisui explained. "Children from various clans learn about each other's jutsu characteristics."
Fugaku remained silent for a long while before finally saying softly, "It seems I was wrong." He looked toward Yu. "If only we could have been this open and inclusive back then, perhaps..."
Yu shook his head gently. "Every era has its limitations. What matters is that the current Uchiha has found the right path."
Fugaku nodded before taking one last look at those vigorous young faces on the training ground, then asking, "I heard the Sarutobi and Shimura clans left Konoha. What happened with that?"
Fugaku's question made Shisui's expression shift slightly. He looked at Yu, who nodded lightly, before slowly speaking.
"It's a long story." Shisui's voice lowered. "After the incident with the Uchiha that night, the village conducted a series of reforms, including re-examining responsibility for the Nine-Tails incident."
Fugaku's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"The investigation uncovered extensive evidence of Shimura Danzo and his Root organization's violations." Shisui's tone was calm yet heavy. "Including illegal experiments, assassinating political enemies... Danzo has been executed. As for the Sarutobi clan..."
He paused, looking at Yu.
Yu naturally took over. "Though the Third Hokage was unaware, he was indeed negligent. Under public pressure, both clans voluntarily proposed leaving Konoha." He paused briefly before adding, "The truth about the Nine-Tails incident has been acknowledged by all clan heads and the Hokage. It had nothing to do with the Uchiha. They needed to compensate for the slander back then."
This explanation was quite tactful.
In truth, thirteen-year-old Yu had, after the incident, used absolute force to push down the entire Konoha leadership's heads, forcing them to admit their mistakes, trampling the so-called "Will of Fire" underfoot to gain the justice the Uchiha deserved.
All of it was merely the result of power intimidation—nothing to do with truth or right and wrong.
Even today, the older generation of Konoha clan heads still shuddered hearing his name.
But Yu didn't want Fugaku to know the truth, nor did he want young clan members to know.
Fugaku's generation still harbored some sentiment for the "Will of Fire"—otherwise, on the eve of the massacre, they wouldn't have sought reconciliation with Sarutobi Hiruzen, remembering past ties.
Though such things were worthless before power, if he knew the truth, Fugaku would surely feel even more guilty.
Yu understood his adoptive father too well—he'd definitely keep thinking that if only he hadn't been so indecisive back then, if only he'd been strong enough, the later tragedy wouldn't have occurred.
Since things had already happened, there was no need to make his reborn adoptive father grieve over the past again.
Fugaku listened quietly. After a long while, he exhaled lightly.
"That's for the best." His tone was calm yet carried some regret. "Unfortunately, truth always arrives after tragedy."
That turmoil had cost the Uchiha nearly all their jonin-level strength. None of his former subordinates survived.
Thinking of this, pain flickered through Fugaku's eyes.
Seeing this, Yu consoled warmly, "Adoptive Father, let the past remain in the past. We should look forward. Hope lies in the future."
Shisui also timely added, "That's right, Lord Fugaku. The current Uchiha and Konoha are both developing in positive directions. Let the past go."
Both men's consolations eased Fugaku's expression somewhat.
He straightened his clothing, tone recovering composure. "I've understood the Uchiha's current state. Next, I should see Konoha's changes."
Hearing this, the two behind him exchanged glances.
Shisui made an "OK" gesture toward Yu—last night he'd coordinated stories with the Hokage's office.
The three left the Uchiha compound, arriving at Konoha's main street entrance.
Fugaku gazed at the scene before him, unable to help freezing in place.
Konoha's main street scene made Fugaku feel as though in a dream.
Both sides of the street were hung with fluttering banners, bright red silk embroidered with golden welcome messages:
"Welcome Lord Fugaku's Return—Respectfully from the Hyuga Clan"
"May Uchiha-Konoha Friendship Endure—Nara Shikaku"
"Building Beautiful Konoha Together—The Akimichi Clan"
Every few steps revealed different clan emblems fluttering in sunlight. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio's combined banner was especially conspicuous. Yamanaka flower shop employees were distributing bouquets streetside, immediately bowing upon seeing them.
"This..." Fugaku was momentarily speechless.
What surprised him even more was that several usually rare-to-see clan heads were actually waiting in the street's center.
Hyuga Hiashi, wearing formal attire, stepped forward first and bowed.
"Fugaku-kun, welcome back."
His posture was modest yet respectful, though his gaze unconsciously glanced toward Yu. This Hyuga clan head who always emphasized propriety now seemed somewhat nervous.
Nara Shikaku then stepped forward, words sincere. "Long time no see. You look well as always, Fugaku-kun." His phrasing was cautious and appropriate yet couldn't conceal the awe deep in his eyes.
Even the usually casual Akimichi Choza bowed properly, voice booming. "Welcome, welcome."
Shops on both sides opened their doors wide, proprietors standing at entrances bowing in welcome. This scene reminded Fugaku of how merchants used to avoid Uchiha clan members on the streets.
"They're..." Fugaku lowered his voice, unable to hide his surprise.
Yu and Shisui exchanged glances.
Shisui looked somewhat embarrassed—last night he'd informed the Hokage's office that Yu would accompany Fugaku touring Konoha. He hadn't expected them to prepare such a grand welcoming ceremony.
This scale matched exactly when he'd led wandering Uchiha clan members back years ago.
Seems these people's wariness of Yu hadn't diminished in the slightest.
Seeing Shisui unable to respond, Yu naturally took over. "These years, they've always been this enthusiastic. Don't mind it."
His gaze swept blandly across the assembled clan heads. Anyone his sight touched unconsciously lowered their heads. None dared meet his eyes.
Fugaku remained immersed in shock.
Though Yu and Shisui had repeatedly emphasized the Uchiha and Konoha now coexisted harmoniously, but—but this was way too polite.
In his impression, they hadn't been this respectful even when meeting the Third Hokage.