The news of Uchiha becoming a noble was even more shocking than the extermination of the Uchiha clan. This revelation spread through the ninja world like wildfire, and everyone who heard it couldn't help but react in disbelief.
There were mixed reactions. Some were envious, others despised it, while a few ignored the news. Yet, there were also those who felt deeply moved by this sudden turn of events.
The Konoha ninjas were the most affected, as they were too close to the Uchiha. Just ten days ago, they could still see the Uchiha clan members alive. In their spare time, Konoha's ninjas gathered in small groups, discussing the situation.
Some ninjas, aware of bits of insider information, passed the news along, fueling further curiosity. All eyes turned toward the Hokage's office, waiting to see how the village's leader would respond.
Meanwhile, the villagers, though less informed, were equally engaged in the discussions.
"Is this Uchiha really the same Uchiha from our village?" someone asked.
"Yes! Didn't you see? The news came directly from the Daimyo!" another replied.
"Uchiha, a noble now? By the way, has anyone seen the police force recently? Where did they go?" one villager asked.
"I heard the Uchiha were wiped out," another villager chimed in.
"Really? Then how did they become nobles?"
"Apparently, a single child survived," someone explained.
"This is completely unexpected."
"Yeah, no one saw this coming..."
The villagers' conversations spread like wildfire, and Sasuke's name quickly became the talk of the village. Previously, many villagers had viewed the Uchiha with disdain. But now that they had been wiped out, there was a newfound pity for Sasuke. A seven-year-old child, the sole survivor of his clan, should have collapsed under the pressure. Yet, not only did Sasuke endure, but he was also elevated to noble status. While some envied his position, others couldn't help but admire his resilience.
In turn, the Uchiha name gained newfound respect among the villagers. Many began to feel that Sasuke, as the last of the Uchiha, had shown incredible strength and determination, rising to nobility despite the clan's demise.
While the discussions in the village were lively, the real tension was in the Hokage's office, where Konoha's elders had gathered.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, silently puffed on his pipe, deep in thought.
The elders, Homura and Koharu, wore serious expressions, feeling the weight of the situation regarding Sasuke.
Suddenly, Danzo, filled with anger, stood up.
"Ridiculous! He must not be allowed to return to Konoha. What does he take the Leaf Village for? I'll have Root intercept him. I'll personally escort him back to the Fire City," Danzo declared.
However, his real intention was clear to everyone in the room. He planned for an "accident" to happen during Sasuke's return.
"No."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head firmly.
He could trust Danzo with many things, but not this. It would be disastrous if the newly named noble, and future fiancé of the Daimyo's daughter, were to die under Konoha's watch. Such an incident would irreparably damage relations with the Daimyo, who controlled much of Konoha's financial resources. Angering him would bring about chaos for both Konoha and the Fire Country.
"Danzo, there's no need to get worked up. Sasuke is still a part of Konoha. His decision to return shows that he still has ties to the village," Koharu chimed in, attempting to calm the situation.
Danzo shot her a sharp look.
"Foolish woman, you know nothing!"
He turned toward Sarutobi, hoping his old friend would reconsider. But the Hokage remained calm, taking a deep puff from his pipe.
"This situation is unprecedented, but there are unique circumstances here that others cannot replicate. Let Sasuke return. He is still a child of Konoha, and we cannot bar a child from his home. Homura, Koharu, make sure to guide the lower-ranking ninjas accordingly," Sarutobi said.
"Yes, of course," Homura and Koharu replied, bowing slightly as they left to carry out the Hokage's orders.
Danzo, filled with frustration, knew he had lost the argument.
"You're making a grave mistake, Hiruzen," he said bitterly.
"This is the only way to ensure the village's stability," the Hokage replied, meeting Danzo's gaze.
"You'll regret this."
"I am the Hokage," Sarutobi said firmly.
With that, Danzo stormed out of the office, leaving their relationship strained.
Two days later, Sasuke began his return to the village. When he had left, it was with a small group of four ninjas and a single carriage. Now, he returned with an entire convoy. The four ninjas remained, but now there were 200 more, and among them were four elite guards from the Daimyo's personal bodyguards—the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
The Third Hokage's son, Sarutobi Asuma, one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, was among the group, both to protect the convoy and to visit Konoha for some much-needed rest.
The convoy wasn't just to protect Sasuke. It was also for the Daimyo's daughter, Madoka Chika, who was traveling with Sasuke back to Konoha.
During the celebration of Sasuke's ennoblement, he had met Madoka Chika for the first time. She was a cute young girl, with a round face, large eyes, and fair skin. The moment Sasuke laid eyes on her, he accepted her as his fiancée. The two quickly grew close, with Sasuke using his knowledge from two lifetimes to charm her. He showered her with small gifts and made her laugh with jokes.
It didn't take long for the little princess to develop feelings for Sasuke. Excited by the prospect of seeing Konoha, she insisted on accompanying him.
The convoy also carried gifts from the Daimyo to Sasuke, as well as Chika's belongings—three entire carriages worth of her personal items, much to Sasuke's disbelief.
After nearly three days of travel, the gates of Konoha finally came into view.
"Brother Sasuke! Brother Sasuke! Is that Konoha up ahead?" Chika excitedly asked, peeking her head out of the carriage.
"That's right, Chika. We're almost home," Sasuke replied, gently patting her head, his eyes fixed on the familiar village ahead.
(End of this chapter).