My eyes widened as I jumped back, startled. I'd been practicing Kenjutsu, striking repeatedly at an old training log outside our clan heads home, when an ANBU agent appeared out of nowhere, crouched to the side, masked and silent as a shadow.
"Lord Uchiha," he addressed me with a deep, formal tone as I sheathed my tanto.
"The Lord Hokage has called you to his office. It's urgent that you come with me."
Hiruzen? My mind raced through the possible reasons for a summons this sudden. My position as clan head for the Uchiha held more weight now than ever, with Sasuke and I among the few survivors. Anything from village security to clan issues could be on the agenda.
"Of course," I said, masking my curiosity, and I activated my Sharingan to ensure I'd follow him precisely. "Lead the way."
Before I'd even finished speaking, he vanished, blurring into the wind. I performed three hand seals, focusing chakra for the advanced Body Flicker technique that Shisui had taught me, and launched myself forward in pursuit. It took all my focus to keep him within the faintest flicker of my Sharingan's view, and even so, I reached the top of the Hokage building several seconds after he had.
Once there, the ANBU glanced at me, perhaps noting my labored breath or my lagging arrival, though his expressionless mask revealed nothing. Without a word, he turned and led me into the building's upper corridors, and I steadied my breathing as I followed him down the halls.
In the Hokage's office, I found not only Hiruzen but also the Jonin Commander Shikaku and the three Elders. Their gaze turned to me as I entered, and I straightened, aware of the importance of this gathering.
"Lord Hokage," I greeted, bowing respectfully.
Koharu, one of the Elders, scoffed. "So, this is the young Uchiha Clan Head. How the mighty have fallen."
I kept my face impassive, meeting her dismissive gaze calmly. There was no point in rising to the bait.
"That's enough, Koharu." Hiruzen's tone was kind but firm, and he looked at me with a reassuring nod. "Young Katsuro here has done a commendable job managing the Uchiha's affairs alone. He deserves respect for it."
"Well, onto the matter at hand," Shikaku said, laying out four folders on the desk. "I assume you're familiar with the individuals in these files, Lord Uchiha."
Curious, I stepped forward, glancing down at the names and profiles displayed:
- Chunin Kaito Uchiha, 25 years old
- Chunin Aiko Uchiha, 19 years old
- Chunin Raizen Uchiha, 19 years old
- Chunin Ren Uchiha, 23 years old
I took each folder, examining the profiles and noting their skills and specializations:
**Chunin Uchiha Kaito**
- Affinity: Fire Release
- Specialties: Ninjutsu and Kenjutsu (tanto)
**Chunin Uchiha Aiko**
- Affinities: Yin Release, Fire Release
- Specialties: Genjutsu
**Chunin Uchiha Raizen**
- Affinities: Wind Release, Earth Release
- Specialties: Ninjutsu, Defense, Support
**Chunin Uchiha Ren**
- Affinities: Fire Release, Lightning Release
- Specialties: Kenjutsu, Close Combat
I handed the folders back, keeping my tone calm. "These all seem like standard Uchiha Chunins. What's special about these four?"
"They're far from ordinary Uchiha," came a raspy voice as Danzo spoke, his gaze as cold as ever. "They've been on a classified, long-term mission."
"Classified?" I frowned, feeling a surge of hope. "So they're alive?"
Hiruzen nodded. "Yes, they are."
I released a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding, and my shoulders relaxed. There were still more survivors, four more pieces of our clan that I'd thought lost.
"I imagine you'll tell me what mission they were on," I said, meeting Hiruzen's eyes. "I'll find out from them sooner or later anyway."
The Hokage exchanged looks with the Elders, and finally, he nodded in acquiescence.
"This squad, led by Kaito, was stationed in the Land of Rivers for four years, tracking a rogue ninja with high-level abilities. They succeeded in defeating him three months ago, but we delayed their return until we could clear them."
I nodded, catching the unspoken meaning behind his words. I understood now why they'd been kept away—removed from the political tensions and suspected hostilities brewing within the clan before the massacre.
"Thank you for telling me, Lord Hokage," I said, keeping my tone steady. "But I assume that means they're free to return to the clan now?"
"No, we can't allow a rebellion to re-grow in their absence," Danzo interrupted sharply, his eyes narrowing. "They should be exterminated."
Anger flared in me, and I turned, barely stopping myself from snapping. But before I could respond, Hiruzen spoke up.
"That won't be necessary. The Yamanaka are conducting mind-scans to ensure their loyalties haven't shifted. We should have results any moment now."
Tension held the room in silence. I felt a rush of impatience; the knowledge that four living Uchiha had survived out there felt almost too good to be true.
Fifteen minutes later, an ANBU entered, handing Hiruzen a report. Hiruzen read through it carefully, then passed it around, finally allowing me to read it.
According to the Yamanaka, Kaito, Aiko, Raizen, and Ren had left for their mission before any hostile rumors or sentiments could take hold. They'd had little contact with other Uchiha during their time away and only minor encounters with Konoha patrols. No significant influence or resentment had been detected, although they were fully aware of the clan's fate and the events that led to it.
I felt a wave of relief as I finished reading. They hadn't been poisoned by the past; they were still ours.
Hiruzen cleared his throat. "Well, Katsuro, the Uchiha Squad will be delivered to your compound soon. I suggest you prepare housing arrangements."
I bowed gratefully and left, heart racing as I thought about the future. Four additional Chunins—potential Jonin! This was an incredible opportunity. Proper training could help them reach Tokubetsu Jonin or even full Jonin rank. Four Jonin could help restore some stability to the clan, ensuring we stayed strong and, more importantly, kept our bloodline intact.
---
About forty-five minutes later, I stood outside the compound with Sasuke, waiting with barely contained excitement. Finally, four figures emerged, kneeling before us, clad in black flak jackets and shirts, each bearing the Uchiha crest.
"Clan Head," they said in unison, looking at me with calm, expectant faces. I allowed myself a small smile.
"Stand," I said, and as they rose, I took in their features. Each had the same dark Uchiha hair; Aiko and Raizen's were straight, while Kaito and Ren's spiked slightly, reflecting their distinct personalities.
"Come in," I said, opening the door and inviting them inside. They hesitated, glancing around as though the compound were foreign to them. I realized then that, despite being Uchiha, they'd never lived in this home.
Inside, we gathered around the main table, where they finally sat down. Once everyone was settled, I spoke.
"I assume you're all aware of our current situation," I began. They nodded solemnly, faces grave.
"We are, as of now, at the weakest point the Uchiha clan has ever been. The six of us are the only known survivors of the massacre. This places a significant responsibility on all of us," I said, letting the weight of the words sink in. "I know each of you must have considered revenge."
They flinched, a cold fire flickering in their eyes, and I knew they felt it as much as I did.
"But put those thoughts away for now. Even if we all fought against Itachi, what would we achieve? One or all of us would die, and the clan would vanish."
They looked down, silent, taking in the reality of the situation.
"Sasuke has chosen to hunt Itachi down. That is his quest. But the rest of us? Our role is different," I continued, scanning their faces. "Revenge is out of reach. Our focus now must be on rebuilding."
Ren clenched his fists. "But he killed our families, our friends. How can we just let that go?"
I nodded in understanding. "We won't. But do you think four Chunins and one Academy student can take down an S-ranked rogue?"
They fell silent, the weight of the truth settling over them.
"We need to build strength first. Our immediate goal is to bring the six of us to Jonin level."
They seemed taken aback. Kaito, the eldest, looked especially surprised, and I saw the determination in his eyes shift to one of quiet resolve.
"I'm committed to seeing each of you reach it," I assured them. "Each of you will receive a personal Jonin instructor. I'll use the clan's entire budget
if that's what it takes."
They stared at me in awe.
Raizen was the first to rise. "You have my loyalty, Clan Head."
Aiko quickly followed, a quiet fire in her voice. "And mine."
Kaito rose as well, his hand clenching over his heart. "I won't let you down."
Ren rose last, nodding. "You can rely on me."
"Good," I said, smiling. "There's one other matter. As the last Uchiha, it's essential we…strengthen the bloodline."
I saw Raizen and Aiko blush as Kaito and Ren chuckled slightly.
"Aiko and Raizen seem well-prepared already," I noted, earning them deeper blushes.
"For Kaito and Ren, the Fūma clan might be a good match. If necessary, I can arrange introductions. This is about the clan, not just personal feelings."
The two nodded, accepting the weight of this duty.
"I'm ready to do what's needed," Kaito said quietly, and Ren echoed his sentiment.
With a satisfied nod, I gestured for Kaito to follow me to my office, and each would come in turn to discuss their trainers. The arrangements would cost nearly three million yen monthly, but it was worth it. These four Chunins would become our foundation, the Uchiha Clan's future strength.