The next morning, Isamu Uchiha woke up quickly. He went to his closet and put on the elegantly designed dark blue outfit, the Uchiha clan emblem clearly displayed on his back—a famous fan with a red top half and a white bottom half.
The emblem, which originated from the flame fan, was a symbol of power and status in the ninja world. However, Isamu couldn't help but smile faintly as he contemplated the emblem.
"It looks just like a ping pong paddle from my previous life..." he thought, noticing how some trivial details felt familiar in this strange world.
Wearing this outfit was essential, as every family member was required to don clothing bearing the Uchiha symbol.
For Isamu, who was now an orphan after losing his grandfather, these clothes were a clear expression of his identity and heritage, a constant reminder of his place within the clan.
As Isamu stepped out of his home, his image transformed into that of a young nobleman in a kimono. He was dressed very formally, wearing a kimono, haori, and hakama tied around his waist, with white socks on his feet and wooden clogs, as if displaying the sadness and mourning in his heart.
The Uchiha clan held many festivals each year, preparing precious kimonos for their children, as these clothes reflected their rich heritage.
While children from ordinary families could only access such luxurious outfits on special occasions like weddings or funerals, wealthy families like the Uchihas paid special attention to their children at every stage of their growth.
As Isamu walked confidently in his luxurious kimono within the Uchiha clan residence, the lights shining from the windows created a vibrant atmosphere in the area.
Night was when the Uchiha clan came alive; the ninjas rested after a day of arduous missions, gathering to enjoy drinks or boast about their achievements. The lights and noise made the streets bustling with clan members overflow with energy.
As Isamu confidently walked toward the clan leader's courtyard, he greeted the clan members he encountered along the way, showing respect and affection for his family and community.
The scene seemed to him like an independent village within the village of Konoha. The restaurants and shops run by clan members who were not ninjas or had retired from service reflected the daily life of the Uchihas at every corner.
Since the founding of Konoha, the clan had lived among the villagers, but after Uchiha Madara's defection and his decisive battle with the first Hokage, Senju Hashirama, the situation changed. After the death of the first Hokage, the second Hokage used the pretext to relocate the Uchihas to a secluded corner of the village, where the clan settled.
At the heart of the Uchiha clan residence was a spacious room centered around a large table made of dark wood, telling of the clan's illustrious history.
The walls were adorned with flags bearing the fan emblem, a symbol of Uchiha strength. The dim light filtering from the lanterns hanging from the ceiling added an atmosphere of seriousness and dignity to the meeting.
The clan members gathered around the table, each holding a mixture of respect and concern in their eyes. Whispers exchanged among some, while others focused on the clan leader's speech.
The clan leader, Uchiha Tengu, sat at the head of the table, holding his head, his features reflecting firmness and wisdom. He wore a traditional black kimono adorned with red patterns that matched the Uchiha colors.
His hakama (wide trousers) reached his ankles, giving him a regal appearance. His wide black belt clearly highlighted his discipline and strength.
His dark black hair was tied back, allowing him to display his strong facial features.
His glossy black eyes scrutinized the attendees carefully, as if capturing every detail of what was happening in the room. When he spoke, his voice was sober and deep, carrying the weight of responsibility.
"Isamu has arrived!" Uchiha Tengu spoke loudly, drawing everyone's attention toward him. "Come, I have something important to tell you."
"Yes, clan leader," Isamu replied, trying to appear calm despite his inner tension.
He took a deep breath and moved toward the door.
When he opened the sliding door to the meeting room, he found most of the senior Uchiha officials gathered, looking at him with interest and affection. Some eyes shone in the dark, as if examining his soul.
"Hello, elders of the clan," Isamu said, greeting them politely with a slight bow of his head.
Many of the clan elders nodded in welcome, then the elder sitting near the clan leader, Masa Uchiha, stepped forward. He had white hair mixed with black strands and shiny black eyes that reflected deep wisdom.
He wore a traditional dark kimono adorned with patterns indicative of the clan's heritage and a wide belt highlighting his discipline. His tall, sturdy stature and the wrinkles on his face told the story of his experiences, and despite his age, his movements remained active and lively.
Masa smiled gently and said, "Isamu? Many members of the clan have tried to visit you and check on you in the past few days, but you refused to meet them. I know you have been going through a period of sadness and depression. How do you feel now?"
Isamu looked at the ground hesitantly and then replied, "I'm sorry for worrying you... I'm okay now."
Masa smiled gently again and said, "There's no need to apologize; we are one clan, and we understand your current situation."
Then, Uchiha Tengu, the clan leader, spoke after the conversation concluded, showing his concern: "How are you feeling now, Isamu? You've isolated yourself for a month after your grandfather's death. I hope you take better care of yourself and remember that the clan is always by your side. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for help."
Isamu lifted his head, his eyes shining with seriousness, and said, "Thank you, leader. The clan members you sent to visit me during this time have come, and I received the things you sent with them."
One of the elders interjected, striking his hand on the table enthusiastically: "Clan leader, Isamu's parents and grandfather made significant sacrifices for this clan and the village. I think it's best for him to be taken under the care of one of the clan branches, so he receives the upbringing and attention he deserves."
Uchiha Tengu turned, his eyes scanning the faces of the attendees, then said in a serious voice, "That's a good suggestion. Isamu, what do you think? How do you feel about that?"
Isamu spoke in a serious tone reflecting the responsibility he felt: "I'm grateful for your support, but I don't want to be a burden on anyone."
Masa smiled, showing signs of affection and the wisdom he had gained over the years. "Don't worry, little one. We're here to stand by you. You won't be a burden because you are part of the family. We will help you get through all this."
After some warm exchanges with the clan elders, the conversation shifted to the future plan for Isamu's care.
The clan leader explained that Isamu would receive substantial monthly financial support from the clan and village, along with training from elite ninjas within the clan when they were not busy with missions. Moreover, he would receive the best herbs and medical supplies to enhance his physical capabilities.
In the Uchiha clan, special medical materials were used to boost physical abilities and improve fitness, along with a complete diet and therapeutic baths to help restore energy after intensive training. All these resources aimed to prepare the ninjas to reach their maximum potential.
Isamu nodded in agreement with what he had heard, realizing that accepting this support was a smart move.
The opportunities provided to him by the clan and village were not just material support but represented a fundamental pillar for his development and for overcoming obstacles and unnecessary detours that might obstruct his path.
It was true that, given his current situation, it was impossible to become like the outcast Naruto, but he did not want to be a victim of negative scenarios like third-rate films where orphaned children were bullied and robbed of their possessions.
While the clan leader was speaking, Isamu's mind wandered slightly, contemplating the future twelve heroes of Konoha.
"Most of them grew up in strong families or had vast resources from the start," Isamu thought deeply. "Even Sakura, who seems like an exception, received support from the fifth Hokage, Tsunade.
Her qualitative leap during Naruto and Sasuke's absence underscores that she benefited from this support to achieve significant progress."
Then his mind stopped at Lee, who, despite lacking natural ninja abilities like genjutsu or ninjutsu, excelled due to the intense physical training that made him one of the strongest ninjas.
"Had he not had the appropriate support in those trainings regarding nutrition and medical supplies, he might have drained his body a long time ago."
Suddenly, he remembered Naruto's case, thinking deeply: "Naruto is truly an anomaly. Despite his difficult circumstances, like often eating expired food and not receiving adequate support at first, the Uzumaki clan lineage he belongs to, along with having the Nine Tails, granted him immense potential from the start."
He realized that the gap between ordinary ninjas and these heroes had existed from the very beginning.