The Uchiha compound was vast, covering several streets, with all the residents being members of the Uchiha clan. As soon as Hui and the Uchiha clan leader stepped inside, Hui felt countless gazes directed toward him from multiple directions.
The stares came from Uchiha clan members. Seeing their leader walking alongside Hui, their eyes lit up.
In Konoha, it was widely believed that at least half of the villagers considered the Uchiha clan to be arrogant. They were known for being aloof and looking down on others.
However, the gazes directed at Hui held no trace of the usual pride or coldness. Instead, they were filled with excitement.
After all, this was Mochizuki Hui they were looking at. Even the proud Uchiha couldn't maintain their arrogance in his presence.
The ninja world had always revered strength. And the strong were heroes. And Hui embodied both.
During the last ninja war, Hui had initially been stationed on the frontlines against Kumogakure, leading a contingent that included members of the Uchiha clan.
As Konoha faced a war against four major villages, nearly all its ninja were mobilized, including the Uchiha.
Many of their clan members had fought under Hui's command. Not only that, but the Uchiha had suffered remarkably few casualties during the war, thanks to Hui.
For the Uchiha, Hui was more than a leader—he was a savior. Moreover, having witnessed his near-miraculous feats on the battlefield, from Kumogakure to Kirigakure, they had been left in awe.
In this context, how could they still be arrogant toward Hui? They only had admiration and gratitude toward the young ninja.
As they walked, passing by an Uchiha ninja, the man immediately bowed deeply, his expression filled with respect.
"Clan Leader! Captain!" he greeted, his voice trembling with excitement. It was clear his enthusiasm wasn't directed at his clan leader but at Hui.
And this was not an isolated incident. As Hui and the Uchiha leader walked down the streets of the compound, every Uchiha they encountered bowed respectfully.
Some of the children, unable to contain their excitement, stared at Hui with wide, sparkling eyes.
"Everyone's so thrilled to see you, Hui-dono. I hope you don't find it overwhelming," the Uchiha leader said, his voice quite emotional.
There had never been a an outsider who was treated like this in the Uchiha clan.
Only Seju Hashirama came close to wealing such power and influence, but Hashirama was the enemy of many Uchiha clansmen,
In the past, the war between Uchiha and Senju clans had lasted for a very long time, along with the hatred that accumulated. How could hatred painted in blood be dispelled easily?
"Not at all," Hui replied with a smile. It seemed the Uchiha clan had a surprisingly high opinion of him.
"That's good to hear. Please, this way." The Uchiha leader led Hui to his residence.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a startled voice. A young boy ran up and bowed deeply, addressing them with a polite yet eager tone.
"Father, Lord Hui!"
The boy's excitement was palpable, his wide eyes fixed on Hui as if unable to believe his favorite hero was standing in his home.
"This is my son, Uchiha Fugaku. He's one of your biggest admirers and has always dreamed of meeting you in person," the Uchiha leader introduced him, prompting a small smile from Hui.
Uchiha Fugaku. The name was too familiar.
Isn't this the future…
How could he not recognize the name? This boy was destined to become the future head of the Uchiha clan, the father of Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke; two of the most significant figures in original plot.
Who would've guessed that this solemn, serious future clan leader was now a shy, star-struck boy?
Fugaku's face turned bright red as his father exposed him, but he mustered the courage to step forward. "Lord Hui, may I… may I have your autograph?" he asked, pulling a thin notebook from his ninja pouch and holding it out with trembling hands.
Hui glanced at the notebook, its cover labeled "The Future God". He recognized it immediately.
It was a cheaply printed biography detailing his life and achievements, created by a shameless Konoha merchant who hadn't bothered paying royalties.
That Fugaku not only owned a copy but carried it with him everywhere made it clear—he was a genuine fan.
"Of course," Hui said, taking the notebook. Smiling, he wrote inside:
"I look forward to seeing Uchiha Fugaku become an exceptional ninja in the future. – Mochizuki Hui."
Handing the notebook back, he watched as Fugaku's eyes sparkled with even greater enthusiasm.
"Thank you, Lord Mochizuki Hui! I promise, I'll become a great Konoha ninja!" Fugaku declared loudly, bowing deeply.
"Well said. Judging by your chakra reserves, you have the talent of a prodigy. Don't waste it. Become a guardian and hero of Konoha's future," Hui contninued to encourage him, praciticing his will of fire, talk no jutsu on the young Fugaku.
"Go train for now, Fugaku," the Uchiha leader said, sending his son away. He had noticed Hui's genuine encouragement and was pleased to see his son so motivated.
"Yes, Father! Thank you again, Lord Hui!" Fugaku replied. He left quickly, undoubtedly heading straight to train. He was so motivated to train by himself from hui's words.
As Fugaku left, the Uchiha leader led Hui to a guest room. The two sat on their knees and shared tea before the Uchiha leader broke the silence, his tone turning serious.
"Hui-dono, what is your opinion of the Uchiha clan?" he asked, cutting straight to the heart of the matter without any superfluous nonsense.
He had invited Hui to understand his thoughts on the Uchiha clan.
Hui wasn't surprised. In the world of adults, casual tea wasn't really a thing. He took a moment to consider his words before responding.
"The Uchiha clan is… strong, proud, passionate, and extreme," Hui said evenly. His evaluation was honest and unbiased. It was indeed his genuine perception of the clan.
The Uchiha leader's eyes lit up, a small breath of relief escaping him. Hui's words indicated he harbored no prejudice against the clan. For the leader, that was more than enough.
He didn't expect Hui to have an affinity for the Uchiha, but as long as there was no bias, there was hope for a prosperous relationship between the clan and Konoha's future leader.
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