A storm of unease swept through Konoha as a wave of crushing chakra loomed closer to the village gates. The entire shinobi population, from veteran Jonin to fresh Genin, gathered together under the orders of the Hokage. The very earth quaked under the weight of the power approaching them, and above the horizon, they saw it—a towering Perfect Susanoo, its glowing figure standing hundreds of meters tall, dwarfing the entire village. Its presence radiated authority, and its cold, oppressive energy sent shivers down every spine.
At the forefront stood Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. His face, lined with wisdom from years of battle and leadership, was now slick with cold sweat. *This is beyond anything I've ever faced,* he thought. He had heard whispers, tales from the days of Hashirama and Madara, of a man in the Uchiha clan with power comparable to theirs. A man who left Konoha in search of greater strength, vowing to return only after surpassing the limits of mortal capabilities.
That man was Uchiha Shin. And now, decades later, here he stood—a living myth whose name had long been confined to the annals of history.
Shin's Susanoo began to dissolve, the titanic figure fading into wisps of white light. As the energy receded, the man behind the legend stepped forward, his presence no less awe-inspiring. He was clad in crimson armor from the Warring States period, his long black hair cascading over his shoulders. His face was striking, regal even, with an aura that commanded both respect and fear.
The gathered shinobi and villagers stared in silence as Shin walked toward the Uchiha clan's section. His gait was calm, almost leisurely, yet each step felt like the march of a divine entity. When he finally stopped, he cast his crimson gaze over the Uchiha clan members, his Mangekyō Sharingan glowing faintly.
"Who is the current clan head?" Shin asked, his voice deep and authoritative.
The Uchiha members exchanged nervous glances. Even among their own, Shin's name was legendary, spoken with reverence and fear. Fugaku Uchiha, the current clan head, took a hesitant step forward, bowing his head.
"I am the clan head, Uchiha Fugaku," he said. "It is an honor to meet you, Shin-sama. We have records of your departure and your promise to return. On behalf of the clan, I welcome you back to Konoha."
Shin nodded, his expression unreadable. "You know who I am, then. Good. It seems some traditions have not been lost, though much has changed." His gaze swept over the rest of the Uchiha members, many of whom avoided meeting his eyes. "Most of you have forgotten the true power of the Uchiha. That will change."
The crowd murmured in curiosity and unease. The other clans—Hyūga, Sarutobi, Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, and more—watched from the sidelines, their leaders tense. Many didn't know who Shin was, but his overwhelming presence left no room for doubt about his strength.
Shin's eyes shifted to the rest of the gathered shinobi. "Who is the current Hokage?" he asked, his tone dismissive.
Fugaku stepped in to answer. "The current Hokage is Hiruzen Sarutobi."
Shin's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Ah, the monkey clan," he said derisively. "So the monkeys have claimed leadership. Tell me, where is your 'monkey Hokage'?"
The insult sent a ripple of anger through the Sarutobi clan. A young Jonin stepped forward, his face flushed with fury. "Show some respect, Uchiha bastard! You're speaking about the Hokage!" he shouted.
The Uchiha clan stiffened, their pride stung. But Shin's reaction was far from anger. He looked at the Sarutobi Jonin with the calm disdain of a god regarding an insect.
"Where powerful men are speaking, weaklings like you should remain silent," Shin said coldly. His Mangekyō Sharingan flared to life, and the oppressive weight of his chakra descended upon the Jonin. The man crumpled to his knees, his body trembling under the pressure.
Shin raised his hand, and the Jonin was suddenly yanked forward, appearing in front of Shin as if dragged by an invisible force. With a swift motion, Shin grabbed the man by the throat and lifted him into the air.
The Jonin's face contorted in fear and pain as he struggled for breath, but Shin's grip was unrelenting. The crowd watched in horror, their fear of Shin growing with every passing moment.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing at the center of the crowd, knew he had to act. *If I don't intervene, we'll lose all sense of order,* he thought. But he also knew the limits of his strength. Against a man like Shin, even he, the Hokage, would stand little chance.
Hiruzen stepped forward, his tone measured. "Shin-sama," he said, bowing slightly, "please forgive him. He spoke out of ignorance and meant no disrespect. I ask for your mercy on his behalf."
The crowd held their breath. The Hokage, the leader of Konoha, was humbling himself before this man.
For a moment, Shin regarded Hiruzen, his crimson eyes piercing. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he released the Jonin, who collapsed to the ground, coughing and gasping for air.
"Teach your clan some manners, Hokage," Shin said, his voice icy. "The Uchiha are the founding clan of this village, alongside the Senju. We built this place. Your clan, and the others, would not be here if it weren't for us. Remember that."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "Of course, Shin-sama. It will not happen again."
Shin's gaze softened slightly as he turned back to the Uchiha clan. "I have returned for one purpose," he declared. "To find disciples worthy of inheriting the true power. My contract with Hashirama remains. I am free to take any I deem fit."
Fugaku hesitated before speaking. "Shin-sama, we will honor the agreement. But… if I may ask, how are you still alive after all these years?"
Shin's expression was unreadable. "That is not for you to know," he said. "Suffice it to say, my training has borne fruit. My disciples, scattered across the world, are proof of my success. They will come when they learn I have returned. Together, we will reshape the destiny of this clan."