Konoha: The King of Souls from Uchiha

c66: The Dust Has Settled

After the class reunion, Gen Uchiha returned to his usual pace of life, although he had to temporarily leave the Hidden Leaf Village for a special reason.

This time, Gen left Konoha under the pretext of replenishing supplies for the two rogue Uchihas he had detained in a remote mountain cave a measure to ensure they wouldn't perish from starvation before their fates were decided.

While he was at it, he also dealt with the damage caused by wild animals to the perimeter traps, disposed of their corpses, and cleaned up the traces of detonations from the recent skirmish a necessary move to prevent the ANBU from noticing irregularities outside the village.

Ordinary shinobi aren't allowed to leave the village without an official mission, typically sanctioned by the Hokage or a superior. But Gen Uchiha was an exception.

He was not only a prodigy of the Uchiha clan but also officially held the position of Deputy Captain in the Konoha Military Police Force a unit composed almost entirely of Uchiha clansmen. This department was assigned both internal security and limited external patrol duties.

The ten-kilometer perimeter around Konoha fell under their jurisdiction. Thus, when Gen donned his standard jonin flak jacket emblazoned with the red-and-white Uchiha fan on his back no one at the gate, not even the elite guards like Izumo and Kotetsu, dared to question his movements.

Having the authority to come and go freely was one of the subtle privileges that came with his rank and clan status—one of the few the Uchiha clan still retained as tensions simmered beneath the village's surface.

Several days passed. Contrary to Gen's expectations, Uzuki Yugao hadn't visited. He didn't take it personally. He continued with his solitary routine, indifferent.

Meanwhile, significant shifts were taking place in the political core of the village: the Konoha Council, led by the Third Hokage, had traveled to the Land of Fire's capital to finalize a critical matter the selection of the next Hokage.

That afternoon, Gen reclined on a modest sofa in his living room, basking in post-lunch contentment. For someone who had endured the Second and Third Shinobi Wars, the peace of a quiet, full stomach was deeply appreciated.

"Is Master Gen home?"

The call echoed from the courtyard. Gen's eyes flicked toward the window as he rose and looked outside.

Standing beside a cheerful Uchiha matron was a tall kunoichi with a commanding presence: long lavender hair tied in a high ponytail, black combat gear hugging her figure, and a sword slung across her back Uzuki Yugao, then still a promising genin in the Konoha Military Police auxiliary corps.

"Gen, sorry to bother you."

Yugao's voice was calm but carried a trace of awkwardness.

In truth, she had waited for Gen to seek her out over the past three days. As time passed, her anticipation turned to unease. She debated with herself should she approach him? Would it seem desperate?

When she finally decided to act, Yugao had to overcome considerable hesitation. Her sudden arrival at the Uchiha compound felt impulsive. Would others whisper that she was "climbing a tall tree"?

After six days of quiet torment, Yugao decided public perception be damned. She showed up, only to be warmly greeted by a friendly Uchiha auntie, who offered to escort her right to Gen's door.

"No trouble at all," Gen said with a casual smile. "Sometimes I get bored being alone."

"Wait there, I'll be down in a moment."

He descended and opened the door. "Thanks again, Mrs. Rikka."

"You're welcome! Gen, don't be so passive all the time. Sometimes, boys need to take the lead."

With a wink and a chuckle, the kindly Uchiha woman departed, leaving Gen and Yugao facing each other in awkward silence.

"Please, come in," Gen said.

"Thank you."

Yugao entered quietly, head slightly bowed.

In the courtyard, she observed her surroundings with curiosity. It was well-kept but clearly bore signs of having been swept clean using Wind Release techniques—the scattered debris and uneven raking gave it away.

Inside, Gen retrieved two chilled bottles of mulberry juice from the kitchen.

"Thanks."

Yugao accepted the drink with a small, surprised smile. Mulberry juice was her favorite. She couldn't help but feel touched assuming it had been chosen for her.

In truth, it was coincidence. Gen's house was always stocked with it, largely due to rumors about its "vitality-boosting" effects on men.

"You're welcome. Once we finish this, let's have a light spar in the yard."

"Alright."

They sat and chatted, sipping the sweet juice. Soon enough, both bottles were empty.

Grabbing his standard-issue ninja sword, Gen led Yugao to the yard. After forming the seal of confrontation, they began a sparring session. The ring of clashing metal echoed repeatedly.

Though she was still a genin, Yugao's swordsmanship bore signs of formal kenjutsu training. Her movements were tight, controlled evidence of her ANBU pre-selection training.

Gen, however, was on another level. Despite his youth, he had survived the Third Great Ninja War. His style was a mix of copied techniques from fallen Kiri and Iwa swordsmen, infused with the refined Uchiha kenjutsu tradition.

The Uchiha clan's sword arts and taijutsu weren't just techniques they were preparatory tools for the Sharingan. Once combined with their dōjutsu, they became brutally efficient, versatile, and even beautiful like how Madara Uchiha once overwhelmed entire squads with taijutsu alone.

Their match went on: spar, critique, rest, repeat. Eventually, Gen saw Yugao off with a casual wave.

They wandered the streets of Konoha together, chatting casually, when a conversation drifted into earshot.

"You heard? Lord Minato's going to be the next Hokage!"

"No way! When was this decided?"

"Just now. The Third Hokage returned from the Fire Capital and nominated Minato. The Daimyō approved it."

"That's amazing news!"

"Minato saved us at Kannabi Bridge. I'll never forget it!"

"Right? With him as Hokage, things will change for the better!"

Clearly, Minato had his share of admirers.

They walked on. A new pair of shinobi were also speaking nearby.

"This has to be a joke! Why would the Hokage nominate his student instead of Orochimaru-sama?"

"Minato did great in this war, sure but Orochimaru's record goes back to the Second War. He's a Sannin!"

"Even so, the announcement came straight from the Administrative Department. The jonin vote is already scheduled."

One of them exhaled heavily, his frustration palpable.

The appointment of a Hokage wasn't just about merit. It was about power blocs. Supporters of the winning candidate reaped the rewards. Those of the loser often found themselves sidelined.

No matter how noble Minato might be, he would inevitably favor his political allies in key decisions. A Hokage needs a stable foundation of loyalists.

"You hear that?"

"Yeah. Minato's in."

"Wow. Excited much?"

"I don't care if it's Minato or Orochimaru. Either way works."

"Bah! Two-faced traitor!"

"What? I'm just neutral. Broad-minded. Tolerant."

"Pfft."

While most shinobi had a clear preference often for Orochimaru word of Minato's appointment was spreading fast. Orochimaru's supporters were left stunned, though most began slowly accepting reality.

Meanwhile, Minato's backers rejoiced.

As the village buzzed with news, Yugao glanced at Gen. Despite his stoic face, she assumed he was silently grieving. After all, Gen was Orochimaru's student.

"I'm fine," Gen said softly.

To Yugao, his smile looked forced. But he meant it, he had already predicted this outcome. Without a strategic political alliance, Orochimaru's ambition had been doomed.

Unsure how to comfort him, Yugao hesitated… then reached out and took his hand.

Gen blinked in surprise, but she had already lowered her gaze, her cheeks and ears turning crimson.

Her hand, calloused from sword training, was unexpectedly warm and soft.

"Ahem… can you take off your gloves and hold it again?"

Startled, Yugao raised her head, only to see Gen grinning playfully. Flustered, she let go and bolted away.

Watching her retreating figure, Gen chuckled.

Then, turning into an alley, he made a hand seal. Smoke puffed around him and when it cleared, he appeared as a tall adult man.

After all, minors couldn't buy alcohol in the Leaf Village. In fact, few villages allowed it.

Oddly enough, despite war, death, and cruelty being common, the ninja world had one united rule—no alcohol for minors.

Gen knew what he wanted: if things had gone as expected, his teacher Orochimaru would definitely want a drink right about now.

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