Chapter 34: Return to the Clan Lands: Moving Into Madara

Within the village, whispers spread everywhere.

Aside from the commoners, utterly clueless and tightly concealed from the truth, every ninja clan’s thoughts mirrored those of the Pig, Deer, and Butterfly clans.

Everyone here is no fool!

Over the years, the Hokage’s actions have been watched closely by all; deep inside, everyone resented Hiruzen Sarutobi.

But this resentment has been buried beneath the surface.

This is why, when Orochimaru launched the Leaf Collapse Plan, the rest of the Leaf suffered almost no losses—only Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi died.

Surely the Leaf, the premier ninja village, could not fail to break a Four-Sun Yang Array created by just four chunin?

The Four-Sun Yang Array is indeed powerful—but its strength depends entirely on the skill of the ninja maintaining the barrier!

Therefore.

As long as the conflict between the Uchiha and the Leaf high command doesn’t affect their own clans, these clans are perfectly happy to sit back and watch the tigers fight.

…

Uchiha ancestral lands.

Though they had only been gone for two or three years, the Uchiha who returned here could not help but weep aloud.

At the same time.

Their respect for Uchiha Jin had now climbed to an entirely new level!

Compared to Fugaku, who only retreated and evaded, they preferred to support Uchiha Jin.

After all…

Uchiha Jin could truly lead them to victory, gradually changing the Uchiha’s dire circumstances.

“Alright, everyone.”

“The promises I made have now been fulfilled.”

“All commoners may return home—resume your normal work and lives as soon as possible, but for the next few days, avoid going out unless necessary.”

“Ninjas, immediately set up defensive barriers and launch patrol operations.”

“Also, dispatch a special team composed entirely of jonin to thoroughly search the entire ancestral grounds, primarily checking for traps deliberately planted by the Leaf high command.”

Uchiha Jin spoke with grave seriousness.

Though returning to the ancestral lands was a good thing, his greatest concern remained safety—after all, who knew if the Leaf high command might dig a pit? What if they went mad and laid explosive tags beneath the entire underground ancestral grounds?

And for Uchiha Jin’s commands, everyone bowed and accepted without hesitation.

Clearly.

Through his repeated actions over this period—especially reclaiming the ancestral lands—he had earned everyone’s true loyalty.

Immediately after.

The entire Uchiha ancestral lands plunged into bustling activity.

Everyone’s faces bore smiles; laughter and joy echoed throughout the grounds, and a feeling named “hope” ignited in their hearts.

Meanwhile, on another front.

Uchiha Jin was escorted by several elders straight to a vast courtyard.

“Jin!”

“Your status is no longer the same—Itachi cannot stay in your old small courtyard.”

“Otherwise, when future clan meetings are held, Itachi won’t even have a proper venue in your own home.”

“This courtyard was once the residence of Clan Leader Madara. After Madara left the Leaf, it naturally fell idle. Even later, when Fugaku and his father served as clan leaders, they simply built new homes elsewhere.”

“Your contributions to the clan make Itachi worthy of residing in this courtyard!”

Uchiha Shira’s gaze was sincere.

The other elders voiced no objections—they too believed Uchiha Jin deserved this.

Uchiha Jin’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He stared at the simple, ancient courtyard before him—unbelievably, it had been Uchiha Madara’s residence.

He took a deep breath and pushed open the gate.

Before him stretched a massive artificial lake, complete with rock gardens, flowing streams, pavilions, and terraces. Beyond the front courtyard lay a vast training ground.

When he finally reached the rear courtyard, another enormous garden unfolded.

There were many rooms here—easily enough to accommodate a hundred or two hundred people.

‘He really knew how to enjoy life!’

‘Such a grand three-compound estate—no wonder it belonged to Uchiha Madara!’

‘But how could Madara, after growing accustomed to living here, have endured those dark, gloomy caves underground in his later years?’

Uchiha Jin’s eyes flickered.

Yet he said nothing more—simply nodded and said, “Since everyone agrees, I won’t refuse. From now on, this is my home.”

“Naturally,” everyone nodded.

Two hours later.

Shira and the others had arranged for Uchiha commoners to thoroughly clean the entire courtyard. Now gathered in the teahouse, as everyone took their seats, a young girl had already brewed tea for them all.

“Jin, let me introduce Itachi.”

“This is my daughter, Uchiha Tsuki.”

“Her ninja talent is average—she’s only attained the double tomoe. She’ll likely never advance further. From now on, she’ll manage your household duties.”

“I’ve assigned Itachi a group of servants—no way Itachi can clean such a vast courtyard yourself.”

“Though Itachi’re not yet clan leader, your responsibilities are immense—Itachi shouldn’t waste your energy on trivial matters.”

“Itachi’ll also need your own guard unit. Jin, Itachi may select two elite jonin squads.”

Uchiha Shira smiled as he spoke.

The other elders had no objections—given Uchiha Jin’s status, these were standard entitlements.

Previously, the clan was too chaotic, factions competed fiercely, and the village interfered—plus, Jin’s rise had been too swift…

Now that things have stabilized for the moment, the proper arrangements must be made.

As for this.

Uchiha Jin’s expression remained calm—he, as an Uchiha, knew the clan’s customs well.

If offered, he would accept.

Only Shira’s granddaughter made him speak up: “Elder Shira, isn’t it inappropriate for your granddaughter to serve like this?”

“It’s fine,” Uchiha Shira waved his hand dismissively. “Let her serve under Itachi, Jin.”

“My granddaughter’s ninja talent is mediocre, and this old man won’t live much longer—I must secure her future now.”

“Won’t Itachi grant me this small favor, Jin?”

As an Uchiha, he was blunt.

He had no patience for indirect games—he spoke his true intentions plainly.

When he first met Uchiha Jin, he never brought his granddaughter to meet him, because he hadn’t been certain of Jin’s abilities.

Even after handing over the leadership of the radical faction, his granddaughter’s safety still needed careful consideration.

But now, things were different!

Uchiha Jin had proven his capability—and now, Shira had made his decision.

As for this.

Uchiha Jin thought for a moment and understood Shira’s intent.

Favor is a finite resource—use it once, it diminishes!

Perhaps in the future, he might lend his granddaughter minor aid out of respect for Shira—but once he helped too often, the favor would be spent.

So.

Letting his granddaughter serve under him was a clever move.

“Fine, I accept.”

As Uchiha Jin nodded, Shira’s face broke into a faint smile.

For a moment,

The atmosphere in the teahouse grew relaxed.

But just then, Uchiha Chu walked in: “Elders, the Anbu just arrived.”

“They brought a command from the Hokage—demanding we restore the Police Force’s operations immediately.”