Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 193: Has the Uchiha Clan Returned?

Konoha.

Today was a day off.

While a major battle erupted at the remote Naka Shrine, drawing a large number of Konoha shinobi, the villagers, unaware of these events, continued to enjoy their rare holiday, leisurely strolling through the streets filled with laughter and chatter.

Until a group of people appeared.

Despite being somewhat surprised by Hagoromo-sama's decision, the Uchiha members did not object. Following his instructions, they no longer concealed themselves and openly walked through the streets of Konoha, matching each step with their childhood memories.

"Huh? Who are these people? I don't remember seeing them before," remarked a nearby street vendor, puzzled by the unfamiliar faces of the Uchiha group.

Another person looked over and pondered, "Judging by their demeanor, they must be ninjas. But they aren't wearing Konoha headbands, so they must be outsiders."

"Why would so many outside ninjas appear here?"

"Look! Why are there Konoha ninjas following them?"

"Are they being monitored? Or is it something else? But there are so many of them!"

More and more people began to notice the Uchiha group, along with the oddly accompanying Konoha ninjas, not understanding the situation.

The street, already bustling with people, saw the villagers instinctively part to the sides as the Uchiha walked through, leaving the once lively street quieter.

Many villagers curiously watched the unfamiliar Uchiha.

Until a certain moment, when an old man out playing with his grandson noticed the Uchiha clan emblem on their clothes, pointing it out in shock:

"Isn't that the Uchiha clan's emblem?"

This remark caused an immediate uproar.

"The Uchiha clan? That sounds familiar."

"I remember! It's the clan that was wiped out, right?"

"That's right! No wonder their clothes seemed familiar! That's the Uchiha clan emblem!"

"But... wasn't the Uchiha clan completely wiped out? Who are these people?"

"They must have printed the Uchiha emblem on their clothes on purpose. After all, there are no real Uchiha left to complain."

"Is it possible that they are indeed from the Uchiha clan?"

As the villagers engaged in fervent debate, a relaxed Uchiha Kei, having avenged his clan, passed by a toy stall. Recalling his days in the Konoha Police Force, he casually remarked:

"Your stall is blocking the sidewalk. If you don't want to be fined, move it back a bit."

"Alright, alright," the vendor responded instinctively, bending over to move the stall as ordered by Uchiha Kei.

Just as his hands touched the stall, he froze, realizing:

"Wait a minute, why should I listen to him? He's not from the Police Force."

Feeling mocked, the vendor looked up, ready to argue with Uchiha Kei, and then he saw Kei's face.

"You… you…"

The vendor found the man strangely familiar.

Recalling the time when the Police Force was under Uchiha control, he remembered a young Uchiha officer who always wore a stern expression and fined him several times for extending his stall onto the sidewalk.

Since the clan's massacre, no one had enforced such rules.

Until now.

Hearing the familiar voice and seeing the familiar face, the vendor's eyes widened in horror:

"You… you're that Uchiha!!!"

"So, you do remember me," Uchiha Kei said, recognizing the vendor who had often given him extra work.

"Don't worry, I'm not with the Konoha Police Force anymore."

He patted the vendor's shoulder and continued walking.

This scene was witnessed by other villagers.

"They are real Uchiha! They are real Uchiha!"

"Someone recognized them just now!"

"I knew it! Look at that young Uchiha, he hasn't changed much since he was a kid. He used to come to my shop all the time!"

"How can this be? I thought the Uchiha clan was wiped out! How can there be so many of them all of a sudden?"

"Who cares why! The Uchiha were part of Konoha too."

"One, two, three, four… Fifteen in total! If they are all Uchiha, we can rebuild the Uchiha clan in Konoha."

"That's great! With the Uchiha, Konoha's military strength can increase significantly."

"Are we celebrating too early? Something feels off between the Uchiha ninjas and the village ninjas."

Upon confirming that the newcomers were indeed Uchiha, the street erupted into a festive atmosphere, with many villagers rushing to the scene, creating a lively, almost celebratory mood.

For the Uchiha members, initially, they didn't think much of the route change.

But soon, they noticed the villagers' reactions—first surprise, curiosity, confusion, followed by shock, disbelief, and finally joy and excitement.

Being the center of attention and revered by former village members felt quite satisfying for the proud Uchiha.

However…

When did the Uchiha become so popular in Konoha?

Why were they being welcomed with such excitement and enthusiasm?

Did these people think we would return to Konoha and continue sacrificing ourselves for the Will of Fire?

Hmph.

After treating us with cold indifference, they now realize our importance only after losing us.

Do they think everything will go back to the way it was just because we've appeared again?

Too late!

At this moment.

In contrast to the villagers' faces full of joy, curiosity, excitement, and anticipation—along with a few wary and frowning expressions—Sasuke, Uchiha Izumi, Uchiha Kei, and others remained calm.