Konoha: The King of Souls

When Uchiha Gen returned to the area guarded by the Uchiha clan, his clansmen were cleaning up the battlefield. The surroundings were riddled with craters, and traces of destructive ninjutsu attacks were evident everywhere.

Looking out across the landscape, the forest near Kikyō Mountain was almost entirely decimated. It resembled the edge of a green cake with a bite taken out of it. Farther into the sea of trees, large gaps and empty spaces were visible, as if the cake had been scooped out. Smoke still lingered in many places.

Behind Kikyō Mountain, the town of Kikyō also had smoke rising from it. Many buildings were either partially or completely collapsed, with few structures left intact.

Although the Battle of Kikyō Mountain lasted only a little more than half a day, its intensity was unparalleled.

Konoha suffered heavy losses, and rebuilding Kikyō Town alone would be a significant expense.

As Uchiha Gen walked along, he noticed that none of the Uchiha ninjas showed any joy at their victory. All of them wore grim expressions, their eyes shadowed with sorrow.

Affected by his surroundings and the emotions of his clan, Uchiha Gen also adopted a somber demeanor. Smiling in such a situation would be inappropriate.

"Captain, I'm back," Gen reported.

Uchiha Yashiro, sitting on the ground with one arm in a sling, looked up from where he had been resting.

Seeing the talented Uchiha Gen return unscathed, Yashiro felt a surge of relief and pride, though his face remained stern. His voice was calm.

"Good. Get to work."

"Yes, sir," Gen replied, bowing slightly before leaving.

The Uchiha clan, known for their pride, often maintained a reserved and stoic attitude. While this behavior was less pronounced within the clan, it became much more noticeable toward outsiders.

This trait was one reason the Uchiha clan was not particularly well-liked. People who are overly self-centered often find it difficult to garner affection.

Still, the non-shinobi members of the Uchiha clan were relatively normal, unaffected by the pressures and influences of awakening the Sharingan.

As a profession focused on efficiency, the work of a shinobi progressed swiftly. Before long, the battlefield was cleaned up.

Due to their role as part of Konoha's Police Force, the Uchiha clan was among the first to leave the battlefield and return to the village. However, this did not mean they could rest.

The Uchiha, along with other shinobi, were tasked with escorting the villagers back from the shelters. By the time everything was settled, night had fully fallen.

Dragging their weary bodies, the Uchiha clan returned to their compound to rest. Some, however, were less fortunate and had to continue their patrol duties until morning.

As a member of the frontline combat unit and a recognized prodigy, Uchiha Gen was exempt from patrolling and could head home to rest.

After returning home, Gen removed his gear, including his armor, tight-fitting clothes, and boots. Changing into comfortable loungewear, he went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Having been busy since the previous evening, he had only eaten a few military ration pills and drank some water. As a growing adolescent, Gen was starving and exhausted.

In such a state, he opted for a simple meal. He cooked a pot of rice, stir-fried shredded potatoes with pork, and grabbed a small dish of pickles.

Gen wasn't one to skimp on himself. Whenever he had the chance, he ensured his meals were satisfying and nutritious.

The inheritance left by his parents, coupled with additional funds earned after awakening his Sharingan, allowed Gen to live comfortably—not wealthy, but certainly not poor.

In modern terms, he could be considered middle-class.

While eating under the bright lights of his dining room, Gen suddenly heard the sound of crying. Looking out through the open curtain, he pinpointed the direction: it came from within the clan compound.

"Has the bad news arrived?" he murmured.

It wasn't just the Uchiha clan. Tonight, the entire village of Konoha would likely be shrouded in sorrow.

While the exact figures were unclear, the ferocity of the battlefield suggested that Konoha's losses had been substantial.

Sighing lightly, Gen resumed his meal.

After all, there was no use dwelling on what couldn't be changed. Hunger wouldn't solve itself. Gen believed there was no need for unnecessary mental anguish.

After finishing dinner, Gen left the dishes in the sink to soak, then washed up and went to bed.

The night passed uneventfully. Some matters were beyond Gen's influence, and he saw no reason to concern himself with them.

The next morning, refreshed after a good night's sleep, Gen rose with renewed energy. After a quick breakfast, he cleaned the dishes from the previous night and set out.

Since it was still early, the streets of the Uchiha compound were relatively quiet. However, Gen did encounter some members of the Police Force returning from their night shifts, visibly fatigued.

"Gen, out so early?"

"I'm heading to the forest for training," Gen replied.

"Always so diligent. That's what makes you the pride of the Uchiha clan."

"You flatter me. Go get some rest—you've worked hard," Gen said politely.

He continued on his way, ready to begin another day of rigorous training.

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