"Hmm?"
Hatake Sakumo blinked in surprise, his mind momentarily failing to catch up, then he realized that Uchiha Yoichi was arranging a time, and he replied with a smile, "Yes, Mr. Yoichi, you're welcome to visit my place. My skills in making sweet red bean soup aren't bad either...."
Uchiha Yoichi's expression changed slightly, and he quickly said, "I like sweet things, don't add chili."
--------------------------
Upon arriving at the Hokage Building, as Hatake Sakumo mentioned, all Jonin of the village were already present.
These Jonin, returning from the battlefield, were the last group to arrive.
"Lord Sakumo, and Mr. Yoichi, please have a seat."
Saruobi Hiruzen's face showed no change, as though he hadn't just sent Anbu to get the Two-tailed Jinchuriki turned down.
In the front, there were still a few empty seats, and Hatake Sakumo and Uchiha Yoichi took seats at the front; however, Hatake Sakumo sat in a proper kneeling position, while Uchiha Yoichi casually crossed his legs, as he found those formalities awkward and his leg injured.
"The Communication Scroll only explained briefly, now let's have Lord Sakumo elaborate on the situation at the battlefield."
"Sure, Third Generation Lord."
Then, Hatake Sakumo began recounting the events on the Eastern Front. He had prepared various reports prior to returning, so he narrated the series of events since the beginning of the war.
This included Uchiha Yoichi's achievements, such as intercepting intelligence and killing two to three hundred Hidden Cloud Ninja.
This record made all the Jonin look with admiration, definitely worthy of being called the Hidden Cloud Ninja's Grim Reaper.
Especially as Uchiha Yoichi also activated the Mangekyo and used Susanoo to hold off the Eight-tailed, eventually capturing A, the future Fourth Generation Raikage, from the AB Team.
It can be said, on the Eastern Front, Uchiha Yoichi practically ended the war relying on his own strength; he was the greatest hero.
After Hatake Sakumo finished reporting, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said, "You've worked hard, thanks to you all the battle was concluded quickly, significantly reducing both material expenditure and personnel casualties."
"That's what Konoha Ninja should do, Third Generation Lord," said Hatake Sakumo.
But Utatane Koharu suddenly interjected, "You shouldn't have just let the Hidden Cloud Ninja admit defeat, the village should have taken over that matter. Now, besides a written surrender document, we have nothing else, and given the Cloud Ninja's nature, this document's effectiveness won't last long...."
"Advisor Utatane, at that time, there was no other way, Mr. Yoichi was difficult to continue fighting, the Third Generation Raikage was hard to deal with, the Cloud Ninja's main forces had already assembled, and most importantly, the Eight-tailed Jinchuriki was generally unharmed...."
Hatake Sakumo explained, earlier he didn't feel it, but after Uchiha Yoichi said those words, he noticed the Konoha leaders' attitude towards the Uchiha.
There were bad decisions before, but that time it was only Danzo; Hatake Sakumo previously thought it was only Danzo's view, but now it seems the other two advisors and the Third Hokage shared similar sentiments, more or less.
"If the Cloud Ninja hadn't retreated then, a mutual destruction scenario was likely, or we could have been dragged down by the Cloud Ninja with no choice left."
Hatake Sakumo concluded, as he wasn't aware Uchiha Yoichi had Nine-tailed Chakra, he thought it was ultimately what might happen, hence he handed decision-making to Uchiha Yoichi on the battlefield.
In his view, having the Cloud Ninja confess defeat and retreat was the optimal choice at that time.
"At that time, Mr. Yoichi and Lord Sakumo's choice wasn't mistaken. Since the war is won, let's not talk about anything else."
Sarutobi Hiruzen interrupted Utatane Koharu who wanted to continue and then said, "You've worked hard. The ninjas returning from the Eastern Front, rest for a while, your achievements will be recorded."
"If there's nothing else, today's meeting is adjourned."
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't mention the Kikyo Castle battlefield, Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato are his students and disciple-and-grandson, but the progress there isn't as fast as in the Land of Hot Water, mentioning it only highlights Hatake Sakumo's wisdom and Uchiha Yoichi's power.
After the Jonin meeting adjourned, Uchiha Yoichi didn't expect Sarutobi Hiruzen would wrap up the meeting just like that; he thought Sarutobi Hiruzen would bring up the matter concerning the Two-tailed Jinchuriki.
After the Jonin meeting disbanded, Uchiha Yoichi left the Hokage Building, exchanging words with Hatake Sakumo, and headed towards the Uchiha Clan Land.
A few Uchiha Clan Members followed him, all from the Martial Arts Faction, who automatically followed him after leaving the Hokage Building.
Submitting to the strong, it's a common trait among many Uchiha Clan Members. Even after Uchiha Yoichi earned the name Konoha Lightning Fang, this tendency emerged; now, with the activation of the Mangekyo Sharingan and winning the war, he's set to become the leader of the Martial Arts Faction.
He intends to visit Uchiha Kenji's house next, to discuss the next steps regarding becoming the Clan Leader.
With achievements, reputation, welfare for the Uchiha Clan Members, and strength, Uchiha Yoichi now possesses everything necessary, except his relatively young age.
But that's not an issue; everything else has been perfected, why cling just to this point?
Uchiha Yoichi plans to reelect the Clan Leader at the next clan meeting. With the identity of Clan Leader and Security Team Captain, he could do much more within the clan.
Uchiha Fugaku and some Peace Faction Jonin Uchiha also attended the Jonin meeting, but Uchiha Yoichi showed no intention of greeting Uchiha Fugaku, the Clan Leader, which made Fugaku's expression quite unpleasant.
"Let's go back first, Clan Leader..."
Uchiha Yashiro advised, unable to help it, after news of Uchiha Yoichi activating the Mangekyo spread, more clan members will venerate Uchiha Yoichi, even those from the Peace Faction won't be exceptions.
This is the Uchiha Race's Ultimate Dojutsu, in the Uchiha clan, it's symbolic of divine power.
Moreover, Uchiha Yoichi openly expressed his desire for the Clan Leader position, making things harder for Fugaku; considering this, Uchiha Yashiro sighed inside.
It's not that Uchiha Fugaku lacks ability, but rather that the opponent is overwhelmingly strong; like in a ninja task, if Chunin suffices but Jonin or Kage-level Ninja are available, who would choose Chunin?
"I understand, Senior Yashiro."
Uchiha Fugaku vaguely guessed what he's about to face, yet he was unwilling. He hadn't done anything wrong, why should he be forced out as Clan Leader?
He was initially chosen by these clan members, now it's still them seeking for him to leave? Why! It's unfair.
Although filled with unwillingness, Uchiha Fugaku knew he had little in the way of advantages when put against the prowess of the Mangekyo Sharingan and Uchiha Yoichi's accolades.
Feeling upset, like a fire burning inside with nowhere to vent.
After leaving the Hokage Building, Uchiha Fugaku didn't even know where to go; the Security Team wasn't too busy, and going home seemed to hold little to occupy himself with.
'Today, let's go back and guide Itachi's training, and spend some time with Mikota.'
Uchiha Fugaku suddenly remembered, he hadn't spent time with family for ages, recalling Itachi's plans to train as a ninja, only he was not yet three, still at the stage of learning to read and preparing the basics.
When Fugaku returned home, he happened to see Mikota at the door, wearing thick-heeled shoes and ready to leave.
Uchiha Fugaku immediately asked, "Mikota, where are you going?"
"Fugaku, you're back? Just now, Uchiha Yoichi asked me worried about reporting the last three months' affairs, due to a backlog needing signatures, today has to be handled...."
Mikota, seeing Uchiha Fugaku suddenly return, was slightly surprised but kept her composure and said calmly.
"I see, hmm, that guy makes demands as soon as he's back, you go ahead Mikota."
Uchiha Fugaku nodded and said, seeing Uchiha Yoichi summon his wife away, his disdain for that jerk deepened.
However, after entering, Uchiha Fugaku suddenly recalled, Mikota seemed to have done makeup, was she wearing lipstick?
"Clan Leader, you're back, want to eat?"
Uchiha Kazuki walked out of the kitchen and said with a smile, "Just finished cooking, I'll go call Madam Mikota and Mr. Itachi...."
"Just call Itachi, Mikota was just called away to attend to matters."
Uchiha Fugaku said, but Uchiha Kazuki paused upon hearing, then nodded and said, "Alright, I'll go call Mr. Itachi...."
Wasn't Madam Mikota speaking with her just then, did someone come to find Madam Mikota?