Yan was known for his steady composure, a quality likely behind the clan leaders' decision to choose him to lead the reinforcements.

“I’ll report on our mission first,” Fugaku said. “Then I’ll come by your tent. We can discuss things in more detail.”

Yan nodded and left to get acquainted with the camp, while Fugaku led his team to Sakumo’s command tent.

Inside, the tent had been transformed into a full command center. A large sand table showing the terrain of the Land of Rain sat in the middle, with markers and figures representing troop positions. Ninjas from the Nara and Yamanaka clans, along with intelligence officers, worked together, focused on the map, which changed constantly to reflect new information.

“Fugaku Uchiha reporting in,” Fugaku announced. “We successfully destroyed the Sunagakure ninja stronghold and cut off their supply line.”

Sakumo’s eyes showed approval as he looked over the team of eight. They had no casualties, a rare outcome for missions of this difficulty.

“Outstanding work. You’ve certainly upheld the Uchiha clan’s reputation,” Sakumo praised. “We’ve taken losses in recent missions, so more reinforcements from the village are on their way. Your team will be reorganized soon and may gain a few new members. For now, rest up.”

“Yes, sir.”

Fugaku and his team left the tent, feeling relief that the mission was complete.

“Lord Hatake’s presence is intense,” Dayo murmured. “I was sweating just standing there.”

“Same here,” added Koda. “It felt like facing a drawn sword that could strike at any second.”

Fugaku also thought about Sakumo’s strength. Sakumo was a man at the peak of his powers—a formidable force who, sadly, would later be lost due to village politics. Fugaku felt torn. Sakumo’s skill and loyalty to Konoha were unquestionable. But Fugaku knew that the village’s stability often came at a cost, borne heavily by clans like his own.

“The mission’s complete,” Fugaku said, bringing his mind back to the present. “It was a tough one, but we came through without any losses. Go rest. I’ll let you know when the next assignment is ready.”

The team dispersed, and Fugaku made his way back to his tent with Nozawa and Sato Maru.

“It’s good to be back in base,” Sato sighed. “Sleeping in a cave every night was starting to feel like punishment.”

“Get used to it,” Fugaku replied with a small smile. “We’ll be on missions like this often enough. Caves and rain are just part of the job.”

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Ignoring Sato’s groans, Fugaku left the tent to find Yan’s quarters. Along the way, he ran into Jin Uchiha, who greeted him with a somber expression.

“Welcome back, Fugaku. I’m glad you made it through the mission,” Jin said. “With the Wind, Rain, and Earth countries now targeting Konoha directly, I was worried you might not return.”

Fugaku understood Jin’s concern right away—some members of the Uchiha clan had already fallen.

“How bad are our clan’s losses?” Fugaku asked.

Jin shook his head. “It’s been hard. Of the seven who went out, three have died. Only two bodies were recovered. One was taken by Iwagakure, so we’ll need to negotiate to get it back.”

Fugaku sighed. Unlike the Hyuga clan, whose eyes are unusable after death, the Uchiha’s Sharingan could be taken and used by anyone with the skill and knowledge, adding to the danger.

“The bodies were sent back to Konoha this morning,” Jin continued. “Some reinforcements arrived with supplies yesterday, and the transporters took the bodies back with them.”

“Yan’s leading the Uchiha reinforcements, correct?” Fugaku asked. “Have you spoken with him?”

“Yes, we spoke briefly yesterday,” Jin replied.

“Let’s go see him together,” Fugaku said. “The situation in the village is shifting, and it’s better for us to stay informed.”

As they walked, Fugaku thought about the recent changes in Konoha. After the Uchiha police force had prevented an assassination in the village, the Uchiha family’s reputation had started to improve. However, Fugaku knew that the village’s leadership wouldn’t allow this improvement to continue without resistance.

The Uchiha clan members who came as reinforcements were all from the police force, sharing tents in groups of three.

“Fugaku, Jin, good to see you,” Yan greeted them as they entered his tent. “Qiuming, Shui, could you give us the room for a bit? We need to discuss a few things.”

Qiuming Uchiha and Shui Uchiha, both Chūnin with two-tomoe Sharingan, stood and nodded respectfully before leaving.

Once they were alone, Fugaku asked, “What’s the current situation in Konoha? Are there any new restrictions on the Uchiha clan?”

“Not yet,” Yan replied. “The clan head has been having members patrol regularly at night, ensuring that the village leaders have no reason to criticize us. But before I left, he told me to remind you to stay vigilant. The higher-ups won’t allow the Uchiha clan’s reputation to recover without some resistance. They’ll do whatever they can to prevent any Uchiha from becoming a hero that could change the clan’s decline.”

Fugaku nodded thoughtfully. He had underestimated his father’s insight, but he now saw that leading the Uchiha clan required wisdom and a clear understanding of Konoha’s political landscape.

“Maybe the village is too occupied with the war to focus on us right now,” Jin suggested. “In the past two days, the vanguard has suffered heavy casualties. The leadership might be too distracted to restrict the Uchiha, for now.”

Jin’s words had some truth. Konoha was currently guided by a select group from the Second Hokage’s time—Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, along with his advisors Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Danzo Shimura. These advisors, though not Hokage themselves, held significant influence, especially Danzo, who had been given permission to create his own covert unit, ‘Root,’ answering only to him.

Below this advisory group was the Elder Group—a collection of respected figures who had served Konoha since its founding. Although they had little direct power, their opinions carried weight, and the Hokage often listened to their advice. However, without soldiers or control over the Anbu, the Elders couldn’t directly impact the Uchiha’s position. Only the Hokage and his advisors had the power to impose restrictions on the Uchiha’s actions.