Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 194: The Uchiha Clan Welcomed by the Villagers

Amidst the cheers of the unsuspecting Konoha villagers, who welcomed them as heroes, the Uchiha clan continued their march.

Behind them, the Konoha shinobi looked at each other in bewilderment.

"When did the Uchiha clan become so popular among the villagers?" Sarutobi Asuma lit a cigarette, expressing his confusion.

He knew very well the former reputation of the Uchiha clan in Konoha.

Kakashi, watching the backs of Sasuke and the others, spoke calmly, "In death, people are often remembered kindly. After the Uchiha clan's massacre, even villagers who didn't think highly of them began to pay respects and shed tears. After all, no matter the disagreements, we were all part of the same village. Now, it's this sense of belonging that makes the villagers so enthusiastic."

"Besides…"

Kakashi's eyes flickered, but he didn't continue. He knew there was another reason.

Historically, the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the villagers was not harmonious. While some of it was due to the Uchiha's personal traits, much of it was due to the influence of the Konoha leadership.

Ordinary villagers and the Uchiha had little direct conflict. With their proud nature, the Uchiha generally ignored the villagers. Their main interaction was through the police force.

You could say the Uchiha were strict enforcers, but they treated everyone equally—villagers, shinobi, and even other clans.

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It didn't matter if you were from the Sarutobi clan or your uncle was the Third Hokage; the Uchiha would still enforce the law impartially.

Because of this, villagers saw the Uchiha as difficult but not necessarily malevolent.

The disdain towards the Uchiha mainly came from the Konoha leadership's manipulations, spreading rumors and creating distrust.

As for who in the leadership was responsible, well, the dead should rest in peace, so let's not delve into that.

It was only after the Uchiha clan's massacre that villagers realized the Uchiha weren't as bad as they thought. They were strict but fair, which was valuable to the common folk.

The current police force was more lenient but less effective, often compromising, resulting in worse outcomes than during the Uchiha's tenure.

This contrast made many villagers nostalgic for the Uchiha.

Furthermore, they never had deep animosity towards the Uchiha. The Uchiha didn't exploit or harm them, so why had they feared and hated them so much?

Also, the village's strength and deterrence had decreased after the Uchiha massacre, leading to a drop in missions and economic downturn.

Thus, the return of the Uchiha clan brought a mix of expectation and guilt among the villagers, culminating in their enthusiastic reception.

"But you've forgotten one thing: the current Uchiha are not the same as before," Kakashi sighed deeply as he looked at the excited villagers.

At this point, Jiraiya understood Hagoromo Gengetsu's plan. "This puts us in a tight spot!" Jiraiya laughed bitterly.

The Uchiha would soon leave. When the villagers saw the Uchiha leaving without hesitation, they would naturally blame the Konoha leadership.

And the leadership had indeed played an inglorious role. The order to massacre the entire Uchiha clan, including innocents, came from them.

If Itachi didn't do it, they would have.

"Hagoromo Gengetsu's tactics are impressive. He stirs internal strife within Konoha while strengthening the Uchiha's unity," Jiraiya shook his head as he noticed the unwavering determination of the Uchiha clan amid the villagers' cheers.

Beside him, Tsunade, frustrated and overwhelmed by her role as Hokage, said, "Fine, I'll resign. You take over as Hokage."

Jiraiya was startled and quickly refused, "No way! Especially now, Tsunade, you can't step down."

He spent the rest of the time trying to dissuade Tsunade.

Meanwhile, within the Uchiha ranks, Uchiha Izumi, though smiling, kept a distance from the villagers.

Seeing a familiar dango shop, her eyes lit up, "It's been a while since I had dango from here. I'll go get some."

Uchiha Jen followed suit, heading to his favorite takoyaki stall.

Their actions didn't stem from lingering affection for Konoha. Quite the opposite; they indulged one last time precisely because they no longer had any attachment.

Seeing his clan dispersing, Sasuke turned his gaze to a shop with a sign that read "Ichiraku Ramen."

"Welcome!"

"One bowl of tonkotsu chashu ramen, please."

Sasuke entered the nearly empty ramen shop, noting that it hadn't changed, though a familiar yellow-haired figure was missing.

Just like before, he ordered a bowl of ramen.

"Got it!"

Teuchi, ever passionate about his work, responded without looking and soon served a steaming bowl of ramen.

Then, he finally looked at his customer.

At first glance, Teuchi found him familiar but couldn't place him. Then his eyes lit up, "Sasuke?"

"Yes," Sasuke nodded calmly.

"It really is you! It's been a long time! You used to come here with Naruto," Teuchi said.

"Indeed," Sasuke began eating quickly.

Teuchi asked curiously, "Will you come by often? It's been a while since I saw you."

"I won't be coming back. I'm a missing-nin now," Sasuke stated matter-of-factly.

"It's a shame you won't return. Even as a missing-nin, you—wait, a missing-nin?" Teuchi's face froze.

He had nearly forgotten Sasuke's surname was Uchiha. He remembered the scandal two years ago when the last Uchiha defected from Konoha.

But as an old man, he needed Sasuke's reminder to recall it.

So, should he report this now?