Chapter 50: Merits Buried in Silence
Hiruzen Sarutobi never expected that, despite his earnest persuasion, Minato Namikaze would still make such a choice.
He gazed deeply at Minato.
On one hand, he admired and appreciated Minato's unwavering commitment to his principles and promises. But on the other hand, he found it a bit regrettable.
This child was excellent in every way—except that he was just too stubborn.
"It shouldn't be like this… With Minato's intelligence, how could he possibly fall for Uchiha Dali's tricks?"
No matter how much Hiruzen pondered, he couldn't figure it out.
It seemed that today's conversation wouldn't lead to any concrete results.
He could only find another time to talk to him properly.
After a long silence, Hiruzen finally sighed and nodded. "Alright, Minato, since you've already made your stance clear, we'll discuss this another day."
"For now, let's head to the Daimyō's capital and complete the most important task at hand."
With that, Hiruzen turned around, clasped his hands behind his back, and continued walking leisurely as if nothing had happened.
---
Konoha
Under Uchiha Fugaku's leadership, all the surviving Uchiha clan members who had participated in the war gradually returned to the village.
As the victors of this war, Konoha had defeated four major enemies with their own forces, securing an overwhelming victory and bringing the war to an end.
Naturally, the villagers lined the streets to welcome the heroes home in celebration.
However, as the Uchiha clan members walked through the village, they found themselves puzzled.
Despite being among the biggest contributors to the victory, the villagers' attitudes toward them were no different from how they treated any other returning ninja.
There were cheers and applause, but these were given to all the ninjas returning from the battlefield—not just to them.
It seemed that, in the eyes of the villagers, the Uchiha clan was no different from the average Konoha ninja.
If that were all, it wouldn't have been a big deal.
But the problem was that some people were receiving a much grander welcome, enjoying far more enthusiastic cheers and congratulations from the villagers.
For example, the Hyūga clan, the Akimichi clan, the Yamanaka clan, and the Aburame clan.
When these prestigious Konoha clans returned, the villagers erupted in cheers that far exceeded what was given to ordinary ninjas.
And it wasn't just a difference in how clans were treated—individual recognition varied greatly as well.
The loudest cheers were for Minato Namikaze.
Next was Orochimaru.
Then came various other ninjas who were far less accomplished than the Uchiha.
What was even more outrageous was that some people had even crafted statues of Minato and Orochimaru, placing them along the streets to express their admiration.
This scene left the Uchiha clan members both confused and frustrated.
"Clan leader, what's going on? The villagers seem completely unaware of our contributions on the battlefield…"
Uchiha Hachidai approached Uchiha Fugaku, voicing his confusion and dissatisfaction in a low voice.
"Yeah! I thought we'd receive far more recognition!"
"After all, our clan produced two geniuses and served as the main force in repelling the enemy, completely freeing the village from the war! And yet, we're treated like this?"
Uchiha Dōka also complained.
Hearing these complaints only fueled the silent frustration of the other Uchiha members.
Before, they had only felt a sense of unease, but now, with these concerns voiced aloud, their resentment grew.
"Fugaku-sama, could it be that the village deliberately buried our battlefield achievements? Otherwise, why does no one seem to know about them?"
The proud Uchiha couldn't stand this kind of injustice.
Their honor was earned through blood and sacrifice on the battlefield.
Yet now, they were being denied the recognition they rightfully deserved.
No one could just swallow this kind of treatment.
Uchiha Fugaku's expression darkened, but he said nothing.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Shisui tried to calm the others. "Everyone, let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe the village just hasn't had time to compile and announce the various clans' battlefield achievements yet."
"At the very least, the villagers are smiling and welcoming us, aren't they?"
His words left Uchiha Dali speechless.
After staring at Shisui for a moment, Dali finally couldn't hold back a sneer.
Noticing this, Shisui turned to him curiously.
With a sarcastic tone, Uchiha Dali said, "If the villagers truly don't know about the battlefield performances of each clan, then why is there a clear distinction in how they're treating us? The 'Yellow Flash,' the Three Sannin, the Hyūga clan…"
"Take a good look at the status these clans and ninjas hold in the villagers' eyes—then compare it to us. Heh…"
If anyone else had said these words, Shisui might have tried to refute them.
But the person speaking was Uchiha Dali.
He was the one who had achieved the most battlefield merits in the Third Shinobi World War.
On the battlefields against Kirigakure, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure, he had single-handedly crushed his enemies.
And yet, despite his overwhelming achievements, the treatment he received was clearly different from that of other Konoha ninjas.
No matter how Shisui tried to justify it to himself, the truth was plain to see.
For a moment, he found himself speechless.
And just at that moment, a thunderous cheer erupted from the villagers lining the streets.
Some even started shouting excitedly.
Turning their heads, they saw a tall, slender figure with long black hair walking toward them.
"Orochimaru-sama!!"
"It's one of the Three Sannin, Orochimaru-sama! He's finally back!"
"I heard that in the western battlefield, Orochimaru-sama single-handedly crushed Sunagakure's allied forces!"
"Amazing! As expected of one of the Three Sannin!"
The excited and enthusiastic cheers filled the air, reaching the ears of every Uchiha present.
At that moment, no explanation was needed.
It was obvious—someone like Orochimaru had his battlefield feats spread throughout Konoha in no time.
Yet someone like Uchiha Dali, who had achievements even greater than Minato Namikaze, remained completely unknown.
Any rational person could see the reason behind this.
"Do you still think the village just hasn't had time to compile the war records, and that's why the villagers don't know about our Uchiha clan's achievements?"
Uchiha Dali turned to Shisui with a faint smile, his tone laced with sarcasm.
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