As Onoki gradually departed with over five thousand Iwagakure captives, the tense atmosphere at the Konoha frontline outpost finally began to ease.
The only department still operating efficiently was the frontline intelligence system, with new information constantly being reported back.
Fugaku stood outside the command tent, listening to the intelligence ninja's report.
12 minutes later.
"Report, Ōnoki and the Iwagakure army have been spotted 10,000 meters from the outpost, accelerating their departure."
25 minutes later.
"Report, Ōnoki and the Iwagakure army have been spotted 20,000 meters from the outpost, accelerating their departure."
60 minutes later.
""Report, after Ōnoki and the Iwagakure army returned to the Iwagakure outpost, they departed with a portion of their forces towards the Land of Earth."
After confirming that Ōnoki and his forces had truly left, Fugaku let out a soft breath.
He turned to Yashiro and said, "Prepare to gather everyone, it's time to share our spoils of war."
In the clearing at the center of the camp, over four thousand ninjas stood in neat formation. Even the severely wounded were carefully brought out and placed in the front row of the formation. On the makeshift high platform, piles of money chests gleamed with a metallic luster in the setting sun.
Fugaku stood at the center of the platform, the Uchiha clan fan crest on his black battle robe particularly striking.
He glanced at the draft Shun had handed him, memorized its contents, and then used Chakra to project his voice clearly into everyone's ears.
"Everyone, after more than a year of effort, we have finally defeated Iwagakure. As the frontline commander, I believe I have not failed your trust and have delivered a satisfactory answer. Regarding these 30 billion ryo in war reparations, I shamelessly, through a combination of force and coercion, snatched them directly from Third Tsuchikage Onoki's hands. I need to explain the purpose of this money to everyone."
Scattered cheers erupted from the crowd, easing the tense atmosphere. When the topic of the reparations' use was brought up, silence returned. Everyone's gaze was fixed on the piles of money chests, and the air was thick with tension and anticipation.
A gust of wind blew through, and the empty sleeve of a ninja in the front row, who had lost his left arm, swayed in the breeze.
Fugaku's voice was as firm as iron. "In the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha was besieged by the Four Great Ninja Villages. The estimated number of casualties will exceed ten thousand. The village will need to pay approximately over 40 billion ryo in casualty compensation. It can be said that for the next 10 years, the village may be unable to pay such a huge amount of casualty compensation."
A young female ninja suddenly covered her mouth, her shoulders trembling slightly. Her companion gently put an arm around her shoulder. Her brother had died in last night's battle. A few ninjas in the back exchanged worried glances, they all had family members who had died.
After a brief pause, Fugaku suddenly raised his voice. "Therefore, I have decided to take 15 billion ryo from the 30 billion ryo specifically to pay the compensation for the casualties within our outpost. We, the Uchiha, will never let Konoha's heroes shed blood and tears."
These words were like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, causing a huge stir. The crowd instantly erupted, with cheers, cries, and applause intertwining.
The one-armed ninja stood stunned, tears silently streaming down his dust-covered face.
Shun's lips curled slightly, this scene was even more perfect than he had imagined.
Even several Hyuga, who had always harbored resentment towards the Uchiha, showed expressions of admiration.
Fugaku's expression grew serious, and he raised his hand to signal for silence. "As for the remaining 15 billion ryo, I will distribute it among all of you present, based on each person's contribution to the war."
"First, the top contributor is Uchiha Shun. He infiltrated deep into Iwagakure, gathered crucial intelligence, and deduced that Iwagakure would launch a night attack last night. He also provided valuable advice for the defensive arrangements last night. Furthermore, he fought against Iwagakure's commander, Kitsuchi, testing Kitsuchi's strength and gathering intelligence, and he single-handedly killed 3 Iwagakure Jonin and several Chunin. For this, he is awarded 36 million ryo and promoted to squadron leader."
As Shun walked onto the stage, a gasp of surprise immediately arose.
As fellow frontline comrades, many were aware of his previous strength.
"Shun, how did he suddenly become so powerful? It's hard to believe."
Mei whispered, "Last night, I was near him, I saw all of his battles. He has a Three-Tomoe Sharingan and can use a Ninjutsu with two heads and four arms. Through this Ninjutsu, he can single-handedly perform Wind-Fire Combination Ninjutsu, and its power is astonishing."
"So that's it. Amazing!"
The onlookers let out exclamations of awe.
"Second place, Kurama Unkai. He is the head of a branch of the Kurama clan. The Kurama clan has 1,000 people stationed at this outpost, with 472 killed and 58 disabled, suffering over half casualties. Yet, he still led the Kurama clan members to hold the front line, making a significant contribution to this war. For this, he is awarded 35 million ryo."
In fact, Unkai is only 21 years old this year, and his strength is only at the Jonin level. But no one raised any objections to his ranking. This was an honor earned with the lives of hundreds of his clan members.
"Third place, Kazami Tetsu. He is the clan head of the Kazami Clan. The Kazami clan suffered the following casualties, 158 killed and 27 disabled. He served in the Frontline Staff Department, and many of his suggestions played a crucial role in our outpost's ability to hold out for over a year. For this, he is awarded 32 million ryo."
"Fourth place, Uchiha Fugaku. I placed myself in fourth place because I led 3,500 clan members to the front line, with 1,227 killed and 112 disabled. I have lived up to Konoha, but I have failed my clan members, so I am only worthy of the fourth-place reward. For this, I am awarded 30 million ryo."
This self-deprecating rhetoric produced a miraculous effect.
The Uchiha clan members shouted in unison, "Fugaku-sama, you have done very well. We are proud of you."
Ninjas from other clans also cast admiring glances at this humble commander.
"Fifth place, Uchiha Ryuka. He is a frontline Squadron Leader. Last night, he personally led 27 Jonin from his unit deep behind enemy lines. They jointly performed the Uchiha Flame Formation, cutting off the Iwagakure army's retreat, making a significant contribution to capturing over 5,000 Iwagakure ninjas. For this, he is awarded 28 million ryo."
"Sixth place, Uchiha Yashiro..."
"Seventh place... Eighth place... Nineteenth place, Hatano Yui... Twentieth place, Aoi..."
Fugaku coughed lightly and raised his voice, shouting, "Alright, I know you are all tired of listening. I will not forget everyone's contributions and sacrifices. I will have Shun compile everyone's contributions and sacrifices into a book for future generations to admire."