Chapter 18: The Special Elder
The courtyard was frozen, the air thick with the crackling energy of the S-Rank lightning technique still gathered in Uchiha Raizen's hand. Uchiha Shirogane's accusation of betrayal hung heavily in the air.
Then, a calm, authoritative voice cut through the tension.
"Uchiha Raizen."
Everyone turned. Uchiha Oki stood at the gate, having arrived unnoticed. He ignored Uchiha Shirogane completely, his eyes fixed on his student.
"Can you now wield S-Rank ninjutsu?" Uchiha Oki asked, his tone urgent and direct.
"Master? Why are you—"
"Answer the question!" Uchiha Oki interrupted sharply. "Can you master S-Rank techniques?"
"Yes, Master," Uchiha Raizen confirmed, letting the lightning in his hand dissipate harmlessly into the night sky. The immediate threat was over.
"Good." Uchiha Oki's stern expression eased into one of grim satisfaction. He finally turned to address the assembled crowd. "Then, by the authority vested in me by the clan council, I hereby announce the decision made at our last meeting: any clansman of the Uchiha who can independently master an S-Rank ninjutsu shall be granted the title of Special Elder. While this position carries no direct political power, it confers the status and the monthly stipend of fifty thousand ryo, equal to that of a full elder."
A collective gasp rippled through the onlookers. Mastery of an S-Rank technique was rare, but not unheard of among the Uchiha elite. To grant an elder's title—even a symbolic one—to a boy simply for that was unprecedented. Elders were veterans who had contributed greatly to the clan and possessed strength nearing the Patriarch's own.
"Uchiha Oki," Uchiha Shirogane spat, his face a mask of fury and disbelief. "Do you understand the repercussions if the words you speak here are not true?"
"Uchiha Shirogane," Uchiha Oki replied, his voice flat and unwavering. "You know I am not a man who lies about clan decrees. I take full responsibility for my announcement."
On the side, Uchiha Raizen was reeling. He had been ready to be branded a traitor, to fight his way out. Instead, he was being handed a solution to all his problems on a silver platter. Fifty thousand ryo a month! His family's financial woes were solved in an instant.
"Master," Uchiha Raizen whispered, stepping closer. "What is this? Why didn't you tell me before?"
"I was afraid you would rush, seeking power without building the proper foundation," Uchiha Oki explained, his voice lowering. "I did not expect you to achieve it this quickly. But remember, this power is not truly your own yet. You must learn to control it, to make it yours." His words were a clear warning about the nature of his system-granted abilities.
"Thank you, Master. I understand," Uchiha Raizen said, bowing his head in genuine gratitude.
At that moment, Uchiha Kuna could no longer contain herself. She rushed forward and threw her arms around her brother, sobbing freely into his shoulder. "Thank you, Raizen! Thank you… thank you…"
Uchiha Raizen hugged her back tightly. "It's okay now, Sister. From now on, I will protect this home."
His other sister, Uchiha Shiori, and his mother came to his side, their faces finally alight with relief and joy. He has grown up, his mother thought, her heart swelling with a bittersweet pride.
"Let's go. We're leaving," Uchiha Shirogane commanded his family, his voice like grinding stones.
"But Father, my bride—" Uchiha Hakusai started to protest.
"I said, we are LEAVING!" Uchiha Shirogane whirled around, his three-tomoe Sharingan blazing with suppressed rage. The sight made Hakusai flinch and fall silent.
"As you wish, Father," Hakusai muttered, lowering his head in submission. But as he was led away, he cast one last, venomous glare back at Uchiha Raizen, promising future trouble with his eyes.
Seeing the family reunited and safe, Uchiha Oki allowed himself a small, private smile before turning to leave, the unspoken worries for his student's future hidden once more behind a stoic mask.
Exhausted from the night's emotional rollercoaster, the family soon retired. As peace settled over the household, Uchiha Raizen completed his final pickup for the day, gathering another fragment of Sharingan affinity.
[Pickup successful: Sharingan Proficiency +3]
[Daily Pickups: 6/6]
He had reached Level 2, his family was secure, and he had a new status within the clan. For the first time since his arrival in this world, Uchiha Raizen felt a sense of control. Lying in the dark, he knew the challenges were far from over, but as his family slept soundly around him, he allowed himself to believe that he could, indeed, become their shield.