The Uchiha compound was louder than usual that evening. Celebrations were rare in the compound. But tonight, the clan had a reason.
Shinji had returned home as a jonin.
Several Uchiha gathered around low tables in the courtyard, drinks and food spread across the wood. Conversations overlapped as shinobi discussed missions, clan matters, and village news. At the center of it all sat Shinji.
His jonin vest rested over his shoulders, still looking new. Across from him sat his father, a calm but proud look on his face. "You've grown faster than I expected," his father said, pouring another drink.
Shinji smirked slightly. "You said the same thing when I made special jonin."
"Yes," his father replied calmly. "And you still surprised me."
Nearby, several younger members of the clan whispered among themselves.
"That's him."
Shinji heard it. He pretended not to.
One of the older Uchiha chuckled.
His father raised his cup slightly. Several clan members raised their cups as well. "To Shinji." "To the youngest jonin the clan has produced in years."
Glasses clinked together.
Shinji scratched the back of his neck. "You're all making this weird."
Laughter spread around the table. Across the courtyard, a small figure peeked around a doorway. Itachi Uchiha stood silently, observing everything with curious eyes.
Shinji noticed him.
"Hey."
The boy blinked slightly.
Shinji waved him over.
Itachi approached slowly.
"You've gotten taller," Shinji said.
Itachi nodded "You've gotten stronger."
Shinji laughed.
"Straight to the point, huh?"
Itachi looked at the jonin vest. "Is it heavy?"
Shinji glanced down at it. "A little."
Before the conversation could continue
A voice called out from the entrance of the compound. "Well… it seems I arrived at the right time." Several Uchiha looked toward the gate. Standing there was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
For a brief moment, the courtyard went quiet.
Then Shinji stood up. "Sensei."
Hiruzen walked into the courtyard slowly, smiling as he looked around at the gathering. "It appears the clan is celebrating."
Shinji's father stood and bowed respectfully. "You're welcome to join us, Lord Third."
Several other Uchiha nodded in agreement. "Of course."
"Please sit."
Hiruzen chuckled softly. "Thank you."
He took a seat at the table beside Shinji. One of the clan members quickly poured him a drink.
Hiruzen raised the cup slightly. "To Shinji." The group echoed the toast again.
The atmosphere relaxed quickly as conversations resumed.
Hiruzen glanced sideways at his student. "You look different wearing that vest."
Shinji smirked. "Better or worse?"
Hiruzen chuckled. "Older."
Shinji rolled his eyes slightly.
Across the table, one of the older Uchiha leaned forward. "We were just discussing his reputation outside the village."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "The Red Eye Reaper?"
Shinji groaned quietly. "You too?"
Hiruzen laughed. "It's a memorable name."
Shinji muttered. "Great."
Another clan member spoke up. "It seems the other villages already fear him."
Hiruzen shook his head gently. "Fear isn't the right word." Everyone looked toward him. Hiruzen took a slow sip of his drink before continuing. "Respect."
The courtyard grew a little quieter as the clan members listened. Hiruzen continued calmly. "When other villages respect your strength" "They think twice before creating conflict." Shinji's father nodded slowly. Several Uchiha nodded in approval.
After a moment, Shinji leaned slightly closer to Hiruzen. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?"
Hiruzen chuckled. "I suspected."
Shinji glanced around the courtyard. Members of the clan laughing. For once, the compound didn't feel heavy with old frustrations or quiet resentment.
It just felt normal.
Hiruzen followed his gaze. "The village has changed since the war."
Shinji nodded slightly. "Yeah."
Itachi's eyes met Shinji's briefly before he looked away again. Hiruzen smiled faintly. "He reminds me of someone."
Shinji raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Hiruzen looked directly at him. "You."
Shinji scoffed lightly. "Poor kid."
Hiruzen laughed.
The night continued with food, drinks, and conversation echoing through the compound. For the first time in a long while The Uchiha clan felt fully part of the village again.