Chapter Twenty-Six: Heroes and Legends

As the sun slowly set, Uchiha Rei and the surprise attack squad finally returned to their stronghold after a long and urgent journey. Seeing the heavily guarded patrols at the base, everyone at last let down the taut strings in their hearts.

"Rei, I'll need to trouble you to come with me to make a report," Nara Suzaku said calmly from the head of the group. "This time, you killed Troy—this achievement will certainly be rewarded by the village."

Though Uchiha Rei cared little for the so-called rewards of the village, he nodded in agreement. "I did it all for the village," he replied.

Seeing his response, both Nara Suzaku and Akimichi Sidou exchanged subtle nods. After this mission, their impression of Uchiha Rei had completely changed. The rumors of Uchihas being difficult to get along with or arrogant did not apply to him. On the contrary, Rei was not only diligent and responsible in carrying out the mission, but also risked his own safety on the battlefield to save his comrades. Such a person was worthy of respect and admiration.

"Lord Rei, it was an honor to fight beside you!" Keiji Asami and the others, who had already regained consciousness, said reluctantly from the rear of the squad.

Compared to the others, they felt an even greater fondness for Uchiha Rei, who had risked his life to ensure their escape. He had saved their lives—had the circumstances been different, perhaps feelings deeper than gratitude might have blossomed. They were well aware of the vast gulf in status and ability between themselves and Uchiha Rei, making it unlikely that they would fight side by side again.

Still, even if they could not go into battle together, Keiji Asami and his companions silently resolved that, when with others, they would always speak well of Uchiha Rei whenever possible. The Uchiha’s reputation might not be good, but they would never allow someone as noble as Rei to be misunderstood.

On Rei’s side, seeing their expressions, a trace of guilt flickered in his heart. He was not as noble as they imagined—sending them away was more to avoid exposing his Mangekyō prematurely. Yet, whatever his intentions, his actions had indeed saved them, so he did not feel he was unworthy of their gratitude.

Moreover, he had already decided to make a name for himself.

With this in mind, Rei smiled, patted their shoulders, and said, "Alright, you should all go rest. Health is most important..."

After a few words of comfort, Rei followed Nara Suzaku and Akimichi Sidou toward the command camp.

"Lord Rei, you are the most outstanding Uchiha I've ever met!"

"Lord Rei, if you ever need anything, please come to us."

"Lord Rei, you must take care of yourself too..."

A chorus of farewells echoed behind him. Rei kept his smile, waved without looking back, and bid them goodbye once more.

Nara Suzaku, watching this scene, chuckled with a touch of emotion. "Rei, you’re quite popular now. It’s only natural—you’re a hero for what you’ve done."

Akimichi Sidou agreed. "Indeed, to do so much for your comrades under such dire circumstances is truly heroic."

Neither man hesitated to praise Uchiha Rei, openly signaling their goodwill. Such a talented Uchiha—strong, friendly, and apparently of some standing within his clan—was worth befriending, whether for the sake of their families or themselves.

"You flatter me. It was your excellent command that led us to success..." Rei replied, offering a few compliments in return and expressing his admiration for the two captains and their clans.

He was no fool; even if he knew little of political maneuvering, he understood the basics of diplomacy.

In the midst of this increasingly harmonious atmosphere, the three arrived at the main camp, made their report, and entered inside.

Within the camp, Nara Shikaku sat hunched over a map, deep in thought. When the three arrived, his expression grew solemn. As he listened to Nara Suzaku’s report, his pupils contracted sharply, and he looked at Uchiha Rei with rare astonishment.

"That is all the information," Nara Suzaku concluded, adding his own assessment. "Though Troy was killed by Rei, I suspect Kumogakure may still be planning something. Clan Chief, it would be best to consult with the village again."

He was not exaggerating. Kumogakure had been quiet for three months, but now, in just a few days, they had suddenly changed tactics and even sent Troy, a battlefield weapon with Magnet Release. Something was amiss.

Fortunately, Troy had been dealt with by Uchiha Rei before he could do any real damage on the front lines. Still, to be safe, it was best to assume the worst regarding Kumogakure’s intentions.

"I understand," Nara Shikaku nodded gravely. "I’ll report this to the village myself."

He then stepped before Uchiha Rei and continued, "Your achievements will also be reported. Where there is merit, there must be reward; where there is fault, there must be penalty. That is only right. You and the Uchiha will not be shortchanged."

Rei was about to respond when a commotion erupted outside.

"Let us in! We must see Lord Rei!"

"No, the commander is in a critical meeting. You cannot enter!"

"If you don’t move, we won’t hold back!"

The voices outside grew intense, on the verge of violence.

Hearing this, Rei’s heart sank—he recognized the voices as his clansmen.

Something has happened—something big.

He could easily guess what had happened. Before coming to the stronghold, as the person in charge, he had ordered his clan members to behave and not cause trouble unless it was urgent. The Uchiha respected strength, especially since Rei had the endorsement of the increasingly influential Fugaku. They would not easily break the rules.

Yet now, his clansmen were breaking them. Something monumental must have occurred.

"Let them in," Nara Shikaku ordered, frowning slightly and glancing at Rei.

Soon, several Uchihas led by Uchiha Misato hurried in, faces flushed with anger and excitement.

Seeing his assistant, personally dispatched by the clan chief, so upset, Rei quickly asked, "What’s happened?"

At the sight of Rei, Misato’s expression softened a little. She recalled the clan chief’s instructions: in case of trouble, she must consult with Rei and not act on her own. Though she did not know why Rei was so trusted, as the clan chief’s confidante, she would obey.

She handed Rei a note and whispered a few words in his ear, then stood aside.

Rei read the message, his expression turning cold.

"Clan Chief Nara, it seems there’s no need to discuss rewards for me or the Uchiha now. What I want is an explanation!"