2 The Clan Compound
Miwa Uchiha walked with a sense of purpose through the bustling streets of Konoha. Her thoughts were consumed by concern and curiosity as she made her way to Konoha Hospital.
The very idea that Renjiro, a half-breed Uchiha, had awakened his Sharingan weighed heavily on her mind. It was no ordinary accomplishment, and Miwa couldn't shake the nagging feeling of unease.
The Sharingan was a kekkei genkai, a powerful bloodline ability unique to the Uchiha clan, and only a select few were lucky enough to unlock its potential.
Fortunately, she was one of the select few to do so. Otherwise, she would not have attained the rank of Jounin that easily.
The difference between a pure-blood Uchiha and a half-breed lay in their stamina, in how long they could keep the Sharingan activated along with less chakra cost. For her and others of her lineage, it was a gift and a burden as it blossomed through tragedy.
Miwa's heart was heavy with more than just concern for Renjiro. She also hoped that he would be fine, even as she grappled with her own worries.
The escape from Uzushiogakure had been nothing short of a harrowing ordeal. Being a Jounin, she had faced her share of challenges, but this journey had tested her to her limits.
Miwa's daring escape from Uzushiogakure was a testament to her skill and determination. She had navigated treacherous landscapes, outwitted enemy shinobi, and faced physical and emotional trials that had pushed her to the limit.
They had to stop at the borders of the land of fire to seek reprieve from enemy shinobi pursuing them as well as receive medical attention for both her and Renjiro, with the latter needing a transfer to the hospital due to lack of medical-nin in the outpost.
Miwa's arrival at the hospital was both an act of genuine concern for Renjiro and a quest to understand the enigma that had unfolded—a half-breed Uchiha who defied the very bloodline that had defined their clan for generations. She couldn't help but feel the boy would be unique.
'I will have to be his guardian. That's the least I could do for Sachi-chan's son. Especially now that Uzushiogakure has fallen.'
When Miwa entered Renjiro's room, she was glad to find him awake from his coma but then surprised.
'Hmm? Did he become a retard?'
Miwa wondered because the red-headed boy was staring into the air as if he was dazed.
"Renjiro, are you okay?" Miwa questioned.
Just as Renjiro was thinking about his new life, he heard a voice, presumably talking to him.
Following the sound, Renjiro saw a dark-haired woman. Her raven-black hair cascaded around her shoulders. Her eyes, similarly dark, seemed to bore deeply into one's soul.
The Konoha headband, adorned with the village's iconic leaf emblem, was securely fastened around her forehead, a symbol of her unwavering loyalty to her village.
The famous green flak jacket, a mark of a chunin and above rank in Konoha, adorned her form above a black pair. Instead of the swirl representing the village it had a symbol uncanny to the Uchiha clan. As his eyes narrowed, Renjiro realised he could see a vague fog present in Miwa's body.
"The Sharingan...'' Miwa said
"Huh?"
Without even realising it, Renjiro had been channelling chakra to his eyes instinctively.
'So that was the cause of that pain from my eye? It was a bit obvious. The vague fog must have been chakra. Heh! I guess I'll be known as Renjiro Uzumaki of the Sharingan.'
"What is a Sharingan miss?"
Renjiro tried his best to feign ignorance. Whether he nailed the part or not, he wasn't sure.
'I guess Sachi really wanted to leave the shinobi world behind. Or maybe she never got a chance to educate him about his roots.'
"It is the Kekkei Genkai of the Uchiha Clan, which your mother was a part of. It is quite rare for someone as young as you to awaken. It is of great value to a shinobi. But enough about that, are you feeling okay?''
"Uhm..., I feel a little light-headed since I just woke up minutes ago. But other than that, my body feels better than ever. It feels like I've grown stronger."
'Must be because his Chakra has been unlocked. It can't be helped. With him awakening his Sharingan and unlocking his chakra, there is only one path that he could follow.' Miwa thought.
"That is good to hear Renjiro. Should we head home then?"
"Yes, I can't wait to meet Mother and Father," Renjiro replied gleefully. He was aware of the situation, but he still had a part to play.
"About that, Renjiro I have something to tell you...." Miwa proceeded to inform Renjiro of the demise of his parents and the destruction of Uzushiogakure.
Miwa was worried about how mildly Renjiro's reaction to the news of his Parents' demise was. In the end, she attributed it to Renjiro being in a state of shock.
Meanwhile, Renjiro was deeply in his thoughts, 'I have a huge sword hanging down my neck with what's to come and considering I'm here after the fall of the Uzumaki clan I will have to participate in a shinobi war or two as it wasn't explicitly stated when Uzushiogakure was destroyed. I have to hit the ground running as soon as possible.'
Renjiro told Miwa that he felt better and did not feel like staying in the hospital any longer. Miwa headed to see whether he could get a medical nin to discharge Renjiro.
Before heading out he handed Renjiro some clothes branded with the Uchiha clan symbol to wear.
'I am not technically an Uchiha but since I'm an orphan, I just have to find a place to settle in.' Renjiro surmised as he changed his clothes.
After an hour or so, they were able to finish up with the hospital since Renjiro was fine. Miwa guided Renjiro through the winding streets of Konoha, eventually arriving at the destination of the Uchiha clan compound.
Renjiro was completely enamoured by it. The compound was a place steeped in history and tradition, with towering stone structures and lush gardens that whispered tales of generations past.
Upon entering the clan's heart, they passed the ancestral shrine, where flickering candles paid homage to the clan's forebears. At the end of the path, they came to a grand hall. Here, seated regally and with an unmistakable presence, was Daichi Uchiha, the current Uchiha Clan head. Daichi's eyes, dark and piercing, held a wisdom that could only be gained through years of experience and leadership.
As Renjiro and Miwa entered the hall, Daichi's gaze shifted from the scrolls he had been studying to the newcomers.
"Miwa-chan, you have finally arrived. This must be Sachi's boy Renjiro."
Daichi said in a regal tone.
"I am deeply saddened by what happened to your parents, especially your mother. She was a dear childhood friend to my wife. But lemme not darken the mood. I hear that you have awakened your Sharingan is that right?''
"Yes. I have," Renjiro responded.
"That just shows how talented you are. Welcome to the Uchiha clan. I hear that you go by your Father's name you can choose to carry on the Uzumaki or adopt your Maternal one,"
Daichi's words were measured and filled with significance before continuing,
"So which one would it be?"
