Chapter 43: The Sixteenth Elder
The Uchiha Clan Council Hall was silent, all attention focused on the young man standing before the patriarch.
"Elder Raizen," Uchiha Tajima began, his voice echoing in the large chamber. "You were gone for four months and returned with the allegiance of three clans, each with unique and potent abilities. This is a significant achievement. Name your reward."
Uchiha Raizen bowed slightly. "Patriarch, you are aware of my unique abilities. Material possessions hold little value for me. Therefore, I make a bold request. Please perform ten S-Rank ninjutsu for me to replicate."
He could now use S-Rank techniques, and while SS-Rank was still locked behind Level 6, stockpiling powerful jutsu was always a wise investment. Money and items were meaningless when his system could provide them.
Uchiha Tajima stared at him for a moment before a booming laugh filled the hall. "Hahaha! Truly, you are Uchiha through and through! Any other man would be demanding a fortune in resources, yet you ask only for the chance to strengthen yourself further! Good! Very good!"
Uchiha Raizen had unknowingly scored a major point. The clan's resources were stretched thin, and a greedy demand would have soured his success. His request for power, something only he could utilize, was seen as both ambitious and selfless.
"One more thing, Elder Raizen," Uchiha Tajima continued, his tone turning more serious. "Your base strength... has it reached the Chunin level?"
"It has," Uchiha Raizen confirmed without hesitation.
"Excellent. Then let us make it official. From this day forward, you are no longer a 'Special' Elder. You are the Sixteenth Elder of the Uchiha clan." Uchiha Tajima presented him with a new, formal elder's vestment, this one embroidered with the number sixteen. "Your authority and responsibilities are now equal to those of your peers."
"Thank you, Patriarch." Uchiha Raizen accepted the vestment. "There is one more matter. My strength, while improved, is still lacking. I wish to request permission to reside near the Fūma clan's settlement. I promised them a cure for their affliction."
"I heard of this from Oki. But are you certain it is safe? Their condition is... volatile."
"My unique physique makes me immune to its effects," Uchiha Raizen stated confidently, another half-truth. "And curing them will only strengthen our forces. A healthy Fūma clan is a powerful asset."
Uchiha Tajima's eyes gleamed with ambition. "With geniuses like you and Madara, how can the Uchiha not rise to greatness? Granted. The matter is in your hands."
Uchiha Raizen bowed again. After Uchiha Tajima performed six S-Rank ninjutsu for him to pick up, he took his leave, using the excuse that he could only replicate one technique per day.
He left the council hall and made his way home. When he arrived at his family's plot, he stopped short, barely recognizing it. The small, humble house was gone, replaced by a spacious, two-story residence. His efforts had tangibly improved their lives.
He took a deep breath and pushed the door open. "I'm home!"
"Welcome home, Raizen!" his eldest sister, Uchiha Kuna, greeted him, a warm smile on her face. "Would you like to eat first, or bathe?"
"Let's eat first," he said, looking around. "By the way, where is Mother?"
"Mother is with Haruka Ozawa and Shiori. They're in the sewing room, making new clothes for you!" Kuna replied, her smile widening.
"I'll go see them first," he said, turning to leave. He paused at the doorway and looked back at his sister with a playful grin. "Oh, and sister... now that I'm an official clan elder, you'll likely have many suitors. Don't be too picky!"
He left a blushing Uchiha Kuna standing in the entryway, a happy smile lingering on her face long after he had disappeared down the hall.