Chapter 22
As Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki led the over five thousand Iwagakure prisoners gradually into the distance, the tense atmosphere at the Konoha frontline outpost finally began to ease.
The only department still operating at full efficiency was the frontline intelligence system—new reports arrived at regular intervals.
Uchiha Fugaku stood outside the command tent, listening to the intelligence ninja's briefing.
12 minutes later… "Report: At 10,000 meters from the outpost, Ōnoki and the Iwagakure force have been spotted accelerating their withdrawal."
25 minutes later… "Report: At 20,000 meters from the outpost, Ōnoki and the Iwagakure force are continuing to accelerate away."
60 minutes later… "Report: Ōnoki and the Iwagakure force have returned to their own outpost, then departed toward the Land of Earth with part of their group."
After confirming Ōnoki had truly left, Uchiha Fugaku let out a soft breath.
He turned to Uchiha Hachidai: "Prepare to assemble everyone. It's time to share the fruits of our victory."
In the central clearing of the camp, over four thousand ninjas stood in neat formation. Even the severely wounded had been carefully carried out and placed at the very front. On a hastily built high platform, mountains of money chests gleamed with metallic luster under the setting sun.
Uchiha Fugaku stood at the center of the platform, the Uchiha fan crest on his black battle robe especially striking.
He glanced at the draft Uchiha Sanpō had handed him, committed it to memory, then channeled chakra to project his voice clearly into every ear: "Everyone, after more than a year of effort, we have finally defeated Iwagakure. As your frontline commander, I have not failed your trust—I've delivered a satisfactory result. As for this 300 billion ryō in war reparations, I shamelessly used force and intimidation to wrench it from Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki's hands. Now I must explain how this money will be used."
Scattered cheers rose from the crowd, easing the tension. But when the topic turned to the reparations' distribution, silence fell again. Every gaze locked onto the towering stacks of chests; the air thrummed with nervous anticipation.
A gust of wind blew past. In the front row, a one-armed ninja's empty sleeve fluttered.
Uchiha Fugaku's voice rang out firm as steel: "In the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha was besieged by the four great ninja villages. Projected casualties will exceed ten thousand. The village will owe roughly over 400 billion ryō in compensation payments. In other words, for the next ten years or more, the village may be unable to pay such a massive sum."
A young female ninja suddenly covered her mouth, shoulders trembling. Her comrade gently held her—her brother had died in last night's battle. In the back rows, several ninjas exchanged worried glances; each had lost family on the front lines.
After a brief pause, Uchiha Fugaku suddenly raised his voice: "Therefore, I have decided to allocate 150 billion ryō from the 300 billion specifically for compensating the families of our fallen and wounded here at the outpost. The Uchiha will never let Konoha's heroes bleed and weep in vain!"
These words struck like a boulder into still water, igniting an explosion of emotion.
The crowd erupted—cheers, sobs, applause all mingled together.
The one-armed ninja stood frozen; silent tears carved clean tracks through the dust on his face. Uchiha Sanpō's lips curved upward—this scene was even more perfect than he had imagined.
Even a few Hyūga clansmen who had long harbored resentment toward the Uchiha showed looks of genuine respect.
Uchiha Fugaku's expression grew solemn again. He raised a hand for silence: "As for the remaining 150 billion ryō, I will distribute it among everyone present according to their contributions in this war."
"First place: Uchiha Sanpō. He infiltrated deep into Iwagakure territory, obtained critical intelligence, and analyzed that Iwagakure would launch a night assault last night. He also provided valuable suggestions for last night's defensive layout. Additionally, he engaged Iwagakure's overall commander Kitsuchi in battle, probed his strength and capabilities, and single-handedly killed three Iwagakure jōnin and several chūnin. For this, he is specially awarded 36 million ryō and promoted to battalion commander."
As Uchiha Sanpō stepped onto the platform, gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
Many frontline comrades knew his previous strength: "Sanpō… how did he suddenly become this strong? It's really hard to believe!"
A female jōnin named Ito Yamei whispered: "Last night I was near him—I saw his fighting. He has the Three Tomoe Sharingan and can use that two-headed, four-armed ninjutsu. Through it, he can perform wind-fire combination techniques alone—its power is astonishing!"
"So that's how… incredible… incredible!"
The onlookers erupted in amazed exclamations.
"Second place: Kurama Unkai, Clan Head of the Kurama clan. The Kurama had 1,000 stationed at this outpost—472 dead, 58 crippled, over half casualties. Yet he continued leading his clansmen to hold the line, making vital contributions to this war. Special award: 35 million ryō."
In truth, Kurama Unkai was only 21 this year, with strength at standard jōnin level. But no one questioned his ranking—this honor had been bought with hundreds of clansmen's lives.
"Third place: Kazami Tomohiko, Clan Head of the Kazami clan. The Kazami lost 158 dead, 27 crippled. As a frontline staff officer, many of his suggestions helped this outpost hold out for over a year. Special award: 32 million ryō."
"Fourth place: Uchiha Fugaku. I rank myself fourth because I led 3,500 clansmen to the front lines—1,227 dead, 112 crippled. I have done right by Konoha, but I have failed my clan. Thus I am only worthy of fourth place. Special award: 30 million ryō."
This self-deprecating rhetoric produced an astonishing effect.
Uchiha clansmen immediately shouted: "Clan Head… you've already done so much… we are proud of you!"
Ninjas from other clans also looked at this humble commander with genuine respect.
"Fifth place: Uchiha Ryūka, frontline battalion commander. Last night he personally led his 27 jōnin deep behind enemy lines. Together they executed the Uchiha Flame Array, cutting off Iwagakure's retreat and enabling the capture of over 5,000 prisoners. Special award: 28 million ryō."
"Sixth place: Uchiha Hachidai…"
"Seventh place… Eighth place… Nineteenth place: Hatano Yui… Twentieth place: Aoi Jun…"
Uchiha Fugaku cleared his throat lightly and raised his voice: "Enough—I know everyone is tired of listening. I will never forget any of your contributions or sacrifices. I will have Sanpō compile everyone's deeds into a book, so future generations may look upon them with admiration."
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