Naruto: The Uchiha Prodigy by Rifat

Chapter 20: Order Before Chaos

Location: Konohagakure no Sato, Hi no Kuni, Kenso no Kuni

A month had passed since the second phase of the Chunnin Exams had ended. That same night another incident would occur. Konoha General Hospital, a place of safety and recovery had become a ground where the opposite had occurred. A fire had broken out from inside the hospital. Reports had stated that oxygen cylinders inside the building had exploded due to excess internal pressure and coupled with a gas leak had set the flames that engulfed the building. A total of 33 people had lost their lives which included doctors, nurses and patients. Some of the victims' bodies had been burnt beyond recognition. It had been a sad day, and Konoha had been in mourning for the lives lost.

However, today was not a day of sadness. Today was rather a special day as a lot of guests would be arriving this day to Konoha. The Daimyo Sosuke Kaji would be arriving today. He had to attend since this was the Hidden Village that was basically a military force for the Land of Fire. While many would argue that the Daimyo was more important than the Hokage, several counter arguments could prove the opposite too. The Daimyo and the Hokage were both equally important, however their respective roles were a bit different.

Whereas the Hokage was more or less a militaristic general of the country, the Daimyo would be the financial drive of the country itself. Both depended on the other. However, compared to the shinobi life the life of those of the royal families of the Daimyo was much more elegant and carefree. They would roam freely with their personal groups of specialized guards, for example the Twelve Ninja Guardians of Fire Country, and partake in life as they see fit.

Sometimes the Daimyo would also showcase bragging rights with the Daimyo of other countries. As such, the Chunnin Exams could be considered a large betting event between the two. So it was not surprising that Gen Boufuu, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind was coming here since Sunagakure shinobi were in the finals. After all he could brag and bet with the Fire Daimyo about how the children of the Yondaime Kazekage were participating and were by some means the clear cut winner of this tournament. So the entire village was in a festive mood at the moment.

Even the civilian side of the village was cheerful at the fact on how Konoha will prove how they were the strongest village. And in one sense, they were right. Greater performances by the genin and would-be chunnin did bring in attention towards the village showcasing their futuristic crop of shinobi. This also meant that people would be naturally inclined to hire a particular village's shinobi.

Yes it was a very good day in Konoha as the sun shone and the light shined brightly over the village. Small breezes flowed around as people went on with their daily lives and were in sheer anticipation of watching the Chunnin Exams, some would see it live at the Arena whereas others would be watching a live version of it on their televisions. Yes, it was a very peaceful day in the Hidden Leaf.

.....

.....

However, where there is light there is also darkness. Away from the sights of the common people and the shinobi of the Leaf, a conspiracy danced in the shadows waiting to be unleashed.

Uchiha Clan Compound, Konohagakure no Sato, Hi no Kuni.

The Toad Sage was sitting on a boulder with his legs crossed near the Naka River. Even as a child he remembered this place. Back then everyone was allowed to come here since the Uchiha Clan Compound used to be near the heart of the village. The Naka Shrine was there since forever, as his memory served and wasn't part of the now moved Uchiha Clan Compound. The loneliness of the Compound was unsettling to him.

It felt hollow and murky. It was almost as if one could see the anguished spirits of the fallen Uchiha once the witching hour would arrive. Death had truly left its mark in this particular area.