Chapter 145 : The One Who Breaks the Deadlock

After the exchange, Uchiha Ryūshō rose from his seat, and Uchiha Fugaku, seated beside him, observed with curiosity as Kazuhiko entered the room.

However, his attention quickly shifted when he noticed his father standing up. Feeling uneasy, he too stood, and the attentive servant swiftly rearranged the table.

Soon, a double-headed table was set at the head.

Uchiha Ryūshō gestured towards Kazuhiko, "Please, have a seat!"

Kazuhiko, unreserved as ever, took his place directly beside the uppermost seat. Uchiha Ryūshō followed suit, sitting beside him.

In the meantime, Uchiha Fugaku remained standing at the side, his expression blank. Though he said nothing, the seat originally designated for him was now occupied.

Noticing this, Uchiha Ryūshō, comparing the composed Kazuhiko to Fugaku's bewildered state, grew displeased. The elders in the front row took notice and gently guided Uchiha Fugaku.

He was placed at Kazuhiko's side, the seat initially reserved for him. Consequently, Kazuhiko claimed the topmost position without uttering a word.

After all, he had occupied the same seat during the banquet hosted by the Third Hokage. To take a lower seat among the Uchiha would be a compromise, and rumors abounded that the prestige of the Uchiha clan surpassed even that of the Hokage.

Now that he was seated alongside those who had shared a table with Hokage-sama, Uchiha Fugaku was deemed unworthy of occupying the Clan Head's place.

Therefore, the Uchiha clan had no choice but to relegate Kazuhiko to the head seat.

Among the spectators, Uchiha Fugaku and the less experienced Kurogane were the only ones fully aware that Kazuhiko was a source of disdain for the proud Uchiha. Yet, their resentment was not personal; rather, it was a staged incident, orchestrated in advance.

If he could sit at the top, then so be it. If not, he would remain below. Kazuhiko's arrival was an opportunity for them to display their allegiance to the Uchiha Clan Head.

Seeing Kazuhiko's unyielding stance, they sighed inwardly, acknowledging, "What a character, Kazuhiko! Unwilling to yield an inch! Fame suits him well; it's better to encounter him when he's known!"

Uchiha Fugaku was the only one left bewildered, still dazed by the recent events. He couldn't quite grasp what had just happened.

In Kurogane's mind, Kazuhiko appeared exceptionally powerful. With a mere word, he had managed to convince the traditionally conservative and stubborn Uchiha clan to change seating arrangements.

No one dared to object; Kazuhiko now occupied the prominent seat, and all eyes were on him.

In his heart, Kurogane fantasized about being as unrestrained and fearless as Kazuhiko when facing the elders in the future. "As expected of the man I admire, truly amazing!"

Kazuhiko and Uchiha Ryūshō sat side by side in the first seats, behaving like ordinary ninjas, engaging in casual conversation while enjoying the rearranged food and drinks.

"Here, try the Sakura flower wine brewed by our Uchiha, Uzumaki Clan Head," Uchiha Ryūshō urged. "Welcome, Uzumaki Clan Head."

The two leaders exchanged a toast.

The elders below engaged in what seemed like a simple dinner party, quietly chatting and consuming the dishes before them.

Kazuhiko sensed the need to break the deadlock at this moment, as did Uchiha Ryūshō and the other elders. They hoped Kazuhiko would take the initiative, giving them dominance and face in future discussions.

Although Kazuhiko had been invited to this dinner party, he wasn't in a hurry. "You invited me; I have nothing to fear."

As time passed, Kazuhiko and Uchiha Ryūshō continued their conversation, dominating the atmosphere with their discussions.

Kurogane, sitting below, grew restless, feeling as though the cushion beneath him was on fire. He couldn't understand why no one had broached the main topic yet. He eagerly awaited the moment Kazuhiko would discuss the Uchiha clan's plight and propose solutions.

Kurogane looked around at the still-drinking crowd. Unable to sit still, he considered the possibility that too much alcohol might hinder the conversation.

He believed it was time to get down to business and address the Uchiha clan's challenges. Impatient, he was about to speak when an elder covered his mouth, shaking his head.

"Don't worry, someone will speak," the elder reassured him, lowering his hand afterward. Kurogane, in a low voice, asked, "Is this how everyone behaves when they grow old?"

Uchiha shook his head, offering wisdom. "You're too young to understand. The one who speaks first often weakens their position later."

Satisfied with the younger Kurogane, Uchiha turned to impart some advice when a voice broke the silence.

"Kazuhiko, why are you sitting in my seat?!" Uchiha Fugaku angrily confronted Kazuhiko.

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