Chapter 146 : Excellent Response!

Uchiha Fugaku glared at Kazuhiko with resentment, his thoughts returning during this tense moment.

After all, he was the future clan head of the Uchiha clan, even though he hadn't faced major challenges at a future age. Nonetheless, he was more vigilant than his peers, a prerequisite for his future role as the head of the Uchiha clan.

Being the future clan head wasn't merely a title; without sufficient strength and mental fortitude, the elders and other clan heads wouldn't accept him. Not to mention, if he faltered, they could replace him with another clan head.

Seated below, Uchiha Fugaku gradually composed himself, drawing on years of clan teachings. He deciphered the underlying message in Kazuhiko's words.

Observing his father and the elders acting as if it were an ordinary banquet, he discerned some of the implications. Without hesitation, he directly questioned Kazuhiko.

The entire assembly halted their eating utensils simultaneously, their attention shifted to Kazuhiko.

Kazuhiko surveyed the room, and Uchiha Ryūshō, beside him, seemed unperturbed, maintaining a smile.

Ignoring the silent tension, Kazuhiko turned his gaze to Uchiha Fugaku with a composed expression, and a clear voice echoed in the room.

"Why? I dare to eliminate those whom the Uchiha clan dare not touch, and I speak words the Uchiha clan fear to utter!"

A hush fell over the audience, every eye fixed on Kazuhiko as he raised his glass.

His voice gained intensity.

"For years, you Uchiha have been like caged beasts. Instead of breaking free and transforming into butterflies, you've grown weary. Surrounded by your own kind, ready to bite at any moment!"

With those words, the sarcasm in Kazuhiko's tone became undeniable, and even the seated elders blushed in that moment.

Uchiha Fugaku glared at Kazuhiko with increasing indignation. Kazuhiko, dissatisfied, returned his gaze with a disdainful smile.

"Don't agree? Am I wrong? Uchiha, one of Konoha's founding clans, renowned for the Sharingan in the ninja world, filled with geniuses. And what's the result? What's the situation now?"

"A good hand of cards has been played into your hands!"

As Kazuhiko's tone grew harsher, his words cut into Uchiha's pride like a sharp blade.

Even Uchiha Ryūshō, initially smiling in the first seat, now wore a serious expression.

For the first time in a year, someone stood boldly above him, reopening Uchiha's wounds and mercilessly taunting them.

Kazuhiko showed no intention of letting up. He glanced at the Uchiha members, who kept their heads down and remained silent. "Hey, why the silence? If you don't speak up, who will respond to my next words?"

Kazuhiko stared at them with anger, leaving them exposed with no fig leaf to hide behind.

"You all seem to have much to say. What is it, Uchiha?"

"In terms of finances, Uchiha boasts merchants and goods in various countries, with the family's wealth well known in the ninja world.

"In terms of bloodline, you possess Sharingans that awe other nations.

"But what's the outcome? What has transpired in Konoha all these years?"

"In Konoha, where the upper echelons are envious, the lower ranks are repulsed, and the middle is discontented, what do you think you can achieve?

"As one of Konoha's founding clans, with the most wealth and contributions, you've accounted for nearly half of Konoha's architectural endeavors.

"What excellent political capital! It's a shame; Uchiha, you've only become guards in Konoha all these years, offending many."

With that, Kazuhiko lifted his wine glass, sipping Sakura flower wine. A fleeting blush adorned his face, disappearing in an instant.

His words never ceased. "Let's not delve into the rest. From what I know, Uchiha, you've diligently served Konoha for so many years. Why, then, are you so disliked by many?"

"Why does no one in Konoha like you? Believe it or not, even if something were to happen to Uchiha tomorrow, no family would speak in your defense!"

Finishing his statement, Kazuhiko turned his gaze to Uchiha Fugaku, whose widened eyes and slightly moving lips failed to utter a word.

"You asked why? As Uzumaki clan head, I can show you all these aspects of your Uchiha! Let this be a wake-up call. You thought your Uchiha clan had it easy in Konoha for too long!"

"One more thing: You Uchiha invited me here today. I'm merely showing mercy, revealing the path for your Uchiha clan."

With that, Kazuhiko's mocking disdain vanished, replaced by an indifferent gaze fixed on Uchiha Fugaku.

However, this kind of retort only made his words sound more natural, intensifying the sense of injustice felt by Uchiha Fugaku.

He glared fiercely at Kazuhiko, his teeth tightly clenched, and his fists gripped so hard that the blue veins on his hands pulsed, yet he found himself unable to utter a word.

The other elders were equally incensed by Kazuhiko's remarks, but all they could do was lower their heads and sigh.

One by one, they bowed their heads, deep in thought or resigned to their helplessness.

Uchiha's image had now been tarnished by Kazuhiko, and an awkward silence enveloped them.

At this moment, many began to realize that forgiving the Uchiha had become an uncomfortable position within Konoha, and over the years, their efforts had not yielded positive results but rather deepened the resentment.

However, amidst their sorrow, the prideful Uchiha were left pondering, when did they start to seek approval?

Only Kurogane, seated below, regarded Kazuhiko with admiration.

In recent days, he too had questioned the state of the Uchiha clan. Despite the abundance of geniuses within, from generation to generation, no one had recognized the underlying crisis.

He sensed something amiss but struggled to articulate it, aware that people were afraid to voice their concerns, fearing ridicule and indifference even if their words were heard.

Now, witnessing Kazuhiko castigate Fugaku, effectively dismantling the pride of the Uchiha, left the elders speechless. For Kurogane, it provided some clarity to the doubts that had lingered in his mind.

Yet, a new question emerged – how had the situation reached this point, and what steps could be taken to resolve it?

Observing Kazuhiko before him, Kurogane's eyes gleamed as he looked toward the head of the Uzumaki clan.

Ignoring the surprised gazes of the elders around him, he leaped to his feet.

"I implore you, leader of the Uzumaki clan, enlighten us on how to overcome the plight of the Uchiha clan! What must we do?"

Kurogane's resounding tone echoed as he bowed deeply to Kazuhiko.

Kazuhiko, in turn, looked at Kurogane with approval. "Well said! As expected of you, this is an excellent response!"

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