Chapter 151 : Actor?

After hearing the elder's words, the primary challenge in finalizing the alliance between the Uzumaki clan and the Uchiha clan shifted from the initial debate on whether to sign it to determining which side the Uzumaki clan would support.

The concern about signing the agreement primarily stemmed from the Uchiha clan's internal struggle, debating its suitability and implications. Typically, such agreements between two clans might involve lengthy discussions spanning days or even months, evaluating the pros and cons before reaching a decision.

However, the first elder's statement abruptly altered the narrative. The question of whether to sign or not vanished, and the focus shifted to the method of signing the alliance. 

This marked a significant leap, as decisions that would typically take extensive deliberation were now in the hands of the Uzumaki clan. Kazuhiko had long since made up his mind.

Once the Uzumaki clan took a decisive stance, the alliance between the Uchiha and Uzumaki clans seemed almost certain. Kazuhiko even suspected that the great elder of the Uchiha clan was secretly an ally within the Uzumaki clan, always providing crucial assistance at pivotal moments.

Acknowledging the invaluable support from the elders, Kazuhiko was overwhelmed with gratitude. Although he refrained from expressing it aloud, he conveyed a meaningful look to the Great Elder, assuring him that when the Uchiha clan joined the Land of Whirlpools, the Great Elder would not be overlooked in terms of status.

Noticing Kazuhiko's glance, the first elder proudly stroked his white beard. "Hmph, the Uzumaki Clan Head is still too young. I saw through the loopholes in his words at a glance. Now, you must make a choice!"

Facing the expectant gaze of the Uchiha clan members, Kazuhiko lowered his head in contemplation. He pondered how to convey the Uzumaki clan's unwavering support for the Uchiha clan and maximize Uchiha's gratitude in the process.

Looking at Kazuhiko, who bowed his head, the other Uchihas sensed that the current Uzumaki leader must be grappling with a difficult decision.

Their ingrained perspective led them to believe that, given the vast difference in size between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools, the latter, being a smaller nation, should value a covenant with Konoha. 

Proposing to sever ties with Konoha would undoubtedly pose a challenging decision for the Land of Whirlpools.

Maintaining a covenant with Konoha was a rare opportunity for a smaller nation like the Land of Whirlpools.

Though this young man was the head of the Uzumaki clan and the sole daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools, effectively the master of the land, the prospect of cutting ties with Konoha still brought a sense of embarrassment.

Even the Uchiha elders, including the usually composed Uchiha Longsheng, believed that Kazuhiko was likely caught in a dilemma.

The Great Elder's unique wisdom drew sighs of admiration. His discernment revealed the flaw in the proposal made by the Uzumaki Clan Head at a glance.

The First Elder sat casually in his seat, occasionally glancing at the admiring looks from his clansmen, reveling in the comfort it brought to his heart.

Especially when the Uchiha clan recalled the image of Kazuhiko scolding Fugaku and giving directions in front of everyone, they were left speechless.

Now, witnessing him in a dilemma due to the First Elder's words, the Uchiha clan felt even more pleased.

"Before, we had nothing to say in front of you, but now the decision is in your hands! It must be a challenging one!"

"But this is the only way to demonstrate the sincerity of your Uzumaki clan. We Uchiha can only sign a covenant with you when assured!"

Consequently, all Uchiha eyes were fixed on Kazuhiko standing in the center of the field. They exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

They awaited Kazuhiko's next response.

After pondering for a while, Kazuhiko raised his head, his expression melancholy yet resolute, showing a unique solemnity in his eyes.

The Uchiha clansmen sat upright, staring at Kazuhiko with gravity.

At this moment, Kazuhiko's acting skills came to the forefront, and he spoke sternly:

"Don't worry, between the Uchiha clan and Konoha, we will naturally choose the Uchiha clan!"

"This decision is unwavering!"

Hearing Kazuhiko utter these weighty and affirmative words, the atmosphere grew tense.

For a while, the Uchiha clan exceeded expectations, leaving everyone surprised and, at the same time, proud. The elders below had already engaged in discussions.

"I never expected the Uzumaki clan to be so bold!"

"No, it should be said that their Clan Head, Kazuhiko, is truly audacious. He made such a decision in just a few minutes!"

"It seems he's genuinely sincere! He values our Uchiha clan."

"Our Uchiha clan is still well-regarded by them. The leader of the Uzumaki clan definitely chose us between Konoha and them!"

"That's right, we can rest easy knowing that someone who values the potential of the Uchiha clan has signed a covenant with us!"

Kazuhiko listened to the discussions below but stood there as if he hadn't heard anything. After the discussion gradually subsided, he continued to address the crowd solemnly.

"As you may have heard, the Land of Whirlpools faced an invasion from the Land of Water, Kirigakure, not long ago."

"We received news that the clan sent people seeking shelter and help from Konoha..."

Hearing this, many of the elders below nodded their heads. They had heard such news before, and they all knew that what Uzumaki said was true.

"But Konoha, our ally, Konoha, with a friendly alliance with the Uzumaki clan since the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, ignored us!"

"They rejected our aid!"

Kazuhiko stood in the lobby and uttered these words with a sad face.

"Konoha told us that Kirigakure's attack was just a provocation and would not genuinely invade the Land of Whirlpools."

"However, even our small country received news that Kirigakure is coming and will undoubtedly attack. How could Konoha not know?"

"They disregarded the pleas of our clansmen and ignored our contributions to Konoha in the Ninja World War, including various sealing techniques we provided."

"The Land of Whirlpools suffered heavy losses and has not recovered for so many years."

"Konoha simply told us, 'Don't worry, Wu (Li Wangzhao) Yin won't genuinely attack,' and sent my clansmen back."

"Konoha betrayed us!"

After saying that, Kazuhiko looked even sadder, as if he couldn't bear to recall the betrayal.

The Uchiha elders cooperated and spoke in low voices, having heard about it before.

"I have indeed heard of such a thing. A while ago, someone from the Land of Whirlpools said they sought Konoha's help, but unfortunately, they didn't succeed."

"So that's how it is. No wonder the Uzumaki clan members rushed to Konoha a while ago, but quickly returned in despair."

"What a ruthless Konoha! You must know this is an allied country signed by the First Hokage-sama!"

Kazuhiko paused for a moment, reopened his eyes, and there seemed to be a hint of tears in them, as if he was still immersed in the grief of Konoha's rejection.

Kazuhiko looked at the Uchiha elders with sympathy on their faces and thought to himself, "After holding back for so long, the tears in my eyes finally came out for me at the last minute. It's not easy to be a good actor!"

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