Chapter 264 : Uchiha Clan!!

Kazuhiko ventured into a clandestine location, concealed from the common populace, which also served as the residence for the Uchiha clan who had relocated to the Land of Red.

Currently, the Uchiha members are engaged in rigorous training at the designated grounds. Having arrived in the Land of Red merely two days prior, impatience lingered among them.

Upon reaching the training grounds, Kazuhiko refrained from immediately entering. Instead, he observed them quietly from the entrance, intending to dampen the spirits of these somewhat haughty Uchiha through the cool reception they'd experienced over the past couple of days.

His aim was to gradually temper their arrogance, ensuring their seamless integration into the Land of Red in the future. He was keenly aware of the risk that their arrogance might alienate them from the populace, rendering the Uchiha clan unpopular within the Hidden Leaf Village, even if they contributed financially.

Kazuhiko refused to witness the Uchiha clan's inclusion in the Land of Red descending to such a level. What he aspired for was a Uchiha clan fully assimilated into the Land of Red.

Accompanying him was the sixth elder, Uzumaki Zuko, tasked with overseeing the affairs of this establishment. Possessing a composed demeanor and keen perception, he could detect any approaching individuals.

As anticipated, while stationed outside the door, Kazuhiko overheard murmurs from within.

"Damn it, it's been days, yet no one from the Land of Red has come... Are they deliberately ignoring us?"

"Indeed, Kurogane, didn't you mention that the Uzumaki clan's leader welcomed us warmly? Why are they nowhere to be seen now?"

"Hmph, we are the Uchiha clan, with a heritage spanning thousands of years. How can they treat us with such disregard..."

"But...the Uzumaki clan also boasts a long legacy..."

"Even so...they shouldn't dismiss their allies so casually..."

Kurogane, of the Uchiha clan, had matured considerably. Through numerous experiences, he had gained insight into the darkness of Konoha, enduring trials and tribulations along the way. Exposed to various hardships, he had matured significantly, presenting a calmer demeanor compared to before.

Furrowing his brow, he observed his fellow clansmen, who were expressing various degrees of discontent. He surmised that they were the individuals whom the clan leader wished to familiarize with him.

Although these clansmen acknowledged their departure from Konoha and their new allegiance to the Land of Red, they still struggled to shed the ingrained arrogance associated with the Uchiha clan.

Uchiha Kurogane's companion, Isshin, also sighed inwardly, well aware of the darkness lurking within Konoha. Upon deeper reflection, he recognized that the Uchiha clan's rejection by the people of Konoha partly stemmed from their excessive arrogance.

Initially, departing your hometown earned you the reputation of a defector. Even though you understood the underlying reasons, aligning with the Land of Red to safeguard Konoha, the perception of defection lingered.

Upon arriving in the Land of Red, however, humility became necessary. You were graciously hosted, provided for, and integrated into their culture. It was expected to show deference as a guest, knowing you might eventually become a part of the Land of Red's community.

Regrettably, your clansmen either failed to recognize this or refused to acknowledge it.

Observing the stubbornness of the clansmen, even after leaving Konoha, Uchiha Kurogane grasped the Uzumaki clan leader's intentions fully. It seemed necessary to let them simmer for a while.

"Enough! We are guests in the Land of Red now. We're provided for, and we bear the burden of betrayal silently. What's with all the complaints?"

"The Uzumaki clan may have allied with us, but look at your current status. Have you seen how the Land of Red treats its people?"

"In the Land of Red, there's no distinction between status. Even commoners and ninjas are treated equally."

"Yet you persist with the Uchiha clan's arrogance. If you continue, you'll only alienate the people of the Land of Red."

"Are we here to repeat the mistakes of the past like our predecessors or came here tp seek a new future when we left Konoha for the Land of Red?"

"Have you forgotten the words of the clan head and the elders? Upon reaching the Land of Red, under the leadership of the Uzumaki Clan, we are to follow orders, learn from Konoha's mistakes, and never let arrogance lead us to harm the people of the Land of Red!"

Uchiha Kurogane's outburst silenced everyone, reminding them of the crisis facing the Uchiha clan in Konoha.

Before departing, the clan elders had warned them of the strained relationship between the Uchiha clan and Konoha's senior officials.

The elders didn't keep anything from them, fearing they'd hesitate to support Land of Red, and instead, they divulged the unsavory truths about the Uchiha clan and Konoha's high-ranking officials.

They also discovered that the Uchiha clan was treading on thin ice within Konoha, and at some point, they plunged through it.

They also overheard the elders' words. Konoha's senior officials held disdain for the Uchiha clan, and the populace of Konoha didn't hold much regard for the Uchiha either.

This stemmed from the Uchiha's tendency towards arrogance and haughtiness, which rubbed ordinary folks the wrong way.

Now, couldn't they shed this arrogance and avoid the Uchiha clan being despised in the Land of Red?

This wasn't the outcome they wished to witness!

Kazuhiko, who had caught wind of these conversations outside, was also taken aback. He hadn't anticipated the Uchiha elders disclosing all of this to them.

It seemed that the Uchiha clan had fully committed to the Land of Red. To ensure the children of the clan focused solely on their allegiance to the Land of Red, they even openly shared these revelations.

Kazuhiko felt content with the depth of knowledge the Uchiha clan possessed. It was consistent, and the information from the Senju clan further affirmed that the Uchiha clan had been relatively tranquil in recent days.

Upon hearing this, Kazuhiko resolved to engage with them more thoroughly.

He took a step forward, and the sixth elder on the side swung the door open.

All eyes instantly turned towards them. The door, closed for two days, finally swung open, prompting everyone to silently acknowledge:

"Here they come."

*****

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