Tensions Rise in the Uchiha Clan

Inside the Konoha Security Department, Uchiha Munemasa, an elder of the Uchiha clan, sat with a heavy expression while drinking tea. "Just because of a small mistake, the Third Hokage wants to deprive my son of the right to become a ninja. This is clearly an attempt to use my son's incident to attack our Uchiha clan..."

"The Third Hokage is being unfair, Elder! You must stand up for Kazuhiko!" Uchiha Dō pleaded, his eyes filled with desperation.

"I have investigated this matter. It was Kazuhiko who started the trouble and cursed someone—one of our own clansmen," Munemasa stated.

"He couldn't control his temper after losing and even teamed up with other clansmen to fight in someone else's class. It would have been one thing if they couldn't overpower the other kids, but in the end, they resorted to using a kunai to openly attack, aiming it directly at a female student's throat..."

"Uchiha Kazuhiko is out of control! How can you expect me to support him after this?"

Both parties involved were members of the Uchiha clan, and this family infighting had become a laughingstock in the village. The Hokage was angry about the situation, and even Munemasa himself was dissatisfied with Kazuhiko's actions.

"But my son was the one who got hurt! The girl wasn't injured at all! The Third Hokage's punishment is inhumane!" Uchiha Dō shouted in frustration.

He was taken aback to find that even his own elder had a similar attitude. Everyone believed Kazuhiko was at fault. At this moment, the Uchiha clan was unaware of Kushina's special identity and merely viewed her as an ordinary girl. The selection of the "Nine-Tails Container" was considered a top-secret matter among Konoha's high-ranking officials, and very few knew about it—least of all the Uchiha clan.

"The Third Hokage's punishment was indeed too severe. I will discuss this with him and see if we can give Kazuhiko another chance to reform." The Uchiha elder sighed, realizing that he couldn't let the situation go without trying to help.

Hearing this, Uchiha Dō was clearly dissatisfied. "What will happen to that little bastard? Kazuhiko got two teeth knocked out for just scolding him, and he was shot in the thigh! This kid is vicious and shows no regard for the feelings of his fellow clansmen. I demand the clan punish him!"

Uchiha Zong remained silent, contemplating the situation.

"Please help my son get justice, Elder!" Uchiha Dō bowed deeply.

"Grandfather, Uncle Dō has worked diligently in the security team for years. Even if he has no merit, his efforts should be acknowledged. If you can assist him, please do so," Uchiha Fugaku, the elder's grandson and a Chūnin, chimed in.

Fugaku had been away from school for several years and was currently working in the Konoha Security Department.

"Because of a mere joke, they resorted to fighting. That little bastard really took it too far. This incident has not only made our Uchiha clan a subject of ridicule in the village, but it has also made us the subject of the Hokage's anger. While Kazuhiko bears responsibility, he should not be the only one held accountable," Fugaku continued, making his argument heard by both Uchiha Dō and Zong.

Uchiha Dō looked at Fugaku with deep gratitude. He never expected Fugaku, the elder's grandson, to stand up for him like this.

Uchiha Zong nodded in agreement, finding merit in Fugaku's statements. He was pleased that his grandson's simple words had swayed an elite ninja.

He had chosen to let Fugaku stay with him, hoping to better train him. The Uchiha clan had not elected a clan leader for many years, and he wanted his grandson to take on that role.

"That woman named Asuka took the little bastard away from the clan. I suspect she holds a grudge against us," Uchiha Zong sighed heavily. He believed that Liuyun's actions were influenced by his mother, Asuka.

"Fugaku, go call Uchiha Ken over," he instructed.

Uchiha Ken was Uchiha Sheng's cousin and also Liuyun's uncle.

Soon, Uchiha Ken entered the office. A member of the security team, most Uchiha ninjas worked in this department.

"Grand Elder, what do you need?" Ken asked as he took a seat.

Uchiha Zong explained the situation regarding Uchiha Kazuhiko and Liuyun. He wanted Ken to act as a mediator, hoping that Asuka would come to the Uchiha clan and apologize to Uchiha Dō's son, allowing the matter to be resolved peacefully.

"Grand Elder, this might be a bit complicated," Uchiha Ken replied, looking uncomfortable.

"What's the issue? Is there something difficult?" Uchiha Zong frowned.

"It's mainly because Asuka is hard to communicate with... But never mind, I'll go and try," Uchiha Ken said reluctantly, finally accepting the task.

Later That Night

That evening, Uchiha Ken knocked on the door of Liuyun's house under the guise of a visit.

"What do you want?" Liuyun asked coldly without opening the door immediately. He had a bad impression of Uchiha Ken, who often looked down on their family.

"Little brat, you don't even know to open the door when your uncle is here? Is this how Asuka raised you?" Uchiha Ken scolded sternly.

In Liuyun's memory, he had always felt disdain toward this man. He had no intention of letting Ken bully him now.

"Who do you think you are? I don't even know you! Get out of here! We have nothing to give you!"

As soon as he said this, Uchiha Ken's face turned furious.

"You little brat who doesn't respect his elders, you have no manners at all..." Ken began to retort, but before he could finish, Asuka stormed out with a broom in hand.

"Try to scold him again!" she threatened, standing protectively in front of Liuyun. Although Asuka was just an ordinary person, her fierce demeanor intimidated even Uchiha Ken, a seasoned ninja.

"Asuka, can we go in and talk? It's about Liuyun..." Uchiha Ken attempted to negotiate, putting on an awkward smile.

The commotion had drawn the attention of several passersby, leaving Ken embarrassed to be blocked at the door.

"No, we don't welcome you here. If you disturb us again, I'll take this to the Hokage and seek justice for us mother and child," Asuka warned coldly.

Among the Uchiha clan, she despised Uchiha Ken's family the most. It was this so-called cousin who bullied Liuyun.

After Uchiha Sheng's death, she moved out of the Uchiha clan to spare Liuyun from their scorn. They looked down on her as an outsider and mocked Liuyun for not being pure enough.

Asuka had no intention of putting up with Ken's arrogance and hostility.