After Uchiha Homura delivered his warning and enforced a deterrent, the hawkish Uchiha jonin dared not speak further.
They left obediently, heads bowed, avoiding even taking a breath.
"Hmph, a bunch of trash. They still dare to approach the old man of the third generation for an explanation. They've been in the village too long, they don't know their place," Homura Uchiha sneered inwardly, observing the now-compliant hawkish Uchiha jonin.
Yet, he was concerned about the growing hawk faction within the Uchiha clan.
It wasn't that he opposed those dissatisfied with the third Hokage policies and the Uchiha's status in the village.
Rather, he worried that they were foolishly choosing the wrong methods to fight back.
Attacking the Hokage Building to demand an explanation? What idiot came up with such a foolish idea?
Why should the Uchiha clan act subserviently to the third Hokage ? If the third Hokage didn't trust them, why should the Uchiha surrender their status and grovel? It was foolish to seek approval from those who viewed them with suspicion.
So what if they were isolated? Ever since that person left the village and got killed by Senju Hashirama, injuring him in the process and hurting his vitality, the Uchiha clan had been feared and ostracized.
But despite this, the Uchiha clan had thrived and grown stronger within Konoha.
Since the Senju clan's decline, the Uchiha clan had become the most powerful ninja force in Konoha, contributing a quarter of the village's overall jounin strength. If Konoha lost the Uchiha clan, it would lose a vital limb and become vulnerable to attacks from other ninja villages.
Konoha needed the Uchiha clan, not the other way around.
Unfortunately, fewer Uchiha recognized this truth.
"Senju tobirama, that detestable brat, has finally succeeded. That detestable cowardly Will of Fire has begun to indoctrinate the younger generation of the Uchiha clan, leading them to prioritize protecting Konoha over their own kin."
Homura Uchiha thought bitterly, casting his disdainful gaze towards Senju Tobirama head and the ninja school he had established.
The rise of the Hokage's power in Konoha was attributed to the ninja school. The Hokage family continuously instilled the so-called Will of Fire in the students, turning them into their loyal supporters.
The Uchiha clan and other Konoha ninja clans had been slow to react, allowing the power of the Hokage family to grow unchecked. By the time they realized, it was too late.
Now, the Hokage family was the most influential force in Konoha, supported by a thriving civilian ninja population. Even the ninja clans of Konoha could not challenge them.
Unable to dismantle the ninja school, the ninja clans had no choice but to send their talented members there in hopes of securing a position within the powerful hokage line.
Once, the Uchiha clan held a prominent position within the Hokage series. But since Uchiha Kagami's untimely demise, everything had changed. The Uchiha clan found themselves marginalized, kept at arm's length by the Second Hokage family's disciples.
"This cannot continue. We must break this stalemate," Homura Uchiha thought anxiously.
As patriarch, he bore the responsibility of ensuring the Uchiha clan's survival in this world.
Looking at the figure still seated in the corner, he waved for her to come over.
Chizuru reluctantly approached, asking, "What do you want?"
"Go find that kid Kirito. I have something to discuss with him," Homura Uchiha ordered, his expression cold.
Chizuru didn't immediately respond. Instead, she activated her 2 tomoe Sharingan and locked her gaze onto Homura Uchiha.
"Your ocular power is impressive, stronger than the ordinary 3 tomoe Sharingan. Seems like that kid has given you quite a few goodies. Don't worry, I'm only going to talk to him. I won't harm him. Besides, he's clever enough not to come to me in person," Homura Uchiha sneered.
Chizuru snorted coldly, deactivating her Sharingan before turning to leave.
Observing her departure, Homura Uchiha's expression softened with relief.
The seed to break the deadlock had been found; now it depended on whether it could grow successfully.
------
About half an hour later, Chizuru arrived at the orphanage and located Kirito's clone busy in the underground laboratory.
"Your grandfather wants to see me?" Kirito asked, surprised.
"Yes, I'm just passing on the message. Whether you go or not is up to you," Chizuru replied indifferently, casting a curious glance at the strange humanoids creatures suspended in green solution around him.
She had visited Kirito's laboratory several times before, but the changes were striking. What had once been a simple space was now expanded and lavishly decorated, with numerous new pieces of equipment. The number of pillar glass containers had also increased significantly.
She couldn't help but wonder when Kirito had become so prosperous. She recalled his complaints about the expense of creating those beings, though he had always refused her offers of financial assistance, too proud to ask for help.
Finally, Chizuru's gaze fell upon a fully developed humanoid.
It was a person, with very pale skin and a face strikingly similar to Kirito's, albeit a few years older. The only difference was the person's red hair.
'cloning technology? '
It seem like kirito delving in some new technology.
"That's it. But since you've come to find me in person, I can't refuse to go," Kirito sighed upon hearing Chizuru words.
He didn't specify what it was about, nor did he express whether he wanted to go or not. According to the traditional and proud nature of the Uchiha clan, if something important was requested, he had to go.
However, Kirito owed Uchiha Homura and, more specifically, Chizuru a great deal. It was thanks to the information Chizuru provided that he was able to easily locate and dismantle the financials organization led by Danzo. The organization had been a thorn in his side, and he was grateful to have dealt with it.
Since Homura Uchiha had requested Chizuru to deliver the message personally, for her sake, he should comply.
"Alright, I'll go," Kirito said with a resigned tone.
Chizuru responded indifferently, though a small smile played on her lips.
Under Chizuru's guidance, Kirito entered the bustling Uchiha clan.
Unlike the desolate Senju Clan, the Uchiha Clan was vibrant.
In Konoha, the Uchiha Clan was the undisputed number one clan. Not only did they boast the highest overall strength among the ninja in Konoha, but they also had one the largest clan population.
A significant reason for the Uchiha Clan's prosperity was that the Second Hokage had entrusted them with the responsibility of guarding Konoha's borders, allowing them to transition from frontline combat to a more supportive role and recuperate.
Additionally, under the Third Hokage's rule, no Uchiha ninja had been sent to the battlefield, allowing the clan's population to flourish once again.
Due to their relatively insular nature, a small market catering to the clan's needs had naturally developed within the Uchiha Clan's territory.
Kirito had frequented the Uchiha Clan many times over the years and was somewhat familiar with the place.
However, despite spending considerable sums of money here, he still felt the hostility of many Uchiha clan members, as well as their wary gazes.
Kirito, being the proud disciple of Uzumaki Mito and currently residing in Nawaki household, was already labeled as a Senju prodigy. The long-standing animosity between the Uchiha and the Senju could not be resolved easily, especially considering Konoha had only been established for 32 years.
As he walked through the Uchiha Clan, many viewed him as a spy sent by the Senju, leading to a reluctance to engage with him. Some shops even refused to do business with him before.
However, thanks to Chizuru support, Kirito managed to navigate through without incident.
While the older generation of Uchiha might not be fond of him, the younger generation held a different perspective. Uchiha children were competitive by nature, often challenging their peers. Kirito, having been the top bully in the ninja school, had earned their respect through friendly competitions.
Months ago, during his time at the ninja school, Kirito often sparred with the Uchiha students, eventually earning their friendship by sharing sweets and offering assistance in their training.
Consequently, he had become quite popular among the younger Uchiha generation.
As Kirito was escorted into the clan by Qianhe, a child of about his age rushed over.
"Aneekiii ! Nee-saaan ! "
Despite the surprised or uncertain looks from the older Uchiha, the child warmly greeted Chizuru and enthusiastically referred to Kirito as his elder brother and Chizuru as his big sister.
Kirito smiled at the black-haired child, recognizing him as Kazoki Uchiha, a younger brother he had acquired during his school days. Kaze, nine years old, showed promising talent and proficiency in several fire release ninjutsu, despite not having awakened his Sharingan yet.
"Hey Kazoki, long time no see. How have you been? Have you made progress with the Wind Release chakra nature?" Kirito greeted him warmly.
Kazoki beamed at Kirito's inquiry. "Thanks to the training methods you and Big Sister Chizuru provided, I've nearly mastered it. I'm determined to fully master Wind Release before I graduate."
"That's excellent. Keep up the good work. If you ever need help or guidance, don't hesitate to come to me or Chizuru," Kirito encouraged, giving Kazoki a supportive pat on the shoulder.
"I will, Brother Kirito. Thank you!" Kazoku replied with gratitude.
Encouraged by Kirito, Uchiha Kazoki spoke excitedly, as if he had been injected with energy.
He was about to continue speaking to Kirito, but Chizuru, who was standing beside Kirito, suddenly snorted coldly. Startled, Kazoki immediately withdrew and gave Kirito a strange glance before leaving with a peculiar smile.
"Hum, why did you bother with those weakling? "
"You're still the same. That won't help you gain control over the Uchiha clan in the future. No matter how strong you are, you'll still need allies," Kirito whispered to Chizuru, feeling a sense of helplessness.
Chizuru, who had the idea of integrating the Uchiha clan into Konoha, initially agreed with Kirito's suggestion to win over the younger generation of Uchiha. However, halfway through, she decided to let Kirito handle it himself.
"Stop chatting. Come with me. The old man isn't someone who likes to wait," Chizuru said indifferently, dragging Kirito along.
Soon, they arrived at Chizuru house. It was a spacious residence, yet it seemed deserted.
Along the way, Kirito noticed no one else apart from Chizuru. If not for the tidy appearance of the yard and house, he would have thought only Chizuru and her grandfather lived there.
"Chizuru, aren't you coming in with me?" Kirito asked in surprise as she abruptly left him behind.
Without a response, she formed a seal, exploded into white smoke, and disappeared.
It was a shadow clone.
"Since you're here, come in," a solemn voice called from inside the room.
Kirito entered alone, finding himself face to face with Uchiha Homura, the patriarch of the Uchiha clan.
Homura Uchiha sat kneeling, sipping tea. When he saw Kirito, he gestured for him to sit across from him at the coffee table, where a cup of freshly brewed tea awaited.
"I don't know why you've summoned me, Patriarch Homura," Kirito said respectfully, taking in the serious demeanor of the elder.
Although Kirito had met Uchiha Homura only once during the barrier destruction incident, he recognized the formidable patriarch, who dared to confront both the Third Hokage and Danzo.
At that time, even Danzo himself had to concede to Homura's authority, indicating his immense power and influence.
Now, meeting him alone further underscored the patriarch's strength, especially evident in his intimidating gaze, even without his Sharingan activated.
The uchiha patriarch remained silent for a while, observing Kirito with a cold expression.
Feeling the pressure from Homura's gaze, Kirito decided to break the silence. "Patriarch, do you have any specific tasks for me? If so, I will do my utmost to fulfill them."
Homura's frown deepened at Kirito's words, indicating his dissatisfaction. "Only your utmost? Last time, you took on a significant favor from me. Is this the extent of your commitment?"
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