"What?"
The elder was startled and hurriedly shook his head.
"There really isn't any such news."
Seeing his grandfather's expression, Ryosuke immediately understood.
It seemed someone had deliberately spread such rumors to incite the villagers' resentment against the Uchiha clan.
This matter was unlikely to have been the work of Konoha's "Pot Shadow" Danzo.
The morning's discussions had only just ended, and by the afternoon, the entire village already knew?
It was unlikely that he could act so quickly, especially since he didn't even know about the matter, let alone have time to arrange anything.
As for the Hyuga clan, it was also unlikely.
The rumors circulating in the village had been stripped of critical details. Thus, it could only have been the work of the Third Hokage.
Only he had the motive to do such a thing.
So Ryosuke decided to tell his grandfather the complete story.
After hearing the whole story, his grandfather's face was filled with indignation.
"The Cloud Village is truly audacious, attempting to kidnap the Hyuga clan head's daughter under the guise of peace talks."
"This is clearly an attempt to seize the Hyuga clan's bloodline limit, the Byakugan. They were never here for peace talks. Ryosuke, you did well."
"To sacrifice the lives of villagers just to appease the anger of aggressors would truly be shameful. I will explain this matter to the clan leader on your behalf."
"Alright."
Ryosuke felt that some explanation was indeed necessary.
At the same time, he thought about showcasing his strength in front of the clan members. Otherwise, his words would carry no weight.
While others might not know, he was aware that the clan leader, Fugaku, had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
With his current strength at the Fourth Gate and his powerful physical attributes, Ryosuke couldn't confidently claim to suppress Fugaku.
Moreover, Fugaku, being so cautious, probably wouldn't reveal that he had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.
After all, he feared that overconfidence among clan members might push them to hasten a coup.
He was also wary of the suspicions of Konoha's higher-ups.
Without a powerful deterrent, the higher-ups might truly make a move.
For now, Ryosuke resolved to focus on mastering the Fifth Gate of the Eight Gates.
After his grandfather left, he decisively resumed training in the Eight Gates.
Refining chakra, he directed it toward the fifthpoint along his spine.
As he increased the chakra output, the accompanying pain surged.
Simultaneously, the Fifth Gate began to open bit by bit. This caused his aura to grow significantly stronger.
However, the excruciating pain along his spine forced him to reduce the amount of chakra he extracted.
The intense aura that had built up quickly dissipated.
After a brief rest, he resumed training once more.
For over two hours, he persisted in his training, leaving his entire body drenched in sweat and his physical state weakened.
From head to torso, he was wracked with pain. Such agony would have been unbearable for anyone else.
It seemed he had reached his limit for the day. Thankfully, there were gains to show for it.
At least half of the Fifth Gate had successfully opened. The rest would require just one more push.
After resting for a while, he bathed and took a proper rest.
———
Unknowingly, two days had passed.
That evening, the Uchiha clan held their clan meeting.
Almost all Uchiha clan members who had awakened their Sharingan gathered in front of the shrine.
Sitting in the main seat was the clan leader, Fugaku Uchiha, alongside the elder Uchiha Shin, the elder Uchiha Hachiyo, and other clan elders. However, the ones with the most influence were the first three.
They were all waiting for one person to arrive.
That person was Uchiha Ryosuke.
He had independently made a promise in the name of the Uchiha clan to the Third Hokage to go to war with the Cloud Village.
Whether they were moderates, radicals, or even neutrals, none of them were pleased with this.
Even though elder Uchiha Shin had explained Ryosuke's reasoning, the moderates still disapproved.
In their view, they detested war and felt that sacrificing one member of the Hyuga clan would have secured peace for the village.
What right did Uchiha Ryosuke have to oppose this?
They planned to demand severe punishment for him from the clan leader.
Even the radicals were dissatisfied.
Especially in such times, when the higher-ups of Konoha were continuously oppressing the Uchiha clan.
For Ryosuke to deplete their strength on behalf of another clan was foolish.
Why did it matter if someone from the Hyuga clan died?
It wouldn't affect the Uchiha clan in the slightest.
Even Uchiha Hachiyo, who had high hopes for Ryosuke, was displeased.
Attending the meeting were also Uchiha Itachi and even Uchiha Izumi.
Everyone was waiting for the arrival of the culprit.
Even elder Uchiha Shin was deeply worried. Though he had explained Ryosuke's reasons, the present clan members clearly weren't convinced.
He sighed helplessly.
He could only rely on his reputation to minimize Ryosuke's punishment.
Meanwhile, the culprit himself was still nowhere to be seen.
Most clan members were already furious.
For someone to disrespect a clan meeting like this—did he think being the elder's grandson meant he could do as he pleased?
Uchiha Izumi noticed the gazes of the clan members and couldn't help but worry for her brother Ryosuke.
She asked Uchiha Itachi beside her, "Itachi, do you think Brother Ryosuke was wrong?"
"Of course, he was wrong," Itachi replied without hesitation.
"Every ninja of Konoha should be willing to sacrifice their lives to protect the village. That is our mission. And Uchiha Ryosuke starting a war is the gravest of sins."
Izumi couldn't help but reflect on Itachi's reasoning. Though it made sense, she still felt indignant at the Cloud Village's actions.
"Itachi, even if Brother Ryosuke acted impulsively, aren't the Cloud Village's actions despicable? Under the pretense of peace talks, they came to our village to kidnap the Hyuga clan's young lady."
Itachi sighed and said, "Of course, it's despicable. But now is not the time to start a war. Sometimes, sacrificing one person is necessary to protect the whole."
Hearing this, Izumi could only reluctantly agree.
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