Chapter 100: Chapter 101 : Kazuhiko's Pressure!
"Please forgive us!"
Kazuhiko gazed at Kurogane, who stood before him bowing at a perfect ninety-degree angle. For a moment, Kazuhiko was taken aback.
The flawless bow, the earnest speed at which he apologized, the face marked with regret, and the eyes filled with a genuine desire for forgiveness – Kazuhiko had expected a confrontation to make them see reason, to realize the foolishness of their actions.
Surprisingly, as soon as they released their coercion, they immediately began apologizing and acknowledging their errors.
Kazuhiko had even prepared himself to impart a lesson they wouldn't forget.
However, when faced with Kurogane's sincere apology, Kazuhiko found himself momentarily speechless.
Observing Kazuhiko's silence, Kurogane feared dissatisfaction, so he spoke up again, louder this time.
He bent down, bowing and apologizing in one fluid motion, displaying a level of professionalism in apology.
Had Kazuhiko known that this was Kurogane's first time apologizing in such a manner, he might have marveled at the abundance of talent emerging from Konoha.
Other Uchiha clan members, witnessing Kurogane's unexpected apology, were stupefied. For a moment, they questioned if they had entered a hallucination.
"How... How is this possible? Brother Kurogane is apologizing!"
"Why... Just admitting defeat?"
"Has Kurogane-san truly succumbed to the Uzumaki clan's leader's aura?"
"Are we in a dream? Kurogane, so proud, admitting a mistake..."
"No, I don't believe it! Brother Kurogane would never concede defeat so easily, and certainly not before a battle!"
"This is not the Kurogane I envisioned as my role model! "
"The glory of the Uchiha clan is mine...!"
Angry shouts erupted from various Uchiha clan members.
Kazuhiko's dominating presence had gradually receded, allowing other Uchiha members to regain their faculties. The once terrifying sense of fear waned, and they erroneously credited their newfound courage.
"Noisy!"
Frowning, Kazuhiko cast a stern glance at them.
"Spiritual Pressure!"
In an instant, an overwhelming Spiritual Pressure engulfed them once more, more potent than before.
Many trembled unconsciously, fear etched on their faces.
The entire Konoha guard station fell silent again; a pin dropping could be heard. Under Kazuhiko's slightly squinted eyes, the Uchiha members felt as if he could unsheathe the sword at his waist and end them in the next moment.
Every fiber of their being screamed that this person was invincible, and they must unquestionably obey him.
Now, they understood the paralyzing sensation Kurogane had experienced earlier – an inability to speak or act.
In their hearts, they cried out, torn.
"Is this his strength? A mere gaze terrifies us all!"
"So intimidating, so intimidating..."
"Is this the fear Kurogane-san faced alone? Truly, Kurogane-san is the strongest among us, enduring this alone for so long!"
"It's terrifying; the next moment, he will definitely kill me!"
Compared with the Uchiha individuals who had succumbed to complete fear, among the others present, only Fumito remained unaffected.
He observed, under the influence of Kazuhiko, all the Uchiha clan members were left utterly terrified, as if facing their natural predators, unable to resist, only trembling.
Though Fumito didn't comprehend the ordeal they had undergone, he sensed it was all instigated by Kazuhiko. With just a glance from Kazuhiko, the once arrogant and haughty Uchiha crumbled before him.
In this moment, Fumito's admiration for Kazuhiko was indescribable as he gazed at him fervently.
"This is my Uzumaki's clan head; this is the power of the saviour of the Land of Whirlpools! The great Kazuhiko-sama!"
Kazuhiko paid no mind to Fumito's intense gaze, having encountered it countless times in the Land of Whirlpools, particularly from those who accompanied them to meet the Mizukage.
"Is this another little fanboy?"
Kazuhiko briefly pondered, observing the situation, then shifted his attention to the Uchiha clan before him, now silent and quivering like quails.
Disappointed, Kazuhiko scanned their ranks but found no one with the courage to break through his coercion, not even one who dared to meet his gaze.
Shaking his head in disapproval, he turned to Kurogane in front of him and spoke casually, "Looks like you're fine."
Upon hearing Kazuhiko's approval, Kurogane felt a surge of joy, as if he had been acknowledged by a significant figure. Even the praise from his clan elders didn't compare to this moment.
Excitedly, he bent down again and eagerly looked at Kazuhiko, "Thank you, Uzumaki Clan Head, for your compliment!"
Kazuhiko nodded lightly, then turned and slowly retracted the pressure he had exerted.
Now, the Uchiha clan members realized that their clan leader had rescinded his power. Gradually, they felt control returning to their bodies; their involuntary tremors ceased, and their limbs regained some mobility.
This time, none of them naively believed it was due to their own brave breakthrough. All eyes were on Kurogane, no longer filled with disdain.
"As expected of Brother Kurogane, facing such terrifying power alone!"
So, they all turned their attention to Kazuhiko, bowing 90 degrees in unison.
"I'm very sorry for causing you trouble! Please forgive us!"
A resounding apology echoed from the Konoha guards. Each individual bent down 90 degrees, expressing acknowledgment toward the white-clad boy in front of them.
Observing their synchronized movements and sincere expressions, one would think that the Uchiha clan often apologized in this manner.
In reality, it was a well-rehearsed act, having witnessed countless apologies from individuals outside their clan or other Konoha villagers.
As Kazuhiko watched their coordinated gestures, he was momentarily taken aback.
"It doesn't seem like it's unrehearsed! Did they practice this apology scene before I arrived? What an incredible Uchiha!"
Kazuhiko couldn't help but marvel silently, turning his attention to Kurogane, who still maintained his 90-degree bow.
With a slight nod, Kazuhiko said, "Rise first. Now, take me to see my captured clansmen. I will decide what to do after I've assessed the situation."
"Yes!" Uchiha stood up promptly, walked to the side with determination, and picked up the key to the guard's cell.
Turning back to Kazuhiko with a friendly smile, he said, "Your Excellency, follow me. I'll guide you; your clansmen are this way."
Kazuhiko, nodding, followed with a slight bow.
Before leaving, he addressed Fumito, "Keep a close eye on them."
"Yes, Kazuhiko-sama!" Fumito assured earnestly.
As Kazuhiko gradually walked away, the remaining Uchiha clan members sighed with relief.
"Fortunately, we didn't have time to confront them earlier; their clan head came just in time..."
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