Listening to Kazuhiko's words, everyone unconsciously turned their gaze towards him. They fixed their eyes on the man who had boldly confronted the darkness that shrouded the Uchiha.
Now, they had to confront the harsh reality. Perhaps, deep down, some would instinctively resist Kazuhiko's revelations.
Yet, the seeds of doubt had been planted in their hearts. They all understood that a profound and irreconcilable contradiction existed between the senior officials of Konoha and the Uchiha clan.
Kazuhiko surveyed the crowd and concluded with his final words—the primary reason for his presence on this day.
"Everyone, are you, as members of the Uchiha, willing to accept this reality?"
"Can you accept patrolling Konoha every day, aware of Konoha's intentions against the Uchiha clan?"
"Can you still do it?"
Kazuhiko's words revived their once lifeless hearts. What about the Uchiha clan? Could they continue as before?
Kazuhiko and the Uchiha themselves knew the answer—it was impossible to return to the way things were.
The realization that "Konoha wants to eliminate the Uchiha clan" echoed in their minds like an unbreakable spell.
In this state, how could they patrol and guard Konoha with the same dedication as before? The elders couldn't guarantee that they would uphold justice in the face of future challenges, as their hearts were no longer fully committed.
If a powerful enemy invaded Konoha, could they risk their lives to defend it? It seemed unlikely. "Safety first, don't concern yourself with me" would likely be their prevailing attitude.
Even the younger, less experienced Uchiha couldn't help but urge their peers, emphasizing the priority of Uchiha safety.
Over time, Konoha would notice their laxity and interpret it as the Uchiha's indifference. The conflict between the Uchiha clan and Konoha would inevitably intensify.
In the foreseeable future, Konoha's leaders, for reasons unknown, had finally decided to confront the Uchiha clan.
The elder Uchiha had, meanwhile, recovered from the tumultuous events that had befallen him.
Observing Kazuhiko's demeanor, he sensed that Kazuhiko had his own plans.
"Well then, Uzumaki Clan Head, your visit today surely isn't just a gesture of goodwill. If you have something to say, spit it out!" the first elder spoke rudely.
Kazuhiko, unfazed by the elder's words, extended his hands and looked at the members of the Uchiha clan. He decided not to hide his intentions any longer.
"You're right. I gathered everyone here today to discuss the crisis you're facing. My idea is straightforward. First, I urge you not to remain in the dark any longer."
The Uchiha elders listened attentively, aware that a significant challenge lay ahead.
"Second, I hope to establish a strong alliance with the Uchiha clan!"
"In the event that the Uchiha clan faces a serious conflict with Konoha, the Land of Whirlpools can offer you a safe haven!"
"I pledge that the Uzumaki clan and the Uchiha clan can genuinely support each other and overcome adversity together!"
Kazuhiko's words left the Uchiha members stunned; they hadn't anticipated such an offer.
"Just when I thought you were a decent person, you turn out to covet our resources as well!" someone muttered in response to Kazuhiko's proposal.
The stern-faced Great Elder immediately retorted, "Uzumaki Clan Head, are you playing games with us?"
"Elder, what do you mean by that?" Kazuhiko inquired calmly.
"Snap!"
The Great Elder slammed the table, stating, "Everyone knows that your Land of Whirlpools and Konoha share a strong alliance. The Land of Whirlpools is under your Uzumaki clan's rule, and you have the final say."
"Our Uchiha clan has signed an alliance with your Uzumaki clan. If the Uchiha clan faces a crisis, you are obligated to support both Uchiha and Konoha. Whose side will you take?
"If the Clan Head is sincere, he must make a clear choice between Konoha and the Uchiha clan!"
Having regained his composure, the Great Elder pointed out the crux of the matter.
"Yes, the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha are still allies!"
"Indeed, even if they consider forming an alliance, it must have consequences for their ties with Konoha."
"The elder is correct; we can't enter into a covenant like this. The Uzumaki clan must take a stance between Konoha and the Uchiha clan!"
Kazuhiko heard these words and, faced with the direct question from the first elder, couldn't help but feel elated. He wished he could step forward and shake the elder's hand.
It was known that the Land of Whirlpools had come to sever ties with Konoha. With the elder's statement, if the Uzumaki clan sided with the Uchiha clan, the chances of forming an alliance with them increased significantly.
For the Land of Whirlpools, cutting diplomatic ties with Konoha meant gaining a powerful ally in the Uchiha clan. With this alliance, the prospect of mass-producing the Sharingan seemed closer than ever.
In light of these thoughts, Kazuhiko couldn't help but express gratitude to the Great Elder.
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