Uchiha's personal opinion

Chapter 66 Undercurrents! The Intricate Maneuvering Behind the Ninja Clan

After slamming the door in the Hokage's office without any hesitation, Uchiha Tokumitsu didn't care about the consequences. He first went to the police department to greet his father, Uchiha Nakagen, and presented him with some tricolor dumplings that he had picked up from Konoha's shopping street. He then exchanged some ninjutsu tips with the Uchiha members of the police department before leisurely returning to the Uchiha clan's territory. He also visited Elder Setsuna's residence to pay his respects before finally going home to prepare dinner with his mother, Emiko.

Everything was done in a very orderly and well-organized manner.

However, this was viewed differently by the other major ninja clans who were closely watching the matter.

Due to Konoha's unique political environment, everything that happens in the Hokage Building, especially in the Hokage's office, is a major event in the eyes of Konoha's high-ranking ninjas, especially the major ninja clans.

Since the Third Hokage took over Konoha, his consistent pursuit has been to strengthen the Hokage's centralized power on the basis of the Second Hokage's rule, which will inevitably exacerbate the conflict between the village and the ninja clans.

In the past, when faced with the Hokage lineage, which held the moral high ground, apart from the strongest and most stubborn Uchiha clan, other ninja clans did not have many ways to deal with it and were in a state of having their clan governance system eroded for a long time.

The ninja clans were well aware of why Akimichi Torifu, a fellow member of the Second Hokage's Kageshiro Guard, retired at a young age. Although the Ino-Shika-Cho clans claimed that Torifu's injuries had relapsed in his early years and he had no choice but to retire to recuperate, anyone who had seen Akimichi Torifu eating thirty pounds of grilled meat a day would not believe the Ino-Shika-Cho clans' blatant lies.

However, the "angry" expression of Uchiha Tokumitsu, who had made great contributions in the war to reinforce the Land of Whirlpools, when he left the Hokage Building, made the ninja clans even more nervous.

In particular, the fact that Mito Uzumaki, the founder of Konoha and the most respected figure in the village, was the first to leave the Hokage's office is even more unsettling and worrying.

Even if people don't really like the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the leader of Konoha, it doesn't mean they want to see Konoha develop irreparable divisions and conflicts.

After all, the Senju clan and the Uzumaki lineage represented by Mito Uzumaki, as well as the Uchiha clan behind Tokumitsu Uchiha, were not only the co-founding families of the village, but also indispensable top-tier combat forces.

Especially now, at this turbulent time, with the situation in the ninja world becoming increasingly tense, and it wouldn't be surprising if one day they woke up to find that the major powers had declared war on each other and the Second Shinobi World War had broken out in full force, no one among the high-ranking ninjas and ninja clans of Konoha wanted to see the relationship between the Hokage Building and the Uchiha clan break down further.

Therefore, at night, various ninja clans and Jonin who were concerned about this matter either sent people or visited in person to contact acquaintances in the Uchiha clan to understand the cause and effect of this matter.

However, the Uchiha ninjas, who had already been instructed, were surprisingly tight-lipped this time, completely unlike their usual carefree demeanor. They only revealed that the Hokage had made some unrealistic accusations against Danzo, which greatly displeased Uchiha Tokumitsu.

They had little information about the Uchiha clan, had no reason to visit the Senju clan's territory, and had no acquaintances among the Uzumaki clan's remnants... The Konoha ninjas who were concerned about this matter spent a long night in constant speculation.

But without a doubt, everyone's criticism was directed at Shimura Danzo, and they all agreed that only Shimura Danzo could do such a despicable and disgusting thing.

The next day, as rumors were spreading throughout the village and were almost reaching the point that the Uchiha clan was preparing to attack the Shimura clan's territory, the Uzumaki clan leader, Uzumaki Ashina, led his troops to visit the Uchiha clan's territory, and his arrival broke the deadlock.

"Chief Ashina, welcome to our visit."

The place where Uzumaki Ashina was received was the residence of Uchiha Yomo, the head of the Uchiha clan. This was because although the interior space of the Uchiha Tokumitsu family's residence was not small, it could not be considered luxurious, which was somewhat inadequate for receiving Uzumaki. Moreover, the clan head Yomo showed full respect for Uzumaki's arrival.

"You're too kind, Chief of the Four Directions. The Uzumaki clan was able to escape danger entirely thanks to Tokumitsu-kun's generous assistance." Uzumaki Ashina expressed his deep gratitude, "No amount of repayment is too much for such a life-saving grace."

"Furthermore, I would also like to thank Elder Setsuna." Then, Ashina Uzumaki turned to Elder Setsuna and bowed, "The esteemed Elder's disciple, Tokugawa, is a man of exceptional strength and skill. Congratulations, Elder."

"Chief Ashina, you are too kind. Tokumitsu-kun's achievements are due to his extraordinary talent. I, this old man, have only done some insignificant work." Although Elder Setsuna, who came from the Warring States period, did not like the Uzumaki clan, his former mortal enemies, he did not lose any decorum in terms of etiquette.

The powerful ninja clans have their own rules, and... this time the Uzumaki clan has given them far too much.

"The war in the Land of Whirlpools was not something I accomplished in a single day." Uchiha Tokumitsu said solemnly in this very formal setting, "It was Sakumo-kun and all the members of the Mobile Force who fought bravely and risked their lives to win this battle."

Everyone nodded in agreement. The Uchiha clan disdained to steal their comrades' credit, so they naturally agreed with Uchiha Tokumitsu's words. Uzumaki Ashina, disregarding their difference in status, praised Uchiha Tokumitsu repeatedly.

After some pleasantries, the meeting got down to business.

"I have come here as promised," Ashina Uzumaki said bluntly, then glanced at Tokumitsu Uchiha.

Uchiha Tokumitsu nodded slightly.

"To express our gratitude to Tokumitsu-kun for his assistance in the War of the Land of Whirlpools, our clan has decided to present the Uchiha clan with the secrets of the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques."

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Ashina Uzumaki formally stated the reward conditions he had promised earlier.

Although it was a condition that had been agreed to long ago, although Uchiha Tokumitsu had indeed done a great favor for Uzumaki, and although the Uchiha clan might not be able to fully grasp the secrets of Uzumaki's sealing techniques... although there were many reasons, it was still very unpleasant to hand over the secrets of the sealing techniques that were the foundation of the clan's existence.

Ashina felt a pang of sadness, but he didn't show it on the surface.

Although the Uchiha members were aware of the situation, seeing such a generous gift placed so openly before them still made their hearts race and their breathing quicken.

As former adversaries, the Uchiha clan naturally knew all too well the power and uses of the Uzumaki Secret Sealing Technique.

Especially Elder Shaka.

"Chief Ashina..." Elder Setsuna, kneeling on the futon with an expressionless face, took a deep breath upon hearing this, "Sealing techniques are the foundational secrets of the Uzumaki clan, I am truly unworthy of such praise..."

The Uchiha members present tensed up immediately, fearing that the Great Elder, who had been thick-skinned his whole life, might suddenly become embarrassed and reluctant to decline.

"...But for the Uchiha, sealing techniques are indeed extremely important, so I will shamelessly accept this request." After saying this, Elder Setsuna, who had only ever bowed to Madara Uchiha in his entire life, bowed deeply in respect.

Ashina quickly dodged.

"Furthermore, according to reports from the Uchiha Anbu, nine Uzumaki clan members were rescued within the Land of Whirlpools. They were all underage children, and many of them had injuries. Due to limited resources, they could only receive temporary bandaging, but their injuries were not serious... Moreover, all the remains found along the way were collected to prevent them from being left to rot in the wild. Once they return, please ask Chief Ashina to bring them back for treatment..."

Elder Sha Na spoke slowly again.

Upon hearing this, Ashina Uzumaki's eyes immediately reddened.

Without saying a word, he immediately bowed down to the Uchiha clan, and the Uzumaki clan members behind him also prostrated themselves in worship.

The Uchiha clan members quickly moved aside and rushed forward to help the Uzumaki clan member who was bowing down to his feet.

Although they said polite things like "we should help our allies in times of trouble, no need for formalities," the proud Uchiha were secretly overjoyed and greatly encouraged, and their goodwill towards the Uzumaki clan also skyrocketed.

Since the Second Hokage took control of Konoha, the Uchiha clan has been subjected to various overt and covert exclusions from the village's higher-ups and intentional or unintentional alienation from other ninja clans. Apart from a handful of vassal ninja clans, the Uchiha clan's interpersonal relationships in the village, while not as bad as they were after the Nine-Tails attack, were still far from good.

Although the Uzumaki clan is not as strong as the Uchiha clan, and has suffered a great calamity that has caused them to fall into decline, the Uzumaki clan's reputation in Konoha and even the ninja world is many times better than that of the Uchiha clan. The visit of the Uzumaki clan leader and his behavior at the banquet also indicate that the Uchiha clan has indeed gained the friendship of the Uzumaki clan.

To save the ninja clan from extinction and continue their lineage was indeed a great debt of gratitude that the entire clan would repay.

“Lord Deguang…”

Everyone sat down again, and Uzumaki Ashina solemnly nodded to Uchiha Tokumitsu.

"Thank you again for your help..."

"Chief Ashina, you flatter me. We are both from the same clan of ninjas with a thousand-year history, so it is only natural to lend a helping hand," Uchiha Tokumitsu replied solemnly.

During his conversation, Uchiha Tokumitsu intentionally or unintentionally emphasized the word "ninja clan," believing that after the bloody baptism of the War of the Land of Whirlpools and the unreasonable accusations from the Hokage's office yesterday, Uzumaki Ashina would understand the true meaning of "ninja clan lineage."

Ashina Uzumaki was also filled with emotion.

The once staunch allies of a thousand years are now facing a generational gap. If the current pillar, Mito Uzumaki, were to unfortunately pass away, the Senju clan and the remnants of the Uzumaki lineage would essentially lose their greatest support.

What would happen to the ninja clan if they lost their power? Even a fool could find countless standard answers in the historical records of the chaotic Warring States period.

Moreover, unlike the Senju clan, the Senju clan, as the god of ninjas and the founder of the one village, one country system, could still enjoy peace and wealth amidst the respect of the masses even if they lost their young and strong members. In fact, as early as when the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, was in charge of Konoha, the Senju clan began to systematically disperse its members in batches and actively integrate them into the village.

But the Uzumaki clan is different. Now, the once glorious ally of Konoha has become one of the Konoha ninja clans living under someone else's roof. Although their status has not plummeted, they are certainly not as important as when the Land of Whirlpools still existed.

In particular, during yesterday's meeting in the Hokage's office, the Hokage's supporter Danzo Shimura's covetousness of the Uzumaki bloodline sent chills down Ashina Uzumaki's spine.

Therefore, based on this mentality, Uzumaki Ashina did not hesitate to humble himself and take the initiative to befriend Uchiha Tokumitsu and the Uchiha clan behind him. Now it seems that offering the secret sealing technique of Uzumaki as a great gift has indeed moved the Uchiha clan.

“Furthermore, Tokumitsu-kun…” Uzumaki Ashina pulled a beautifully crafted envelope from his robes and handed it to Uchiha Tokumitsu with both hands, “This is the official letter that Lord Mito instructed me to give you…”

Uchiha Tokumitsu also solemnly stood up and accepted it with both hands.

The exquisite envelope bears the gold-embossed emblem of the Senju clan.

However, the envelope was not sealed; it was simply folded open.

“This unsealed letter means it can be read in public or in person…” An elder of the Uchiha clan, disregarding etiquette, hurriedly whispered to Uchiha Tokumitsu.

Actually, he was also very curious about the contents of the letter.

The powerful ninja clans, which have been passed down for thousands of years, have always had certain tacit etiquette for interacting with each other. From ninja clan alliances to such etiquette as letters, everything contains profound meaning.

As the widow of the First Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Mito Uzumaki's every move naturally captivated everyone's attention.

Uchiha Tokumitsu sought the opinions of Elder Setsuna and Uzumaki Ashina with his eyes, and only after receiving their nods of approval did he slowly open the envelope.

The breathing of everyone present suddenly became heavier.

Uchiha Tokumitsu took out the letter and read it silently.

Everyone kept their eyes straight ahead and continued their conversation.

Their minds were completely focused on the letter, but they were too embarrassed to peek at it because of their status.

"It's a letter of thanks from Lady Mito." After a long while, Uchiha Tokumitsu finally finished reading the letter, slowly raised his head and said, "Lady Mito is too kind. Please also ask the Ashina clan chief to give her my regards."

The atmosphere at the scene immediately became lively.

Uchiha Tokumitsu handed the letter to Elder Setsuna.

Elder Shan Na finished reading it quickly and then passed it on to the four clan chiefs with a smile on his face.

After reading the letter, Uchiha Yomotsu, equally beaming, handed it to the messenger, Uzumaki Ashina.

And so, the letter was passed around among the people at the table. Everyone who read it wore a smile and a kind expression, as if the letter contained the profound secrets of illusion that surpassed even Kotoamatsukami, instantly breaking through the icy heart of even the most stubborn Uchiha clan members.

"Lord Mito, you are too kind as a senior member of Konoha." After the letter had been read and returned to Uchiha Tokumitsu, the head of the Uchiha clan said slowly.

Although he harbored deep-seated resentment towards the Senju clan, it was mostly directed at the Second Senju Tobirama. Faced with the secrets of sealing techniques presented by the Uzumaki clan and Mito Uzumaki's handwritten letter, Elder Setsuna nodded in agreement.

Out of the corner of his eye, Uchiha Yomo saw Elder Setsuna nod, and seemed encouraged: "Since we have received Lord Mito's letter, I think Tokumitsu-kun doesn't need to have the Ashina clan chief convey his greetings. Why don't you visit the elder at your residence when it's convenient for you?"

"Chief Ashina, what do you think?" Uchiha Yomo looked at Uzumaki Ashina with anticipation.

The Uchiha clan's actions and reactions were so quick that even Ashina Uzumaki was caught off guard.

"That would be wonderful. I'll have someone send you an invitation as soon as I get back, how about that?"

"No need for that, Deguang-kun. You can write a formal letter of greeting." Elder Setsuna thought for a moment and decided to raise the Uchiha clan's foreign etiquette to show respect.

Finally, in a cordial and harmonious conversation, the Uchiha and Uzumaki clans reached a series of cooperation agreements regarding sealing technique training and the transfer of secret techniques data. The four Uchiha clans also pledged to increase the police force deployed by the police department and earnestly maintain the peace and security of the Uzumaki clan's territory.

After seeing Ashina Uzumaki off, Yomo Uchiha and Elder Setsuna exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.

"Breaking the ice?"

"Break the ice!"

The Uchiha clan members nodded in agreement.

Chapter 67 First Visit! The Uchiha's Ice-Breaking Journey

After Madara Uchiha's betrayal and attack on the village, which led to the death of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the relationship between the Uchiha and Senju clans deteriorated, and no Uchiha clan member ever visited the Senju territory again.

Of course, even when Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha were both around, the relationship between the two clans wasn't exactly good.

Especially after the Second Hokage was attacked and killed, and Kagami Uchiha also died mysteriously in the subsequent war, the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the Hokage lineage and the Senju clan was basically completely severed.

Therefore, when Uchiha Tokumitsu sent his visiting card that night and quickly received a reply from the Senju clan, it meant that the two ninja clans that had been separated had each taken a step forward and begun to try to normalize their relationship.

Uchiha Tokumitsu's small step was a giant leap for the Uchiha clan.