Chapter 142 : To Uchiha Clan!

Kazuhiko stepped through the gates of the Uchiha compound, drawing the attention of the two Uchiha guards stationed there. The guards scrutinized the distinctive features: the fiery red hair, the knife secured at the waist, and the unique temperament. Clad in a handsome white robe, it was evident that this was none other than the recently discussed head of the Uzumaki clan, Kazuhiko.

Renowned as a Kage-level powerhouse from the Land of Whirlpools and the genius who had defeated the Third Hokage, rumors even circulated within the clan that Kazuhiko had confronted the Konoha Military Police Force, allegedly targeting the Sarutobi clan without any repercussions.

Approaching Kazuhiko with a mix of awe and fear, the guards acknowledged the presence of a formidable individual, a Kage-level powerhouse. Such strength commanded respect from all quarters, regardless of personal affiliations.

The guards had received prior notification of the Uzumaki clan head's invitation to a dinner at the Uchiha compound. They had anticipated an entourage or a grand arrival, perhaps even a sedan chair. However, Kazuhiko surprised them by arriving alone, displaying an unexpected lack of pretense.

Before they could fully process this, Kazuhiko was ready to enter, and one of the guards, named Uchiha Hiroshi, hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

"Hello! I'm Uchiha Hiroshi. Welcome, Uzumaki Patriarch. Allow me to show you the way."

Hiroshi bent down respectfully, saluting and indicating the direction.

"Very well, let's proceed," Kazuhiko responded, noting the guard's respectful demeanor, not as arrogant as he had initially expected.

Led by Uchiha Hiroshi, Kazuhiko entered the vast Uchiha estate, marveling at its size. As one of the two founding families of Konoha, the Uchiha compound was indeed impressive, prompting admiration from the Uzumaki clan leader.

Reflecting on the journey, Kazuhiko speculated that the expansive land hinted at political maneuvering behind the scenes, possibly involving the influential figures within Konoha. The Uchiha's possession of such prime territory likely invited envy and attempts at acquisition.

Uchiha Hiroshi, following the clan's orders, guided Kazuhiko to another courtyard within the Uchiha compound. Along the way, members of the Uchiha clan observed the Uzumaki leader with curiosity, exchanging whispers about his reputed strength and past feats, including the rumored confrontation with the Third Hokage.

Unbeknownst to them, Kazuhiko, with heightened senses, overheard their conversations. He mused on the Uchiha clan's apparent arrogance but noted their genuine recognition of strength.

"It appears the Uchiha clan, while proud, has a keen eye for strength. There might be a chance for them to witness my abilities," Kazuhiko thought, fully aware of the Uchiha clan's martial spirit.

As Kazuhiko approached the elders of the Uchiha clan, seated and awaiting his arrival in the designated courtyard, Kurogane, standing at the gate, continued to pace anxiously, anticipating the moment when Kazuhiko would join them.

When he finally turned around, he caught sight of Uchiha Hiroshi strolling alongside Kazuhiko.

Fortunately, Uchiha's eyes brightened, and he eagerly approached Kazuhiko.

He addressed Uchiha Hiroshi directly, "Uncle Hiroshi, leave it to me now. I'll take responsibility for escorting the Uzumaki family patriarch in."

Uchiha Hiroshi glanced back at Kazuhiko, who nodded in agreement.

Then he remarked, "Very well, young man, please proceed."

"Excuse me!" Kazuhiko expressed his gratitude to Uchiha Hiroshi with a gentle nod.

This gesture surprised Uchiha Hiroshi a bit. He had thought Kazuhiko to be a reserved individual, but the unexpected thanks made him shake his head, insisting that there was no need for gratitude.

After a brief acknowledgment with Kazuhiko, Uchiha Hiroshi turned and left.

Kazuhiko exchanged glances with Kurogane, who was equally excited.

The current situation was immensely complex for Kurogane regarding Kazuhiko.

Nevertheless, on this day, Kazuhiko had come to Uchiha, and he was the first to initiate conversation.

Moving forward, Kurogane accompanied Kazuhiko inside, engaging in conversation as they walked.

"Esteemed Head, our clan invited you to this banquet under the pretext of fostering connections with geniuses from other lands. However, in truth, it was I who insisted on extending the invitation to you."

Having disclosed this, Kurogane cast a glance back at Kazuhiko, who was taken aback.

He hadn't anticipated that it was Uchiha Kurogane who would extend the invitation first. It seemed that many within the Uchiha clan had come to realize something.

Signaling for Kurogane to continue, Kazuhiko nodded, and Kurogane resumed speaking.

"We hope that you can offer us some guidance this time. We are uncertain about Uchiha's standing in Konoha presently. Despite our significant contributions to the village, why do we still struggle to gain recognition from everyone?

With these words, Kurogane looked at Kazuhiko expectantly. Before Kazuhiko could respond, they had already reached their destination.

Shaking his head to signify their arrival, Kazuhiko motioned for Kurogane to continue. Without missing a beat, Kurogane resumed his dialogue.

"We trust that you will enlighten us on Uchiha's current status in Konoha. We have dedicated so much to the village, yet our efforts seem overlooked by the rest. We seek your insight on this matter."

As Kazuhiko was about to respond, they entered the premises. He shook his head again to signal their arrival, prompting Uchiha Kurogane to react. Without uttering a word, Kurogane greeted the clan members stationed in the courtyard and ascended the stairs. He extended his hand to open the wooden door, revealing Uchiha Clan Head and all the elders seated inside.

The wooden door creaked open, and as Kurogane and Kazuhiko entered, all eyes in the room fixed on the figure in the white robe.

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