Chapter 122 : Uchiha's Sorrows!

After the tragic demise of Uchiha Madara, the Uchiha clan chose to maintain a low profile. With the goal of avoiding suspicion from higher-ups in Konoha, they dedicated themselves to the well-being of the village.

Individuals with special abilities chose to conceal their talents, fearing the covetous eyes of others. Mangekyō Sharingan, a precious power, was hidden away by those who possessed it. 

Many gifted children within the clan remained oblivious to their potential, unaware that their talents were being squandered. Only a select few within the Uchiha were privy to this knowledge.

Despite their efforts, the village did not spare the Uchiha from blame. When Konoha faced challenges, the Uchiha worked tirelessly to safeguard the village, only to find themselves accused and condemned. Those who once praised them now turned to criticize.

However, were they not following the rules set by Konoha? The Uchiha, proud and resolute, chose not to engage in explanations or rebuttals. The more they stayed silent, the more accusations were hurled at them. In the eyes of outsiders, the Uchiha appeared arrogant and aloof.

Uchiha Ryūshō observed as the situation escalated into a cacophony of complaints and grievances. Elders recounted instances of unjust blame, emphasizing their commitment to fair enforcement of the law. 

Ordinary villagers, swept up in the fervor, joined the chorus of complaints, unknowingly breaking the hearts of those who sought to protect their rights.

Despite tirelessly defending the village and its residents, the Uchiha found themselves unappreciated and scorned. In the midst of the commotion, tears welled up in the eyes of some elders.

Sensing that the situation was spiraling out of control, Uchiha Ryūshō swiftly redirected the conversation, slamming the table for emphasis.

"Let's focus on Kurogane today; we can address other matters later. The crucial issue at hand is our collaboration with the Uzumaki clan!"

Ryūshō's stern command brought the gathering back to the main topic, prompting everyone to sit up attentively.

Kurogane dared to lift his head and speak. He hadn't dared to do so before, fearing that any of the elders might take offense and make things difficult for him in the future.

Kurogane glanced at his uncle sitting in front of him and hastily said, "Ryūshō-sama, I can assure you that every word I speak is true!"

Uchiha Ryūshō sighed upon hearing this, acknowledging that Kurogane wouldn't lie about such matters.

However, he felt the need to reconfirm the situation repeatedly, as the recent events were a profound blow to the Uchiha clan, already burdened with resentment.

This time, the suppression was no longer subtle; it had escalated to direct destruction.

Though they weren't the ones directly responsible, they had orchestrated the Uzumaki clan leader to carry it out. In essence, there was little difference between doing it themselves and merely borrowing another's hand.

Uchiha Ryūshō reluctantly concluded from Kurogane's account, "It seems the higher-ups in Konoha won't ever approve of the Uchiha clan having a Hokage!"

What saddened Uchiha Ryūshō the most was this realization. Despite the Uchiha clan's unwavering dedication to Konoha, enforcing the law impartially even if it meant offending others, why was it so difficult for an Uchiha to become Hokage? 

It felt as if an invisible rule was preventing it, an unspoken decree that Uchiha could never ascend to the position of Hokage.

He couldn't comprehend it. After all their sacrifices and years of service, why wouldn't Konoha let the Uchiha clan produce a Hokage? The entire clan yearned for this, hoping it would be a way to redress the grievances they had endured for so long, a sacrifice for the greater good.

Unfortunately, with the revelation of Kurogane's actions, their last hope was utterly shattered.

The other elders present also grasped the gravity of the situation. Observing their despondent patriarch, they too felt a sense of discomfort.

Uchiha Ryūshō, with a heavy heart, uttered, "I believe everyone understands that it's impossible for the Konoha leadership to accept an Uchiha as Hokage, not even in the next generation..."

These words, spoken with a palpable sense of defeat, drained the strength from his body. He had dedicated half his life to Konoha, aspiring to see an Uchiha from his lineage as the Hokage.

Now, he admitted that there was no hope for the Uchiha clan to produce a Hokage in his lifetime. The present elders bowed their heads in sorrow, sharing in Ryūshō's anguish. Becoming Hokage had been a collective dream for the Uchiha, but now that hope lay shattered, rendering their past efforts futile.

The realization that the entire clan's power couldn't secure a Hokage position hit them hard. The sacrifices made by each member suddenly seemed in vain.

Kurogane, having stood up, felt the weight of disappointment. Becoming Hokage had been his life goal, and now it seemed an impossible dream. Confusion filled his mind – why were Uchiha barred from becoming Hokage? What had their previous efforts meant to Konoha?

The Uchiha, a powerful and devoted family, couldn't fathom why they were consistently excluded. Questions flooded Kurogane's mind, reflecting on the worthiness of their sacrifices.

As anger welled up within Kurogane, a sudden recollection flashed in his mind – the words Kazuhiko had told him earlier that day. Kurogane was a bit perplexed at the time, recalling that Kazuhiko had mentioned something about seeking him out if he felt confused.

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