Chapter 207 : Silence!

Kazuhiko resembled a raging lion, his once calm and majestic demeanor now completely absent.

His voice thundered through the Hokage Rock, shocking everyone present into silence. The intensity of his anger hung heavy in the air, stifling any attempts at speech.

But Kazuhiko's accusations continued unabated, each word crashing down like relentless thunder upon the gathered crowd.

"How dare you speak to me about the absurd notion of Konoha friendship!" he roared. "Is this what you call friendship? Is this what the First Hokage stood for?"

"Our Uzumaki clan, our Land of Whirlpools, stood by Konoha's side when it needed us most. We entrusted Konoha with our most talented, Uzumaki Mito, to become the Jinchūriki of the village's Tailed Beast. We shared with Konoha the forbidden sealing techniques passed down through generations!"

"When Konoha went to war, our Land of Whirlpools answered the call without hesitation. Countless brave warriors from our land fell on the battlefield, fighting for Konoha and its allies!"

"We didn't need to involve ourselves in these conflicts. We didn't need to suffer such heavy losses. But because Konoha was our ally, because we believed in the treaty signed by the First Hokage himself!"

Kazuhiko's gaze bore into the assembled crowd, his words ringing with undeniable truth. No one dared to challenge him, only the Uzumaki clan members at his side, their eyes brimming with tears, silently acknowledging the painful memories stirred by his words.

"Even in the face of immense loss, even as our land faced a severe shortage of skilled shinobi due to aiding Konoha, the mighty Uzumaki clan found itself bereft of Kage-level power, even of skilled Jōnin!"

"We harbored no regrets then, for we stood by our allies, honored our pact with the First Hokage, and offered aid in times of crisis!"

"Our Uzumaki clan has always been true to our word! Despite the sacrifices endured, the Land of Whirlpools harbors no grievances!"

A heavy silence settled over the gathering. In that moment, the people of Konoha recalled a time long past, when joyous celebrations marked the bonds between their village and the Land of Whirlpools.

Was it during the reign of the First Hokage? Or perhaps the Second? The memories blurred, but the warmth of camaraderie remained, etched in the hearts of those present.

Older ninjas reminisced about the valiant Uzumaki warriors who fought alongside them, their crimson hair a symbol of unwavering loyalty. Many had embarked on missions side by side with the Uzumaki, forging bonds that transcended mere alliances.

But Kazuhiko's words were not confined to reminiscence. He had more to say, much more.

Looking at the bowed heads around him, many faces showing guilt, Sarutobi Hiruzen anticipated something, yet he couldn't help but meet Kazuhiko's gaze, pleading silently.

Kazuhiko's voice echoed through the entirety of Hokage Rock, reaching even the pedestrians below, though faintly.

"In the Land of Whirlpools, there's no room for complaints, and none in our Uzumaki clan deem it unworthy!"

"But when our Land of Whirlpools faces crisis, when we're in dire need of aid!"

"We sent our elders to seek aid from Konoha, hoping you'd help fend off Kirigakure's assailants! We pleaded earnestly, our elders traversing all of Konoha!"

"But what did we receive? Not a single one of you from Konoha aided us! No assistance came!"

"What? Claiming Kirigakure's threat is a mere scare tactic? Accusing us of indifference!?"

Kazuhiko's visage twisted with disdain.

"Yet news of Kirigakure's impending attack reached us, the small Land of Whirlpools! But you, Konoha, claimed ignorance!"

"The Cloud Shinobi Village even intervened, their vessels sailing through Konoha's waters, and you remained oblivious to it all?!"

"You righteously declared ignorance, refusing to send ninjas to aid the Land of Whirlpools!"

"Therefore, today, our Land of Whirlpools officially severs ties with Konoha! This is the unanimous decision of our Uzumaki clan and our entire nation!"

Kazuhiko's final words crashed like thunder upon the gathering, leaving everyone feeling numb.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, by his side, attempted to interject, stepping forward hurriedly. "Uzumaki clan head, please, hear our explanation!"

An elder Uzumaki promptly intervened, halting Sarutobi Hiruzen, shaking his head gravely, and whispered, "Stay silent, Lord Hokage! Your actions speak volumes!"

Upon hearing the elder's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression darkened.

Kazuhiko cast a fleeting glance before turning away. In that moment, he seemed to cool from his anger.

His countenance gradually softened, no longer as ferocious, returning to its usual indifference.

The people of Konoha bowed their heads under Kazuhiko's reproachful roar. As it faded, they cautiously raised their heads, guilt still etched upon their faces, fearing the wrath of the lion they'd inadvertently angered.

At this moment, their previous anger and righteousness had completely dissipated.

They scrutinized Kazuhiko cautiously, refraining from uttering a word. Silence pervaded the entire Hokage Rock, rendering everyone speechless.

Kazuhiko, too, gazed back at them with unwavering eyes, his tone devoid of intensity, merely plain...

"I'd like to ask everyone, why is Konoha, like this, urging us to uphold the alliance with the Land of the Whirlpool?"

"Do you truly know nothing? Are you genuinely that naive?"

"I also wish to inquire, who betrayed the pact sealed by the First Hokage? Who betrayed the friendship of our Land of the Whirlpool?!"

"Is such a pact, such an ally, still necessary?"

"I've said my piece. I hope you can furnish me with an answer promptly! Let's go!"

With those words, Kazuhiko led the elders away from the elevated platform. The clansmen below silently trailed after their clan leader, their demeanor solemn.

In this moment, the Hokage Rock stood silent, its inhabitants silently parting ways, just as they had arrived, as if a crimson blade had sliced through the Konoha crowd.

Yet, despite this, the people of Konoha lacked the courage to meet the gaze of any Uzumaki clan member.

The entirety of Hokage Rock fell into silence...

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