Chapter 9: Confronted

Hagoromo Clan Compound

Adrian awoke later than usual, since for the first time in years he didn't have any task that required him to do them as soon as he woke up. He didn't get up since he wanted to relax a bit.

Just as he was enjoying his rest, he heard someone knock at his door.

"Young master, it's time to prepare for us to attend the clan meeting." Said Ono, as Adrian recognized his voice.

Adrian finally got up and after taking a bath, he wore one of his best outfits as he came out the room to see his parents already eating breakfast.

"I'm surprised you were still asleep. You're usually awake after training around this time." Oden said as he was truly surprised that his son was still asleep.

"I just wanted to take a break from training today." Adrian said. Both his parents smiled seeing their son relaxing.

"Are you sure you still want to attend the meeting? You can stay here and just take the rest of the day off." said Oden as he wanted his son to continue resting if chooses to do so.

"Nah, I'm fine. Besides, I need the clan to know that their young master is competent." spoke Adrian with pride while his parents laughed.

"Well then lets go then so that I don't have to be fussed at from the start." grumbled Oden as he can picture those 3 old bastards picking a fight with him.

The three then proceeded to make their way to the Ancestral Hall.

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Inside the Hall was a gathering of around 50 individuals.

Some were talking cordially and joking, while others were arguing and hollering.

However all noise came to a stop when the doors to the hall swung open and the patriarch entered.

Many were stunned however when they saw his son entering with him.

While many knew he had a son, it was often thought he was a coward since he hadn't been on the battlefield before.

Adrian could feel the eyes following him as he just kept walking forward with his father, who finally made it to his seat that is placed at the front of everyone in the hall.

He stood beside him and watched the different people in the room.

The most noticeable individuals who were present were the 3 who sat directly beside his father.

The first elder was a short, plump middle aged man who had thick eyebrows and was mostly bald, that was simply staring at our clan members.

The second elder was a tall slender middle aged man with a thick beard who was looking at my father as if thinking something over.

The third elder was an older man who looked noble in every movement he made. He had gray hair that went down to his back as well as a gray goatee. He was simply staring at Adrian as if he was trying to figure him out.

"What's first on the agenda Elder Kayo?" Questioned my father to the first elder now named Kayo.

"We need to assist the Uchiha on a joint mission to protect a noble from the Fire Capital on his visit to the Land of Lightning in around a month." responded Elder Kayo.

"We could assign the younger members of the clan to the mission, since it won't be as deadly as the battlefield." spoke the second elder named Su.

"Perhaps your son can also join as the commander of our troops, it can give him more experience in leading." Said the third elder whose name is Kai.

"As if that coward would join the battlefield" spoke a young man in the crowd.

Oden then frowned at this, and as he was about to speak, Adrian beat him to it "Oh, and how exactly am I a coward." he questioned.

The young man looked as if he was in his late teens with curly hair and brown pupils, he wore black pants and a blue shirt and seemed quite angry based on his face.

The young man then responded directly "While you were sitting at your home relaxing, the rest of us have been fighting on the battlefield, shedding our blood, sweat, and tears. While you sat and enjoyed the comfort of your home and comfortable home, we were sleeping on the cold, hard ground. While you simply ate the best and freshest food in the clan, we were forced to eat ration pills just to make sure we can keep moving. We have been fighting since we were 4 years old! We have lost countless brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, but you think just because you are the Chief's so you can simply skip over all of us then you have got another thing coming! As a matter of fact, I challenge you for the position of commander on this mission!"

While usually Oden would be able to immediately shut down anyone challenging his authority, seeing most of the younger generation of the clan agreeing with the young man, it puts him in a bad position.

Not to mention he can see the elders being swayed by the rant.

"Perhaps that is not a bad idea." said Elder Su while stroking his beard.

"Yes I believe it could allow us to get a better look at the future of the clan."

Elder Kai simply looked at the commotion and shook his head repeatedly as if he was contemplating something, before he finally stopped, seemingly deciding on whatever he was thinking about.

Oden then looked over at his son, only to see Adrian smiling.

Adrian then looked at the young man who said the speech and asked "What's your name?"

"Kain." responded the young man coldly.

"Well then let's go to the training ground. If you beat me feel free to take that position since that would simply mean I don't deserve it."

Kain then smiled, and just as he was about to say something, Adrian continued " However, if you lose I don't want my position doubted again, and anyone else who has those same doubts can go against me as well." he spoke coldly.

After saying those words, everyone then made their way to the training ground.