Chapter 76: Even If It’s My Own Father, He Must Die
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Several Statistics put him at the top of the Uchiha clan, proving his painstaking efforts were not in vain.
Setting down the war report, Kyosuke seemed to realize something.
Tajima had taken an interest in his signature jutsu.
It seemed the pressure from the Senju was so great that even he was willing to lower his pride and seek Kyosuke's help.
Too bad. He would have to disappoint the clan leader.
Seeing Kyosuke's silence, Uchiha Tajima smiled and took the initiative to speak.
"It's like this: after a discussion, the clan elders believe Chidori should be widely taught, and I'm here to seek your opinion."
They wanted him to give up his jutsu?
Kyosuke swirled the water in his cup, neither agreeing nor refusing, and calmly asked, "Did Elder Rei approve this decision?"
Tajima's smile instantly faded.
"Elder Rei is at the frontlines and didn't attend the elders' meeting."
How ungrateful.
Tajima inwardly cursed. He had hoped to use this opportunity to win Kyosuke over, but the latter was proving stubborn.
In that case, he wouldn't hesitate to use his authority as clan leader.
"I see," Kyosuke set down his cup, smiling faintly. "I'm sorry, clan leader, but I must decline the elders' proposal."
"Why?"
Tajima frowned. "You've already taught this jutsu to several people. Allowing more clan members to learn it would only strengthen our collective power."
Oh, so now it was moral coercion?
Kyosuke met Tajima's gaze, chuckling coldly.
"Increasing the strength of our clan is certainly my duty as a squad leader."
"I've heard that your signature Fire Release techniques are the finest in the ninja world. If you're willing to teach them without reservation, I'll gladly offer the Chidori technique in return."
Since they wanted to talk about contribution, then the clan leader should set an example.
"My Fire Release techniques are too advanced," Tajima offered a flimsy excuse.
"Forcing others to learn them could result in unnecessary injuries."
How weak was his reasoning?
Judging by Izuna's uneasy expression, it was clear he found the situation embarrassing.
"I see," Kyosuke countered coolly.
"Chidori also has a high risk factor. Forcing its use might increase casualties among our clan members."
"Is there really no room for negotiation?" Tajima's face darkened.
He knew Kyosuke had grown powerful, but he didn't expect him to openly defy orders.
This only confirmed Tajima's suspicions that Kyosuke was harboring ambitions.
It seemed his initial decision to be wary of this individual had been correct.
If Kyosuke indeed had access to space-time ninjutsu, it would explain how he could assassinate Uchiha Hikoichi without anyone knowing.
"Heh, I still say the same thing, I'll give it to you if you give it to me." Kyosuke's eyes were cold, not caring about the clan leader's attitude at all.
After today's conversation, both sides had a complete falling out.
Tajima's shameless demands had exhausted Kyosuke's patience.
In the world of Shinobi, keeping one's techniques to oneself was the norm.
Asking him to surrender his jutsu was as outrageous as demanding someone's bank PIN in the modern era.
If he didn't refuse outright, Tajima would only push further.
Turning his back on the clan leader, Kyosuke showed no fear.
"Father," Madara interjected, "Kyosuke is weary from travel. Let him rest for now."
"...Very well."
Surprisingly, Tajima's tone softened after their fallout.
No longer interested in his hypocritical words, Kyosuke left without a glance, Madara following thoughtfully.
Exiting the clan leader's tent, Kyosuke sighed deeply.
"As I've said before, only power can change everything."
With that, he walked away, leaving Madara deep in thought.
Meanwhile, Tajima, now rid of his younger son, dropped all pretense, his murderous intent plain.
"Uchiha Kyosuke, you are such an ungrateful person."
After a moment of contemplation, Tajima clapped his hands, summoning a figure from behind a screen.
"What do you think?" Tajima asked.
Unexpectedly, the visitor knelt on one knee, lowered his head and said sincerely: "Kyosuke is too ungrateful, please punish him severely, clan leader."
"Oh?"
Tajima smirked. "Aren't you his cousin? Do you truly wish him harm?"
Uchiha Kaijun lowered his head further. "I swore my allegiance to you, clan leader. Even if he were my own father, defiance against you cannot be tolerated."
"Haa!!" Tajima laughed heartily.
After a moment, he helped Kaijun to his feet, his expression approving.
"How is the task I assigned you progressing?"
"Please, take a look." Kaijun eagerly demonstrated.
With a few hand seals, sparks of electricity crackled in his palm—a rudimentary form of Chidori.
"Excellent," Tajima said, pleased.
Many had observed the technique, but none had been able to replicate it. Even Tajima himself had failed.
Kaijun, though not as talented as Kyosuke, had proven himself a valuable asset. More importantly, he was obedient.
After a few words of encouragement, Tajima dismissed Kaijun, instructing him to perfect the technique as soon as possible.
"Kyosuke, do you think you've kept your secrets safe?" Tajima sneered.
"I'll show you what it means to outsmart yourself!"
"ha ha ha ha!!!"
His laughter echoed throughout the camp.
In his own tent, Kaijun unclenched his fists, his face a mix of bitterness and determination.
He hated Kyosuke for overshadowing him, hated Tajima for treating him like a tool, and hated the entire Uchiha clan for looking down on him.
But he had no choice but to endure—for now.
"Kaijun."
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
Before he could turn around, the speaker wrapped their arms around him.
"No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
The woman's voice soothed him.
Turning to face her, Kaijun saw the concern etched on her beautiful face.
If there was anything in the world that brought him joy besides revenge, it was her.
"Kochou-chan," he murmured.
[Chapter End's]
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