Chapter 23 : Prideful Uzumaki Clan

Looking down at the Mist Shinobi ninjas below, their forms appeared vague due to the distance. Kazuhiko quietly activated his Observation Haki.

Before long, Kazuhiko was able to catch snippets of their conversation. After listening to about seventy percent of their dialogue, he silently nodded in understanding.

"The bait is taken!"

"I'll allow you to escape for now. I'm also anticipating the arrival of your larger force!"

"It's time for a splendid performance!"

As Kazuhiko gazed at the Mist Shinobi advance team below, occasionally listening to their exchanges, the First Elder standing beside him couldn't help but ask:

"Kazuhiko-sama, can you actually hear what they're saying from this distance?"

"All we can make out are indistinct figures."

The nearby group nodded in agreement, including Kazuki, who possessed Mind's Eye of the Kagura.

Kazuhiko pondered for a moment and decided to share some insights, saying:

"If you listen closely, you can catch a few fragments of their conversation, though not everything."

"I can pick up certain voices and get a sense of their attitudes."

"Elder Kazuki's Kagura mind eyes allows him to sense a broader range of ninjas."

"For me, I can only vaguely pick up snippets of dialogue and enhance my senses. It's not that significant."

Kazuhiko waved his hand nonchalantly.

"Kazuhiko-sama is truly formidable!" the first elder exclaimed, clearly recognizing the power of this ability.

Upon hearing Kazuhiko's explanation, he comprehended the potential of this skill.

"This skill greatly enhances your survival and combat capabilities!"

"It speeds up your detection of enemy attacks and defenses! It's a remarkable skill!"

The first elder's excitement was palpable, and those around him eagerly nodded, all eyes on Kazuhiko.

"Kazuhiko-sama, your ability might be linked to the unique constitution of our Uzumaki clan!"

"This is a highly practical ability, possibly stemming from our Uzumaki clan's distinctive lineage."

Before Kazuhiko could speak, the First Elder took the initiative to offer an explanation.

Kazuhiko curiously regarded the First Elder, intrigued by his perspective.

As the curious gazes of the others fell upon him, they anticipated his next words.

With a casual smile, the First Elder began to speak slowly.

"You're aware that our Uzumaki clan possesses extraordinary vitality from an early age, and our Chakra surpasses that of ordinary individuals."

"All of it springs from our potent lineage!"

"However, our lineage doesn't conform to typical bloodline limits, like the Uchiha's renowned Sharingan or the Hyuga's Byakugan."

The First Elder paused, his expression shifting slightly, a reminder of less pleasant matters—like Konoha.

Swiftly, he resumed his discourse:

"Our lineage sometimes triggers other unanticipated abilities, many of which remain unfamiliar to us."

"Perhaps a few centuries ago, some clan members awakened certain abilities, only for those abilities to surface again centuries later."

"All possibilities are open!"

"So, if you ever awaken another ability, don't hesitate to share it with the clan elders. Don't worry about anything else."

The first elder's gaze then shifted to Kazuhiko.

"However, aside from Kazuki, it's been quite a while since we've heard of any clan members possessing this kind of special ability."

"It's only natural to include the Kazuhiko-sama now."

"Kazuhiko-sama's capabilities seem in line. He possesses an acute perception and remarkably heightened senses."

"Though uncommon, it's less extraordinary compared to other peculiar abilities. It's not something to be astonished about!"

Comprehension dawned on everyone, and they marvelled at the elder's wisdom, feeling pride in the Uzumaki lineage.

The First Elder swelled with pride at their admiration and added:

"Don't make a fuss, everyone. It all makes sense."

"Considering the probabilities, it hasn't manifested in many years. I believe that in the decades to come, various abilities unique to our Uzumaki clan will gradually surface in other clan members."

"Perhaps even in your own offspring!"

With this prophecy, the elder concluded his statement.

Kazuhiko almost wanted to applaud the elder's explanation.

"I never anticipated that without saying a word, you'd fabricate all these justifications for me! The amount of mental gymnastics here is impressive."

Pausing to reflect, he asked, "Did the clan head also think along these lines? Were you all so confident in the Uzumaki lineage?!"

Turning to the others, Kazuhiko discovered that they were all in agreement with the First Elder's assessment.

In that shared sentiment, a touch of pride resided.

Kazuhiko began to consider that perhaps the Uzumaki clan once boasted numerous extraordinary abilities.

After all, it was the lineage of the Sage of Six Paths.

Were the Uzumaki clan members truly as formidable as the surface suggested? Kazuhiko's modest ability wasn't alien to them.

Maybe they had knowledge of another clan mrmber that had awakened an even more potent ability.

Nonetheless, the regret remained that their past glory now faced the threat of annihilation.

With such thoughts, Kazuhiko's resentment toward Konoha deepened.

Mist Shinobi were adversaries, and even Cloud Shinobi fell under this category. Yet, the betrayal of an ally like Konoha inflicted a greater pain.

Consequently, even the outspoken First Elder, at times, unwittingly invoked Konoha, leading to a dramatic shift in his demeanour.

Others promptly fell silent, focusing their attention on their surroundings.

Kazuhiko chose not to dwell on it further, simply seating himself and awaiting the arrival of the primary force of Mist Shinobi.

He concentrated on maintaining his peak condition, preparing for his inaugural true battle in the Naruto world!

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