Chapter 7 : Ready For Battle

"Listen, everyone! The war is approaching!"

As Uzumaki Kazuhiko began speaking, the expressions of everyone in the room shifted.

The Uzumaki clan members, previously chatting and excited, suddenly turned grave.

Kazuhiko ascended the raised platform, glancing over the assembled crowd before locking eyes with the clan's head.

He nodded subtly, acknowledging his presence.

Kazuhiko then addressed the crowd, "Dear clan members, snap out of any illusions. The war is imminent, and our Uzumaki clan is about to be thrust into it."

"No Konoha, no assistance! We stand alone!"

"Only us, the red-haired Uzumaki!"

With a determined wave of Kazuhiko's hand, he continued, "This is the reality we face, my fellow Uzumaki! I've received classified intelligence that Konoha will not be lending its support."

"With the passing of the Second Hokage, Konoha is not the same as before."

"We can't rely on anyone else. We must trust in ourselves."

The crowd beneath the platform stirred with unease.

"Konoha, how could they…."

"Can we really manage this on our own? Facing an opposing force like the Mist Shinobi from one of the Five Great Nations?"

"Why, why is this happening? Weren't we allies with Konoha?"

"We're powerless in this situation."

Seeing the growing anxiety among the crowd, Kazuhiko exchanged a knowing look with the clan head.

Uzumaki Kiyoshi nodded solemnly, signalling his agreement.

"Kazuhiko, since you've chosen to reveal the truth, it's up to you now."

Kazuhiko grasped the meaning behind the clan head's words.

"Everyone, listen to me. Do you believe in me? In Kazuhiko?"

"Kazuhiko, we have faith in you!"

The clan head lent his support, and others soon followed suit.

"Kazuhiko-sama, we believe in you without a doubt!"

"We must have confidence in our own people!"

Seeing the trust in their eyes, Kazuhiko's lips curved into a reassuring smile.

"Good, my fellow clansmen! If you trust me, we can overcome this challenge!"

"Together as one, we will triumph over the invaders. We have time to prepare. We must collaborate, follow orders."

"Construct defenses, dig trenches, and when the battle begins, ensure the safety of the elderly, the weak, women, and children."

"The rest of us will each play our roles."

"In the heat of the battle, from Genin to Jonin, anyone facing a challenge they can't handle, leave it to me."

Before the crowd could react, Kazuhiko turned around swiftly.

He conjured a substantial burst of golden light at his fingertips.

"Laser!"

"Choo Choo Choo!"

A beam of light shot forth, striking a distant mountaintop in the blink of an eye.

"Boom! Boom!! Boom!!!"

Amidst the smoke and dust, the cloud dissipated swiftly.

The scene that unfolded amazed everyone.

"How is this possible?"

"The mountain... the top of the mountain is gone!"

"Ah! Kazuhiko-sama's strength is incredible!"

"We're saved! We have our own formidable leader!"

"Kazuhiko-sama, you're extraordinary!"

"Kazuhiko-sama!"

"Kazuhiko-sama!!"

"Kazuhiko-sama!!!"

The cries of admiration and respect echoed through the crowd.

Kazuhiko observed them all, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

"The hearts of our people are steadfast!"

With a wave of his hand, the cheers ceased immediately.

Their fervent gazes remained fixed on Kazuhiko.

"Are you still afraid? Do you still doubt our capacity to retaliate?"

"Do you still believe we can only survive with Konoha's aid?"

"Place your trust in me! We will emerge victorious!"

"Rely on ourselves, not others, to secure triumph!"

Kazuhiko's query, coupled with his recent display of power, ignited excitement.

"Place trust in Kazuhiko-sama!"

"Believe in Kazuhiko-sama!"

"We wholeheartedly trust the young leader of our clan!"

"Victory is ours, through our own efforts!"

The duel arena soon resonated with fervour.

The air was electric as individuals chanted, united in hope and determination.

Gone was the dependence on Konoha. In its place stood an army ready for the battle ahead.

Gradually, the crowd settled down under Kazuhiko's reassurance.

With the clan head's guidance, the clan members dispersed to their respective tasks.

Yet their fervour, their determination, burned brighter than ever.

They eagerly anticipated vanquishing the Mist Shinobi invaders.

Hence, a significant number remained on the duel field, their eagerness turning it into a makeshift training ground.

At this moment, Kazuhiko and the clan head stood silently, watching the scene unfold.

Uzumaki Kiyoshi 's expression held satisfaction.

"Kazuhiko, the First Elder was a staunch supporter of Konoha due to their aid in the First Ninja War. His trust in Konoha has deep roots."

"Now, it's time for him to recognize the changes within Konoha."

"I hope you won't hold any grudges against the First Elder. He has done much for our Uzumaki family."

Kazuhiko listened intently, absorbing the clan head's words.

"Don't worry, clan head. I still hold immense respect for the First Elder, and there's a reason behind my actions today."

"Very well," Uzumaki Kiyoshi finally found relief.

"Lord clan head, are you curious about my abilities and how I acquired the information about Konoha's withdrawal of support?"

Kazuhiko couldn't help but ask.

After all, the clan head was not only the clan leader but also his family.

Many decisions rested on his approval.

Moreover, Kazuhiko had a valid reason to await the clan head's inquiry.