Chapter 14 : Conversation in the Ancestral Hall

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Kazuhiko felt a bit disoriented as the voice resonated in his mind.

Kiyoshi by his side noticed Kazuhiko's expression and assumed it was due to his words.

"Hahaha, Kazuhiko, don't be taken aback. Our Uzumaki clan boasts a rich history!"

"Come along, let me show you the legacy of our Uzumaki clan!"

"We're standing in our clan's ancestral hall. You've always wanted to explore it since you were a child, but were held back."

With that, he pulled Kazuhiko along.

Upon hearing Kiyoshi's words, Kazuhiko quickly deduced what was happening. He accessed the attribute panel and found.

[Host: Kazuhiko

Age: 10 years old

Current check-in location: Naruto World · Land of Whirlpools

Sign-in destination: Uzumaki Clan Secret Chamber! (unfinished)

Signed-in at: Uzumaki Clan Land

Reward: Template of Admiral Kizaru from the One Piece World (25.18%, in progress)

Note: Please complete the sign-in process promptly! ]

Kazuhiko quietly followed Kiyoshi 's lead.

"Just as I suspected, the Uzumaki clan's Shinigami masks are indeed stored here!"

"I once tried entering the ancestral hall before, but my attempts were in vain. It appears that there's something unique concealed within the ancestral hall!"

"The Uzumaki clan's secret chamber... My new sign-in location, I'm eager to see what's inside!"

After some time, Kiyoshi led Kazuhiko to the entrance of the ancestral hall.

At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary family ancestral hall.

No one was guarding it, which was expected given its history.

Disregarding this, Kiyoshi entered the hall directly.

They proceeded to the inner room, where various tablets were placed before them.

Without saying a word, Kiyoshi guided Kazuhiko to kneel and bow three times.

Following the bowing, Kiyoshi stood up, signalling Kazuhiko to remain kneeling.

Looking at Kazuhiko on the mat, Kiyoshi's serious expression was tinged with nostalgia.

"Kazuhiko, this is a hidden aspect of the Uzumaki heritage, shared only with two individuals in each generation."

Gazing at Kazuhiko kneeling before him, Kiyoshi saw a reflection of his younger self, much like Butsuma when he was mentoring Hashirama.

In those days, there was someone who spoke the same words to him.

Even many years ago, within these walls, countless generations of Uzumaki had spoken similar words.

"Today, I shall disclose the Uzumaki clan's hidden secrets to you."

"Our lineage traces back to the legendary Sage of Six Paths."

"This legacy grants our clan robust vitality and Chakra!"

Saying this, Kiyoshi regarded Kazuhiko with pride in his eyes.

And Kazuhiko intentionally displayed a stunned expression, akin to an ordinary individual learning they were of noble descent.

"Stunning! My forebear is the Sage of Six Paths!"

Kiyoshi was satisfied with Kazuhiko's reaction, stroking his chin's moustache before continuing.

"The Sage of Six Paths is real, and he is the progenitor of our lineage!"

"Additionally, the Senju clan shares our ancestry. When the Senju clan proposed a pact, we readily agreed, for we are kin."

"Others possess distant histories, and the passage of time has eroded many facts."

"However, our compiled data indicates the Uchiha clan, Hyuga clan, and Kaguya clan likely share connections to the Sage of Six Paths."

"Yet, the specifics remain uncertain. Different views exist about whether they are direct descendants. It remains a clan speculation."

"They may be remnants of slaves abandoned by the Sage of Six Paths. Perhaps."

"You need only be aware of this; avoid disseminating this information!"

With these words, Kiyoshi adopted a solemn expression.

"Yes, Clan head!"

Kazuhiko promptly and earnestly responded.

It mattered not if he was hearing this for the first time. Kazuhiko would not divulge it.

After all, boasting about one's illustrious heritage while belittling others was reminiscent of self-praising market vendors.

Furthermore, his strength was insufficient, and having a formidable ancestor would only emphasize his own inadequacy.

"Mm."

Kiyoshi approved of Kazuhiko's attitude, and continued his discourse.

"Unfortunately, my descendants proved ineffectual, forced into obscurity, and now we face an imminent crisis."

"Fortunately, you were born, Kazuhiko. Your headstrong actions exposed Konoha's pretensions, rallying our clan for the impending struggle."

With this statement, Kiyoshi regarded Kazuhiko with immense satisfaction.

"Thus, Kazuhiko, as agreed, this battle is fraught with peril.

Should I fall in combat, you will ascend to become the Uzumaki clan's leader and uphold our banner!"

"If the foe proves insurmountable, prioritize retreat to preserve a glimmer of hope!"

"With your capabilities, should you decide to retreat, it is acceptable! Remember this, Kazuhiko!"

As his speech concluded, Kiyoshi's eyes turned stern, fixed upon Kazuhiko.

This determination had clearly been established through private discussions.

Kazuhiko was on the verge of speaking, but observing Kiyoshi's unyielding resolve, he relinquished his intentions and sighed inwardly.

"Understood, Clan head. If circumstances indeed warrant it..."

"Very well."

Witnessing the reluctance in Kazuhiko's eyes, Kiyoshi comprehended his emotions.

"Son, bear in mind, us elders are secondary, you are the Uzumaki clan's beacon of hope! At critical junctures, safeguarding yourself is paramount! Distinguish priorities!"