Chapter 60 : Danzo's Arrogance

"I never expected Konoha to show its face," sneered Uzumaki Kiyoshi, the clan head, upon hearing the report.

"As Kazuhiko said, Konoha's audacity knows no bounds," remarked another elder with disdain.

"Hmph, they probably thought we were wiped out, so they came to clean up the mess and pretend to be kind," added another elder.

"But in the end, not only did we survive unscathed, but we also defeated Mist Shinobi. That must have disappointed them," said an elder with a hint of satisfaction.

It seemed that what Kazuhiko had been saying recently had made them think more critically. At least now, they had some insight into Konoha's intentions.

"Kazuhiko, what are your thoughts?" Kiyoshi asked, turning to Kazuhiko, who had remained silent for a while.

Today's gathering was primarily to negotiate with the Mist Shinobi, so the Uzumaki clan elders were also in attendance. 

After two days of negotiations, the Land of the Whirlpool and Kirigakure had reached an agreement, and today was the day of the tailed beast exchange.

The exchange centered around the tailed beasts, and it required the combined efforts of all the elders to seal them. 

The Uzumaki clan would also teach Kirigakure their advanced sealing techniques. Afterward, Kirigakure could gradually send other resources such as ninjutsu, minerals, and craftsmen.

The top priority, however, was settling the tailed beast matter, with everything else to follow at a later date. Representatives from Konoha were also expected to arrive today.

"Let Konoha's representatives enter first. Even if we don't plan to ally with Konoha, we can't engage in direct conflict right now. We need to understand Konoha's stance," Kazuhiko advised.

"Yes," responded the gatekeepers, who admired Kazuhiko's strategic thinking and promptly left to admit Konoha's representatives.

Danzo and Utatane Koharu walked in, their expressions mirroring Kiyoshi's and Kazuhiko's.

Outside, they had their doubts but were now convinced of the truth. Observing the Uzumaki clan members walking about, they couldn't help but smile. This visit affirmed that the Uzumaki clan had indeed defeated the Mist Shinobi.

In their minds, they couldn't help but criticize the incompetence of the Mist and Cloud Shinobi. 

They had put in so much effort when facing Konoha, yet they couldn't even wipe out the small Land of the Whirlpool.

However, their smugness faded when they noticed the hostile glares from the Uzumaki clan members present.

"Hmph, Uzumaki Clan Head, don't forget your place. We are Konoha's elders, and you are being disrespectful to us," Danzo declared, trying to regain some control.

"As allies of Konoha, you should have greeted us properly. We traveled a great distance from Konoha to aid the Land of the Whirlpool!" Utatane Koharu added, her tone haughty.

"Is it possible that all of you came here just to help the Land of the Whirlpool win this war?" Kazuhiko responded with disdain, appearing arrogant from the moment they entered.

It was clear to everyone that they had betrayed the Uzumaki clan, yet they chose to act as honored guests.

"I've never encountered such audacity. Are you here just to take advantage of an opportunity?" Kazuhiko continued, casting a disgusted look at Danzo and Utatane Koharu.

"Konoha's reputation, huh? It's truly an eye-opener," he concluded, ignoring the increasingly furious expressions on Danzo's face.

"Presumptuous! Who do you think you are? You dare to spread false accusations here and sabotage the alliance between the Land of the Whirlpool and Konoha. People like you should be executed!" Danzo and Utatane Koharu were infuriated, never having been spoken to in such a manner before.

However, they soon realized that Kazuhiko held a position of great authority within the Uzumaki clan.

"Heir of the Uzumaki clan, Kazuhiko!" Kazuhiko clarified, his sneer undiminished.

Facing Danzo's skepticism, Kazuhiko let out a mocking grin and delivered this retort.

"What? You are the Uzumaki clan's heir and it's future clan head." 

Disbelief was etched into Danzo and Utatane Koharu's face.

"So, you've just realized that I am the future clan head of the Uzumaki clan!"

Danzo gazed at Kazuhiko, his disbelief portraying him as an insignificant figure.

Little did he know that Kazuhiko was the clan heir who had rescued the Land of Whirlpools.

Only then did Danzo become aware of Kazuhiko's true standing, and everyone's attention shifted to him.

As they conversed with him, others listened intently.

Evidently, this clan heir held immense influence within the Uzumaki clan.

Kiyoshi and the elders sipped their tea, brushing off Danzo's previous outburst.

They were not fazed by the words of the clan heir; to them, Konoha was nothing more than an annoyance.

"Why, Kazuhiko couldn't speak his mind? What's the issue here?"

They disapproved, silently echoing praises within their hearts; this curse was truly amusing!

"Even if you're the Uzumaki clan heir, that doesn't grant you the right to speak to me this way!"

"You're merely the current clan heir! I earnestly suggest that the Uzumaki clan appoint a new clan heir!"

"I doubt this greenhorn can shoulder the responsibilities of the clan heir!"

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