Chapter 8 : Kazuhiko and Clan Head

Facing the question from Kazuhiko, Uzumaki Kiyoshi looked up at his nephew.

In his eyes, there was amazement, pride, and even more satisfaction for the success of his family.

"You defeated the Grand Elder in a single move, that's my nephew!"

He finally responded to Kazuhiko's question with a smile.

"Hahaha, Kazuhiko, you did an amazing job today!"

"As for the others, let me ask you this: Will you harm me? Will you endanger the Uzumaki clan?"

"Absolutely not!" Kazuhiko immediately replied firmly.

Uzumaki Kiyoshi nodded with approval.

"Good, all I need to know is that you're my family, the future clan head of the Uzumaki clan!"

"I'll talk about leading the Uzumaki clan in the future!"

clan head Uzumaki Kiyoshi looked around, gazing upwards, and the departing members of the Uzumaki family came into view.

"Everyone has their own secrets, and you can attain great power without revealing them."

"You must be quite concerned about this secret. Why force me to know it?!"

"On the contrary, for the Uzumaki clan, especially the future clan head, in this tumultuous world, a leader thrives with more secrets!"

This was the way of life for a clan head, a lesson learned over the years.

Uzumaki Kiyoshi sighed, projecting a sense of resolution.

Observing his clan head, he also saw a relative.

With such trust in him, Kazuhiko's heart warmed.

"Clan head, don't worry. I am the future clan head of the Uzumaki clan, and I will never endanger my family and my clan!"

The clan head nodded, relieved.

"Furthermore, Kazuhiko, I had already suspected that Konoha was changing. This time, we won't receive support from anyone."

"But my perception wasn't as clear as yours, nor as decisive. I even held some illusions about Konoha."

"I was consoling myself, overthinking matters."

"If it weren't for you, I might have gone along with the elders' decision at that time."

"My plan was at most to have a group of Uzumaki individuals depart ahead of time."

"Even if a real crisis emerged, it would leave behind some seeds for the Uzumaki family."

Speaking of this, the clan head looked at Kazuhiko, his eyes holding even more relief.

Kazuhiko finally understood why he had seen that the clan head was doubtful about Konoha's support.

However, according to the original story, it still ended in genocide.

In the entire ninja world, only two or three significant figures remained from the Uzumaki clan.

All of whom were strategically dispatched ahead of time by the clan head, a decision that indeed made sense.

After all, the Uzumaki family's red hair stood out.

Observing the contemplative Kazuhiko, the clan head continued:

"Kazuhiko, you made me come to a decision and gave me the courage to take a drastic step!"

"I see more in you than that."

"I'm also gaining confidence in the face of the Mist Shinobi's attack."

"Your words, your abilities, not only inspire the clan but also motivate me!"

"I'm beginning to believe that there's still hope for our Uzumaki clan!"

"We can endure on our own!"

"Your strength, coupled with our clan's sealing techniques."

"Even with special ninja tools as a last resort, we can employ our clan's forbidden sealing technique!"

"It will undoubtedly deter them!"

While saying this, there was a trace of fear in the clan head's eyes, but also a concealed determination.

Clearly, they were prepared to fight to the end, even employing that special ninja tool in dire circumstances!

Though it wasn't explicitly mentioned, Kazuhiko knew the special item was likely the Shinigami mask.

And the forbidden technique was undoubtedly the legendary Reaper Seal.

Gazing in awe at the Uzumaki clan's ancestral hall in the distance, the clan head continued:

"However, such a measure is only for desperate times. We won't use it unless absolutely necessary, as the cost is more dreadful than death!"

"So, unless it's a last resort, let's refrain from using it!"

After solemnly uttering these words, the clan head's expression gradually eased upon seeing Kazuhiko nod solemnly.

"Kazuhiko, moving forward, I'll have the entire clan cooperate with you."

"Simultaneously, when the actual battle commences, I'll do my best to engage the enemy alongside the elders."

"The rest is up to you!"

"Kazuhiko, the fate of the Uzumaki clan rests on your shoulders!"

Kazuhiko solemnly nodded in response to the heartfelt words of the clan leader.

He understood that this was the clan head's trust in him.

If not for being the future clan head, if not for being part of the clan head's family.

If he hadn't personally defeated the Grand Elder and earned the support of everyone.

Most importantly, if he hadn't showcased his immense power today.

The clan head wouldn't have been so resolute in having the entire clan cooperate with him.

Because this was a gamble that involved the entire Uzumaki clan!

Even if the clan head agreed to the gamble, the other elders might not.

That's why Kazuhiko intentionally provoked the Grand Elder and defeated him in one move, capturing the spotlight.

This not only garnered the elders' support but also reinstated people's confidence. When the time came, their efforts would be doubly effective!

Kazuhiko's heart burned with determination, already forming plans for the next steps.

"Don't worry, clan head! Leave it to me! Everyone believes in me, and I won't let you down!"

"I'll make those intruders pay! I'll make them regret it!"

"I'll ensure they never dare to target the Uzumaki clan again from this day forward!"