Chapter 548: Uchiha Tanashima's Summons

Uchiha Clan Territory, Clan Leader's Mansion.

Clan Leader Uchiha Tanashima kneels on a straw mat, with two cups of hot tea placed before him, the faint tea fragrance spreading through the space.

Yuzhibo Quannai's figure appears at the doorway, and he respectfully bows before Tanashima.

"Father."

Uchiha Tanashima does not look up, merely gently blows on the hot tea in his cup and hums, as a response.

Quan Nai comes to the straw mat opposite Tanashima, kneels down, and reports in a low voice.

"Father, today while patrolling the border, we discovered the third squad's clan members… ambushed by the Senju Clan, all five of them perished."

"Crack!"

A thin crack appears on the tea cup in Uchiha Tanashima's hand.

After a moment of silence, he slowly sets the cup down, his voice revealing no joy or anger: "Understood, I will handle this personally. Ban is currently at the eastern Battlefield, contending with Senju Hashirama; the situation is far from optimistic. Tomorrow at dawn, you will set out to support him."

"Yes, Father," Yuzhibo Quannai replies without hesitation, bearing his brother's burden as an undeniable duty.

Had he not been injured in battle not long ago and returned to the clan to recuperate, he would have already followed his brother to the battlefield.

After reporting the battle, Quan Nai pauses briefly, seeming to choose his words, then continues: "Father, there is another matter. Today, on the way to the border, I met a person… a self-proclaimed Uchiha Clan member traveling the Ninja World."

Uchiha Tanashima's previously calm face finally shows a distinct ripple.

"A Uchiha Clan member stranded abroad? How strong is he?"

His primary concern is this person's strength; if formidable, he can serve the clan.

If weak, he can only engage in production or trade.

However, he does not think that the clan member is weak; anyone traveling the Ninja World now must surely have some skill.

"Father, I cannot discern his strength," Yuzhibo Quannai says.

All along, he has secretly observed Lian Ye, yet still cannot gauge his strength.

That is why he came personally to inform his father!

Uchiha Tanashima's fingers unconsciously tap the table a few times, a look of interest appearing on his face.

"Even you cannot discern his strength?"

Sometimes being unable to see through others precisely indicates their greatness.

Perhaps, for the clan, he would be a valuable combat asset.

"Yes, Father, do you wish to see him personally?" Yuzhibo Quannai asks, "I trust you can judge his depth."

Although his father is wounded in the battle against Senju Hashirama, his visual acuity has not been lost due to the injury.

He is confident he can discern Lian Ye's true strength!

In fact, Quan Nai could have struck Lian Ye to test his exact strength.

He simply did not.

Not only because Lian Ye is an Uchiha, but also because Quan Nai does not wish to offend a strong Uchiha!

Wise people rarely make reckless decisions.

Uchiha Tanashima ponders: an unidentified clan member whose depth even Quan Nai cannot see appears during this sensitive period—opportunity or trap?

Is that fellow a clan member stranded abroad, or a Senju, or perhaps a plot by other forces targeting the Uchiha?

After a moment's weighing, Uchiha Tanashima makes a decision.

"Bring him to see me."

……

……

"Thank you, Lian Yejun, for sharing; you have shown me many things I have never heard of," Uchiha Tanaka says gratefully to Lian Ye. "I have other matters to attend to, so I will not trouble you further."

With that, he leaves the courtyard.

Based on Lian Ye's account, claiming to be a traveler in the Ninja World poses no issue.

Shortly after Uchiha Tanaka departs, another person appears in the courtyard.

"Lian Ye, the Clan Leader summons you."

Yuzhibo Quannai says to Lian Ye, who is sweeping the courtyard.

"Fine, I'm coming right away," Lian Ye puts down his broom, smiling at Tuan Cang: "Good brother, it's not that I don't want to clean, but the Uchiha Clan Leader summons me, now it's on you."

Zhi Cun Tuan Zang: "……"

He tries to slack off and even makes it sound grandiose.

On the way, Yuzhibo Quannai curiously asks, "Lian Yejun, are you close with your friend?"

He notes that Lian Ye's relationship with Zhi Cun Tuan Zang exceeds that of ordinary friends, prompting his curiosity.

"Well, Tuan Cang and I have known each other since childhood; our relationship is very good," Lian Ye says earnestly, not denying it.

In the village, his bond with Tuan Cang surpasses that of Yuanfei Rizhan and several others; even though everyone grew up together, the closest is only Tuan Cang.

Others can only be called close friends, but Tuan Cang is a true brother!

Yuzhibo Quannai's eyes flash with surprise; it seems Lian Ye and Tuan Cang have shared experiences unknown to him.

Perhaps they are life-and-death comrades; otherwise their bond wouldn't be so strong.

Uchiha Tanashima sees Lian Ye enter, feeling his aura, a fleeting shock flashing in his eyes.

This person's strength is likely above his!

No wonder Quan Nai cannot discern his strength; it's either unseen or he dares not be certain.

"Please sit."

Uchiha Tanashima quickly regains his composure, pointing at the straw mat before him, and says.

Lian Ye is not at all polite, casually kneeling on the straw mat, lifting the hot tea before him and sipping it in small mouthfuls.

"I wonder what matter the clan chief summons me for?"

"I heard Quan Nai say that on the road she met a clan member who had gone astray, so I was curious and called you over to take a look," Uchiha Tian Dao said with a smile. "I didn't expect our Uchiha Clan to have such a formidable clan member."

He had no intention of playing dumb; he directly spoke of Lian Ye's greatness.

Lian Ye gave no particular reaction, merely sipping his tea in silence.

Although he deliberately concealed his aura, he could not fully hide it before a powerhouse like Uchiha Tian Dao.

"Lian Yejun, I wonder if you would be willing to help the clan fight external enemies?" Uchiha Tian Dao asked tentatively.

If Lian Ye refuses, he will not force him; but if he agrees, the clan will gain a combat power not weaker than his.

By then, that guy Qian Shou Fo Jian will definitely be dumbfounded.

Thinking of the rival's ugly expression, he almost couldn't hold back his laugh!

Of course, the premise of all this is whether Lian Ye will agree.

Under Uchiha Tian Dao's expectant gaze, Lian Ye slowly set down his teacup.

"Clan chief, I can go to the Battlefield to take a look."

"No problem!" Uchiha Tian Dao rejoiced.

Although Lian Ye did not state it outright, he knew the other would aid the clan members at the crucial moment!

……

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