Chapter 25

"You've come, Yuzhi,"

"Elder."

Inside a separate residence of the Uchiha clan, Yuzhi looked at the old man before him and bowed slightly, even though he felt somewhat displeased inside.

Having just returned to the village and bid farewell to Kakashi and the others, he hadn't even gone home before being brought straight here.

The reason is simple: this great elder of the Uchiha, Uzhibo ChaNa, wants to see him.

This situation made him involuntarily recall the time several days ago when he met Uchiha Fugaku.

But last time, he received a brand-new main quest.

"Have a seat, no need to be so polite."

Uchiha instant at this moment he was holding the teapot brewing tea, and on the tree beside him hung a birdcage.

A pretty little bird was hopping about in the cage, making him look like an ordinary old man.

He saw Yuzhi enter, then lightly nodded to indicate Yuzhi should sit down, after which he spoke.

"Yuzhi, do you drink tea?"

"Thank you, Elder, but no need."

Yuzhi shook his head; he didn't know why this elder had come to see him at this time.

Moreover, he didn't like this elder, after all he hadn't forgotten being forced by this elder to tightly bind and promote a wave.

"Young people perhaps aren't yet accustomed to drinking tea, but believe me, once you reach a certain age you'll come to like it."

Uzhibo ChaNa lightly shook his head, then took a sip of tea, after which he turned his gaze to Yuzhi.

"This time your performance has been great; now throughout the village your deeds are being spread."

"Sharingan Hero" is truly a splendid title.

"Thank you, Elder."

Yuzhi actually felt a bit surprised hearing this; he really hadn't imagined that his deeds on the front lines had already spread through the Leaf Village.

But upon reflection it's understandable; the Leaf Village, caught in the middle of the map, suffered a beating and heavy losses.

At this point, whoever completed that mission would likely heavily publicize it to boost morale.

Moreover, once the front-line ninjas return, this will inevitably spread; the Leaf Village might as well openly promote it.

Moreover, Yuzhi seems to have guessed what this elder's purpose in seeking him out now is.

"What a pity, this 'Sharingan Hero' isn't just you alone."

Uchiha instant set down the cup, his gaze steadily fixed on Yuzhi.

"Moreover, one of them is dead, and the other is not a member of the Uchiha clan."

Indeed, just as Yuzhi thought, after his deeds spread through the Leaf Village, another matter will inevitably be brought up.

That is Kakashi and Obito.

Giving a clan's bloodline to others, what Obito did cannot be described as foolish.

The Sharingan was already being eyed, but due to compatibility issues and the Uchiha's dominance, few dare to do it.

But now that there is a successful example like Kakashi, likely more people will yearn to become the next 'Kakashi'.

For example, that Shimura Danzo likely gained inspiration after seeing Kakashi's success.

"Elder, I regret it."

Yuzhi pondered for a moment, then adopted the attitude he had when exchanging riddles with Minato Namikaze behind enemy lines, and only then slowly spoke.

"But I am merely a Chunin, and moreover Jonin Minato Namikaze was present then; he said he would visit the Uchiha at a later date."

"Is that so?"

Uzhibo ChaNa continued to look calmly at Yuzhi; after a while he nodded.

"Then what do you think the Leaf Village's attitude will be when Minato Namikaze visits the Uchiha, and what will the clan leader's attitude be?"

"Elder, I am merely a Chunin."

Yuzhi furrowed his brows, emphasizing again.

Actually, the Leaf Village's attitude is already somewhat obvious; otherwise he wouldn't be promoting it like this.

Solidify this matter first, then discuss it slowly; that way, regardless of the final outcome, the Leaf Village won't fall behind in public opinion.

Keeping the Sharingan means 'following the deceased's will,' and it won't give the feeling of seizing a bloodline family's secret.

Losing the Sharingan means the Uchiha 'completely disregards a hero's dying will,' while the Leaf Village respects the family's choice.

Occupying the moral and public opinion high ground, regardless of the outcome, only the Uchiha will lose.

Such a muddy situation, Yuzhi will definitely not wade into; if there is any problem, it will inevitably be Uchiha Fugaku's problem.

After all, Uchiha Fugaku is a 'wealth-and-status-seeking' lunatic, sending Yuzhi to the battlefield without understanding the mission.

Such a 'filial piety' approach, don't blame Yuzhi for triggering a new main quest.

For a moment, both fell silent, only the bird's chirping continued nonstop.

"It seems you don't want to discuss this matter further, Yuzhi."

After a while, Uzhibo ChaNa shook his head slightly, showing disappointment.

He lifted a cup of tea and took a light sip, then spoke softly.

"I've heard you displayed extraordinary talent behind enemy lines, though it's fine not to say more."

"As you said, you are merely a Chunin."

Saying this, Uzhibo ChaNa paused slightly, after which his gaze became somewhat solemn.

"However, I have something to tell you: no matter what you think, you belong to the Uchiha."

Your strength, your bloodline, even everything you have now, are granted by the clan.

I hope you will in the future consider things more from the clan's perspective and regard clan honor as your top priority.

You are a smart person; I think you should understand what I mean.

After saying these words, Uzhibo ChaNa lifted his teacup again, while Yuzhi slightly furrowed his brow.

This old man seems much more sensitive than he imagined.

However, Yuzhi quickly gave a breezy smile; even if he is sensitive, he seems to be sensitive in the wrong direction.

"I understand the elder's meaning; I have always taken pride in the Uchiha Clan."

Yuzhi lightly nodded, indicating his agreement with the elder's words.

"It's good that you understand; I said you are a smart person, and I hope you truly understand."

Uzhibo ChaNa also showed a faint smile; he spoke earnestly.

"Perhaps the clan has once wronged you, whether it was your previous life or this mission."

But as a member of the Uchiha Clan, you need to remain hungry; only then can you keep moving forward.

And now you can have everything you want, because the Three Tomoe Sharingan is your gain this time.

Furthermore, you can gain even more; the clan's assembly will also have a place for you.

But I hope you will always remember my words; everything you have is bestowed by the clan.

"The clan's honor, the clan's interests, in your heart must be above all!"

"I will remember."

Yuzhi pondered for a moment, then finally nodded.

It seems this Uzhibo ChaNa today came to reprimand himself, and also to bring himself a 'sweet date'.

But he also has a deeper purpose in doing this: to thoroughly brand himself with the 'Eagle Faction' mark, perhaps?

"Go ahead; now that you've returned you need to rest, our clan's hero."

Uzhibo ChaNa's smile remained; he slowly spoke to Yuzhi, but his last words were slightly emphasized.

"Elder Sir, then I will take my leave."

Yuzhi likewise smiled and stood up, but his gaze swept over the birdcage still hanging on a nearby tree.

Looking at the bird inside with full wings, yet locked in the cage, only able to chirp and laugh but unable to fly freely, he paused slightly.

However, he soon withdrew his gaze; although his face still bore a smile, his eyes grew somewhat colder.

(End of Chapter)