"
"My patriarch, there is news from a brother on patrol. The Inuzuka clan leader and several members of their clan are heading toward the Hokage Tower," an Uchiha from the guard unit reported.
"Uncle, you must quickly notify the brothers to intercept them. Stop them before they reach the Hokage. If the Hokage intervenes in this matter, our interests will be compromised," Uchiha Yang said urgently.
"Deploy the next defense unit to intercept. Use reverse summoning techniques if necessary," ordered Uchiha Nobunaga, swiftly organizing the response.
"Go inform the elder. Tell him I wish to negotiate with the Inuzuka clan," Nobunaga continued with a calm smile, exuding confidence that their plan was foolproof.
"Uncle, I will personally enter the summoning realm to choose a suitable ninja hound. Additionally, I suggest we take inspiration from Hokage-sama and have my father participate in this exchange. If we wish to bring them to our side, we must rely on the Uchiha's own version of the Will of Fire," Yang said, turning to his father with a determined gaze.
Soon after, several Uchiha, accompanied by towering ninja hounds, intercepted the Inuzuka clan.
"Greetings," an Uchiha said, stepping forward. "On the orders of our patriarch, we invite the Inuzuka clan to the Uchiha compound to discuss cooperation." He ran his hand over the fur of his massive partner, a jet-black hound with piercing eyes.
Inuzuka Sakuten observed the scene carefully, uncertain of the Uchiha's intentions. If this was a threat, it was a subtle one. The Uchiha were not known for subtlety.
He had originally planned to seek the Hokage's intervention, but the Uchiha had moved too quickly. There was no avoiding this.
"The Uchiha clan has extended their invitation with sincerity," Inuzuka Sakuten finally said, suppressing his unease. "We shall accept."
As the Inuzuka delegation entered the Uchiha district, three of the Uchiha clan's elders and Uchiha Ieyasu stood at the entrance. The Uchiha rarely welcomed guests, yet today, they stood in formal greeting.
As they walked deeper into the district, Ieyasu introduced the Inuzuka to their massive ninja hounds, detailing their lineage, unique traits, and the synergy they shared with the Uchiha.
The Inuzuka listened, but a creeping suspicion settled in their minds. The Uchiha were not known for being warm hosts. What was their true objective?
Finally, they arrived at the elder's residence. Uchiha Nobunaga and several high-ranking Uchiha stood waiting, their expressions composed. The setting was arranged meticulously—a large round table, an uncharacteristic warmth in the air.
"Ah, this must be the leader of the Inuzuka clan! A remarkable figure indeed!" The elderly Uchiha Hideyoshi stepped forward with a smile. "Welcome to the Uchiha district."
"Come, come! It has been far too long since we last entertained guests," Nobunaga added, ushering them inside.
The Inuzuka hesitated but followed, their senses on high alert.
Once seated, Ieyasu clapped his hands, and for a tense moment, the Inuzuka braced for a genjutsu assault. But instead, younger Uchiha arrived with plates of fresh fruit, meat, and sake.
The Inuzuka exchanged glances. Had they unknowingly walked into a trap? Some began quietly channeling chakra, murmuring, "Kai…" under their breath, testing for illusions.
Watching from the side, Yang burst into laughter.
"Come now, raise your glasses!" the elder Uchiha called out, lifting his own. "Let us toast to the esteemed guests of our clan—the Inuzuka!"
Reluctantly, the Inuzuka leader picked up his cup, forcing a smile as he clinked glasses with Nobunaga and Hideyoshi. Seeing this, his clansmen slowly lowered their guard and joined the toast.
After three rounds of drinks, Nobunaga signaled discreetly—it was time to move to the real discussion.
Ieyasu stood, his voice carrying authority.
"Long ago, the sages of the Uchiha and Senju clans laid the foundation of this village, uniting many clans under one banner. But through the years, misunderstandings have deepened. Despite our sacrifices in both Shinobi Wars, the Uchiha remain distant from the village's core.
Yet, despite everything, we have never abandoned our love for Konoha. We are willing to break past the chains of prejudice, to shatter the illusions of history, and to walk forward—together."
His words were met with resounding applause from the Uchiha.
The Inuzuka, however, remained skeptical.
Seeing this, Yang stepped forward.
"Recently, while on a mission, I acquired an ancient summoning scroll—a contract with the Hellhound clan. It turns out this was a legacy of our ancestors. Only Uchiha blood can sign it, and it only allows for a single summoner.
I am that summoner."
At that moment, massive ninja hounds entered the courtyard, pressing affectionately against their Uchiha partners. The sight of it made the Inuzuka clan's hearts sink.
"From this moment on, the Hellhound clan is bonded to the Uchiha," Yang continued. "Any Uchiha who awakens the Sharingan can now form a contract with them. We are no longer reliant on ordinary ninja dogs. This changes everything."
A cold wave passed through the Inuzuka. Their entire way of life revolved around their bond with ninja dogs. If the Uchiha could now rival them in this domain, what remained of their uniqueness?
"We held the summoning ritual this morning," Ieyasu added. "But despite this new bond, we do not wish for the Inuzuka clan to suffer. We recognize your expertise, and we wish to propose a partnership."
Hope flickered in the eyes of the Inuzuka.
"You see," Nobunaga interjected, "while non-Uchiha cannot form a contract with the Hellhounds, there is another way. The Hellhounds can breed with your Inuzuka hounds, passing on their powerful bloodline."
The Inuzuka delegation exchanged astonished glances. This… this was a lifeline.
"Inuzuka chief," the elder Uchiha Hideyoshi finally spoke, "we propose that our clans work together to build a sanctuary for our ninja hounds within Konoha. You provide your expertise; we provide our bloodline. We can create a new, stronger breed of ninja dog."
Inuzuka Sakuten's mind reeled. Could it really be that simple? Could it be that the Uchiha, after generations of isolation, were truly extending a hand of cooperation?
Uchiha Hideyoshi leaned forward, his Sharingan flashing briefly. "Rest assured, this is a proposal—not an ultimatum. You are free to refuse. But know this: if you agree, your clan will not only survive but thrive. And should any force attempt to oppose you…
They will have to answer to the Uchiha."
Yang stepped in once more, smiling. "This is our offer. A signal of our intent to move forward as comrades in Konoha. What do you say, Chief Inuzuka?"
For the first time that evening, Sakuten found himself speechless.
The future of his clan hung in the balance.
And the Uchiha had just rewritten the rules of the game.