Hiruzen Sarutobi was smoking while looking at Uchiha Ryun's profile. He smiled, then put it down. Just then, a clansman came to report.
"R-report, Hokage-sama, the Uchiha Clan Head has brought a young man to visit."
After hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi froze for a moment before standing up. "You said... the Uchiha Clan Head is here?" He set down his pipe, straightened his posture, and frowned. Why would they visit in the middle of the night?
"First, escort them to the main hall. I will be there shortly." After speaking, Hiruzen quickly changed into a more formal kimono.
Then, he headed toward the main hall. Inside, Uchiha Hirotomo and Uchiha Ryun were seated in the guest seats. Whether intentional or not, they had taken the first guest seats.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly before laughing heartily. "Hahaha, Clan Head Hirotomo visiting my Sarutobi Clan lands truly brings honor to my humble home!"
Uchiha Hirotomo glanced at Uchiha Ryun. After receiving a nod, he began speaking the words they had previously discussed.
"Hokage-sama, you flatter me. Uchiha Hirotomo has long admired you and wished to visit. However, the war kept us occupied, and only now that things have eased was I able to bring a clansman to pay respects." Uchiha Hirotomo's words were well-crafted and logical.
Hiruzen naturally noticed the silent exchange between Uchiha Hirotomo and Uchiha Ryun, but he did not point it out. Some things were better left unspoken.
"Ah, Clan Head Hirotomo, what are you saying? I, too, am new to this position. This is my first time as Hokage, and I lack experience. I will need the Uchiha Clan's support." Hiruzen tested the waters.
Uchiha Hirotomo was momentarily stunned—this wasn't part of their rehearsed script. He looked at Uchiha Ryun, who stood up and pulled Uchiha Hirotomo into a bow toward Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama, you are too humble. You are the Hokage, the village's highest leader. It is we, the Uchiha, who hope for your guidance. Moreover, the Uchiha Clan is willing to fully support all of your decisions."
Uchiha Ryun did not fall into the trap. Instead, he directly declared the Uchiha Clan's allegiance to Hiruzen. Hiruzen was momentarily surprised before his face flushed with excitement. He quickly helped Uchiha Ryun and Uchiha Hirotomo up.
"Oh, please, please, stand up! Clan Head Hirotomo, Ryun, what is this for?" Hiruzen's eyes crinkled with joy. This was excellent news—the strongest clan in Konoha siding with him would make it easier to handle the other clans.
"Someone, serve tea to our guests! Where are your manners?" He personally guided Hirotomo and Ryun back to their seats.
The Sarutobi attendants hurried to prepare tea—these were honored guests!
As Hiruzen escorted Uchiha Ryun back, he patted his shoulder with a meaningful smile. Uchiha Ryun also smiled faintly. Just as Hiruzen was about to return to his seat, Uchiha Ryun summoned a weapons pouch using a scroll and handed it to Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama, this is a complete weapons pouch obtained through trade with the Nekomata Clan. We heard your eldest son has enrolled in the Ninja Academy, so this is a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it."
Hiruzen frowned. "This... I cannot accept gifts from you. You are my guests, and I should be the one hosting you properly. Please take it back."
Uchiha Ryun pressed on. "Hokage-sama, you fought a brilliant battle for Konoha. We merely wish to express our gratitude. Please accept it."
Hiruzen replied sternly, "Protecting the villagers is the Hokage's duty. What is this? Take it back!" He pushed it away again.
Uchiha Ryun played his final card. "Ah, Hokage-sama, this is the Uchiha Clan's sincerity. We may not have much, but we excel in weaponry. Upon hearing that young master Shinnosuke had enrolled, we prepared the latest and finest batch for him to test. This is also young master Shinnosuke helping us!"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he studied Uchiha Ryun. This young man was sharp—he made it sound as if his son was doing them a favor. Moreover, his mention of "plentiful, high-quality weapons" hinted at potential supply deals.
After a moment of thought, Hiruzen smiled. "Haha, then I shall accept this on behalf of my son. Thank you, Ryun, and Clan Head Hirotomo."
Uchiha Ryun quickly added, "Hokage-sama, please do not say such things. I believe young master Shinnosuke will grow into a pillar of Konoha, becoming a great shinobi!"
This flattery made Hiruzen laugh heartily, repeatedly patting Uchiha Ryun's shoulder. Meanwhile, Uchiha Hirotomo fell into deep thought—perhaps Uchiha Ryun was more suited to be Clan Head than he was.
Soon, the Sarutobi attendants served tea to Hiruzen, the Uchiha Clan Head, and Uchiha Ryun. Just as the three took a sip, another Sarutobi clansman rushed in—the same one who had reported earlier.
"R-report, Hokage-sama, outside..." He paused upon seeing Uchiha Hirotomo and Uchiha Ryun.
Hiruzen frowned. "Clan Head Hirotomo and Ryun are our own. Speak freely!"
Uchiha Ryun and Uchiha Hirotomo stood and bowed. Hiruzen smiled and gestured for them to sit and listen.
"Yes! Hokage-sama, the heads of the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance have come to visit!" He glanced at the two Uchiha.
Hiruzen was delighted. Previously, the Ino-Shika-Chō had remained neutral, neither supporting nor opposing him. Now, all three had come together—likely due to his old comrade Akimichi Torifu's influence!
Hiruzen stood and addressed Uchiha Hirotomo and Uchiha Ryun. "Please wait here. I will greet the three Clan Heads, and then we can discuss matters together."
"Of course," Uchiha Hirotomo replied with a smile. Uchiha Ryun remained seated, sipping his tea. He had anticipated this—the Ino-Shika-Chō were here to declare their stance. Regardless, the Uchiha Clan had been the first to pledge support, and in terms of influence and strength, they held greater importance.
As expected, shortly after, the three Clan Heads entered the hall with Hiruzen, chatting amiably.
Uchiha Hirotomo inhaled sharply upon seeing them—Akimichi Torifu, a member of the Second Hokage's guard, along with Yamanaka Kumokai and Nara Luming, the current heads of the Ino-Shika-Chō.
He glanced at Uchiha Ryun, who remained unfazed, continuing to drink his tea. No wonder this guy had insisted on visiting overnight.
Hiruzen introduced the Ino-Shika-Chō. "Ah, I forgot to mention, tonight is truly a fortunate night. The Uchiha Clan Head and a talented clansman have also come to visit."
This was deliberate, testing both sides' reactions.
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