Moonlight gently spilled down.
Soon, the evening gathering began.
It was held in a grand building within the Uchiha Clan Grounds—constructed from leftover materials after Uchiha Yato had established the Uchiha Kindergarten.
Before the guests stood a structure resembling an exhibition hall.
The Sand Ninja delegation, awestruck by the magnificent sight, appeared somewhat uneasy.
Like villagers entering a city, everything seemed novel to them.
This reaction wasn't entirely their fault—even the Hidden Leaf's higher-ups were similarly impressed.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, feigning composure, strode in leisurely and greeted the Sand Ninja upon arrival.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yato appeared before the crowd in a sharp blue suit.
It must be said—clothes make the man. Uchiha Yato, already handsome, looked even more dashing in his well-tailored suit.
The Hidden Leaf officials fared better, having worn such attire before during Leaf Court sessions.
They quickly noticed the surrounding Uchiha clansmen gesturing for them to change in the dressing rooms.
The Sand Ninja, however, were left dumbfounded. To show their respect for the banquet, Chiyo and Rasa had deliberately worn traditional Japanese kimono—only to realize everyone else had already changed into formal wear, leaving their group feeling somewhat isolated.
Once Uchiha Kei confirmed the intended effect had been achieved, he instructed nearby clansmen to guide the Sand Ninja.
Assisting Chiyo with her outfit were Uchiha Mikoto and Uchiha Kei's wife—after all, proper decorum for a Sand Ninja elder had to be maintained.
For the men, things were simpler. Uchiha Yato personally took charge.
No one resisted, hesitated, or voiced objections.
Chiyo now wore a purple qipao. Though past her prime, the dress lent her an unexpected charm. (No need to imagine elderly Chiyo in a qipao—unless that's your preference, in which case, carry on.)
She herself, however, flushed at the figure-hugging garment—proof that women of her generation still held conservative views on such matters.
The Uchiha Clan, long accustomed to Yato's innovations, paid little heed to others' reactions.
After all, the Uchiha were renowned for their good looks—they'd look good in anything.
Rasa, now in a black tailcoat, appeared more mature and refined.
Once everyone was seated, Uchiha Yato stepped onto the podium to begin the evening's proceedings.
"Honored guests, welcome."
"Tonight, we gather to celebrate the arrival of our Sand Ninja allies. Your presence brings honor to our humble abode. We hope you'll enjoy the evening."
Uchiha Kei greatly admired this tone—as a noble clan, they didn't flaunt their status, but that didn't mean they lacked it.All the innovations introduced by Uchiha Yato were unprecedented in the ninja world—both strikingly novel and aesthetically pleasing.
They captured everyone's attention instantly, causing the clan heads of other Hidden Leaf ninja clans to look at Uchiha Kei with changed expressions.
A unanimous thought ran through their minds: "Damn it, that old fox Uchiha Kei really pulled it off."
The one who felt this most intensely was undoubtedly Hyuga Hinata (Hyuga Hiashi's father).
Both were prominent Hidden Leaf clans specializing in Eye Techniques, both came from prestigious lineages.
But while the Hyuga maintained an air of refined elegance, the Uchiha had transcended it entirely—opting instead for luxury, extravagance, and high-end sophistication.
It was like growing up with a childhood friend, only for them to suddenly announce, "I'm inheriting a fortune—good luck with your struggles."
In such a setting, Hyuga Hinata couldn't afford to show anger. He had to maintain the dignified bearing expected of a great clan leader.
Forcing a polite smile, he spoke to Uchiha Kei with a tone laced with subtle flattery.
A similar dynamic played out among the Uchiha Clan as well.
The upper echelons had their own exchanges, while the lower ranks had their own discussions.
Then, Uchiha Yato's voice rang out from the stage once more.
"This is a new form of social ceremony pioneered by our Uchiha Clan—what we call a 'buffet-style banquet.'"
"There are no fixed seats. Guests may move freely, with each table offering different dishes."
"Beside them are dedicated sets of utensils and plates for your use."
"Instructions on proper dining etiquette can be found at each table, with attendants available to explain. Some dishes require specific methods to fully appreciate their unique flavors."
"Finally, please enjoy your meal, avoid wasting food, and thank you all for your support."
With Uchiha Yato's speech concluded, the banquet officially began.
Of course, even dining had its hierarchy. The finest ingredients and most distinguished guests were seated at the three tables closest to the stage.
That was where the true power players discussed matters, with Uchiha Jonin even stationed nearby as guards.
Meanwhile, the less prominent attendees had already begun indulging in the feast below.
The Sand Ninja stared in awe at the spread—an array of meats laid out on platters for self-service.
In their arid homeland, meat was a rare luxury. Barren lands forced them to rely mostly on grains for sustenance.
Uchiha staff, however, had been sternly warned by Uchiha Yato against any condescending behavior. They patiently demonstrated dining customs and even assisted the Sand Ninja in serving themselves.
...
At the high-profile gathering—
No ordinary Uchiha attendants were present here. The one playing host was none other than Uchiha Yato himself.
By now, Rasa was nearly overwhelmed by the culinary onslaught, with Uchiha Yato continuously tempting him with delicacies.
Rasa had long lost interest in any further negotiations.
Chiyo, however, maintained her composure effortlessly. Decades as an elder had honed her poise.
Then, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke first. "Thank you, Elder Chiyo, for joining us in this learning exchange."
"This banquet was entirely orchestrated by the Uchiha Clan. Even I was astonished—such extravagance."
Indeed, Sarutobi Hiruzen made it clear: everything here was the Uchiha Clan's doing.By doing this, he not only exposed the actions of the Uchiha Clan but also sounded a warning to everyone—if any problems arise, take it up with the Uchiha.
Immediately, the leaders of the other ninja clans began eating, knowing that the real battle of wits had begun.
Chiyo responded, saying, "We are very satisfied. The Hidden Leaf Village is truly vast and abundant, with talents emerging in great numbers."
"We hope these three months of learning will be friendly. We've also brought some goodwill gifts, and we hope you won't find them beneath you."
The "goodwill" Chiyo mentioned had already been handed over to Sarutobi Hiruzen through intelligence channels. Bringing it up now was nothing more than planting discord between the Uchiha and the Hidden Leaf's higher-ups, hoping to create a rift that the Sand Ninja could exploit.
At this moment, Uchiha Yato shamelessly interjected.
"Elder Chiyo, no need for further words."
"I trust in your goodwill, and I believe it will later be used for the development of the entire Hidden Leaf."
As soon as these words were spoken, both the Hidden Leaf's higher-ups and Chiyo were displeased.
The Hidden Leaf was unhappy because there were some private dealings involved, and Uchiha Yato had just declared them all public property. If any evidence were found, it could land them in Leaf Court. Things were different now—there was a truly fair and just system in place.
Chiyo, on the other hand, was displeased because Uchiha Yato's words had completely shut down her attempts to sow discord, leaving her with no room to maneuver.
But Uchiha Yato wasn't finished.
"Since this is a banquet, everyone should eat and drink to their heart's content."
"There are still three months ahead, so let's have plenty of exchanges then."
What Uchiha Yato meant was: Today, everyone just eat. There are still three months to scheme—don't ruin this fine feast.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Chiyo, understanding his meaning, glanced at the truly luxurious and tempting spread before them. For now, they set aside their grievances, exchanging only simple questions and answers.
Shimura Danzo, standing nearby, was practically grinding his teeth in frustration.
This was supposed to be the moment to redirect all accusations—including the recent Sand Ninja attacks within the Land of Fire—onto the Uchiha.
He cursed inwardly.
"Weren't you all screwed over by Uchiha Yato before?"
"And now you're giving up the fight over such trivial favors? How can you call yourselves one of the Five Great Nations?"
Even as he seethed internally, Danzo's hands didn't stop moving, shoving one salmon roe sushi after another into his mouth. He had to admit—when it came to extravagance, the Uchiha Clan was second to none.
His mouth kept muttering about the "evil Uchiha," but his stomach was busy praising how delicious their food was. (Tsundere Shimura Danzo.jpg)
While everyone was eating, Uchiha Yato approached Rasa.
Rasa, his mouth full and greasy, didn't pay much attention to Yato's conversation, answering whatever was asked without much thought.
Until Uchiha Yato asked:
"So, what exactly is the purpose of your Sand Ninja's three-month visit this time? Can you tell me?"