Third Hokage, Ay listened to Uchiha Shao Yu's statement with an expressionless face, but his sharp eyes constantly analyzed the truth and intent behind the words.
After a long while, he slowly nodded, his voice steady.
"Uchiha Shao Yu, I have heard your words. However, Kumogakure cannot fully trust them based on your word alone. We will send people to gather and verify intelligence regarding the grievances between the Uchiha and Konoha."
Uchiha Shao Yu had expected this and said calmly,
"Lord Raikage is free to investigate. While the Uchiha's situation in Konoha isn't common knowledge, it's hardly a secret among Konoha's high-level officials and the major Ninja clans. I believe that with Kumogakure's intelligence capabilities, it won't be difficult to verify."
His frank tone made Raikage Ai believe him a bit more. At the very least, the other party wasn't afraid of an investigation.
"Good." Raikage Ai stopped dwelling on the matter and shifted the conversation, entering the substantive stage of the negotiation.
"Then, Uchiha Shao Yu, you have defected from Konoha and come to my Kumogakure. What do you want? Or rather, what do you hope to gain from Kumogakure?"
This was the core: an exchange of value.
Uchiha Shao Yu was well-prepared and spoke clearly.
"What we want is very simple. First, a safe haven. Kumogakure must guarantee the personal safety of us and any Uchiha clansmen who may follow in the future, protecting us from threats from Konoha or other forces. At the very least, within Kumogakure's borders, we should enjoy the same status and respect as other Bloodline Limit families."
The Third Hokage, Ay nodded slightly.
"That is only natural. As long as you join Kumogakure in good faith, follow the Village rules, and serve the Village, Kumogakure will not mistreat any capable Ninja."
"Bloodline Limit families in Kumogakure speak with their strength and hold high status. This, I can promise."
This first point was a basic consensus and was smoothly reached.
Uchiha Shao Yu continued.
"Second," Shao Yu shifted his tone, his eyes burning as he looked at the Raikage.
"I have heard that the Hidden Cloud Village believes in the supremacy of strength, and that the strongest Ninja should stand at the highest position. If, in the future, my strength surpasses everyone in the Hidden Cloud Village, including you, the Third Raikage, then I demand the right to compete for the position of the next Raikage."
As soon as these words were spoken, the air seemed to freeze for a moment. The surrounding Kumogakure guards showed looks of shock, and the Uchiha clansmen held their breath.
Even Uchiha Renka and the others hadn't expected Shao Yu to state this goal so directly. Although they knew Shao Yu had great ambitions, saying this to the Raikage's face was no different from a declaration of challenge.
The faces of the surrounding Kumogakure guards changed drastically. Their hands were already on their weapons, and their gazes toward Uchiha Shao Yu were full of hostility and shock. This kid was too arrogant, actually daring to covet the position of Raikage?!
Third Raikage Ai's eyes suddenly narrowed, his sharp gaze piercing toward Shao Yu like lightning.
He didn't immediately retort but instead fell into a brief silence, a complex emotion showing in his eyes.
Surprise, scrutiny, and even... a faint, imperceptible hint of approval?
Because he knew that Uchiha Shao Yu's words had struck the very core of Kumogakure's most fundamental and proudest rules.
The position of Raikage in the Hidden Cloud was never a fixed hereditary one.
The Yotsuki Clan was able to maintain control for generations because every generation produced the strongest Ninja in the Hidden Cloud Village.
This was true for the First Raikage, it was true for him, and he had confidence in his son's future as well.
But it wasn't an ironclad law. If one day a Ninja not from the Yotsuki Clan truly surpassed everyone in strength, then according to the Hidden Cloud tradition that the strongest is the Kage, that person should have the qualification and opportunity to become the Raikage.
This was the source of Kumogakure's strength: always letting the strongest lead!
This Uchiha youth not only had rumored incredible strength, but his vision and ambition also far exceeded ordinary people. He had directly pointed out the foundation of the Hidden Cloud Village and proposed a bold goal that aligned with Kumogakure's values.
He liked it!
Even if this youth weren't a genius of the Uchiha Clan, he would still bring him into the Hidden Cloud Village and nurture him well.
"This point," Third Raikage Ai spoke slowly, his voice carrying a heavy sense of recognition.
"If you truly have that kind of strength, the Hidden Cloud Village will naturally follow tradition. The strongest Ninja is qualified to become the Raikage. This, I can promise you."
He agreed. This was equivalent to acknowledging Uchiha Shao Yu's potential qualification to compete for the Raikage position in the future, which was undoubtedly a very significant promise.
But immediately after, Shao Yu proposed a third requirement.
"Then, before I prove I have that strength, I need a starting point to establish myself and participate in the Village's decision-making. I want a position as a Kumogakure Elder."
"Elder?"
Third Hokage, Ay's brow furrowed immediately. The slight appreciation he had for Shao Yu's vision just now was suppressed by practical considerations.
He slowly shook his head, his gaze falling on Shao Yu's youthful face.
"Uchiha Shao Yu, you are too young."
His tone wasn't one of contempt, but of caution based on reality.
"The position of Elder requires not only strength, but also seniority, prestige, contributions to the Village, and the ability to handle complex affairs."
"You might be a genius in Konoha, but this is Kumogakure. You have just arrived and haven't performed a single feat. Do you expect to join the Council of Elders based solely on your title as an Uchiha genius and a bold claim about the future? This would be hard for the public to accept and doesn't follow the rules."
Raikage Ai paused, the steady aura of a peak powerhouse naturally emanating from him.
"I acknowledged the 'qualification' for you to compete for the Raikage position because it concerns Kumogakure's fundamental rules and is a matter for the future."
"But the position of Elder is a real, current position. What it requires is strength that can be seen and felt right now."
His meaning was clear.
I can give you a promise for the future qualification to compete for Raikage, as it aligns with the Kumogakure spirit and is a long-term goal.
But for the existing and important position of Elder, you must prove right now that you have the matching hard power to shut the mouths of all Kumogakure Ninja.
Otherwise, even if the Raikage forcibly appointed him, it would trigger massive internal opposition and turmoil, which would not be good for Shao Yu himself or the Uchiha's integration.
Uchiha Shao Yu understood the Raikage's subtext. He didn't become angry at having his age and seniority questioned; instead, an even more burning and calm fighting spirit ignited in his eyes.
"I understand, Lord Raikage."
Shao Yu's voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable confidence.
"What you doubt is whether I currently have the strength to match the position of Elder. After all, rumors are just rumors, and my age and lack of seniority are plain to see."
He slowly raised his right hand. In his left eye, that strange band of light began to flow silently, the crimson background resembling a bottomless cold pool.
"Kumogakure believes in the supremacy of strength, so let strength do the talking."
Shao Yu's gaze met Raikage Ai's.
"Please, Lord Raikage, 'measure' me yourself. See if this young Uchiha truly has the qualification to demand an Elder's position in Kumogakure, and if I have the backing to speak of competing for the title of Raikage."
An invisible fighting spirit began to rise. This wasn't a provocation, but a verification of strength based on Kumogakure's rules.
Third Raikage Ai looked at the sharp yet exceptionally calm young man before him, his eyes flashing with brilliance.
He non-the-less did not feel offended; instead, a long-lost excitement welled up within him, the kind felt when facing a worthy opponent.
"Hahahaha!"
Raikage Ai suddenly burst into a loud laugh that shook the surroundings. "Good! You've got guts! As expected of an Uchiha who dares to defect from Konoha and covet the position of Raikage. I really am liking you more and more."
It had been a long time since he'd encountered such an interesting young man. Although his own son had good talent, he was a bit dull, burying himself in cultivation every day.
This brat before him was much more to his taste.
The laughter stopped abruptly, and his expression became incredibly serious and earnest, like a lion about to pounce.
"In that case, Uchiha Shao Yu! Let me personally verify if those Sharingan of yours, and you as a person, are worth an Elder's position, and if you are qualified to talk about the future."
"Buzz—!"
Violent Lightning Release Chakra, like a physical suit of armor, instantly covered Raikage Ai's burly frame. Blue electric arcs crackled, and the surrounding air seemed to become charged.
That pure, overwhelming sense of power made all the onlookers feel suffocated.
The Third Raikage, also known as the Strongest Raikage, would be the most powerful opponent Uchiha Shao Yu had faced since coming to this world.
But Uchiha Shao Yu didn't feel the slightest bit of fear. On the contrary, he felt a hint of excitement.
The naturally bellicose genes of the Uchiha Clan in his blood were triggered. Every cell in his body was now urging him to fight the man before him.
Uchiha Shao Yu bowed slightly, the light of his Mangekyo Sharingan flaring brilliantly. The Chakra throughout his body surged. Although his aura wasn't as violent and outward-reaching as the Raikage's, it was dense and deep, carrying an indescribable air of danger
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