"As expected of the Uchiha Clan—their territory is truly impressive. Serene, peaceful, and surrounded by lush forests. Even the finest oasis in the Sand Federation can't compare to your clan's land, Tekka-kun."
Hyuga Mirai praised with a smile as he and Ayaka Uzumaki, led by Uchiha Tekka, passed through a secret passage into the Uchiha clan's territory.
The environment here was indeed exceptional. Given Konoha's surroundings, with some modifications, the Uchiha clan had made this place a highly livable area.
However, Mirai's praise made Tekka feel slightly embarrassed.
Their clan had been effectively "exiled" by Konoha's leadership, forced to reside near the village's prison. Within Konoha, the Uchiha had nearly become the laughingstock of the shinobi community.
But that was an internal issue within Konoha. As an outsider, Keikan-kun likely had no way of knowing, making his praise seem genuine, albeit uninformed about the deeper context behind their situation.
In the end, it was Konoha's leadership to blame!
Tekka thought to himself, forcing a somewhat awkward smile before saying to Mirai, "Keikan-kun, please follow me."
With that, he led Hyuga Mirai and Ayaka Uzumaki toward Uchiha Fugaku's residence. Mirai had made a request earlier for Ayaka to accompany him as a bodyguard, and Tekka had agreed.
Going alone into the heart of what was practically an adversarial faction was risky. Though he had Uchiha guards escorting him, having his own bodyguard provided an extra layer of security. Tekka understood this and, after feeling a sense of connection with Mirai, was more willing to consider his needs.
Not long after leaving the secret passage, they arrived at Uchiha Fugaku's home.
Back when Mirai was still in Konoha, he had met Fugaku a few times. At that time, he was a medical Jonin, and Konoha's leadership had taken an interest in him, ensuring his presence at high-level meetings.
As they approached, they saw Uchiha Fugaku standing at the entrance, seemingly waiting for Mirai's arrival.
Tekka spoke first. "Keikan-kun, this is our clan leader. Clan leader, this is Keikan-kun."
"Clan Leader Fugaku, I have long heard of your great name. I am Keikan Family's head representative and the Kazekage Advisor, Keikan Sanmoku."
Mirai greeted Fugaku with a warm smile, speaking in a familiar yet respectful tone.
However, both Fugaku and the other Uchiha present were more focused on a particular phrase Mirai had used.
"Kazekage Advisor!?"
In Konoha, that was essentially the equivalent of Danzo's position. Did this man truly hold such an important role within the so-called Sand Federation?
Fugaku was skeptical and glanced at Tekka for confirmation, but Tekka looked equally shocked.
The appointment of Keikou Sanmoku as Kazekage Advisor had only been announced the previous day. Even with the Uchiha's intelligence network, it was impossible for Konoha to have obtained this information so quickly.
However, Fugaku knew that Keikou Sanmoku was not someone who would joke about such matters. A simple investigation later would easily confirm the truth.
"Please, come inside, Keikou-san."
Regardless of the truth, Fugaku could not afford to be disrespectful. After all, he was the one who had extended the invitation.
After welcoming Mirai inside, Fugaku turned to Tekka and said, "Tekka, I'll leave things to you." With that, he entrusted the security outside to Tekka.
Besides Tekka, several other Uchiha were stationed outside as well.
Today, his son Itachi was away on a mission, and Mikoto had taken Sasuke to visit Kushina. With the house empty, it was the perfect time for a discussion.
"Keikou-san, I must apologize—I am not particularly skilled in the art of tea ceremony," Fugaku said as he offered Mirai a cup of tea before sitting across from him.
Mirai took a sip, then set the cup down with a smile. "To be honest, I don't care much for tea either. I only drink it to quench my thirst. For a merchant, understanding and utilizing the true value of an object is what defines success."
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully before speaking again. "Keikou-san, I am not skilled in diplomatic negotiations. The Uchiha clan has collaborated with Keikou Trade Association on several occasions, so I would like to know—what exactly is Keikou Trade Associations's goal? Why have you sought out the Uchiha?"
"Why the Uchiha? Clan Leader Fugaku, you should already understand Keikou Trade Associations's intentions. The Sand Federation is undergoing an unprecedented century-scale transformation. Regardless of past affiliations, as long as someone is sincere, they are welcome to join."
Mirai lightly brushed his fingers over the textured surface of the tea cup before continuing with a smile.
"Clan Leader Fugaku, within the Sand Federation, Keikou Trade Associations holds significant influence, and the strength of the Uchiha guarantees that you will be treated fairly. In terms of opportunity, development, and future prospects, Konoha—now sinking into decay—can no longer provide the environment your clan needs."
"A tree that remains stagnant withers, but when it moves, it may find new horizons. Clan Leader Fugaku, Keikou Trade Associations sincerely invites you and the Uchiha to join us."
Mirai laid out his offer clearly. With Fugaku, he knew that only tangible benefits could serve as an incentive. Fugaku was not like Tsunade—he carried the weight of an entire clan's future on his shoulders.
Fugaku listened quietly, his expression unchanged. After a brief moment of contemplation, he finally asked, "Keikan-san, does the Sand Federation have plans to ally with Amegakure?"
Mirai did not deny it. "Before I left, Amegakure had already sent emissaries to the Federation. A formal agreement on mutual development should be signed soon, with Keikou Trade Associations playing a key role in mediating between the two sides."
"I see."
Fugaku nodded, his gaze settling on the reflection in his tea.
He was wavering but needed more information before making a decision.
As discussions continued inside, someone arrived outside to visit Fugaku.
"Shisui, what brings you here? Do you have business with the clan leader?"
Uchiha Tekka stepped forward to block Shisui's path and questioned him.
"I have urgent matters to report to the clan leader," Shisui responded. "Tekka-senpai, please step aside."
Tekka did not move and shook his head. "Not right now. The clan leader is in a meeting with the Second Elder. Come back tomorrow, Shisui."
This was a prearranged setup by Fugaku. The Second Elder was one of his staunch supporters, and he had left early that morning, ensuring that any delays could be easily explained later.
"Senpai, what I have to report is of great importance to the Uchiha."
"The matter the clan leader is discussing is also crucial. Shisui, return tomorrow, or if you prefer, you can tell me, and I will relay it to the clan leader."
Tekka's aeyes narrowed slightly as he asked, "Or do you not trust me, Shisui?"
"It's not that, Tekka-senpai. But what if I insist on seeing the clan leader?"
Shisui closed his eyes briefly. When he reopened them, his Sharingan glowed, with three tomoe spinning slowly in each eye.
"Tekka-senpai, do you know what you are doing?"
Tekka's voice rose slightly, and his own Sharingan activated as he stared intently at Shisui.
"Deactivate your Sharingan. Otherwise, I won't hold back."
The moment Tekka finished speaking, Shisui realized that he was not alone. From the corners of the street and the rooftop of a distant house, several other Uchiha had emerged.
All of them had their Sharingan activated.
(End of Chapter)