Chapter 213: Second-Class Ninja Clan
"Commander Umino, aren't we overdoing it?"
"Shibi, we're in the Ninja War and we need to boost morale. The ceremony will end soon, so just be patient," Sasuke tried to calm her. If he hadn't offered her the greater good, the Aburame ninja would have deserted a long time ago.
The Aburame clan had always been discreet, so for their entire clan to participate in the captive presentation ceremony was, without a doubt, a burden. However, this ceremony offered a unique opportunity to unite the Umino clan with the Aburame clan and strengthen their reputation and status in Konoha.
While both the Aburame clan and the Inuzuka clan were second-tier clans, the Inuzuka clan was considered relatively weak, while the Aburame was certainly a strong one. If not for their low population, with their average combat power, they would have easily become a first-tier clan.
The Umino clan, thanks to its large population and abundant financial resources, shed the label of a third-tier clan upon entering Konoha. Later, they formed an alliance with the Inuzuka and Teku clans. Now, Kōjin had become a jonin, and Ikkaku, after mastering several of Tobirama's A-rank water jutsu techniques, would also soon be promoted. With three jonin, the Umino clan would undoubtedly qualify for the rank of a second-tier clan.
Taking advantage of the momentum of their annihilation of the Kamizuru clan, linking the Umino clan with the Aburame clan was a perfect opportunity to bolster their reputation. While reputation might seem unimportant, it could sometimes be a valuable protection, especially during Hiruzen's reign. Sasuke's actions were not motivated by clan privileges, but by long-term considerations for the consequences of the war.
To transport the corpses of the enormous wood bees, the entire Umino clan, except for the elderly, women, and children, was mobilized. Fortunately, they had experience in transporting large marine animals from the Land of Waves. As soon as the corpses of these giant beasts arrived in Konoha, they caused a sensation throughout the village. The scene was even more shocking than their triumphant return from the Land of Rivers.
"Wow! Are those high-level summoning beasts? They're huge!"
"Look at the wounds: they were all killed with a single blow. Who has the strength to do that?"
"It couldn't have been an Aburame clan ninja. Their parasites couldn't inflict such wounds."
"As expected of our village's Iron Wall, his strength is truly incomparable."
Konoha's villagers were enthusiastic. The Umino clan members in charge of transport could not stop them from joining in the fun. Luckily, the Aburame clan ninjas, acting as bodyguards, maintained order.
"I've heard that these are all summoning beasts from the Kamizuru clan, a powerful clan from Iwagakure, on par with our Uchiha clan."
"Doesn't that mean the Umino and Aburame clans together could defeat the Uchiha clan?"
"I didn't expect the newly created Umino clan to be so powerful."
Konoha's villagers spoke with envy. Their opinion of the Umino clan, whom they had previously considered lucky country bumpkins who only sold fish, had completely changed.
This captive offering ceremony lasted for most of the day, until Uzumaki Mito sent a ninja to invite Sasuke to the Senju clan territory. That's when it came to an end.
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