Promoting the Konoha threat theory, and talking about the Hidden Mist Belt!

Objectively speaking, he couldn't defend himself against this charge. Besides, you have to let the Uzumaki clan have the upper hand, right? You can't let them suppress you from beginning to end. If the atmosphere gets tense like this, how can you talk about the merger later?

As expected, after hearing Hozuki Shingetsu confess his guilt, all the high-ranking members of Uzumaki, including Takumi Uzumaki, were radiant and stood up straight, as if they had won a great victory.

"So, what will the clan chief do with me?" Hozuki Shingetsu asked with a smile.

"..."

Silence fell again. Given that those people were classified as wandering ninjas, what responsibility would be incurred for killing them?

Deportation?

But can we expel them at this point? If we do, who will they negotiate with?

"Ahem, actually, I called you over because I have something important to discuss." Takumi Uzumaki coughed, changing the subject.

Hozuki Shingetsu, being very cooperative, adopted a listening-only attitude and did not dwell on the issue of guilt.

"You once said that Kirigakure was eager to recruit talent, and since you couldn't control the Tailed Beasts, you hoped that our Uzumaki clan could join Kirigakure?" Uzumaki Takumi skillfully organized his words, transforming his predicament of having to submit to Kirigakure into Kirigakure begging him to join.

Hozuki Shingetsu nodded, not foolishly breaking through this barrier. He was willing to give the Uzumaki clan any face they wanted!

Seeing that Hozuki Shingetsu didn't argue with Uzumaki Takumi, he couldn't help but feel a little goodwill towards him—if he really exposed this facade, then the Uzumaki clan would truly have no face left.

"Because this matter is of great importance, even in the current critical situation of our Wochao Village, I still summoned most of the clansmen and elders to discuss this matter here."

He transformed the fact that the front line had been lost and everyone had to retreat to Uzushio Village into the fact that the Uzumaki clan was giving Kirigakure a lot of face, so even though the war was still going on, they still called everyone back for a meeting.

Hozuki Shingetsu remained silent in response, simply nodding and smiling, giving him ample face.

"Ahem, so, you guys should discuss the specifics of this matter first!" After saying that, Takumi Uzumaki shut up and refused to discuss it further.

Considering he is the dignified patriarch of the Uzumaki clan and the daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools, it's one thing for him to use his status to forcibly change the subject, but to actually get involved in discussing the specific details of the exchange of benefits with Hozuki Shingetsu would be far too beneath him.

As soon as he finished speaking, an elder from the vortex stepped forward, looking at Hozuki Shingetsu with an arrogant expression.

"I am the Third Elder of the Uzumaki Clan, specializing in assisting the Clan Chief in handling internal affairs. May I ask what position you hold in Kirigakure?"

Hozuki Shingetsu immediately knew what Old Deng was up to. After all this time, how could they not know Hozuki Shingetsu's position? Asking this was a way of starting with the unequal power dynamic between their positions to gain leverage!

However, this was an open scheme, and he couldn't circumvent it.

"I am the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kirigakure."

Upon hearing this answer, the Third Elder of the Uzumaki Clan's eyes lit up, and he immediately pressed his advantage, saying, "The Hidden Mist Village sent you, a mere Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Uzushio Village to discuss the matter of my Uzumaki Clan joining the Hidden Mist Village. Could it be that the Hidden Mist Village is intentionally looking down on us?"

Upon hearing this, all the other elders present silently gave the Third Elder a thumbs up.

Let's see how he handles this well-reasoned and logical question and answer session!

Even Takumi Uzumaki nodded in approval, which would allow them to gain the upper hand in a logical way.

However, Hozuki Shingetsu remained completely unfazed and immediately responded, "Let me introduce myself. Standing before you now is the mastermind behind the turmoil in the ninja world, the instigator of the internal conflict in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi's lifelong enemy, Danzo Shimura's idol whom he could never reach, the young head of the Hozuki clan, the 'timely rain' of Kirigakure, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kirigakure, and the future Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure. I acted first and reported later, with the special privileges of the Kage, Hozuki Shingetsu."

As he spoke, he pulled out a document from his pocket with the words "Act as you see fit" written on it and stamped by the Water Shadow. This was originally a prop for Ren to use to complete the whole look, but unexpectedly, Hozuki Shingetsu used it here.

After hearing such a long list of titles, everyone present looked at Hozuki Shingetsu with indescribable expressions—this guy is really good at patting himself on the back!

However, judging from his series of introductions just now, setting aside the fluff, such as Timely Rain and the future Fourth Mizukage, the mere fact that he is the young head of the Hozuki clan, combined with his identity as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, plus that document, is actually enough to stand at the negotiating table with them.

After all, it's best not to completely sever ties. As long as the explanation is reasonable, everyone will have no choice but to accept it.

Seeing that the Third Elder was blocked, another Vortex Elder stepped forward and joined the battle.

"Your village keeps saying you want us to join Kirigakure, but what benefit would joining bring us? If joining is the only option, wouldn't joining Konoha be more advantageous? After all, we have a long-standing foundation of trust with Konoha, and Konoha's strength, no matter how you look at it, far surpasses Kirigakure's. Compared to Kirigakure, choosing Konoha would be more worthwhile for us, both emotionally and practically."

Since those Konoha ninjas were previously classified as wandering ninjas, it means that the statement "Konoha abandoned the rescue of Uzumaki Village and simply sent people to pick up a few Uzumaki clan children" cannot be considered as something that has already happened, because that was said by wandering ninjas "disguised" as Konoha ninjas, and Konoha reinforcements may still be on their way.

Although everyone knows this is Schrödinger's reinforcements, neither side can expose this false reality.

"Brilliant! Using one's own spear against another's shield, Fourth Elder's skills have truly improved!"

Facing the admiring gazes of the many clansmen present, the Fourth Elder looked smugly at Hozuki Shingetsu, wanting to see how he would respond.

However, Hozuki Shingetsu snorted coldly and retorted, "Allies? Where are the Uzumaki clan's allies now? Are you referring to Konoha? Or the Senju?"

The Fourth Elder was about to answer, but then suddenly realized something was wrong.

When it comes to the Uzumaki clan's staunchest allies, it has to be the Senju clan. But the key question is, is the Senju still in charge of Konoha today?

"Konoha is a village that has inherited the will of Lord Hashirama, and with the current Hokage being a disciple of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, our ally is naturally Konoha!" Another person stepped forward to confront Hozuki Shingetsu.

Hozuki Shingetsu glanced at him and continued asking questions.

"The will of Hashirama Senju? Where exactly is that will manifested? How does Konoha put it into practice? Please provide detailed examples."

Once again, everyone was speechless. After the first Five Kage Summit, who didn't know that Hashirama Senju's will was to end the war and bring peace to the ninja world?

Did Konoha live up to this will?

"In any case, the Hidden Mist Village's strength is far inferior to that of the Hidden Leaf Village, that's an undeniable fact, isn't it?" Another person stood up, ignoring the topic and getting straight to the heart of the matter.

"That's right, Kirigakure's strength is no match for Konoha." This is indeed a fact, and no amount of sweet talk from Hozuki Shingetsu can change that reality.

However, before the others could rejoice, Hozuki Shingetsu continued, "However, if the Uzumaki clan is not afraid of being gossiped about and labeled as cowards who seek to reap the benefits without sowing, then choosing Konoha is fine."

Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, Hozuki Shingetsu continued, "When the Uzumaki clan joins Konoha, they can't start from scratch entirely. They must receive the same treatment, right? In terms of rank, they should at least receive the same treatment as the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, shouldn't they?"

Everyone present nodded in agreement. It was only natural. Surely the Uzumaki clan, a powerful clan that had established its own country, wouldn't be treated the same as small clans like Hatake and Gekko after arriving in Konoha.

"Then here's the problem: when Konoha was first founded, there were many critics and numerous external enemies. It was a time of great change and transformation, a time when everyone's efforts were needed. The Uzumaki clan didn't join then, but now they've sacrificed their lives and worked together to build Konoha into what it is today. And you're just going to go and try to pick up the pieces?"

The people present remained silent. This was indeed the truth. To enjoy such treatment without having made any contribution inevitably raised suspicions of taking credit for something that wasn't theirs.

However, Hozuki Shingetsu wasn't entirely defiant. Seeing the current silent atmosphere, he gave the Uzumaki clan face and offered them a way out.

"However, Kirigakure is different. Kirigakure is currently in a time of great need for reconstruction and is eager for talent. The Three-Tails and Six-Tails are causing trouble frequently, which is really making our lives miserable! Therefore, Kirigakure is looking forward to the Uzumaki clan!"

Hozuki Shingetsu's self-disclosure of his weaknesses and his humble attitude eased the atmosphere again. However, as the saying goes, it's not the formidable opponent you should fear, but the incompetent teammate. Just as Uzumaki Takumi was thinking of taking the opportunity to back down, something unexpected happened.

Perhaps the scene of being suppressed by Hozuki Shingetsu alone was too humiliating, causing some members of the Uzumaki clan who were slumbering in the past glory to be eager to get revenge.

An elder stood up and concluded smugly, "So, in the end, it was Kirigakure who begged us to join! In that case, we should have a proper discussion about this matter."

"broken!"

Takumi Uzumaki sensed something was wrong. He turned around and, sure enough, saw Shingetsu Hozuki staring at the elder with a dark expression and displeasure.

"Damn it, are you asking for it?"

Seeing that the Uzumaki clan was so unreasonable, Hozuki Shingetsu was also furious. He had repeatedly offered them a way out, but the Uzumaki clan insisted on clinging to their reputation and refusing to back down.

Okay, then let's not download it!

"Speak? What should we talk about? Should we talk about the Thunder and Earth Alliance that is about to arrive, or about the Konoha reinforcements that are always on their way? Or should we talk about the fact that your clan is about to be wiped out?"

Ignoring the embarrassment and anger of everyone present who felt their thoughts had been exposed, Hozuki Shingetsu continued to unleash his ultimate attack at point-blank range.

"It's lamentable that the Uzumaki clan, a thousand-year-old ninja clan, suffered such a tragic end due to a single misstep, resulting in their annihilation. It's truly heartbreaking! Many years later, future generations will only be able to stand before the ruins of Uzumaki Village and reminisce about the past glory of the Uzumaki clan. Perhaps this will soothe the heart of the Daimyo?"

"But Lord Daimyo, rest assured, I will make a movie to commemorate the past glory of the Uzumaki clan. How about calling it 'The Lost Uzumaki Clan'?"

The Vortex Clan members present were red-faced and began to get angry after being repeatedly attacked with powerful attacks.

"You brat, do you think you can fool the Uzumaki clan's swords?" Upon hearing this, the white-haired and bearded Uzumaki elder slammed his teacup to the ground and pointed his finger directly at Hozuki Shingetsu.

Upon hearing the sound of the cup being smashed, numerous Uzumaki ninjas appeared downstairs, drawing their ninja swords and surrounding Hozuki Shingetsu and his companions. They were ready to rush forward and hack the three to pieces at the Grand Elder's command.

"My sword is not bad at all!"

Hozuki Shingetsu wore a disdainful expression, his ninja sword pointed diagonally at Elder Uzumaki.

The atmosphere inside the castle tower was extremely tense, and a battle was about to break out.

Celebrating my successful master's thesis defense!

Chapter 49 Marriage

Fighting is definitely not allowed.

Neither Hozuki Shingetsu nor Uzumaki Takumi wanted to fight, but because of Elder Uzumaki's words, the atmosphere had been set right there.

At this point, regardless of the cause of the matter, no one should take the initiative to back down, as doing so would mean giving up the initiative to choose.

On Hozuki Shingetsu's side, he was annoyed by the Uzumaki clan's repeated ungratefulness—they offered him a ladder but refused to take it, insisting on making things like this. Did they really think Kirigakure couldn't do without them?

It's no wonder that this ninja clan, which doesn't recognize its own worth, was wiped out!

Takumi Uzumaki was annoyed by Elder Uzumaki's inability to grasp the situation when he interrupted, and also annoyed by Shingetsu Hozuki—what's wrong with letting us gain an advantage verbally? Is such a big deal necessary?

Just as the atmosphere was extremely tense, a Uzumaki ninja rushed in, shouting as he rushed in, "Clan leader, the enemy is already 300 miles away from Uzushio Village!"

Upon hearing this, the tense atmosphere immediately dissipated, and neither Hozuki Shingetsu nor Uzumaki's side had the mood to continue probing.

"What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket? Is this how you treat guests in Uzushio Village?" Uzumaki Takumi's eyelids twitched, and he forced a way to smooth things over.

"I have heard that your noble family has a daughter named Kushina Uzumaki, who is virtuous and kind, a perfect match for you. I long for her." Seeing that the Uzumaki clan was willing to back down, Hozuki Shingetsu acted swiftly and decisively, giving the Uzumaki clan one last chance.

"I wonder if the clan leader would be willing to make this happen? The Uzumaki clan is a thousand-year-old ninja clan, and our Kirigakure will certainly show it the respect due to us and will not easily offend the beauty."

The phrase "Hozuki Shingetsu" is a double entendre. The "beauty" refers to both Uzumaki Kushina and the Uzumaki clan. Hozuki Shingetsu's marriage to Uzumaki Kushina also signifies the Uzumaki clan joining Kirigakure.

After all, it's perfectly reasonable for a bride's family to escort her all the way to Kirigakure. It's also understandable that she might be moved by the hospitality and simple folk customs of Kirigakure and choose to stay.

At least it sounds better than the Uzumaki clan being forced to seek refuge with Kirigakure like stray dogs.

Transforming a naked exchange of interests into a dowry issue is already the greatest respect Hozuki Shingetsu has shown the Uzumaki clan.