Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Weakness Earns No Respect, and Diplomacy Belongs to the Strong
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That day, the Uchiha clan received a rather peculiar guest.
"I've long heard that Clan Leader Madara is an exceptional talent even from a young age. Seeing you in person today, I can see the rumors don't do you justice," said the visitor, as he started showering Madara with flattery.
The guest visiting the Uchiha was none other than the patriarch of the Fūma clan, a man named Fūma Yukishi—a top-tier fighter with a reputation that left much to be desired.
Of course, when faced with three pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, any so-called "top-tier" title would pale in comparison.
Fūma Yukishi knew this all too well, so he made sure to present himself with great humility.
"Patriarch Yukishi," Madara began, unreserved and direct as ever, once both parties had taken their seats. "Our clans have long been at odds. Are you not concerned that stepping into Uchiha territory might mean you won't leave alive?"
Fūma Yukishi, who had been preparing to continue his polite remarks, froze at Madara's words. His expression stiffened as he thought, Why is this man so unpredictable?
I've come here clearly to surrender, and yet here he is, threatening to turn against me outright!
Noticing that Yukishi's expression was growing more and more awkward, Kyōsuke interjected calmly, "Patriarch Yukishi, I've heard your clan has already begun clashing with the enemy?"
At this, Fūma Yukishi's eyes brightened as if realizing something. He quickly nodded and affirmed, "That's right. I've discovered the enemy's malicious ambition to annihilate the entire Shinobi world. As part of the Land of Fire, the Fūma clan has a responsibility to take a stand."
"Ah, Patriarch Yukishi, your noble sense of duty is truly admirable. On behalf of the countless citizens of the Land of Fire, I thank you."
"Not at all, not at all. It's simply my responsibility."
Watching Kyōsuke spout such hypocritical platitudes with a practiced smile, Madara was momentarily stunned, as if seeing a new side of him for the first time.
Is this the same man who claims to lack skill in diplomacy? You're a natural at this!
After Kyōsuke and Yukishi concluded their round of insincere flattery, Madara finally let out a resigned sigh and took over the conversation. "Since that's the case, on behalf of the Uchiha clan, I thank Patriarch Yukishi for his assistance."
"No need for thanks, no need at all—it's my duty!"
Having received his task to hold the defensive line, Fūma Yukishi departed with satisfaction.
Inside the tent, Madara hesitated several times before finally voicing his thoughts tentatively, "Why did you choose to accept him?"
His meaning was clear—he had been reluctant to accept the Fūma clan's allegiance.
In Madara's eyes, the Fūma were nothing more than a group of opportunistic schemers. Their claim of seeing through the enemy's plans was merely an excuse.
The real reason for their shift in allegiance was the growing weakness of the Tsukuyomi clan, which prompted them to seek refuge with the Uchiha clan.
Should the Uchiha falter in the future, Fūma Yukishi would undoubtedly be the first to lead an invasion into the heart of the Land of Fire.
Kyōsuke, of course, was well aware of this.
Seeing his companion still struggling to understand, Kyōsuke calmly explained, "Schemers are ideal. I've always had a fondness for those driven by self-preservation. They're predictable and useful when needed."
"We don't need loyalty from the Fūma. What the Uchiha need right now are voices—voices within the Land of Fire that openly support us."
"Madara, I won't comment on the clan's past decisions, but starting today, the Uchiha need to undergo some changes."
Stopping Madara from responding, Kyōsuke smiled faintly and continued, "I know you've never truly given up on that dream."
"No matter when it happens, the chaotic Warring States Era will eventually come to an end. The establishment of a village is inevitable. The real question is: Will it be led by the Senju, or by our Uchiha Clan?"
"Think it over carefully."
Madara was no fool; his personality was simply too stubborn.
With a bit of guidance, this young clan leader would understand quickly enough.
By bringing the Fūma into the fold, they would become a weapon in the Uchiha's arsenal.
Loyalty wasn't necessary. As long as irreconcilable hatred developed between the Fūma and the Senju, the Fūma would have no choice but to stand firmly with the Uchiha.
Don't be fooled by the Senju's willingness to negotiate peace with the Uchiha—it wasn't because they were particularly kind or reasonable.
It was purely because both sides were equally matched, and further conflict would only lead to mutual destruction.
As for the Fūma clan? They would serve their purpose.
If the Senju truly wanted to, they could wipe them out in an instant. The idea of resolving things with a smile and letting bygones be bygones simply didn't exist.
Even though Hashirama was kind-hearted, Tobirama was far from having a good temper, something Fūma Yukishi surely understood.
In simple terms: A weak clan has no diplomacy.
"I understand," Madara nodded, beginning to grasp Kyōsuke's thoughts.
If a village were to be established in the future, the Fūma Clan would inevitably join, becoming a faction to support the Uchiha.
"Kyōsuke really is thinking far ahead," Madara thought with a sense of admiration.
In truth, Kyōsuke's thoughts went beyond this.
He had personally witnessed the secretive dealings between Fūma Yukishi and Black Zetsu.
Logically, he should have kept his distance from such a person.
But upon further consideration, having someone like that around might not be a bad thing.
In the past, no one knew what Black Zetsu was truly up to. But with the Fūma Clan by his side, Kyōsuke would essentially have a tracking device for Black Zetsu.
With the right arrangements, there might be an opportunity to capture that loyal son one day.
Of course, this couldn't be spoken of openly. Fortunately, his earlier thoughts weren't entirely a facade for his friend.
Fūma Yukishi was certainly not someone willing to be a puppet.
Looking at the fate of the Tsukigakure Clan, it was clear what the consequences were for aligning with Black Zetsu.
For the sake of his clan and his own life, Kyōsuke was certain that, at the critical moment, Fūma Yukishi would make the right decision.
Patting his companion on the shoulder, Kyōsuke smiled and reassured him, "Don't think too much. Just treat the Fūma as a practice target that walks right into your hands."
"I'm not thinking about him," Madara said, his expression strange as he looked at him.
After a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "You seem quite interested in the idea of establishing a village, huh?"
"Yeah," Kyōsuke nodded, his expression turning slightly serious, "I'm planning to become the leader of the Hidden Village of the Fire Country."
"I see now," Madara suddenly seemed to understand, "That's why you didn't want to accept the elders' position."
"Smart."
"Good," Madara's expression grew serious, and he spoke with a firm promise, "If that day comes, I will fully support you in taking the position."
"There's also me~" Izuna, who had no understanding of leadership, finally seized the chance to speak. "Both me and my elder brother will support you."
"Hahaha, with the three of us together, there's nothing in this world we can't accomplish."
As they laughed, a messenger suddenly arrived outside the camp.
"Report to the clan leader: the enemy is gathering on a large scale. It seems they are preparing for a full-scale assault."
"Good timing!" At that moment, Uchiha Madara was full of energy, and without hesitation, he decided to face the enemy head-on.
The death of his father and the countless souls of the Uchiha clan—he was determined to avenge them all through this battle.
"Send a message to the Hyuga clan and invite the Clan Leader Tenjin for a discussion."
"Izuna, go find Hashirama and tell him the time for the final battle has come."
Soon, leaders from various factions gathered in the main camp of the Uchiha clan.
The final showdown was about to begin.
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[Chapter End's]
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