Defying the Ancestral Decision

The elders of the Uzumaki clan fixed their gazes heavily on the Konoha members.

In recent years, the number of times Konoha ninjas have visited Uzushio Village has been less than that of Iwa ninjas.

Many elders had long harbored resentment.

Yang Xiang, however, remained calm and walked directly to the table and sat down.

Is anyone else here?

Uzumaki Ashina did not answer, and Koichi, who was standing to the side, shook his head.

"Then why hasn't the feast begun yet?"

The members of Konoha took their seats one by one, following Yang Xiang.

The head of the table, Ashina Uzumaki, clapped his hands, and the maids filed in one after another, carrying dishes and placing them in front of each person.

There was no wine, meat, or rice on the table, only a dish of steamed dried fish.

Nawaki and Tsunade exchanged a glance, slightly surprised.

Uzumaki Ashina raised his teacup and greeted everyone: "Uzumaki Village is simple, we only have fish and rice, please forgive our lack of hospitality."

Yang Xiang picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of fish, and put it in his mouth, calmly saying:

"Fishermen catch fish, and guests eat fish; how can this be considered neglect?"

"We, on the other hand, have all benefited from the legacy of our ancestors, yet we have not made any contributions to date, which is truly shameful."

A hint of approval flashed in Ashina's eyes.

"Young friend, you have a rather classical style, please."

The Whirlpool Clan has been a noble family that has followed the rules of etiquette since ancient times, and their rituals have never been interrupted, even into the Warring States period.

As a nobleman, one must naturally understand the importance of leaving room for interpretation and subtlety in speech.

Yang Xiang's response had already connected with the "secret code" hidden beneath their words.

The slightly tense atmosphere in the hall eased somewhat.

Although Rope Tree didn't quite understand the deeper meaning of the two's words, following Yang Xiang's lead was always the right thing to do, so he picked up the fish rice and took a bite.

Although it's a simple steamed fish dish, its strength lies in the freshness of the ingredients, resulting in a lingering and unique flavor.

For a moment, only the soft sounds of chewing could be heard in the hall.

While eating, Ashina quietly observed Yang Xiang.

Seeing his upright posture and dignified dining manners, which contrasted sharply with Rope Tree's somewhat unrestrained eating, I couldn't help but nod inwardly.

When he first heard about Yang Xiang's achievements, he wondered if the boy might be a descendant of Hashirama.

After inquiring, they learned that the rope tree next to them was actually the grandson of Hashirama, while Yosho was actually the grandson of Momoka.

That's true... How could someone like Hashirama possibly raise such well-rounded descendants?

Looking at Rope Tree again, he was indeed like his grandfather, with a somewhat naive and simple-minded air.

Ashina Uzumaki never really thought much of Hashirama Senju.

As a ninja, Hashirama had reached the pinnacle; but as the head of his clan and the Kage of his village, he had failed in his duties.

Back then, he felt that Hashirama was too prone to gambling, and a leader with such a temperament would easily lead the clan into danger.

as predicted.

The Senju people today are not only in dire straits, but are practically defunct.

In comparison, Tobirama Senju and Momoka Senju were actually more suitable for the position of leader.

Unfortunately, the former was overly strict but lacked magnanimity, while the latter was slightly less capable.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have had the idea of ​​arranging a marriage between his clan and Taohua back then.

Looking at Tao Hua's grandson now... he is decisive, exceptionally talented, and impeccably polite, showing the makings of a perfect successor.

Ashina sighed inwardly, recalling the letter he had received the previous night.

Sorry, Mito.

As the clan leader, I must consider the interests of the entire clan.

I regret that I cannot comply with your request.

···

Having missed all lunch and shivering all afternoon, Guangyi's stomach was empty. He couldn't help but swallow his saliva when he smelled the aroma of fish.

He was standing opposite Rope Tree. Their eyes met, and Koichi took the opportunity of refilling water to quickly snatch a small piece of fish from Rope Tree's plate.

Ashina twitched his beard and glared at him fiercely.

Sigh, how come such a clever child isn't from the Uzumaki family?

···

After rinsing his mouth with water and pausing with his chopsticks, Yang Xiang looked up and asked:

"Since the clan leader has no objection to the Chunin Exams, could you please arrange for people to accompany us as soon as possible?"

Ashina nodded in agreement.

Although Uzumaki was an ally of Konoha, and had expressed his willingness to participate in the joint Chunin Exams when the Konoha envoy arrived, verbal promises and actual actions are ultimately different.

In the past few days, Wochao Village has sent out multiple groups of people to gather information about the outside world.

News continued to spread: the ninja world was in an uproar over Konoha's joint Chunin Exams.

The other four major ninja villages all sent delegations in a high-profile manner, making a great show of it.

If no one from other villages attended the gathering, Whirlpool could still find an excuse to avoid it; but now that everyone is going, Whirlpool has no reason to back down.

"The personnel have already been selected, and we can depart tomorrow."

As Ashina spoke, he pulled Kouichi in front of everyone.

"Before we set off, there's one more thing." He winked at Koichi, "Koichi."

Didn't I already tell you? Apologize now!

If others treat me with courtesy, I should reciprocate with courtesy.

The light, suddenly pulled out, was stunned.

What does the old man mean by this?

He had completely forgotten about apologizing to Yang Xiang.

After all, they had sent him out to entertain guests, and he thought the matter was already over.

Could it be...?

Koichi looked at Ashina with a puzzled expression, only to meet the clearly encouraging look in Ashina's eyes.

Does the old man know about Yang Xiang teaching me the secret technique?

Indeed, what in the village could be kept from him?

So, the reason he pulled me out now is perhaps...?

Upon thinking of this, Guangyi's heart trembled violently.

This conjecture is so astonishing, completely contrary to the principles that the patriarch has always taught him.

Seeing him dawdle and remain silent for a long time, Ashina Uzumaki grew angry.

Is it really that hard to apologize?

Where has all the manners I learned since childhood gone?!

He stepped forward and kicked Guangyi in the back of the knee.

Guangyi was caught off guard by the sneak attack and stumbled, falling directly to his knees in front of Yang Xiang's desk.

In an instant, all eyes in the hall were focused on this spot.

Having already fallen to such a state, Koichi simply steeled his heart and made a decision that "violated the ancestors' wishes."

He grabbed Yang Xiang's hand and said loudly:

"Having drifted through half my life, I only regret not having met a wise teacher! If you do not abandon me..."

"..."

Ashina's eyes widened slowly.

Yang Xiang grabbed his wrist with his other hand, cutting off his next words in time:

"There's absolutely no need for that!"

"Bang!"

Ashina Uzumaki immediately demonstrated her rice bowl throwing technique.

Guangyi fled in panic, and the banquet ended unhappily.

···

In the cramped Japanese-style room, Ashina and Yosho sat facing each other.

This is the second dialogue tonight.

The old man slowly pushed a scroll toward Yang Xiang.

"Thank you for your guidance to Koichi. Please accept this."

Sure enough, nothing in Wochao Village escaped the eyes of this clan chief.

Yang Xiang did not unroll the scroll to examine it; it contained nothing more than items related to sealing techniques, which he did not urgently need. He simply raised his hand and gently pushed the scroll back.

"This was just a gesture of goodwill I made towards Wochao Village; there's no need for this."

Ashina Uzumaki stared at the untouched scroll on the table, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke:

"When you extend this kindness at this moment, are you representing Konoha, or yourself?"

"What if you represent Konoha?" Yang Xiang asked.

"Uzushio Village is the Land of Whirlpools, but the Hokage... is not a Daimyo."

"What if I represent myself?"

"The Uzumaki clan has always been related to the Senju family by marriage."

Yang Xiang remained silent for a moment, then bowed solemnly to the old man.

"I see."

He got up, pushed open the door, and his figure quietly disappeared into the night outside the corridor.