Persuasion

"Yuki and Kaguya... Katsuki, you really know how to cause trouble! The Mist Ninja are probably going to be really messed with by you this time, haha!!"

The old man had snow-white hair and a weathered face, but his spirit was remarkably strong, and his deep voice echoed throughout the room.

"I actually hope that I will make the Mist Ninja suffer as much as possible."

The figure held the teacup in both hands, its fingers tracing the rough earthenware surface.

"You really dare to say that, but you certainly have the qualifications and ability..." The old man's smile faltered, and his gaze shifted to Yuki Yoizuki. "Yuki, is it? I've dealt with your clan's Ice Release before. I heard you refused to join Kirigakure back then, but I never expected... I never expected you would actually come to Konoha?"

"Yuki does not seek fame or glory, but only hopes that her people can have a peaceful place to live." Yuki Yoizuki bowed respectfully.

"The Kaguya Clan is the same."

Rokuro Kaguya followed closely behind.

The six old men knelt opposite them, all with lowered eyes, carefully scrutinizing Yuki Yoizuki and Rokuro Kaguya.

"Katsuki, you've given us a real challenge! The Uzumaki Clan alone wouldn't be a problem, but with the addition of the Yuki and Kaguya Kekkei Genkai clan ... this is going to be a major event that will shake the entire village." The silver-haired old woman said slowly.

"You're the top expert in the village now, so I'll be frank with you. This isn't an easy task. The sudden addition of two powerful Kekkei Genkai clan to the village will disrupt the existing balance of power. This is undoubtedly a disaster, and the opposition will likely be louder than you can imagine."

"That's right, young Katsuki. Our two clans are blood relatives. Let me be frank. This is different from a single expert joining. If a clan wants to settle down and take root in the village, it will inevitably affect the interests of other clans. After all, the pie is only so big. The more people come to share it, the less there is left..."

The elderly people spoke one after another, recounting the difficulties and challenges involved.

And these old men are really damn blunt, but thinking about it, it makes sense. They're ninjas, after all. People who are used to chopping off heads are naturally not very particular about what they say.

Yuki Yoizuki maintained her bowing posture, though her chiseled shoulders trembled slightly. Rokuro Kaguya, on the other hand, remained motionless, like a sculpted granite block, her forehead pressed against the tatami mat.

"I understand, I understand. I knew from the beginning that things wouldn't be that simple." The clone scratched his head. "I'll find a way to deal with the other opponents, but I hope to get the support of the nobles. Of course, this won't be free; I will pay them."

Asking for help without any real commitment is very White Fang. Even if you have a very good relationship, you can't just squander it like that. Relationships need to be cultivated and invested, not just consumed. That's why we say "reciprocity is key."

"Haha, kid, don't talk about the reward anymore. If word gets out, people will think we old folks are bullying people..." The tallest old man laughed loudly.

"Don't refuse so soon, let me finish." The clone interrupted the old man, a confident smile on his face. "I can help you awaken the Wood Release Technique."

A bombshell has been dropped on the heads of the Six Elders of the Senju Clan!

A group of people, their faces flushed, breathing heavily, and their eyes wide open, were completely bewildered by this sudden declaration.

"What the hell, Katsuki, do you know what you're saying?" Nawaki was also taken aback.

Wood Release! This is the Senju Clan's proudest yet most embarrassing thing. Since the First Hokage, no one in the Senju Clan has been able to awaken the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai. Not everyone can be as talented as the Second Hokage. Without the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai, the Senju Clan has lost its confidence.

Entrusting the village's power to disciples of the First and second senju clans, such as Hiruzen and Danzo, was a self-preservation strategy employed by the Senju Clan in the absence of their Wood Release Kekkei Genkai.

In the Shinobi World, the strong are always respected. Even with the establishment of ninja villages and the beautiful banner of the Will of Fire, the ninjas' pursuit of power remains unchanged. The Senju Clan, having lost their Wood Release, is still powerful, but they can no longer suppress the undercurrents within the village. The Uchiha alone is enough of a nuisance.

Therefore, the Senju retreated, remaining unknown and almost non-existent. Only Tsunade and Nawaki walked in public, proving that the Senju of the Forest had not disappeared.

"Since I have the courage to say it, I am confident that I can do it."

"I can speak calmly," said Katsuki.

"Young Katsuki, is this really true?"

"Deception will do me no good. The return of Uzumaki, Yuki, and Konoha to Kaguya is not a one-off deal. What's needed for long-term survival is integrity," the clone said in a deep voice. "As for evidence... tracing the origins of our bloodlines is something only my true self can do. However, I have some research data and experimental reports in the laboratory at Konoha Hospital. I'll have Lady Tsunade take a look; she should be able to tell what's possible and what's not."

"Very well, our Senju Clan agrees to this. We will support your three clans in entering Konoha." The tall old man loudly agreed, not even mentioning the possibility of refusal.

"Then I'll leave it to you." The clone grinned.

After a simple lunch, the clone watched as Yuki Yoizuki and Rokuro Kaguya ate and drank their fill, then took their leave. Nawaki saw them off at the camp and then hurried off to find Tsunade.

Shadow Clones do not need to eat, nor can they eat. Their source of power is Chakra. As long as there is enough Chakra, the clones will not dissipate.

"Lord Katsuki, aren't you going home?"

Walking down the street, Yuki Yoizuki asked softly.

"No need. Let's go to the Uchiha Clan now. If we can persuade the Uchiha Clan and leverage the Senju's prestige, we'll be more than halfway there." The clone kept moving, having returned to the village to visit the Senju Clan first, and now immediately heading to the Uchiha. "We need to finish this as quickly as possible, otherwise, if it drags on, things might go wrong..."

As he spoke, he secretly pondered how to persuade Uchiha. He wondered if Otome was with him or at home. If Otome could help, things would be much easier.

Because there are so many ninjas in the village, if you use your Kagura Mind's Eye, you'll be overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of Chakra fluctuations. Forget about finding anyone in there, you might even blow your head off. Therefore, Katsuki usually doesn't use Mind's Eye of the Kagura in the village. She only uses it in special circumstances, such as Infiltrate Mist Hidden Village to find her clansmen. In such necessary situations, she will open her Mind's Eye in densely populated areas.