Reasons—An Easy Target? (Second Update, Please Bookmark)

"Senior, why?"

In the Land of Whirlpools, within Uzushiogakure.

Takenaka Kaguya neither agreed nor refused. He merely looked at Ashina Uzumaki in confusion.

The Sengoku era had only just ended. Even though villages now existed throughout nations large and small, and Ninja clans of all sizes had gathered in groups around hidden villages under the rule of a Kage or village leader, the concept of the clan still undeniably came before that of the village.

Take the strongest Konohagakure of the present day, for example. Led by the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan, it also had the Hyuga Clan, the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, the Inuzuka Clan, the Aburame Clan, and many more beneath them. On the surface, they all listened to Hashirama Senju and were led by that First Hokage with pig hands and pig feet.

But that was because Konoha was strong enough right now, Hashirama Senju was strong enough, and the war had only just ended.

Once war came again, or once the Ninja clans began fighting over power, they might not necessarily listen to you.

Not to mention that Takenaka Kaguya was not a member of the Uzumaki Clan, yet Ashina Uzumaki had offered him the position of leader of Uzushiogakure. Takenaka Kaguya was naturally deeply puzzled.

Of course, he was not worried that he would be unable to lead Uzushiogakure, nor was he worried that Ashina Uzumaki would go back on his word and make him a leader without any real power.

"Ha ha ha, why?

If I must give an answer, then it is because I believe you are worthy."

Ashina Uzumaki laughed heartily and spoke bluntly.

However, before Takenaka Kaguya could continue questioning him, Ashina Uzumaki went on, "Takenaka, I probably understand you better than even Hashirama and the others do.

In my view, if there is anyone in the entire Shinobi World who might one day possess strength comparable to Hashirama and Madara Uchiha, those two supreme powerhouses, then it can only be you. That is the first reason.

Second, given your strength and military achievements, even Byakuren, the First Mizukage of Kirigakure, might not be able to suppress you.

Yet after Kirigakure was established, you were excluded from the core of its upper ranks. If it were anyone else, they would probably have caused a commotion long ago.

But you chose to yield. If I am not mistaken, it was partly because you did not wish to see the newly established Kirigakure fall apart.

Third, certain people among Kirigakure's upper ranks used schemes against you, yet you stopped at the right point and did not allow the consequences to spread.

Instead, you quietly left Kirigakure. Afterward, whenever Kirigakure encountered difficult missions, it was still you who stepped in and completed them.

Taking those three reasons together, I saw the bigger picture in you that belongs solely to Takenaka Kaguya.

Heh, perhaps those who know what you have gone through would think you are weak and easy to bully. But I believe your concessions are precisely what reveal your wisdom.

So, Takenaka, come. Join our Uzushiogakure. I will give you the position of village leader, and you will lead us toward strength."

It had to be said that after hearing Ashina Uzumaki's words, Takenaka Kaguya felt somewhat moved. For the first time, he felt understood.

Indeed, just as some outsiders who knew of his current circumstances believed, he had rendered tremendous service to the Land of Water, only to be directly excluded when power was divided. Even when others plotted against him, he only dealt with a few insignificant pawns, as though that alone had vented his anger.

Thus, they believed he was weak, easy to bully, and spineless.

In truth, he had considered many things. The current outcome was also what he wanted to see.

First, by doing this, he had allowed Kirigakure to smoothly overcome its most difficult initial period, giving the ordinary people of the Land of Water a stable environment in which to live.

Second, he had chosen compromise because of Yuko Kaguya. Once he completely fell out with Kirigakure's upper ranks, Yuko Kaguya's safety could no longer be guaranteed.

Certainly, one against one or even one against many, he had the courage to challenge every Ninja in Kirigakure by himself. But as long as they held him back and sent someone to capture Yuko Kaguya, he could not possibly stand by and watch her life be threatened without doing anything.

Furthermore, as long as he did not completely break with them, the Ninja led by Genji within Kirigakure would continue supporting him, and Kirigakure's upper ranks would not dare act against Yuko Kaguya without restraint.

Lastly, he had never had any desire to fight for power in the first place. Becoming one of the upper ranks would inevitably affect his efforts to improve his strength.

So rather than cause endless trouble over a bit of power he did not care for, it was better to remain beyond their command while still answering their calls, doing whatever he wanted.

Thinking of this, Takenaka Kaguya gave a bitter smile. He bowed to Ashina Uzumaki and said gratefully, "Thank you, Senior, for holding me in such high regard. Logically speaking, with such a sincere invitation from you, it would be too heartless for this junior to refuse.

After all, whether it is the position of Uzushiogakure's leader or all of the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu, such sincerity is truly more than enough.

However, please forgive me, Senior. This junior must still apologize to you.

At present, this junior's only wish is to improve my strength, then challenge the Hokage and Madara Uchiha, those two legends of the Shinobi World. Therefore, I can only disappoint your goodwill."

Across from him, Ashina Uzumaki's expression also became somewhat unnatural upon hearing this. He had thought that with conditions like these, Takenaka Kaguya would find it difficult to refuse.

Yet he had not expected Takenaka Kaguya to refuse anyway.

After a moment of silence, Ashina Uzumaki gave a bitter smile. Then he waved his hand and said, "It is fine, Takenaka. Although you refused me, I can understand.

When I discussed this matter with Hashirama and Mito before, neither of them thought I would succeed."

"I am sorry, Senior..." Takenaka Kaguya said somewhat awkwardly.

"Ha ha ha, no matter. Takenaka, since you are unwilling to join our Uzushiogakure, I can only settle for the next best thing."

Seeing this, Ashina Uzumaki laughed and spoke.

Then, amid Takenaka Kaguya's confusion, Ashina Uzumaki continued, "Takenaka, how about this? All of the Fuinjutsu of my Uzumaki Clan will remain open to you. I only hope that if Uzushiogakure encounters a crisis, you will step forward and help us. What do you say?"

"Hm? Senior, there is no need for you to do this. When Sister Mito promised to give me the Yin Seal, did this junior not already owe Uzushiogakure a favor?

If your village truly encounters trouble, I will certainly lend a hand when the time comes," Takenaka Kaguya said in confusion.

"Heh, Takenaka, one favor cannot guarantee Uzushiogakure's safety for eternity. I simply wish to bind you to our village forever." Ashina Uzumaki chuckled, then looked at Takenaka Kaguya seriously.

"Hiss!"

Hearing this, Takenaka Kaguya could not help drawing a sharp breath inward. To be honest, he did not know why Ashina Uzumaki was so certain that Uzushiogakure would encounter a crisis, nor did he know why Ashina Uzumaki trusted him so deeply.

"Senior, is this really worth it?"