Chapter 27

"My Lord Heir, we have arrived."

The maid lifted the ornate silk curtains and reached out to lift the child inside, only to be blocked by a small, fair hand.

"Step back, I can walk myself." Fujiwara Uye, the heir who was not yet four years old, said this while tugging at the curtains and carefully hopping out of the carriage. A precious, pure jade pendant signifying his status hung around his neck, and he wore a formal kimono. The child's short hair stuck up with as much spirit as a rooster's tail, and his eyes, possessing the distinct Uchiha trait, were as bright and crystalline as a cat's.

The guards at the gate stopped them. "Please present your invitation."

That small, fair hand held out a gold-red invitation at least four times the size of his palm to the guard. The little heir tilted his head back, his cute face set in a serious expression as he tried his best to look more dignified.

Ignoring the way the little boy's heels were secretly lifted off the ground, the guard suppressed a laugh and softened his tone. "Ah, it is the young heir. You may enter. —Stop, you lot cannot!"

"Lord Uchiha." The maid and the samurai hurriedly bowed and explained, "We are the personal attendants of the young heir..."

"The clan grounds naturally have people to look after the heir." The guard refused flatly. "We Uchiha have our own rules."

"But..." The maid and the samurai exchanged glances. Uchiha Koichi walked over and said to them, "It is fine, you may go and explain the situation to Lord Fujiwara. The heir will stay with us for now; if you need to collect him, send a letter, and we will see to it that the heir is returned to the mansion. Little Heir, come, let us go first!"

"You go back and tell Father that I will take good care of myself!" Fujiwara Uye said, looking back before following Uchiha Koichi into the clan grounds.

The scenery of the Uchiha clan grounds was breathtakingly beautiful, enough to make anyone feel as though they didn't have enough eyes to take it all in. The little heir was no exception, though his movements were more subtle. He let Uchiha Koichi hold his small hand, trailing half a step behind, his little eyes darting everywhere.

They passed through a training field and walked by the clan school, where the children were just finishing their lessons, the surroundings bustling with activity. The little heir blinked, feeling a touch of envy in his heart. As an only child and heir with such a high status, he had always been surrounded by parents and servants, never having many playmates.

Because of Fujiwara Uye's special status, the clan did not arrange for him to stay in the outer guest quarters, nor was he qualified to live in the main residence of the clan head in the inner circle. It was finally decided that he would live in the middle circle with other children of his age to help foster bonds, as the child did, after all, possess half-Uchiha blood. But before that, he had to meet Uchiha Madara.

Once they turned into the quiet garden behind the clan school, Fujiwara Uye suddenly spoke up: "Do not call me 'little' heir!"

Uchiha Koichi was stunned into a laugh and asked, "Why didn't you say so at the gate just now?"

To his surprise, Fujiwara Uye fell silent, a trace of worry appearing on his small face that was far too mature for his age. If he had refuted them in front of everyone at the Uchiha gate, it would have been a slight against their clan. What did it matter if he was an heir? Though he was young, he knew that a great clan that could make his father feel awe and his mother feel total reliance was not one he could afford to offend.

He had Uchiha blood... but his surname was Fujiwara.

Uchiha Koichi did not understand the reason, sighing inwardly at how heavy the thoughts of noble children were, and did not press the matter.

"The paths are a bit complicated, but it does not matter; you will be living here for a long time." He added silently: Until the war ends. "There will be people to help guide you."

"You saw the clan school earlier; you can play with those children in the future."

Hearing this, the little heir's face lit up, his eyes sparkling. Uchiha Koichi chuckled to himself—what a cute child.

"The situation outside is very dangerous. The Daimyo and his wife sent you here for your safety. This place is very secure, so you can rest easy. However, do not wander into the outer or inner circles at will. You must apply to Aunt Min Yue to enter or leave those areas. You can also speak to Aunt Min Yue about other matters; she will help you. Do you understand?"

The little heir nodded obediently, not asking why.

Before he left, his mother had gently tucked his clothes and said to him: "Listen to your uncles and grandfathers. You don't need to be too formal; if you want something, just ask, and they will take good care of you. But you are not allowed to run around recklessly. After all, you are not at home, do you understand?"

His father had solemnly warned him: "Do not throw tantrums there. Do not ask about things you shouldn't. Be obedient, show your manners, and try your best to get along with everyone—at the very least, do not make enemies."

Thinking of this, Fujiwara Uye asked hesitantly, "How should I address..."

Uchiha Koichi paused, then smiled. "Lord Madara. You should address him as Lord Madara."

"Sabotaging the ninja world summit, inciting internal strife within the Merchant Alliance, planning to summon death squads, and instigating Akabane Hatome to arrange an ambush... was this all your doing?" The tone was light and breezy, as if discussing something that had nothing to do with him.

Hoshino Zhan swallowed hard, his palms sweating. Under Madara's sweeping gaze, he nodded incessantly.

God, such terrifying pressure, such monstrous control, such deep schemes... To think that when I first saw Uchiha Madara, I praised him as a great beauty. Now I absolutely have to add the words 'venomous snake' before 'beauty'!

Wuwuwu, how could you let me meet him! Brother, selling out your younger brother for glory is shameful!

"Hmm, the ideas were good. One link after another, successfully helping Akabane Hatome reclaim power, clearing out a batch of hostile forces, and giving the ninja world a resounding slap in the face. So, what do you intend to do next?" Madara asked, resting his chin on his hand with great interest.

Closing his eyes and steeling his heart, knowing it was death either way, Hoshino Zhan said dryly, "Close off externally and unite internally. The Land of Wind has always been on good terms with the Land of Fire, and their geography is barren; they rely on the Land of Fire for many things, making them the easiest to persuade."

"Clever." Madara clapped his hands. "This way, the Land of Fire can gain a chance to catch its breath—continue."

"That is all for now."

"That is all?"

"Yes. Future layouts need to be adjusted in real-time based on feedback from the situation." In reality, after trading a few blows with Uchiha Madara, the other party's reactions were often beyond his expectations. He no longer dared to be arrogant enough to "think three steps ahead"; the best method was to honestly adjust his responses according to the situation.

Madara smiled softly. "Heroes have emerged from the youth since ancient times. You are worthy of being a descendant of the Hoshino family."

Hoshino Zhan looked up abruptly, losing his composure. "You know?!"

Hoshino Yu immediately bowed. "Lord Madara, my younger brother is ignorant!"

Hoshino Zhan also realized his rudeness and apologized, shifting his body. "I was just surprised that anyone still remembers the Hoshino family," he said.

Madara did not mind, saying softly, "Your grandfather, Hoshino Gen, was one of the few wise men in the world. I have read his Five Nations Theory. It is a pity that such a talent was born in the wrong era."

"Of course, that was my grandfather." The resistance Hoshino Zhan felt toward Uchiha Madara dissipated by more than half. He unconsciously lifted his head, feeling very proud. Hoshino Yu, however, lowered his head, suppressing the moisture in his eyes. He was ten years older than Hoshino Zhan and still remembered the scene of the old man who raised him, squinting under the dim light, teaching him to write one stroke at a time. Even though the study was dilapidated, it was incredibly warm. Recalling that things were different now, he could not help but feel a surge of sorrow.

"You will stay in the clan grounds," Madara said. "If you do not want to have a miserable time, do not speak of the things you have done." The clan's intelligence department had discovered his situation, but it had not yet been made public. Combined with Hoshino Yu's plea, he forgave this brat. But that did not mean the other clansmen would.

"Then what about my brother?"

"Your brother has his own tasks." Madara seemed to recall something and smiled slightly. "Of course, you will have yours as well."

"My task?" Hoshino Zhan widened his eyes, following Madara's gaze toward the door.

Uchiha Koichi, who was a step away from the door, stopped and bowed. "Clan Head, the heir has been brought." Behind him followed a small child who, after glancing at Madara, lowered his head and greeted him softly: "Lord Madara."

"Your task is to look after the heir of the Land of Fire, Fujiwara Uye." As the words fell, the child's dark, bright eyes looked over.

"Ah?" Hoshino Zhan was dumbfounded.