Uchiha Gather to Watch Dancers

Shinjo Rana felt that she was the ultimate winner; just the thought of this wealth made her heart burn with intense fervor.

As for those small families in the alliance, those who were obedient would be kept, while those who were not would naturally be slaughtered to the last.

An alliance was something only weak families needed; once this wealth was secured, the so-called alliance would become entirely dispensable.

The Senju personnel remaining in Shinjo had already been completely wiped out by the Southwest Alliance.

Senju Tobirama hurried along the road with a gloomy expression; ever since he had been placed in confinement, his complexion had never improved.

Ever since he met Uchiha Yang, nothing had gone smoothly.

In particular, his status within the clan had plummeted, those who once had good relations with him had distanced themselves, and the gazes of the friends and family of those clansmen he had caused to die made him feel utterly ashamed.

Fortunately, his elder brother had not given up on him; he could not let his elder brother down again.

Senju Tobirama secretly swore to himself in his heart.

Senju Hashirama walked into a devastated town; it was a scene of utter chaos, with the desperate cries of civilians and countless corpses scattered everywhere.

Senju Hashirama had lost his usual cheerful demeanor, walking through the entire town with a grave expression.

"Clan Leader, what should we do now? How much will we have to pay in compensation for this? Why don't we just dispose of these people and claim to the outside world that it was the work of the Sarutobi and Shimura clans?"

A self-proclaimed clever Senju Elder, seeing the Clan Leader silent, assumed he was worried about the compensation and hurriedly offered what he thought was an excellent suggestion.

Hearing this, Senju Hashirama could not help but stop, his brow furrowing as he looked at the other high-ranking members of the clan.

"Is that what you all think as well?"

Not a single expression could be discerned on Senju Hashirama's face.

Some of the smarter ones had already silently shut their mouths, preparing to observe the situation, while some of the high-ranking members who spoke without thinking nodded repeatedly in praise.

"Clan Leader, the Elder's proposal is a way out; that way, we won't have to pay a single cent."

"This is already the best method. If we leave these civilians alive, even if we pay them, they will still badmouth us behind our backs."

"That's right, Clan Leader, let's just deal with them now. They are living in pain anyway; by finishing them off, we are granting them a final mercy."

BOOM!!!

Senju Hashirama could no longer hold back; the chakra within his body erupted directly, transforming into a violent wave of air that surged toward them.

"Those of you who remained silent, are you also tacitly agreeing with what they said?"

Senju Hashirama could not help but turn his gaze toward those who had not spoken.

He had never imagined that there were still so many people with such outdated mindsets within his clan.

It seemed that if he wanted to spread his philosophy of peace to the entire world, he would have to start from within his own clan.

If even his own clansmen thought this way, one could only imagine how cruel the thoughts of those outside must be.

The Senju high-ranking members did not feel that anything was wrong; the lives of these civilians were not lives at all, as their fates had always been controlled by them, the ninja lords.

Killing them was just like harvesting leeks; they would continue to grow, and there would never be an end to the killing.

Those high-ranking members who had been questioned and remained silent could not help but lower their heads; the chakra erupting from the Clan Leader was truly not something they could compare to.

They just didn't understand why the Clan Leader was angry; was what they said not correct?

Senju Hashirama felt that his dream had a long and arduous road ahead, and after taking a deep breath, he issued a mandatory order.

"Leave three Chunin and ten Genin here to comfort the suffering populace and ensure they can survive to rebuild their homes."

As soon as this order was given, the Senju high-ranking members looked up at the Clan Leader in shock and suspicion.

"I am the Clan Leader, and this is an order."

For the first time, Senju Hashirama forcefully declared his position as Clan Leader, his attitude extremely firm.

"Yes."

The stern tone made them subconsciously lower their heads, recalling the days when Senju Butsuma ruled the clan.

After Senju Hashirama became the Clan Leader, his attitude had always been soft, and they had gradually shed the shadow left behind by Senju Butsuma.

They just hadn't expected that the Clan Leader would suddenly become so firm at a time like this, his appearance and voice resembling his father, Senju Butsuma, to an uncanny degree.

Thus, every time Senju Hashirama arrived at a town, he would leave behind a group of people to comfort the civilians; this was the first step in his march toward peace.

The group of people brought by Senju Hashirama was suddenly halved, and the Senju high-ranking members were very worried; with fewer people, how would they fight the Sarutobi and Shimura clans later?

The combined strength of those two clans was not weak at all.

Senju Hashirama did not listen to any of their advice and acted on his own, but they had no choice; the authority and power rested with Senju Hashirama, and they could only obey.

As for the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, Senju Hashirama felt he could try to reach out; if the two clans were willing to accept his philosophy of peace, then one day, Uchiha Madara would also see his actions and determination.

It was not that Senju Hashirama looked down on the other clans, but the power of the Uchiha was simply too strong; if the Uchiha did not agree, then it would be even more difficult.

Uchiha Compound.

A lingering, ancient melody drifted from Uchiha Yang's home.

White mist formed from dry ice permeated the surroundings, and the ancient-style dance, personally choreographed by Uchiha Yang, was presented for the first time in this world through the movements of these stunning dancers.

The ancient-style fairy dresses danced gracefully, their flowing fabric occasionally revealing slender waists and long legs.

Uchiha Yang sat in the seat of honor, swaying his head as he poured himself a cup of wine from time to time. Through the slits of his narrowed eyes, he was locked onto the glimpses of white skin that appeared whenever the dresses fluttered with the dance.

Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Izuna sat on either side of him, while the high-ranking members of the Uchiha Clan were seated below them on both sides.

Uchiha Madara had received an invitation from Uchiha Yang right after he finished making his arrangements.

"Truly, it is as if celestial maidens have descended to the mortal realm."

Uchiha Sake was deeply envious of his lord's lifestyle; this was what one called living. Compared to this, the life he usually considered good felt like nothing but hardship.

These dancers had been specially borrowed by Uchiha Yang from the Daimyo Mansion. As for when they would be returned, that would depend on when the Daimyo decided he no longer wished to be in power.

Uchiha Yang glanced at Uchiha Madara, only to see that the man's eyes were fixed straight ahead, the wine at his lips remaining untouched.

Uchiha Madara had never seen such a spectacle before. Even in the eyes of a Daimyo who indulged in women daily, this would be a first-time experience.

This was also the first time Uchiha Yang had brought them out for a formal viewing after returning home from training; good things were meant to be shared, after all.

To be honest, the dancing was truly excellent.

[Brain: I feel like I need to take a nap. Everyone, I feel like my head is filled with nothing but dancers.]

[Sharingan: I wonder if Master can manufacture some eye drops? I'm feeling a bit parched.]

[Hand: Hehe, women, hehe.]

[Leg: Slurp, this is what you call life.]