The sound of the door closing was soft, but in the silent hall, it was like a stone thrown into water.
Yan did not turn to look at the door.
His Observation Haki told him that three more people had appeared outside. Including the two elite jonin in the hall, there were five combatants in total.
To deal with a fifteen-year-old boy, they had dispatched five clansmen at jonin level.
Quite the show.
"What is the meaning of this?" Yan's voice remained calm, even carrying a hint of laziness. "Did you close the door because you were afraid I'd dine and dash after finishing my meal?"
Yan Yuan rose to his feet. He was no longer maintaining that elder's lecturing demeanor.
"Uchiha Yan, today's meeting isn't about asking for your opinion." The old man's voice sharpened. "You carry Uchiha blood. That's something you cannot change. You risk your life for the Hokage outside, shedding blood and sweat for Konoha, but what have you gained? A codename? An ANBU mask?"
"Look at that rundown house you live in!" another elder shouted. "You can even tolerate the treatment given to a branch family? Your parents gave their lives for Konoha. What did Konoha give you? Not even a word of condolence!"
Yan sighed inwardly.
Did they have a point?
They did.
The Uchiha's situation was indeed terrible. They had been marginalized by Konoha's upper ranks, relocated to a corner of the village, and the entire clan had been left with nothing but a Military Police Force with no real authority. Even when the Third Hokage held high-level meetings, he never included the Uchiha. Those were facts.
But those facts were not a reason for them to stir up trouble.
Because he had seen where this road led.
"Are you done?" Yan asked.