Party
Although Luffy was naive and innocent, he clearly sensed the strange and heavy atmosphere at the moment. He obediently shut his mouth, suppressing all his doubts and curiosity, and stood quietly in place, not daring to disturb the situation.
A biting chill enveloped the beach for several breaths, and a deathly silence fell.
However, the Night Owl Guard present were all elite members of the clan who had experienced countless life-and-death battles and possessed extremely resilient and calm temperaments. They had long since mastered the ability to conceal their sharpness and restrain themselves.
Despite the surging hatred and burning passion in their hearts, they still managed to maintain firm control over their emotions.
The surging anger and deep-seated hatred were forcibly suppressed by everyone, bit by bit, inch by inch, deep into their hearts, and completely sealed away and hidden.
The crimson Sharingan slowly lost its blood color, returning to its original jet-black and translucent appearance. The icy killing intent and complex thoughts surging in its eyes were completely concealed, leaving no trace.
The suffocating pressure gradually dissipated, the evening breeze became gentle again, the campfire still flickered warmly, and the atmosphere that had been extremely tense slowly returned to peace and relaxation.
Not far away, Yaoyu and Yakumi, the brothers, still sat quietly on the beach, holding a bottle of aged wine brewed by Taoho himself, sipping it leisurely, their expressions calm and undisturbed from beginning to end.
The two were already used to the emotional fluctuations of the clan members when they were moved by the scenery and recalled the past. They were used to this hatred that was buried deep in their bones. They simply watched quietly and waited for everyone to calm down. They were not surprised at all.
Only Ace understood perfectly, fully comprehending the forbearance and burdens of these powerful Uchiha.
In his early years, Summit War, he accompanied his Pops Whitebeard and Marco to visit the Uchiha Origin Island, where he had the privilege of hearing Natsu Shine recount the thousand-year history and tragic fate of the Uchiha Clan.
He knew perfectly well that the land known as the Ninja World was cruel and suffocating, devoid of any warmth. Children as young as three or five had to take up swords and fight bloody battles, with war raging for a thousand years and conflicts never ceasing.
The Uchiha Clan has been burdened with stigma and discrimination for generations, struggling to survive amidst endless suspicion and encirclement, every step of which is fraught with blood and tears.
It was precisely because he deeply understood this suffering that Ace had a particular fondness for the Uchiha Clan's temperament.
They are naturally proud and aloof, not good at speaking, and distant and arrogant. They seem cold and unfeeling, keeping people at arm's length, but in reality, they are warm-hearted, sincere, pure, and loyal.
They are usually stubborn and awkward, and never good at showing gentleness, but once they recognize a friend or receive a small favor from someone, they will remember it forever and never betray that friend.
Even if the road ahead is full of thorns and dangers, even if the whole world regards you as a burden and abandons you, they will stand in front of you without hesitation, shield you from all storms and oppose all criticism, and even if they cause endless trouble and are in danger, they will resolutely protect you to the end.
This clumsy yet burning sincerity, this unspoken yet unwavering protection, is just like Dadan, who took in and raised the three brothers from a young age. Beneath their rugged exterior lies the gentlest and purest kindness.
The Uchiha Clan is known for its introverted and reserved nature, and its difficulty in opening up to others. However, when faced with Ace's open, passionate, and straightforward personality, they always show a rare amount of patience and tolerance, readily acknowledging the bond without needing to say much.
Feeling the surrounding atmosphere slowly warming up and returning to complete peace, and seeing the lingering somberness in the eyes of his clansmen, Ace was unwilling to let past hatred and regrets continue to shackle this rare moment of relaxation.
With the great battle over and the perilous situation resolved, this should be a time for joyful reunions and relaxation, not a time for dwelling on old grudges.
He immediately raised his hand, holding high the bowl filled with strong liquor, and his clear, cheerful voice suddenly rang out, gently breaking the last vestiges of silence, warm and frank. "Gentlemen! Today is a rare occasion for us to gather. The battle is over, the storm has passed, and we should relax and enjoy ourselves to the fullest! Don't let past troubles spoil the mood! Today, just drink, eat, and be merry. I'll drink first!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ace tilted his head back, raised his hand, and downed a bowl of strong liquor in one swift motion. His decisive, unrestrained, and passionate manner instantly ignited the atmosphere of the entire venue.
Sabo, standing beside Ace, relaxed his brows and smiled gently. Without hesitation, he raised his wine bowl, following Ace's movement and silently echoing the relaxed and enthusiastic atmosphere.
The Night Owl Guard members present looked at Ace, who was open, honest, and passionate, and their long-tense brows relaxed completely. On their cold and stern faces, a faint but genuine and gentle smile appeared in unison.
Unlike typical pirate parties, they didn't have the boisterous, noisy, and unrestrained cheers of a typical pirate party. Instead, they maintained the unique composure and restraint of the Uchiha, raising their hands in unison to steadily hold up their wine bowls filled with fine wine. In the quietest and most sincere way, they accepted this gathering and dispelled the melancholy in their hearts.
Upon Luffy instantly lost his previous confusion, his eyes lit up with a bright light, and he excitedly raised his wine bowl and cheered loudly.
The Straw Hat Pirates followed closely behind, raising their glasses high. Their cheerful laughter and lively cheers filled the beach once again, completely dispelling the previous cold and oppressive atmosphere.
A gentle evening breeze stirred, the campfire flickered, and the rich aroma of alcohol mingled with the savory scent of roasted meat, enveloping everyone in its warmth.
Nami and Robin stood side by side, exchanging a glance, their eyes filled with knowing and gentle smiles.
This group of seemingly aloof, ruthless, and fierce Uchiha warriors are indeed a group of stubborn yet soft-hearted, awkward yet gentle tsundere individuals. They are covered in the marks of time and violence, yet they possess the purest and most sincere gentleness and steadfastness in the world.
In this unfamiliar sea, far from strife and destiny, everyone temporarily shed their armor and hatred, laid down their past and shackles, and peacefully enjoyed this hard-won gentleness and tranquility amidst the smoke and aroma of wine.
Origin Island, the heartland of the Uchiha Clan.
The deep valley is shrouded in a light mist all year round, and the mountains and forests are quiet and solemn, completely isolating the bustling life on the other side of the beach, leaving only the unique cold and solemnity of the tribe.
The high platform on the back mountain offers a panoramic view, allowing you to see the entire training area below.
The thousand-square-meter Training Ground was firmly shrouded by a double-layered Sealing Barrier. The pale blue light curtain, like an inverted giant bowl, tightly imprisoned the violent aftershocks of the battle. Only the continuous roars echoed through the valley, causing the withered branches and leaves in the forest to fall in a rustling sound. The wind carried the residual force of the Ninjutsu explosions, reverberating back and forth among the mountains.
A cool autumn breeze swept across the cliff edge, ruffling the boy's dark, tousled hair.
Eighteen-year-old Uchiha Natsu had shed his youthful naiveté. He stood tall and slender, nearly two meters tall, on the edge of the cliff, with a refined and upright demeanor and a composed air.