"Those Fire Fish guys didn't follow us." An Uchiha Hardliner ninja spoke in a low voice, with a trace of unease in his tone. He looked back and found that the other half of their companions, who should have been following behind them, had vanished without a trace.
"Damn it, those bastards! Wasn't it just a few remarks? They actually threw a tantrum over that! Forget them!" The Uchiha Hardliner ninja who had led them earlier ground his teeth as he spoke, suppressing his anger. A shadow flashed through his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by rage.
"Move! We'll continue the patrol!" He waved his hand and swiftly led the remaining Uchiha Hardliner ninjas away.
Meanwhile, the abandoned squad of Uchiha Hardliner ninjas had gathered in a secluded alley, their faces filled with anger and resentment.
"Who do those Black Water guys think they are? Just because we don't agree with their ideas, they think they can lecture us? Are they somehow better than us?" An Uchiha ninja said indignantly, his clenched fists cracking.
"Exactly. We're not even allowed to think now? Who do they think they are?" Another Uchiha ninja echoed, his tone full of contempt.
"That's right. Not only did I think about it, I actually do think those villagers had a point." An Uchiha ninja spoke quietly, a complicated look flashing through his eyes. "Uchiha Tieyue always says the Moderates are cowards. I used to think so too. But lately, I just don't understand. Why is Uchiha Chuan such a 'coward,' yet the Moderates he leads are doing better and better, while we Hardliners are supposedly tough but keep doing worse and worse?"
"Especially since Uchiha Tieyue became our captain." Another Uchiha ninja took up the thread, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness.
"That's right.