Another elder sighed.
"Konoha and our Uzumaki Clan have always been old allies.
"The First Hokage's wife was a princess of our Uzumaki Clan.
"This bond isn't something that can just be severed."
"But that was all in the past..."
"The past still happened."
"Enough."
Mei Chuan spoke again, cutting off the argument before it could start up once more.
He looked at his clansmen. Some had hope in their eyes, some wore unease on their faces, while others lowered their heads, lost in thought.
He understood that getting everyone to willingly go to Konoha would not be easy.
But he was an elder. He had to make the decision.
"Listen to me."
Everyone fell silent and looked at him.
"I know there are knots in your hearts.
"Some of you are grateful that Konoha lent us a hand in our time of need. Some resent them for not coming soon enough. Some worry that we'll be dependent on others if we go to Konoha. And some are just... tired and want somewhere safe to settle down."
"I understand all of that."
His voice was low, yet every word struck deep into everyone's hearts.
"But what I want to tell you is this—the clan head has not forgotten us.
"All these years, he has been searching for us in Konoha and elsewhere.
"Now he has found us and sent people to bring us home."
"Home."
That word made many people's eyes burn.
"As for whether Konoha can be trusted..."
Mei Chuan paused.
"Konoha is the strongest village in the Ninja World. It has the strongest ninja and the sturdiest defenses.
"This year, we've been hiding and fleeing everywhere. How much hardship have we endured? How much suffering have we gone through? You all know that in your hearts.
"Now we