Visits from the Smaller Clans

Night had just fallen, and Uchiha En was eating dinner in the sitting room when Uchiha Yashiro hurried in.

"Clan Head! They're here! The clans that sent visiting cards last night—the Yamashita, the Yuki, and the Kawakami. Their clan leaders came in person! They're all waiting at the entrance to the compound!"

Uchiha En picked up some food with his chopsticks and chewed it unhurriedly before looking up. "Let them wait."

Yashiro froze. "But... it wouldn't be right to keep them waiting too long, would it?"

"What's the rush?" Uchiha En took a sip of soup. "They asked to see me, not the other way around. The longer they wait, the more uncertain they'll feel—and the more confident they'll think the Uchiha are."

Yashiro thought it over, then nodded.

Nearly half an hour later, Uchiha En finally set down his teacup and straightened his collar.

"Come on. Let's meet our guests."

The three clan leaders had been waiting in the reception room for almost half an hour.

Yamashita Masao was in his early forties, lean and wiry. He held a teacup in both hands without taking a sip, glancing toward the door now and then.

Yuki Yasuo was around forty and solidly built. He sat upright in his chair and had barely spoken since arriving.

The Kawakami Clan Leader was the oldest, with graying hair. He had taken a few sips of tea, but impatience showed in his eyes too.

The Kawakami Clan Leader couldn't help muttering, "These Uchiha... they certainly know how to put on airs."

Yamashita Masao said nothing. They had chosen to come, so they had to be prepared to wait. Even the Hyuga Clan had sent people of its own accord. What right did small clans like theirs have to act important?

Footsteps finally sounded