"It's actually Clan Leader Katsu! Oh my god, I'm your most loyal follower!"
"The orphan subsidies must be distributed on time!"
"If it weren't for the orphan policy you implemented, someone of my background would never have had the chance to sit in the position of clan leader of the Uchiha clan!"
Uchiha Yui's voice trembled with excitement, her eyes filled with admiration and gratitude as she looked at Uchiha Katsu.
"It really is that lord! The one who crossed the river in white and stirred up the entire ninja world's structure, Lord Katsu, I've always admired you deeply!", Uchiha Shauhaku also spoke up in shock.
Just now, Uchiha Katsu's lazy, completely unmotivated appearance made it impossible for anyone to associate him with the famous warlord of the ninja world.
They almost thought he was just some nobody by the roadside, but it turned out he was a giant.
"As expected of Clan Leader Katsu, truly impressive! I've only ever seen records of you in the clan's ancient texts."
"The internal reforms you carried out back then broke many old rules, and to this day, they still profoundly influence our Uchiha clan."
Uchiha Yuto also spoke with heartfelt admiration, his tone full of respect.
Senju He stroked his chin, his gaze pausing on Uchiha Katsu as he commented,
"The swordsmanship he created does have its merits. Both its force and structure are exceptional."
"It's this villain! Ever since he disregarded morality and crossed the river in mourning clothes, the battles among the ninja clans have lost all restraint, becoming increasingly cruel and brutal, directly dragging down the moral bottom line of the entire ninja world!"
Senju Hiruko pointed at Uchiha Katsu, his tone full of condemnation.
Uzumaki Itsuki lazily yawned, his tone casual and indifferent, carrying a hint of disregard, "He's just a notorious figure, nothing more than a mess."
"Our Uzumaki clan doesn't like him either, but to be fair, he really is a clan leader capable of bringing prosperity to the Uchiha and stabilizing their power."
Faced with the mixed, even completely opposite evaluations around him, "Heh…"
Uchiha Katsu only gave a faint smile, his expression calm and unmoved.
He had long heard these slanders and praises countless times. After experiencing the ups and downs of life, his heart was already unmoved, completely unaffected by either gain or loss.
"Oh? Two wins in a row? That's really given me quite a surprise! Katsu, you've done well. You may face me openly and honestly."
Indra curled the corner of his mouth slightly and praised.
"Next, Senju Mio, originally Uchiha Katsu's lover, but due to clan issues, the two parted ways. After that, in order to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, Uchiha Katsu killed the person he loved most and obtained the Mangekyo Sharingan!"
Black Zetsu introduced this with a slightly regretful tone.
Senju Mio closed her eyes and remained silent.
Hearing this, everyone looked at Uchiha Katsu in disbelief.
"Clan Leader Katsu actually… the clan records didn't mention this…" Uchiha Yui looked at Uchiha Katsu with a complicated and shocked expression.
"Heh, something that ugly wouldn't be written down!" Senju Hikari said coldly.
"To kill the one you love most just to awaken the Sharingan? What a cruel person."
Uchiha Izumi frowned tightly as he looked at Katsu.
His own Mangekyo had awakened after witnessing the death of a close relative.
If he could choose, he would rather not have awakened it at all.
Others awakened it passively.
But Uchiha Katsu awakened it actively.
Ashura and Indra were both stunned when they heard what Katsu had done.
This was indeed a bit monstrous.
They had both received good education, personally taught by Hagoromo, so their moral standards were naturally high.
Although Indra would use ruthless methods, he would never kill his loved ones just for power.
Uchiha Katsu crossed his arms and said calmly, "You're all not from the bottom. I've seen too many cruel things. You're all from the upper ranks. You don't understand my hardships…"
———
[Ninja World, Uchiha Clan]
[Council Hall]
"The clan leader is dead! The most urgent matter now is to choose a new clan leader!"
"Yeah, but who do we choose!?"
"Let's choose the clan leader's son!"
"No, no, our Uchiha have always respected strength above all. The strongest should be the clan leader. I suggest choosing Clan Leader Yuto's uncle. His strength is sufficient!"
"I think we should choose Tajima. He's a pretty good young man."
A group of elders and high-ranking Uchiha were intensely discussing the candidate for clan leader.
Uchiha Tajima sat upright, nervously watching the elders' discussion.
He also wanted to compete for the position, but he was too young.
He had too few supporters, and most of them were young people, whose voices didn't carry much weight.
None of the clan elders supported him.
Most of them supported Yuto's uncle.
"Sigh, looks like I'll have to wait a bit longer.", Uchiha Tajima sighed inwardly.
At that moment, a voice rang out.
"The clan elder has arrived!"
In an instant, several Uchiha guards walked in respectfully.
Arisu leaned on a cane, his expression indifferent as he slowly entered the meeting room.
The moment everyone saw Arisu, their hearts jolted.
They all became solemn and stood up to greet the clan elder.
"Greetings, Clan Elder!"
"Greetings, Clan Elder!"
Whether elders or high-ranking members, all spoke respectfully.
"Who is he?"
Some younger members looked confused.
An older elder spoke in a low voice, "He's an elder of the clan. Even my grandfather called him Clan Elder. I heard he's already lived to a hundred."
Hearing this, the younger generation felt their hearts surge.
In an era where the average lifespan was under thirty, living to a hundred spoke volumes.
"Clan Elder, why did you come personally? Choosing a clan leader is such a small matter. Just leave it to us juniors."
The Uchiha Grand Elder stepped forward with a respectful smile.
Arisu smiled faintly, "An old warhorse still aspires to gallop a thousand miles."
"Today, I've come for two reasons. First, to see everyone. Second, to assist you in choosing a clan leader."
"Sometimes, when the Uchiha reach a turning point, it requires an old man like me to take charge of the situation."
As he spoke, Arisu sat down in the main seat.
Uchiha Tajima felt a surge of joy. 'It's settled! It's settled!'
"Then what is your opinion, Clan Elder?", The Grand Elder asked respectfully.
Arisu raised his eyes slightly and said, "Yuto's uncle is too old. No good. I suggest Uchiha Tajima."
Arisu had already decided to support Uchiha Tajima.
As soon as these words came out, everyone looked at each other.
Only Yuto's uncle, Uchiha Subaku, showed a face full of unwillingness.
"Clan Elder! I object, forgive me for speaking frankly!", Uchiha Subaku faced Arisu directly, speaking unwillingly.
"You're already so old, you shouldn't interfere in these matters. The clan's affairs should now be handled by us. You should retire and go home to enjoy your old age!"
"Elders, don't you agree!?"
Uchiha Subaku looked anxiously at the elders, hoping they would support him.
'I've already started it, everyone follow up!'
Arisu calmly looked at the elders.
In the next moment, the elders' actions left everyone stunned.
"We are terrified! We obey the Clan Elder's command!"
All the elders bowed to Arisu.
In the entire hall, only Uchiha Subaku was left standing alone.
Arisu saw this scene and smiled.