The Patriarch of the clan, a man named Hayato Uchiha, addressed the elders seated around him in the expansive hall. His voice was calm yet carried an unmistakable authority as he spoke:
"Regarding the critical weapon shortage you have mentioned, we shall act swiftly. We will procure the largest quantity possible from the renowned traders and blacksmiths in the region, even if we must pay a premium to ensure our orders are treated with the highest priority."
He paused momentarily, then continued: "However, this temporary measure does not resolve the true underlying issue we face in the long term. We require a steady and continuous source of ore and blades, not merely urgent purchases scattered here and there."
He fell silent for a moment, observing the faces of the gathered elders. Those around him remained quiet, awaiting his next words. A brief stillness pervaded the hall, illuminated only by the dim, flickering lanterns.
After a moment of reflection, the Fourth Elder—a man in his middle years with stern, rigid features—spoke up clearly: "In truth, Patriarch, I have a proposal that may benefit us all." He paused to ensure he held everyone's attention before proceeding. "I have recently heard widespread reports of a massive mine discovered in the territories belonging to the Kingdom of the Blue Dragon. Why do we not attempt to secure something useful from there and claim this mine for ourselves, by one means or another?"
Patriarch Hayato fell silent for several heartbeats, contemplating the suggestion deeply. He closed his eyes briefly, summoning what information he possessed regarding the Kingdom of the Blue Dragon.
Years ago, securing such a mine would have been a simple task, likely accomplished without significant resistance. Yet, in the last few years, for reasons not entirely understood, that small nation had experienced a sudden and powerful resurgence. Under the leadership of its founder, King Ayato—a man who appeared almost out of nowhere—the kingdom had flourished. His armies had dismantled regional rivals with a striking military efficiency, maintaining an iron grip on its borders and territories like never before. The state had seen remarkable improvements across its economic, military, and social sectors, becoming a pivotal regional hub that attracted merchants from every corner—a true haven for common folk seeking refuge from the endless devastation of war. One of its most astonishing policies was its open acceptance of all refugees fleeing conflict and famine, regardless of their origins, making it a focal point of attention in the region.
Silence once again descended upon the hall as Hayato weighed the feasibility of the plan. Was it worth the risk? Should they open a new front while they were already locked in a bitter struggle with the cursed Senju Clan?
After profound deliberation, he raised his head and looked toward the assembled elders. "What are your thoughts on this matter? How exactly should we proceed? Do we attempt negotiations, utilize force, or ignore the matter entirely?"
A man of middle age with sharp, fiery features and burning eyes spoke up with impulsive enthusiasm: "We must secure that mine regardless of the cost, Patriarch! We are the Uchiha, and none dare refuse us!"
He was quickly answered by an older man with grey hair, seated to the immediate right of the Patriarch, who spoke with a touch of irony: "And how exactly do you intend for us to take it, O honorable Sixth Elder of excessive zeal? Do you have a clear plan, or is it merely the usual grand talk?"
The Sixth Elder replied instantly, without hesitation, his tone dripping with confidence: "We seize it by direct force! We dispatch our warriors and take it simply! Who would dare oppose the Great Uchiha?"
Several other elders nodded in agreement, including a youth in his late teens seated directly behind the Patriarch, appearing to be his son or potential heir. Conversely, some of the older, more seasoned elders visibly frowned at this reckless suggestion.
The Second Elder, the eldest man seated near the Patriarch, responded sharply: "Do you truly wish to jeopardize our clan by opening another theater of war while we are already fighting the Senju and losing men every day, Sixth Elder?"
Before the Sixth Elder could retort, the Fourth Elder—the man of stern features—interjected with a strong, questioning tone: "Do you truly mean to imply, Honorable Second Elder, that this small Kingdom of the Blue Dragon would dare oppose us and reject our legitimate demands?"
The Sixth Elder agreed enthusiastically, raising his voice: "Exactly! A mere minor ruler of a tiny province and a newly formed state daring to oppose us, the Uchiha! Are you afraid of a mere small kingdom? Do you wish to bring shame and disgrace upon the Uchiha name?"
Patriarch Hayato remained entirely silent as he watched the heated debate erupt between the two factions, listening to the arguments presented by both sides. He waited several moments, then cleared his throat audibly. The sound caused everyone to turn toward him instantly, falling silent out of respect for his station.
He then spoke in a quiet but firm tone: "We shall put this to a vote and see the will of the majority. Those who favor seizing the mine through direct military force, raise your hands now for all to see."
Nearly half of those present raised their hands clearly, including the youth with short black hair seated behind the Patriarch, who seemed eager for combat.
The Patriarch continued with the same steady, resolute tone: "And those who believe we should seek another, wiser path—such as negotiation, purchase, or alliance—raise your hands now as well."
The other half of the attendees raised their hands, consisting mostly of the elders who possessed greater life experience and had seen more of war's reality.
The Patriarch went quiet for a moment, meticulously observing the raised hands. He took a deep breath and spoke with a voice that reached every corner of the hall:
"Here is my final decision on this matter."
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