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The List of The "ANBU" Member:
-ar4ngel
-Cain
-Ryan biggins
-Kreios
-Sabo
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That evening, Kazuki changed into formal attire and opened the door. Nodding at Shisui and Itachi, who stood outside, he walked toward the Uchiha clan's shrine.
Like silent guardians, Shisui and Itachi followed closely behind him.
"By the way," Kazuki said as they walked, "the Hokage gave me a mission. You'll be coming with me to complete it, so get ready. We leave tomorrow."
He briefly explained the mission regarding the cult in the Village Hidden in Hot Water.
"Kazuki!"
"Senior!"
On the way, various clan members greeted Kazuki with smiles. Even those known for their reserved nature would nod in acknowledgment. Kazuki responded to each one with a warm smile.
It wasn't long before the three reached the clan's shrine. The air shifted slightly when the others noticed Shisui. Many clan members regarded him with clear disapproval, though they refrained from openly expressing it since he was accompanying Kazuki.
As the shrine filled with more people, a muscular man named Jiro strode over and shoved Shisui aside with his shoulder, then cheerfully took a seat beside Kazuki.
Another clan member, Kaze, stepped forward, giving Shisui a look that clearly asked, 'Are you moving, or do I have to make you?'
Shisui, lowering his head slightly, quietly retreated to the back.
"Enough, you two," Kazuki said, scolding Jiro and Kaze. "Shisui has changed his ways and is one of us now. Stop glaring daggers at him every time you see him."
"Right, right. Next time, for sure!" Jiro laughed awkwardly, scratching his shiny bald head. In a clan full of people with thick, jet-black hair, Jiro's baldness was a standout feature—and a source of endless jokes.
Hearing Kazuki defend him, Shisui felt a warm sense of gratitude. Still, he chose not to engage with Jiro's antics and silently sat at the back.
'Don't blame me; I just don't like the guy,' Kaze shrugged in response, signaling he understood Kazuki's warning.
Kazuki let the matter drop, knowing that interpersonal issues like these were best left to resolve themselves.
'If Shisui can't even manage relationships within the clan after I've backed him, then the problem lies with him.'
The slight friction between Kazuki's followers went unnoticed by most, as the clan was accustomed to occasional disagreements.
'As long as no one starts a fight, it's fine,' was the general consensus.
A short while later, Fugaku entered the shrine with the remaining attendees and took his seat at the head of the gathering. Raising his hand, he signaled for everyone to quiet down.
"The meeting was originally scheduled for later," Fugaku began, "but I've moved it up because Kazuki has a mission that requires him to leave the village. The duration of his absence is uncertain, so we must address his appointment as an elder today."
Many clan members exchanged knowing looks.
They had heard the meeting had been rescheduled but weren't told the reason. Now it all made sense.
The process of appointing an elder was usually complex.
However, Kazuki didn't need to do much. All he had to do was sit in his seat and let Fugaku handle the formalities.
After going through the required steps and receiving the elder's seal, the ceremony concluded amidst cheers from the clan.
"I'm honored to have the trust of our clan leader and members. Though I, Uchiha Kazuki, am still young, this position comes with significant pressure," Kazuki said with a smile, earning a round of laughter from the room.
In the long history of the Uchiha, Kazuki's elder appointment ceremony was the only one conducted with such a lighthearted atmosphere.
"If there's anything I don't do well, I hope the clan members will step up and point it out to me. I'm not perfect. I, Kazuki, have my flaws, and I consider myself approachable. Please feel free to voice your concerns—I won't hide behind the title of elder."
"Is that a promise?"
Jiro grinned, egging him on, and the shrine burst into chatter.
Fugaku's eye twitched.
'This was supposed to be a solemn event, but now it's become a comedy act.'
Still, he admired Kazuki's approach. Inviting critique was a bold move that could win him respect among the clan.
"Of course," Kazuki said with a laugh, throwing Jiro a warning look that said, 'Don't push your luck.'
Jiro quickly backed down.
"With that, the appointment of Elder Kazuki is complete. Now, we'll move on to discussing matters regarding the clan's businesses," Fugaku said, steering the meeting back on track.
The shrine, meant for serious discussions, wasn't the place for prolonged levity. Fugaku's timely shift kept the clan grounded.
The rest of the meeting focused on management issues. Kazuki, recognizing his lack of expertise in this area, remained silent, letting others take charge.
'Leave specialized tasks to specialists,' he thought. 'An outsider meddling in internal matters usually causes more harm than good.'
Once the meeting ended, Kazuki quickly left, while Shisui and Itachi returned home to prepare for the mission.
Becoming an elder was a significant milestone for most, but Kazuki felt indifferent. His focus had shifted beyond the clan—his ambitions lay elsewhere.
"Are you leaving tomorrow?"
Curled up against Kazuki's chest, Kurenai whispered as she rested, her breath slightly heavy.
Feeling a memory resurface, she playfully pinched his waist.
"Do you always have to be so rough? Can't you be a little more gentle?"
"Gentle? In this context?" Kazuki chuckled. "Yes, I leave tomorrow."
Looking up at his handsome face, Kurenai sighed softly.
"I still don't understand how I ended up in your clutches, Kazuki. If my father were alive and knew I chose a partner from the Uchiha clan, he'd probably roll over in his grave."
Despite her father's prejudices, Kurenai knew they weren't entirely without reason.
The Uchiha clan's dominance in genjutsu, courtesy of the Sharingan, often overshadowed the abilities of smaller genjutsu-focused families like the Yuhi.
In Konoha, the title of "strongest Dojutsu clan" was contested only between the Uchiha and Hyūga. The strongest genjutsu clan? No one bothered to ask.
This was because there was no competition—the Uchiha's advantage was insurmountable.
"If he were alive, he'd probably hit me with a stick," Kazuki joked.
Kurenai rolled her eyes.
"What are you talking about? My father wasn't that scary."
"Of course, of course. Our esteemed elder is terrified of sticks," Kazuki teased, though inwardly, Kurenai's happiness over his new title warmed his heart.
"You've got all the energy of an ox," she muttered. "Don't you ever get tired?"
"Not really," Kazuki quipped.
"Ugh, I'm tired," Kurenai groaned, closing her eyes again.
"Then just lay down," Kazuki said with a grin.
"..."
'I thought this was supposed to be harder for men. Why is it like dealing with a ox with this guy?'