Chapter 66: The Alliance between the Hidden Lightning Village and Konoha
"Kagami, come with me to the clan. You'll be able to meet Uchiha Xiuyu in the clan's meeting hall. Treasure this chance—who knows when you'll see Lord Xiuyu again."
Kagami wasn't exactly sure what his father meant. Only his father, Uchiha Dan, who had joined the journey to another world, knew that Su Xiuyu often traveled to different worlds and rarely stayed long in the ninja realm. This time, it had been nearly twenty years since Xiuyu last returned. What Dan didn't know, however, was that the time gap had been caused by a space-time storm, drastically altering the time flow between Xiuyu's destination and the ninja world.
The clan meeting wasn't large. Most attendees were representatives from the Uchiha and Uzumaki clans—easily distinguished by their black and red hair, respectively. Despite the visual difference, the atmosphere was lively and warm, with no signs of tension between the two sides.
At the front of the hall sat Su Xiuyu, Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Izuna, and Uzumaki Mito.
"It's been a while," Xiuyu said, his tone calm but commanding. "Some of you may know me well, others—especially the younger ones—have likely only heard of me. I am Uchiha Xiuyu."
"Lord Xiuyu, long time no see!" some of the younger members shouted, even standing up with excitement.
Uchiha Xiuyu and Madara were legends. While Madara was still around occasionally, few had ever seen Xiuyu in person—he was practically mythical to the new generation.
"It's good to see everyone so spirited," Xiuyu continued, smiling. "I hope you'll all continue to get along well. Everyone here is part of the same clan—even those of you who don't carry the Uchiha or Uzumaki name."
Indeed, a few "outsiders" had been accepted into the clans. Following Xiuyu's original proposal—later backed by Madara's command—both clans welcomed anyone who sincerely pledged themselves to the clan. These newcomers had proven their worth through talent and loyalty. Some married into the clans, others formed strong bonds through shared struggle and dedication.
Thanks to the clans' robust support—mentorship, financial aid, and ninjutsu training—these individuals had become well-known ninja throughout the village.
"I don't have a long speech for you today," Xiuyu said plainly. "Just remember this: the Uchiha and the Uzumaki are your true families. And Konoha is your home. So whether it's for the clan or the village, you should dedicate yourselves fully to both. It is wrong to sacrifice the village for the clan—or the clan for the village. Balance is the key."