CHAPTER 5:
/Back in Inuzuka Compound/
Few weeks has gone by since Arashi and the trio came back from their mission. The news of their mission had spread amongst the higher ups of clans and Shinobis.
There were as usual positive and negative reactions from all parties who heard it—most especially about the dark horse, Arashi Inuzuka. Other clans had been skeptical about the rumors circulating around, not until they were able to get the not-so confidential reports that was meant for the eyes of the Hokage alone. A young man, same age as the students of the Hokage was not only capable but was able to match the prowess of the future legends.
While more scrutiny and plans were made over the said target in recognition of he's strength, he's clan, Inuzuka, had a different view. The elders had a point to make 'An Inuzuka is meant to battle as an Inuzuka'. Not using 'flashy' jutsus to subdue their opponents. They considered it weak. A disgrace to their blood and ninken partners.
They had their own jutsus and where proud of it. Why would one of them decide to merge the jutsus of another to amplify or compliment theirs? It was as though calling them weak and helpless, as they can't stand on their own without the help of outsiders. Luckily not everyone was on the same point of view.
During one of said frequent meetings with the elders of the clan, Renga had had enough of their rambling and pointless...
"Enough! He is my son! Arashi has done nothing wrong in his performance as a shinobi and a kinsman. He is an Uzumaki as much as he is an Inuzuka. He's skills are his to use and he'll do so however he chooses. We have our strengths, we worked hard to get to the level we are in right now through our blood and sweat! But I must remind you, if the Uzumakis did not refuse the invite to come out of their seclusion, Lord Hashirama would not have batted an eye towards our clan nor invited us to become a noble clan of Konoha!..."
"Renga! Do you dare insult us? Calling us weak compared to other clans?!" Inuzuka Eiji, one of the elders cuts him off
"Hmm, calling us weak? No! But do you call yourself strong before the other major clans? Can you compare to the Uchihas? The Senjus? Hyuga? Aburame? Akimichi? Yamanaka? Nara?...and most especially the Uzumakis? We have made our marks, Yes! But open your eyes. Little by little we are being shoved aside as nothing more than track dogs! While the other clans get the best resources and accumulating merits that pushes them high above us. We are noble only in name and not strength. Even the Sarutobi clan now raises shoulder with us because of the Hokage. How many of their clansmen are as capable as the Hokage himself? Open your stupid eyes and see the benefits that Arashi has brought! Our abilities are beyond sensory skills and my son is proving that!"
"I agree with Renga. While few clans can stand strong alone like the Senjus and Uchihas, others have found a way to synchronize amongst themselves to grow stronger— the Nara, Yamanaka and Akimichi, and others to reach greater heights on the shoulders of their clansmen like the Sarutobis through the Hiruzen, and the Shimuras through Danzo, who became students of Lord Tobirama and now they hold strong positions politically, able to suppress the likes of us. We need to follow their steps. Although the marriage was not out of alliance, still the relationship it has created can be leveraged for us to get a better standing in the future. Sayo was once a student of Lady Mito. And you all know how much power she holds both in the Senju clan as well as in Konoha. We must go past beyond this and fight for the survival of our clan however we can....or we would become nothing more than a shadow cast through the growing lights of other clans." Inuzuka Aiko, a female elder supported.
Renga hearing her opinion gave her a slight nod, of which she reciprocated. After her words fell, others raised their support towards it.
"Agreed. And with the collaboration Arashi had with Hiruzen's students, they may begin to have a bond that could be of use for us in the future." Another concurred.
"We have never had to lean on the support of others before, why do we need one now" an elder in disagreement raised
"Because in the warring time we were alone! We survived and flourished because there was never a time shinobis agreed to band together to survive. Now, they do and they are beginning to see the advantages of alliance, if we continue to be lone wolves..."
"We may end up discarded! Standing alone has never been a good thing. For the weak....or the strong" another elder spoke
There was a pause after this before Renga spoke up
"You have all heard haven't you?"
"Yes. There's a rift growing within the Uzumaki. And the Nations are watching" Inuzuka Miwa, the clan's matriarch spoke.
"Even Hiruzen is silent."
"Then it gives us good reason to foster our relationship as much as we can through Arashi. You have seen what seals can do to boost our jutsus, Renga can attest to that. We need to add to our skills if necessary. We can no longer be on the sidelines anymore."
Miwa with her brows furrowed, analyzed every details of their suggestions as the meeting kept going.
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Inside Renga's home, Arashi and his father had just finished their dinner and where at the courtyard as usual, playing the game of Go.
"Are you worried about those old dogs?"
A growl from Kurogane and Tengai, feeling offended by the way Renga used their race for the stinky old geezers
"Sorry about that. I didn't mean it that way. You ninkens are special compared to those geezers."
Arashi, he's face still on the Go board replied, "it is their words for them. I have made my peace with my decision. I am an Inuzuka as well as Uzumaki, I will not deny one for the sake of another"
Renga stares at him for a while before giving a nod of approval for his son's conviction. He was relief that Arashi has finally come to terms with it. He never knew how much segregation he would have face because of his love and marriage for his dear wife, Sayo. He thought his clan would have been happy back then but wrong was he. They never liked the fact that he married out of the clan and worse not even from the major branch of the Uzumaki.
Yes she was gifted, a young genius in her own right, but she was nonetheless an outsider. But luckily they gave up on their prejudice when they found out she was a student of Lady Mito and it became solidified when he's and her strength spoke heavy weight in the clan. But it never stopped the side talks behind their backs and it got to their son too.
Luckily, Arashi was a genius both in the arts of Inuzuka and Uzumaki and his mind as sharp as his mother, always researching and growing. Who knew he could train and create such powerful jutsus with the help of Sayo's research books.
Realizing he was almost drifting away, Renga spoke up once more, "Well, you don't have to worry about that. The elders have decided to support you all the way."
Skeptical, Arashi finally pauses his gameplay and looks towards his father.
"Don't look at me like that. Although there were some stubborn but luckily you got some support from a few elders who gave reasons to make the Matriach support you."
"That's fine"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"... that all? Just that"
"...uhh, what else should I say"
"You fool! I just gave you good news and all you say is that's fine?"
"But it didn't matter whether they supported or not"
"This....sigh" Renga could understand the nonchalant attitude of he's dear son. But he was getting worried for him.
How would he see a wife with this kind of attitude?
He was already getting old and no grandchildren yet? What would he tell Sayo he's love when he finally meets her?
He needed to find a way to make this son of his to socialize.
He's gaze more intent than usual, Arashi noticing the burning stare on him felt confused and scared.
Was he's father planning something annoying against him again?
He really didn't care about what the old geezers said. All he desired was much opportunity for growing stronger why should he be worried about mere words.
"Have you met with the trio after the mission?" Renga asked
"No."
"..."
"..."
"...why?"
"Why should I?"
"Do...you have friends"
Arashi hearing this turns he's gaze to Tengai
"...human friends, Arashi"
"Are you by anyway saying Tengai and Kurogane-sama are inferior to human friends?"
Hearing such baseless accusation, Ranga's vein bulges in annoyance only to turn into sweat upon hearing the growl of he's best partner.
"You bastard Renga, You DARE!!"
"NOO! DON'T LISTEN TO MY STUPID SON"
Renga flustered looks towards Kurogane and then he's son, who had a faint smirk on his face.
This baka!, he thought.
"Cough...cough...well...Arashi, aside from our family.." glancing towards Kurogane amd Tengai, he continues, " you should build friendships. You could start with Hokage's students. Go out sometime with them."
"Sigh.... I'll think about it"
"You better... you're looking more like a grumpy old man just hanging with me alone", Renga says the last part in whisper.
The atmosphere comfortable and cool, the two humans and their partners continue in their game and charades while the moon hung over them. A night as peaceful and comforting as it can be. Something they had built and hope to last.
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