"Clan Head, news just came in from the patrol team—Inuzuka Clan's patriarch and several members are heading toward the Hokage Building," reported a Uchiha from the Police Force.
"Uncle, we have to act fast. Send word to the others to intercept them and invite them here instead. If the Hokage gets involved in this matter, what benefits will we have left?" said Uchiha Kairen anxiously.
"Tell the next patrol zone to intercept them—use the Reverse Summoning Technique," Uchiha Nobunaga ordered swiftly.
"Go fetch the Grand Elder. Tell him we'll be negotiating with the Inuzuka Clan," Nobunaga added with a confident smile, clearly certain that this doomed clan was already in their grasp.
"Uncle, I'll personally go to the Summoning Realm and pick out suitable ninja hounds. Also, I suggest we take a page from the Hokage's book—let my father join this negotiation," Kairen said with a faint smile toward his father.
Time for you to step up, Dad. Whether we can draw them to our side depends on your 'Uchiha-style Will of Fire'.
Moments later, several Uchiha accompanied by giant hounds blocked the path of the approaching Inuzuka. "Greetings, I am Uchiha Shingen. By order of our Clan Head, we've come to invite our friends from the Inuzuka Clan to discuss cooperation with the Uchiha," he said politely, patting his partner—Nightfang, the massive hound beside him.
Seeing this, Inuzuka Kōten immediately understood their intent. He wasn't stupid—anyone could read between the lines. Their clan's lifeline was now in Uchiha hands. Refusing was out of the question. He had originally intended to seek the Hokage's aid, but the Uchiha had acted faster than expected.
"Oh? Since the Uchiha Clan extends such a warm invitation, we shall gladly accept," Kōten replied through gritted teeth, forcing a smile as he led his people toward the Uchiha compound.
At the entrance stood the Third Elder and Uchiha Yasuyuki, both assigned to personally greet the Inuzuka—after all, they were the most approachable of the Uchiha elders, known for their friendliness toward outsiders.
After a few polite exchanges, the group made their way toward the Grand Elder's residence. Along the way, Yasuyuki enthusiastically introduced the surrounding giant hounds—their origins, innate talents, and how much stronger they became when partnered with Uchiha shinobi.
The Third Elder followed up by explaining how to get along with them—their temperament, how intelligent they were, and even that they could speak human language.
Soon, they arrived at the Elder's residence. At the entrance stood Uchiha Nobunaga and several elite three-tomoe Sharingan users, personally welcoming the guests. The Uchiha displayed impressive warmth and sincerity, something that left the Inuzuka quite bewildered.
Since when were the Uchiha this polite? Did we fall into a genjutsu? some thought.
Inside the courtyard, they found many of the clan's high-ranking members already gathered—faces well-known even among other families. The Inuzuka couldn't help but feel uneasy. Is this supposed to intimidate us? What exactly are they planning?
"Hahaha! You must be the esteemed Patriarch of the Inuzuka Clan—truly an impressive presence. I am Uchiha Kū, Grand Elder of the Uchiha Clan. Welcome, welcome indeed!" said the elderly man at the center, warmly grasping Inuzuka Kōten's hand.
"Please, come in! It's been ages since our clan has had such honorable guests," Uchiha Nobunaga added cheerfully, leading them inside.
The Inuzuka were seated around a large round wooden table, noticing that each of them was flanked by an Uchiha on either side—making escape seem almost impossible.
When Yasuyuki clapped his hands, the startled Inuzuka nearly jumped out of their seats, thinking an ambush was coming. Instead, several Uchiha youths entered, carrying plates of fruit, wine, and roasted meat, filling the table to the brim.
We're definitely under a genjutsu, the Inuzuka muttered, desperately cycling their chakra and whispering "Release!"
Watching this from inside, Kairen couldn't help but laugh aloud.
"Come now, everyone, raise your glasses—to our honored guests, the Inuzuka Clan!" the Grand Elder announced, lifting his cup high.
The Uchiha followed suit, smiling warmly. Forcing a grin, Kōten clinked cups with the elder and Nobunaga. Seeing their leader relent, the Inuzuka slowly lowered their guard, and soon the hall filled with toasts and polite laughter.
After several rounds of sake, Nobunaga gave a subtle signal—it was time for the main course.
Understanding immediately, Yasuyuki stood and began, "Elder Kōten, to be frank, we invited you here for an important discussion." As all eyes turned to him, he continued dramatically:
"In the days of our ancestors, it was the Uchiha and Senju who led the many clans and common folk, braving countless hardships to forge the glory that is Konohagakure today.
Yet, through unfortunate misunderstandings, the other clans have grown ever more distrustful of the Uchiha. We have suffered in silence. The Uchiha have never given up on reconciliation—we fought with our lives for this village through the First and Second Great Wars!
And yet, our wounds—physical and emotional—have found no balm. The Uchiha have bled for Konoha, but who has ever cared for our scars?" He downed his sake in one gulp.
"We mend our wounded hearts with love. We still cherish this village, still fight for it. And we will never cease striving to break down the walls built by prejudice, to shatter the bonds of rumor and mistrust, and to walk hand in hand with all who love Konoha!"
The Uchiha present clapped enthusiastically—though half of them didn't quite know what they were clapping for. The Inuzuka sat in confusion. What does any of this have to do with us? Still, seeing everyone else applaud, they awkwardly joined in.
Seizing the momentum, Kairen's father continued, "My son, Uchiha Kairen, recently discovered a summoning scroll during a mission. It turned out to belong to the Hellhound Clan. That's how these ninja hounds came to be among us. We later learned that this scroll was an ancestral relic—one that only those of Uchiha blood can sign, and only one at a time.
Kairen is the sole contractor. However, any Uchiha who has awakened the Sharingan can form an equal bond with an individual Hellhound. In other words, this summoning clan is now forever bound to us—our eternal partners in life and death."
At that cue, several giant hounds entered the hall and playfully leapt upon their Uchiha companions, wagging their tails and nuzzling affectionately. The hall turned into a scene of joyous camaraderie.
The Inuzuka, however, turned pale as death. Their hearts sank—it's over. They had hoped to negotiate through the Hokage, to salvage their clan's situation. But this… this was the death knell.
You Uchiha already have Sharingan—why do you need our dogs too?!
Nobunaga signaled everyone to calm down, pleased by the results, then nodded for his brother to continue.
Clearing his throat, Kairen's father said, "This morning we held the Summoning Ritual. From now on, we'll fight and grow alongside our new companions.
After hearing of your clan's concerns, we convened an emergency meeting. We decided we cannot, in good conscience, let the Inuzuka Clan—a fellow Konoha family—fall into ruin. We're comrades, brothers in arms. The Uchiha won't stand by and watch our own suffer.
After much thought, we found a solution. Although non-Uchiha cannot directly contract with the Hellhounds, there is a way—they can breed with your finest ninja hounds!"
The Inuzuka froze for a moment—then their eyes lit up. Of course! Breeding! That could save us!
It was like a drowning man suddenly finding air. But they forced themselves to stay calm. There must be a catch. What do the Uchiha want in return?
The Grand Elder took over again. "We propose a partnership: both clans will build a special area together to house our canine partners here in Konoha. We also hope your clan can provide food supplies and experience in dog care. Naturally, this doesn't include your clan's secret techniques."
Kōten blinked. That's it? Just that? This sounds too good to be true. What kind of trick is this?
Nobunaga smiled. "That's the general idea, of course. The details can be discussed later—it's a long-term project, after all. Building an entire ninja-hound species isn't simple work. What do you think, Clan Head Kōten?"
The Inuzuka patriarch hesitated. Could there be a trap? Have we really misunderstood the Uchiha all these years?
Seeing his doubt, the Grand Elder added, "Don't overthink it, Clan Head. Cooperation must be mutual. Rest assured, if you disagree, we won't force you. But if you agree—then you'll be our partners. And no one mistreats our partners. Not even the Hokage."
He smiled and activated his three-tomoe Sharingan for emphasis.
Kairen's father quickly followed, "Our alliance will only strengthen Konoha. I'm sure the Hokage will be delighted—he might even grant us land for our project. Perhaps near the Forest of Death, that would be ideal.
Anyway, our goal is simple: to let all who live under the same sky shed their prejudices and thrive together. This is our gesture of friendship. And I believe, Clan Head Kōten, that your clan can feel our sincerity—can't you?"