"As long as that brat shows any signs of abnormality, even if it's just nervousness, I can use it as material to attack Hiruzen and the Uchiha in the future, hahaha..."
Shimura Danzo didn't believe it. Even he would feel nervous in such an environment.
Aomi, just a mere Uchiha child, facing these top figures of Konoha and the legendary Uzumaki Mito, could still remain calm?
He didn't believe it!
As long as Aomi makes any slip-up, after Uzumaki Mito's death, this would become Danzo's moral high ground!
Sarutobi Hiruzen failing to recognize people, Tsunade being clueless in employing people...
Shimura Danzo had already started thinking of words.
Then, he could propose taking control of Uchiha Aomi, subsequently controlling the Uchiha Clan, and finally climbing to the position of Hokage!
#
While Shimura Danzo was lost in his fantasies,
Aomi was standing in a corner of the clan grounds, chatting cheerfully with Uchiha Hachida.
At this moment, Uchiha Hachida was introducing his friends to Aomi: "This is Tekka, this is Inabi, and this one is called Yakumi..."
"This is my uncle, the Uchiha Clan Elder, Uchiha Honoo."
After that day when Uchiha Hachida and Tekka, Inabi drank together, Aomi's deeds spread discreetly yet openly within the Uchiha Clan.
At the time, Uchiha Hachida said that being beaten up could be told to others, but only when it was to gather support for Aomi within the clan, and certain secrecy had to be maintained.
After all, it was done behind the backs of the current ruling Uchiha Clan Elders, Setsuna, and Uchiha Fugaku.
Uchiha Setsuna's animosity towards Aomi was well-known in the Uchiha Clan, and Uchiha Fugaku, as the Clan Leader, was quite close to Uchiha Setsuna, and his attitude was also evident.
But the problem is, with secrets, once you tell someone and allow them to tell others conditionally, eventually, everyone will know.
The few three-Tomoe Uchiha gathered now were probably in this situation.
Everyone knew Hachida got beaten up, but each thought only they and the person they told knew...
"These are the clansmen I'm familiar with. Though you may not be well-acquainted with them, Aomi-kun, we've had a long-standing connection..."
Uchiha Hachida gave Aomi a look, as if to say, "These are our people! I found them, impressive, right?"
Aomi subtly gave him a look of encouragement and then politely greeted everyone: "You are all my seniors, and I'm glad to meet you all."
"If any of you sustain injuries during practice, I have some basic Medical Ninjutsu skills. You're welcomed to visit my home..."
Uchiha Hachida quickly nodded: "Aomi's Medical Ninjutsu is impressive!"
Uchiha Inabi's eyes flickered with a hint of excitement; his chronic back injury severely affected his Instant Body Jutsu...
"I also have some insight into our Uchiha Clan's swordsmanship, and I'd love to exchange and discuss it with everyone someday."
Uchiha Honoo smiled: "Young Aomi, I'm also a fan of our clan's swordsmanship. I have the collected works of Young Clan Leader Izuna at home. Let's find a day to spar with swords!"
Uchiha Hachida gave his uncle a subtle glance, a slight smile on his lips.
You old man, think you're quite the fighter, don't you?
Even those collected works of Young Clan Leader Izuna are unnecessary, better just to watch Aomi practice swordsmanship...
He had already decided that when Uchiha Honoo went to seek Aomi, he would definitely watch!
Aomi smiled and agreed with everyone, saying slowly, "I can cook a few good dishes. Since Brother Hachida introduced so many friends to me today, why not come to my house for a gathering."
Uchiha Hachida's eyes brightened; he hadn't been to Aomi's house yet!
The other Uchihas also started to smile, realizing Aomi wasn't just feigning respect for them but truly respected them.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be usual to invite someone over for a meal on the first meeting, especially to discuss things behind closed doors!
"Great, let's taste Aomi's culinary skills today!"
"Young Aomi, today I have one request. I'd like some beef!"
"Aomi, I might also have to trouble you later. I want you to take a look at my back..."
For a while, the scene was lively, with everyone surrounding Aomi, talking and laughing.
Interestingly, among them were the hawks, the doves, and the neutral faction of the Uchiha Clan, yet all their attention was on Aomi, who was smiling warmly.
Just as the Uchiha were about to move, a man slowly stepped out from the shadows, gazing sharply at Aomi: "A gathering? How about including me..."
This man was the current Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Fugaku.
Uchiha Hachida squinted his eyes and subtly moved in front of Aomi, forcing a smile: "Clan Leader Fugaku, eavesdropping isn't a good habit..."
Uchiha Fugaku snorted coldly, "I was just passing by, and you were too noisy!"
Uchiha Fugaku looked over the crowd, studying Aomi, his feelings mixed.
As Clan Leader, he hoped Aomi could get involved with Konoha's top brass, but he didn't want to be bypassed. Uchiha Fugaku also wanted to be part of the decision-making at the top...
After all, he is the Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan!
Why weren't the actions of the clansmen reported to him, the Clan Leader?