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Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: Alliances, Gifts, and Whispers in the Shadows

Jogendra's POV:

The Uchiha compound was a theater of chaos and wonder, the air crackling with an energy that felt like Hyderabad's monsoon season—electric, unpredictable, and alive. Outside the gates, a spectacle unfolded that could've made Truck-kun blush: a colossal elephant, its hide a swirling storm of gray and silver, stood like a monument carved from the sky itself. Its tusks gleamed like crescent moons, and its eyes—deep, ancient pools of wisdom—locked onto me with a quiet intensity that sent my pulse racing. This wasn't just an animal; it was a presence, a force that bent the world around it.

The silence was thick, heavy with awe, until a voice boomed forth—a resonant rumble that shook the ground beneath my feet. "Boy," the elephant said, its tone gentle yet commanding, a paradox wrapped in thunder, "are you Jogendra Uchiha?"

My heart hammered, but I stepped forward, steadying myself with the calm I'd honed facing down irate taxpayers. "Yes, I am. Jogendra Uchiha, son of Madara Uchiha. Why are you here for me?"

The elephant's massive head dipped slightly, a gesture of respect that belied its size. "I am Zōnotatakai, the Fighting Elephant, Elephant of the Clouds. I hail from Zoshima, the summoning dimension of the Elephant Clan. I've come to offer my deepest gratitude."

My Father Madara, My Grandfather Tajima, and My Uncle Izuna exchanged glances—bewilderment etched into their faces like a poorly filed form. My Father Madara's brow furrowed, his voice cutting through the tension. "Gratitude? For what?"

Zōnotatakai's gaze softened, a flicker of warmth breaking through his ancient stoicism. "Your son saved my child, Ganesha, from certain death. For that act of bravery and compassion, Zoshima owes Jogendra a debt beyond measure."

A memory sparked—fuzzy at first, then sharp: the baby elephant I'd rescued from bandits, its cries echoing through the forest as I'd wielded neo-green flames to heal its wounds. I raised my right hand, showing the black bracelet and ring it had given me. "You mean the little guy I patched up? This is from him, right?"

Zōnotatakai's eyes widened, recognition flaring. "Yes! That is Ganesha's gift—the marks of a savior. Those are no mere trinkets, Jogendra. They hold immense power. Channel your chakra into them, and they'll transform into the strongest armor known—impervious to any blade, any jutsu."

A gasp rippled through the crowd—elders, shinobi, civilians—all staring like I'd just pulled a tax exemption out of thin air. My Father Madara's jaw tightened, My Grandfather Tajima's eyes glinted with intrigue, and My Uncle Izuna let out a low whistle. The implications hit me like a stack of overdue reports: armor that could turn me into a walking fortress? Truck-kun's gifts kept piling up, and I wasn't complaining.

"Zoshima," Zōnotatakai continued, his voice regaining its solemn weight, "is the realm of the Elephant Summoning Beasts. I speak for Zenzō, the Elephant God, the Sage Aged One. By his decree, Zoshima offers the Uchiha clan a permanent alliance—an unbreakable bond."

The compound went still, the air thick with stunned anticipation. Then My Grandfather Tajima erupted into laughter, a booming roar that echoed off the walls. "A permanent alliance with Zoshima?" He clapped his hands, grinning like he'd just outmaneuvered the Senju in a single move. "As clan head, I accept! This bond will stand through the ages!"

Zōnotatakai blinked—visibly startled by the enthusiasm—then bowed his massive head. "You honor us, Lord Tajima. I expected deliberation, not such swift trust." He reached into his mouth with his trunk, producing a scroll etched with swirling runes, glowing faintly with ancient power. "This seals our summoning contract. Jogendra, your name is already written, tied to Ganesha's salvation. Sign it with your blood to bind our fates."

My pulse quickened, excitement surging like I'd just approved a budget on the first try. I took the scroll, pricked my finger with a kunai, and signed—my name in crimson a bold slash against the parchment. My Father Madara, My Uncle Izuna, and My Grandfather Tajima followed, their signatures locking the alliance into place. The scroll pulsed, a ripple of energy sealing the pact.

"In return," I said, handing Zōnotatakai a scroll of my own, "the Uchiha offer Zoshima the Flame Master Technique, Rokushiki – The Six Styles, and Haki – The Power of Will. A gift to strengthen our bond."

His eyes widened, a spark of awe breaking his calm. "These… these are legendary arts, whispered of across dimensions! You gift us power beyond imagining. Zoshima will cherish this for generations." He bowed again, white smoke swirling around him as he faded. "Thank you, and farewell. May our alliance bring glory to us all."

The air snapped back to normal, leaving a hum of residual power. My Grandfather Tajima spun to a guard, voice ringing with command. "Spread the word! Zoshima's allied with the Uchiha! After the Youth Ninja Competition, Zōnotatakai will choose summoners. And tell the clan Jogendra's gifted us techniques—every ninja masters them in eight to ten months. That's an order!"

The guard bowed and vanished, leaving the elders buzzing with awe. My Grandfather Tajima turned to me, pride radiating. "Jogendra, you've brought us an alliance and power we couldn't dream of."

My Father Madara's hand landed on my shoulder, warm and steady. "Let's go home, son. You've earned a break."

We walked back, the weight of the day settling like a stack of filed reports—satisfying, but heavy. My Father Madara pointed out my room on the first floor, across from his, with My Uncle Izuna's to my right and My Grandfather Tajima's to my left. "Rest well," he said, and I nodded, stepping inside.

I flopped onto the bed, the whirlwind of events spinning in my head. "System," I murmured, "open my previous rewards."

*"Acknowledged, Host. Reward: Tony Stark's intelligence, knowledge, and curse of knowledge. Bonus: Tony Stark's flirting skills."*

I stared at the ceiling, a grin tugging at my lips. Stark's brain? That was a game-changer—engineering, strategy, pure genius. The curse of knowledge, though—seeing flaws others missed—could weigh me down. And flirting? I chuckled. "Guess I'll charm my way out of trouble next time."

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#### Clan Reactions and Shadows:

The compound erupted into a frenzy—shinobi drilling, elders debating, kids whispering about the "elephant kid." In the meeting hall, the elders pored over my technique scrolls, voices thick with wonder. "These are revolutionary," one said, tracing the Haki notes. "Jogendra's a prodigy beyond our time."

But beyond the gates, unseen eyes watched. A figure cloaked in shadow stood atop a distant ridge, cold gaze fixed on the compound. Its lips curled into a thin, chilling smile. "Interesting," it murmured, voice a hiss on the wind. "The Uchiha grow bold… and dangerous."

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