Chapitre 119: Chapter:116
The reason why Uchiha Akechi and the others were so full of admiration was due to the latest intelligence just brought by the Secret Investigation Department: the Sarutobi and Shimura clans had indeed gathered their forces and were preparing to declare war on the Hyuga Clan.
This was exactly what Izuna had predicted half a month earlier. For everyone in the Uchiha camp, it had seemed nearly impossible—yet it was now a reality.
In the face of such an uncanny prediction, Uchiha Akechi and the others couldn't help but admire Izuna's foresight.
"Deputy Chief, what should we do next?" Akechi asked eagerly.
"Defend with everything we have," Izuna responded without hesitation. "When the two sides truly begin fighting, that will be the moment we strike back decisively."
He handed a handwritten letter to Akechi. "Deliver this to the Great Elder in the clan."
Across Mountain Pass, in the Senju Military Camp
In the Senju camp, Senju Kawaragi had gathered his key advisors, including Senju Yunma and Uzumaki Guanghai, the elder of the Uzumaki clan, to discuss strategies for breaking through Uchiha's stronghold at Mountain Pass.
Kawaragi himself bore fresh injuries from recent clashes; his right shoulder was heavily bandaged, and his left cheek was marked with a burn from Izuna's attack. Senju Yunma, too, had visible injuries, the worst being a series of burns on his hands from fighting the flames of Izuna's summoned beast, the two-tailed cat.
As for Uzumaki Guanghai, he was the least injured, but not due to superior skill. Each time they fought, Izuna would remind his troops, "Guanghai is Mito's grandfather, our future in-law. Nobody is to lay a hand on him." This gesture left Guanghai both angry and worried. Was it possible, he wondered, that Mito was truly falling under Izuna's influence?
Trying to shake off the thought, he assured himself that his granddaughter, who carried the weight of the Uzumaki Clan on her shoulders, would never forget her mission. Yet, he ignored one factor—young love, which could change the course of even the most dedicated hearts.
As he addressed his officers around the map, Senju Kawaragi asked, "We've been unable to break through Mountain Pass for some time now. Does anyone have a solid strategy?"
The officers exchanged uneasy glances before Senju Yunma finally spoke up. "Chief, if I may speak plainly, the reason our combined Senju and Uzumaki forces haven't broken through is because of Uchiha Izuna…"
The room fell silent at this acknowledgment.
Izuna's Mangekyō Sharingan, combined with Sage Mode, had effectively reduced the typical drawbacks of the Mangekyō. Paired with the raw power of a tailed beast, he'd created a fortress of devastating jutsu that the Senju and Uzumaki troops couldn't risk approaching.
Uzumaki Guanghai, deep in thought, finally spoke up. "The way I see it, the only solution is to counter Izuna himself. And the only person who might manage that… is the Senju Clan's deputy chief."
They all knew who he meant—Senju Hashirama, the only one who could counter Izuna's combination of the Mangekyō, tailed beast power, and Sage techniques. But Hashirama was leading the main forces on the front lines at Congyun Mountain, so pulling him north was out of the question.
Uzumaki Guanghai, however, was becoming desperate. Mito had been in Uchiha hands for too long, and an ominous feeling lingered in his heart. "I have family ties to uphold. My granddaughter are still with Uchiha Izuna. Hashirama is engaged to Mito—surely, we can appeal for his help?"
His appeal fell into silence as the council pondered. Finally, Kawaragi spoke, "I have a plan that may work. Allow me to explain…"
For fifteen minutes, Kawaragi laid out his strategy, and the room listened intently. When he finished, Uzumaki Guanghai nodded slowly, though his face remained clouded with doubt. "It may be our best option…"
"Report!" A voice interrupted them as a Senju Intelligence Department ninja hurried into the tent, handing Kawaragi a letter. "Clan Chief, the Deputy Chief Hashirama, along with the elders, awaits your approval for the latest decision. The Sarutobi and Shimura clans have agreed to lend us their territory for passage, pending your final signature."
Kawaragi read the letter swiftly, considering the potential benefits. Sarutobi and Shimura lending their land would certainly grant the Senju a tactical advantage. Hashirama had also mentioned the potential for alliances, hinting at his vision for a united village system. But such ideas were considered far-fetched by the council, who dismissed them as Hashirama's idealism.
For now, Kawaragi knew he could safely control Sarutobi and Shimura's access without risk. "The decision has been made. They won't cause any trouble we can't handle."
Yet, in the back of his mind, Kawaragi couldn't help but wonder: why were Sarutobi and Shimura so eager to go to war with the Hyuga Clan, of all rivals? The two clans hadn't engaged in open conflict for centuries. What grudge lay beneath this sudden ambition?
Filing the thought away, Kawaragi signed the letter and dispatched it.
Meanwhile, at Mountain Pass
Senju Hashirama was just finishing reading Kawaragi's letter. In addition to the approval for passage, Kawaragi had outlined plans to shift a portion of the northern troops to the Mountain front, led by Senju Yunma. This change would allow Kawaragi's forces to adopt a defensive strategy in the north, letting Hashirama focus his efforts on the decisive battle against Uchiha on the main front.
Hashirama's expression softened as he pondered his rival. "Izuna… Your strength may have already surpassed Madara's. Perhaps… perhaps even my own."
He handed the letter to his brother Tobirama, who read it with a frown.
"Uchiha Izuna…" Tobirama's voice was edged with frustration. Izuna's tactics and power were a constant thorn in his side. "Brother, no matter what, he won't be able to defeat you."
Hashirama chuckled, a twinkle of challenge in his eyes. "We won't know until we face each other in battle, Tobirama."
Uzumaki Shinosuke, another senior in the council, joined in. "Deputy Chief Hashirama, the intention is clear: we must capture Mountain Pass swiftly and decisively."
Hashirama sighed. " Mountain Pass is one of Uchiha's strongest defensive positions. It won't fall easily…"
"Your fiancée is in Izuna's hands, brother," Tobirama reminded him. "For her sake—and for the sake of our clan—you must fight with all your might. Show no mercy to Uchiha Madara."
"I've shown no mercy, Tobirama," Hashirama replied, a slight frown on his face.
Just then, another intelligence officer arrived, carrying a sealed scroll. "Deputy Chief Hashirama, this is the latest report. It says that the Hyuga Clan has sent an envoy to the Uchiha."
The room fell into a thoughtful silence as Hashirama and his advisors exchanged looks. The plot between Hyuga and Uchiha thickened, adding yet another layer to an already complex conflict.
(End of Chapter).
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