War Against the Hyuga

Seven days had passed quietly since Shin exchanged for Kamui.

The Uchiha Clan had finally completed all preparations for war and declared it upon the Hyuga Clan.

The Hyuga Clan had clearly anticipated this, gathering their shinobi to stand ready. They were prepared to rely on the treacherous terrain of their territory to wage a war of attrition against the Uchiha, while simultaneously sending messengers to request reinforcements from the Senju Clan.

"The Hyuga Clan is a great clan of the Warring States period; their strength is second to none even among the top-tier clans. There must be well-stocked granaries within their territory. If we besiege them directly, not only will we fail to cut off their food supply, but we will also allow them to rest and recuperate at their leisure. As time drags on, it is possible that our own supplies will run out first. Therefore, before we lay siege, we must destroy their granaries."

Here, on the front lines where the Uchiha and Hyuga were engaged, the man speaking had a resolute face, gesturing emphatically at a map of the Hyuga territory spread across the table.

Uchiha Burin, the supreme commander for this operation against the Hyuga and one of the three remaining Kage-level powerhouses of the Uchiha.

Six men surrounded him, each possessing the strength of a peak Jonin, listening to his analysis with grave expressions.

"Spies among the Hyuga's vassal clans have sent word that their main granary is built less than ten miles from the center of the Hyuga territory, holding enough grain to feed their entire clan for three years. This must be destroyed, and we must act quickly. We must finish it before the Hyuga realize what we are doing. Even if they have grain stored elsewhere, once the main granary is lost, they will be able to hold out for at most half a year."

Uchiha Burin drew a circle on the map to mark the location of the granary. "We have just arrived here, and the Hyuga will not expect us to launch an attack immediately. Tonight, I will lead all our shinobi in a full-scale assault on the Hyuga defensive line to draw their attention. Then, Uchiha Ao and Uchiha Lan, you two peak Jonin will lead a strike team of six elite Jonin to circle around and burn their granary. Remember, strike once and leave immediately; do not linger. Their territory is guarded by Hyuga Tenin and a large group of Hyuga high-ranking officials; you cannot handle them."

Uchiha Burin was decisive and efficient; once his orders were given, he sent them off to prepare.

That very night, he led all the Uchiha shinobi in a direct charge against the Hyuga defensive line, leaving the Hyuga shinobi terrified and pale. How could this be? They had arrived during the day and launched a full-scale assault at night—did they not need to rest?

"Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame!"

Uchiha Burin took the lead, his Kage-level strength fully displayed. A sea of flames engulfed the majority of the Hyuga shinobi. He drew his katana, his Three Tomoe eyes cold and ruthless, and charged straight into the enemy line.

Behind him were four peak Jonin and twenty-one elite Jonin, followed by a small number of Jonin, Chunin, and Shinin.

Seven peak Jonin appeared at the front of the Hyuga formation, simultaneously releasing powerful chakra to block the Majestic Destroyer Flame. The man at the very front drew a katana glinting with cold light, his Byakugan filled with endless killing intent, and roared, "Follow me and drive the Uchiha back!" Before the words had even faded, he charged straight at Uchiha Burin.

Hyuga Kazenin, the strongest among the Hyuga's peak Jonin, possessed strength infinitely close to the Kage level. With Hyuga Tenin guarding the clan and Hyuga Shinshu recovering from injuries inflicted by Uchiha Tajima, he was the one leading the defense against the Uchiha.

As blades clashed, the sky-piercing shouts were accompanied by the rise and fall of various ninjutsu. Uchiha Burin sneered, his katana moving faster with every strike, forcing Hyuga Kazenin onto the defensive. "Where are Hyuga Tenin and Hyuga Shinshu? Are they too afraid to come out, sending you to your death instead?"

Hyuga Kazenin struggled to parry, his Byakugan focused on every minute movement of his opponent, retorting, "To deal with trash like you, there is no need for our Clan Head or Great Elder to take the field."

Hmph!

Uchiha Burin scoffed, his Three Tomoe eyes slowly rotating. He said in a deep voice, "Surely you haven't forgotten the saying that circulates in the Warring States: 'One-on-one, turn and run!' Just because you are a peak Jonin, you dare to challenge me alone? Go to hell."

Hyuga Kazenin's body stiffened as if bound by something. He said calmly, "A paralysis genjutsu, then."

Uchiha Burin's blade was already upon him, but at that moment, Uchiha Burin suddenly sidestepped. A katana coated in blue chakra slashed down, missing him by a hair's breadth—it was another peak Jonin of the Hyuga, Hyuga Kazeoki.

Hyuga Kazeoki rushed to Kazenin's side and channeled chakra to break the genjutsu. Hyuga Kazenin sneered, once again assuming a combat stance: "Now, it is two against one."

"Interesting." Uchiha Burin said coldly, showing no fear as he engaged both of them at once.

The frontal battle between the Uchiha and the Hyuga had officially begun. The fighting lasted an entire night before it ended. The Uchiha Clan failed to break the defensive line and retreated, leaving Hyuga Kazenin to let out a long sigh of relief.

But when news arrived the next day that the main granary had caught fire and burned to the ground, Hyuga Kazenin's expression shifted. That was not all.

When they saw the Uchiha Clan immediately sealing off all entry and exit points, his face turned deathly pale; he already sensed what the enemy intended to do.

Therefore, he gathered his shinobi, hoping to launch a surprise attack while the Uchiha had just arrived and were not yet firmly established, hoping to reclaim at least two of the routes to ensure supply lines remained open.

However, the dynamic between offense and defense had shifted. If the Uchiha attacked and the Hyuga defended, the Hyuga would have had a distinct advantage due to the terrain. But once the situation reversed and the weaker force was forced to attack the stronger, the outcome was self-evident.

The Hyuga shinobi who launched the surprise attack were all defeated and suffered heavy losses, even losing a peak Jonin. Upon receiving the news, Hyuga Tenin cursed loudly.

"That trash Hyuga Kazenin, actually letting someone slip in right under his nose! What use is he? He's going to be the death of me!" Hyuga Tenin flew into a rage, and none of the Hyuga high-ranking officials below dared to intervene.

After cursing for a while, Hyuga Tenin sighed and asked, "The Uchiha have sealed all the roads, meaning we are effectively trapped within our territory. Excluding the main granary, how much food do we have left?"

A peak Jonin stepped forward and said in a low voice, "We can probably hold out for about half a year."

Hyuga Tenin pondered for a moment, then asked, "What about the Senju? Our request for reinforcements was sent days ago. Where are their reinforcements?"

Another peak Jonin stepped forward and said hesitantly, "According to the intelligence received, the Senju reinforcements were intercepted at the Kazama River by Uchiha Dou and his men. The Senju Rajin who was coming to our aid said... said..."

Hyuga Tenin frowned and roared, "What did he say? Speak!"

The peak Jonin replied, "Senju Rajin said that we should hold on for a while longer, and once he deals with Uchiha Dou, he will come to our rescue."

Crack!

The table in front of Hyuga Tenin was shattered by his palm once again. He growled in a low voice, "Senju, Uchiha, you two bastards, just you wait."