Trust

The fifth elder clapped his hands and laughed. "Mo is so young, yet he understands the art of strategy so deeply. As expected of the clan leader's son!"

Madara did not agree with the proposal to let the enemy go, but because of his father's praise, he did not refute it directly.

Izuna looked at Qin Mo thoughtfully and said in a low voice, "Third Brother, this plan is indeed brilliant, but if we let the tiger return to the mountain, what do we do if they turn around and bite us later?"

Qin Mo smiled calmly. "Second Brother, don't worry. After the Uzumaki Clan's medical ninja leave, they will definitely return straight to Whirlpool Village.

And once the news that Senju Tobirama has been captured spreads, the Senju Clan will inevitably fall into chaos. They may even immediately suspect that the Uzumaki Clan has secretly defected to us Uchiha."

The satisfaction in Tajima's eyes grew even stronger. "Good. We'll proceed according to Mo's plan!"

He stood up, his imposing gaze sweeping over everyone. "Madara, you will be in charge of the main assault. You must capture Senju Tobirama alive.

Izuna, take an elite squad and lie in ambush along the retreat route to prevent Senju reinforcements from responding.

Mo, you will personally make contact with the Uzumaki medical ninja, explain the Senju conspiracy to them, and then ensure they leave safely."

Madara replied expressionlessly, "Please rest assured, Father. I will make Senju Tobirama kneel alive before you."

Izuna smiled faintly. "If Senju Butsuma dares to send men to rescue him, I'll make sure none of them return."

Qin Mo bowed slightly. "I will make the Uzumaki Clan understand who the ally truly worth cooperating with is."

Tajima nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. Then go and prepare. Tonight, we set out for the Kaguya Clan. If we win this battle, the Senju Clan will suffer a heavy blow!"

"Yes!!!"

Madara, Izuna, and Qin Mo all nodded and withdrew.

After the three of them left, the council hall fell into a brief silence.

The second elder coughed lightly and spoke cautiously. "Lord Clan Leader, this old man has a question to ask..."

Tajima said calmly, "Speak."

"Young Master Mo is already so resourceful at such a young age. I wonder if the clan leader intends..." The second elder stopped, hesitant to continue.

The third elder immediately picked up the thread. "That's right. Young Master Madara's strength is certainly good, but his temperament is too rigid.

In these troubled times, perhaps what we need more is an heir of outstanding wisdom like Young Master Mo..."

The fourth elder also echoed, "Especially with this plan. Young Master Mo's strategy is truly admirable."

A hint of deep thought flashed through Tajima's eyes. "You think... Mo is more suited to be heir?"

The fifth elder spoke cautiously. "This subordinate would not dare speak rashly. It is just that the talent Young Master Mo has displayed is indeed..."

"Hmph!" Tajima suddenly gave a cold snort, and the temperature in the council hall seemed to plunge. "Are you questioning my decision?"

The five elders instantly fell silent as if chilled to the bone.

Tajima stood up and said coldly, "Madara is my eldest son. It is only natural and right for him to inherit the position of clan leader.

As for Mo... there are too many mysteries surrounding that child.

That so-called relic... do you really think I would completely believe his story?"

Cold sweat seeped out on the second elder's forehead. "What the clan leader means is..."

"Continue observing him," Tajima said coldly. "Before we uncover Mo's secrets, there is no need to mention the matter of heir again."

The third elder hesitated. "But if Young Master Mo truly can lead the Uchiha to glory..."

"Madara merely lacks training in this area!" Tajima cut him off sternly. "As long as you all assist Madara properly, I believe Madara's strategy will not be inferior to Mo's!"

The five elders looked at one another and did not dare say anything more.

At the same time, in the dense forest outside the Uchiha Clan Grounds.

Qin Mo stood beneath an ancient tree. Kneeling before him were none other than the twelve jonin Kaguya Feng had brought that day.

After drinking the Water of Life Qin Mo had tampered with, from this day forward, they would obey Qin Mo alone.

"Master, everything is ready," the leading Kaguya ninja said in a low voice. "The second elder has followed your instructions and given the Water of Life to all the Kaguya clansmen to drink."

"Very good." Qin Mo nodded in satisfaction. "Remember tomorrow's plan. Senju Tobirama must be captured alive. As for the other Senju ninja... leave none alive."

"As you command!" the Kaguya ninja replied respectfully. "Also, Master! This subordinate has received news regarding the Hyuga Clan establishing branch families."

Qin Mo pressed, "Is this news reliable?"

The leading Kaguya ninja replied, "Absolutely. Hyuga Tennin recently gathered the entire clan and announced that they would establish a system of main family and branch family.

All branch family members will be branded with the 'Caged Bird' curse mark to prevent the Byakugan from leaking out."

"It seems the Hyuga Clan will soon be of use to me." A cold smile curled at the corner of Qin Mo's mouth. "Pass down the order. For now, there is no need to bother with the Hyuga Clan. First, beat the Senju down!"

"Master is wise," the Kaguya ninja answered with his head lowered.

Qin Mo waved a hand. "Withdraw for now. Remember, the plan in two days cannot afford any mistakes."

"Yes!" the twelve Kaguya ninja answered in unison, then turned into black shadows and scattered in all directions.

A cold gleam flashed in Qin Mo's eyes. "Hyuga Branch Family... this will be my next important chess piece."

At the same time, inside the Uchiha Clan Grounds.

On the training field, Madara was practicing the hand seals for "Dragon Flame Burns the Heavens" alone. With every set of seals, the surrounding air became scorching hot and distorted.

Izuna hurried over. "Big Brother, Father just had a private discussion with the elders. It seemed... they were discussing the matter of the heir."

Madara's movements did not pause in the slightest. "So what?"

"I heard... someone proposed making Mo the young clan leader." Izuna lowered his voice.

Madara finally stopped and turned to look at Izuna. "Do you also think Mo is more suited than me to become the next clan leader?"

Izuna hesitated for a moment. "Mo is very clever, and his strength is unfathomable... but I still think you are more suited to be the next clan leader, Big Brother..."

Madara interrupted him. "Izuna, if Mo truly has the ability to lead the Uchiha toward a better future... then it would only be right to let Mo take the clan leader's seat."

Izuna's eyes widened in shock. "Big Brother! What nonsense are you saying? You are the eldest son!"

Madara shook his head, a bitter smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "So what if I am the eldest son? Don't forget, both your Sharingan and mine were only awakened because of Mo.

And Mo's strategy and foresight... are indeed more suited to these chaotic times."

Izuna anxiously took a step forward. "But Father, he..."

"Father values tradition. I can understand that," Madara interrupted. "But if Mo truly can make the Uchiha stand at the peak of the ninja world, why should I cling to the position of clan leader?

Mo is our own younger brother. If we can't even trust him, who can we trust?"

Izuna was silent for a long time, then let out a heavy sigh. "Big Brother, my vision was too narrow..."

Just then, a faint rustle came from the trees in the distance.

Madara and Izuna turned their heads warily at the same time.

Qin Mo slowly walked out, his face beneath the sunlight appearing especially pale. "Big Brother... Second Brother..."

The three of them stood facing one another, and the air seemed to freeze.

Madara looked straight into Qin Mo's eyes. "You heard it all?"

Qin Mo nodded, a complicated emotion flashing through his eyes. "Big Brother, I..."

"No need to say more." Madara raised a hand to stop him. "I only ask you one question: is everything you have done truly for the future of the Uchiha?"

Qin Mo raised three fingers. "I swear upon the glory of the Uchiha that everything I have planned is to make our clan stand at the peak of the ninja world, never again controlled by anyone!"

Madara patted Qin Mo on the shoulder. "Then that is enough. Remember, no matter what you want to do, Izuna and I will always support you!"