Village-Building Plan

Land of Fire, Senju Clan Grounds.

In the largest tent at the center, a young man with long black hair and a resolute face sat cross-legged behind a desk. He wore a black, form-fitting combat suit beneath layered red armor, with the Senju Clan emblem etched onto the armor over his left shoulder. At that moment, he was intently reading the report in his hand.

As if sensing something, the young man set down the scroll and looked toward the tent entrance.

Before long, the tent flap was lifted from outside, revealing Tobirama's travel-worn figure.

"Tobirama? You're hurt?" The young man frowned, his voice carrying a trace of concern.

"I'm fine." Tobirama waved a hand. The wound on his shoulder had clearly received some rudimentary treatment. "Brother, you know already, don't you? The Heno River was destroyed by the Uchiha Clan."

"Yes, but fortunately, there were no casualties." Hashirama consoled him. "As long as everyone is safe, that's what matters."

Tobirama looked seriously at his older brother. "But Brother, do you know what the destruction of the Heno River means? Our supply line has been completely cut off. There are only two paths before us now: either we stake everything on one final battle against the Uchiha Clan, or we withdraw and defend, cede part of our territory, and begin a prolonged war anew. But no matter which we choose, we've already lost the initiative."

Hashirama sighed. "This war has gone on for far too long. There have already been too many casualties. It's time to end it."

Tobirama gave a cold snort of displeasure. "And whose fault is that? How many times have we had the chance to secure victory, only for you to throw it away because you couldn't bring yourself to do it?"

Clang—

Hashirama immediately slumped, as though all color had drained from him.

"Ah." Tobirama had long grown used to Hashirama's personality. "Since you've made up your mind, we need to prepare for the final battle in advance. Our remaining provisions can last another month. The final battle will take place one month from now. Brother, don't go easy on them again this time."

"Tobirama, I never intended to wipe out the Uchiha Clan. You know my wish—to establish a ninja village that can accommodate every clan, including the Uchiha Clan."

"Brother, the Uchiha Clan is an extreme people easily swayed by emotion. They won't be so easy to control. Besides, I don't think Uchiha Madara is the sort of person willing to live under another's command."

Hashirama thought for a moment. "Actually, I want Madara to become the village's leader."

"Hmph. Even if you agree, the other clans won't." Tobirama shook his head, clearly unwilling to argue with Hashirama over this any longer. After all, this was hardly the first time. "And one more thing—watch out for Uchiha Yan Hong."

Hashirama froze for a moment. "Uchiha Yan Hong? Madara's third younger brother?"

"Yes. He led this raid. He's extremely meticulous, and his talent is no less than that of his two older brothers. Most importantly, the ocular technique of his Mangekyō Sharingan is quite troublesome. He can seize other people's ninjutsu and make it his own. I'm worried about your Wood Release..."

"Hahaha, looks like you suffered at his hands." Hashirama laughed heartily, utterly unconcerned about whether his ninjutsu might be taken. "Don't worry. If he truly had the ability to seize my Wood Release, he wouldn't have waited until now to appear on the front lines. Madara really does have two fine younger brothers."

Tobirama waved a hand and turned to leave. "Then I'll go notify the other clans."

"Tobirama!"

"Hmm?" Tobirama stopped.

"Mito asked me to thank you. Thank you for saving Ise."

"Got it." Tobirama waved again, lifted the tent flap, and walked out. He raised his head to gaze at the star-filled night sky, his eyes thoughtful. An ocular technique that plunders ninjutsu, huh? Heh...

Land of Fire, Uchiha Clan Grounds.

A bonfire burned fiercely, its flames endlessly dancing like a crimson serpent winding through the night sky.

The three brothers sat around the bonfire, watching the flickering tongues of flame before them and savoring this rare moment of tranquility.

Uchiha Madara sat boldly in the middle, casually tossing a piece of kindling into the fire. "Your second brother said you had something to discuss?"

Yan Hong nodded. "Brother, we destroyed the Heno River. The Senju Clan will either fight or retreat. This war has lasted for decades, and everyone has grown weary of it, so the Senju Clan will most likely choose a final battle with us."

At that, Yan Hong paused and looked seriously into Madara's eyes. "Brother, in this final battle, regardless of who wins or loses, neither side will truly wipe out the other. The cost of doing so would be too great for anyone to bear. In the end, both sides will definitely make peace and cease hostilities. When that happens, what do we do?"

The air fell into a brief silence. Izuna opened his mouth, about to say something, but after seeing Yan Hong give him a look, he closed it again resentfully.

Crackle—

Sparks scattered from the bonfire with sharp popping sounds. Madara's gaze was deep and dark; he clearly understood what Yan Hong was trying to say.

The outcome of the war between the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan depended largely on the battle between Madara and Hashirama. Their combat strength had clearly created a vast gap between themselves and everyone below them. Either one of them could practically sweep through all the remaining forces on the opposing side alone!

Though he did not want to admit it, Madara knew that Hashirama had already pulled ahead of him.

"Hashirama and I have always shared an idea." Madara finally spoke. "To establish a ninja village in the Land of Fire. If the war truly ends, Hashirama will definitely try to persuade me to build the village with him."

Izuna immediately grew anxious. "Build a village with the Senju Clan? What kind of joke is that? So many of our clansmen have died..."

"I know." Madara raised a hand to interrupt Izuna, then continued, "That was merely a childish idea from our youth. But Hashirama has always been that naïve. The hatred between our two clans runs too deep. There's no way to erase every grievance. And there can only be one leader of the village, who will most likely be Hashirama. Once the Senju Clan takes power, the Uchiha Clan will inevitably be marginalized and may eventually vanish from history."

Izuna agreed. "Exactly! We absolutely cannot reconcile with them. From what I know of Tobirama Senju, he probably can't wait for our Uchiha Clan to be wiped out!"

Madara ignored Izuna's indignation and turned to Yan Hong. "Since you asked that, you must have your own thoughts as well."

"Hah—"

Yan Hong took a deep breath, his expression solemn. "Brother, if we don't want to live under someone else's roof, why don't we establish ourselves independently?"

"I think the Uchiha Clan can build a village of our own!"