Land of Fire, Senju Clan Grounds.
Inside the largest tent at the center, a young man with long black hair and a resolute face sat cross-legged before a desk. He wore a black fitted combat uniform beneath layered red armor, the Senju Clan emblem engraved on the armor over his left shoulder. At the moment, he was studying the report in his hands with complete focus.
As if sensing something, the young man set down the scroll and looked toward the tent flap.
A moment later, the flap was lifted from outside, revealing Tobirama's travel-worn figure.
"Tobirama? You're injured?" The young man frowned, concern evident in his voice.
"I'm fine." Tobirama waved a hand. The wound on his shoulder had clearly received some basic treatment. "Brother, you already know, don't you? The Heno River was destroyed by the Uchiha Clan."
"Yes, but fortunately, there were no casualties." Hashirama tried to reassure 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 lines have been completely cut off. There are only two paths before us now: either we stake everything on one final battle with the Uchiha Clan, or we withdraw and defend, cede part of our territory, and resume a prolonged war. But no matter which we choose, we've already lost the initiative."
Hashirama sighed. "This war has lasted far too long. There have already been too many casualties. It's time for it to end."
Tobirama gave a cold snort at that. "And whose fault is that? How many times did we have the chance to secure victory? Every one of them was squandered because you couldn't bear to finish them off."
Clang—
Hashirama immediately slumped, as though all color had drained from him.
"Sigh." Tobirama had long since grown accustomed to Hashirama's personality. "Since you've made up your mind, Brother, we need to prepare for the final battle in advance. Our remaining provisions can last another month. The decisive battle will take place one month from now. Brother, don't go showing mercy again this time."
"Tobirama, I never intended to wipe out the Uchiha Clan. You know my dream: to establish a shinobi village that can accommodate every clan, including the Uchiha Clan."
"Brother, the Uchiha Clan is an extreme clan ruled by its emotions. They won't be easy to control. Besides, I don't think Uchiha Madara is the sort of man willing to serve under someone else."
Hashirama thought for a moment. "Actually, I want Madara to be the village's leader."
"Hmph. Even if you agree, the other clans won't." Tobirama shook his head, clearly unwilling to keep arguing with Hashirama over this. After all, it was not the first time. "Also, be careful of Uchiha Enkō."
Hashirama froze for a moment. "Uchiha Enkō? Madara's third younger brother?"
"Yes. He led this ambush. He's extremely meticulous, and his talent is no less than that of his two older brothers. Most importantly, his Mangekyō Sharingan ability 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, utterly unconcerned that his ninjutsu might be stolen. "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 outside. He looked up at the star-filled night sky, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. An ocular ability that seizes ninjutsu? Heh...
Land of Fire, Uchiha Clan Grounds.
A bonfire burned brightly, its flames dancing without rest like a crimson serpent winding through the night sky.
The three brothers sat around the fire, watching the flickering tongues of flame before them and savoring this rare moment of peace.
Uchiha Madara sat boldly in the middle, casually tossing a piece of firewood into the flames. "Your second brother said you had something to discuss?"
Enkō nodded. "Brother, we destroyed the Heno River. The Senju Clan will either fight or withdraw. This war has lasted for decades, and everyone is already weary of it, so the Senju Clan will most likely choose a decisive battle with us."
Enkō paused there 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 price would be too great for anyone to bear. In the end, both sides will definitely make peace and end the war. When that happens, what will we do?"
The air fell briefly silent. Izuna opened his mouth, about to say something, but after seeing Enkō give him a look, he closed it again with reluctance.
Crackle—
Sparks scattered from the bonfire with a series of sharp pops. Madara's gaze was deep and distant; he clearly understood what Enkō was trying to say.
In the war between the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan, a large part of the final outcome depended on the battle between Madara and Hashirama. The gap between those two and everyone below them was simply too vast. Either one of them could practically crush all the remaining opponents 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. "That is, to establish a shinobi village in the Land of Fire. If the war truly ends, Hashirama will certainly try to persuade me to build that village with him."
Izuna immediately grew anxious. "Build a village with the Senju Clan? What kind of joke is that? We've lost so many clansmen..."
"I know." Madara raised a hand to interrupt Izuna, then continued, "That was merely a childish dream from our youth. But Hashirama has always been that naive. The hatred between our two clans runs too deep. There is no way to erase all our grievances. And there can only be one leader of the village, who will most likely be Hashirama. Once the Senju Clan rises to power, the Uchiha Clan will inevitably be marginalized, and in the end, we may disappear from history altogether."
Izuna agreed. "Exactly. That's why we absolutely cannot reconcile with them. From what I know of Tobirama Senju, he would probably love nothing more than to see the Uchiha Clan exterminated!"
Madara ignored Izuna's indignation and turned to Enkō. "Since you asked that question, you must have your own idea as well."
"Whew—"
Enkō took a deep breath, his expression solemn. "Brother, if we do not want to live under someone else's roof, why don't we establish ourselves instead?"
"I think the Uchiha Clan can build a village of our own!"
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