After several days of discussion, the Uchiha finally decided to attack the Hyuga Clan, which lay in the southern Land of Fire, bordering the Uchiha Clan's southwestern territory.
"With the Byakugan's reconnaissance capabilities, a frontal assault would clearly be our worst option. Does anyone have a better strategy?"
Uchiha Tajima posed the question to the clan's four elders and several Elite Jōnin.
A gleam flashed in Second Elder Uchiha Motoi's eyes. "I do have an idea, but I'm afraid you may not be willing to make the sacrifice, Clan Head."
The Second Elder's words piqued everyone's interest. Tajima waved a hand. "Speak freely, Motoi."
"As long as it benefits the clan and reduces our casualties, there is nothing I, Uchiha Tajima, cannot give up. Even if you need my life, you may take it!"
At those words, Uchiha Motoi exchanged a discreet glance with the Uchiha Third Elder.
"Since the Hyuga insist on hiding in their shells, why don't we lure them out? Let me ask you all: why did the Hyuga and Senju launch a surprise attack on Ueno Camp?"
The Third Elder immediately caught his meaning and played along. "Naturally, it was to hunt down our younger generation. After all, they are our clan's future."
"Even if we win in the present, if we lose our future, the Uchiha Clan will still be swept away by this brutal era of warring states!"
Every Elite Jōnin Uchiha present wholeheartedly agreed with the Third Elder.
Uchiha Tajima slammed his hand on the table. "Your words echo my own thoughts, Third Elder. But... what does that have to do with taking revenge on the Hyuga?"
"Are you suggesting we give them a taste of their own medicine and organize elite squads to assassinate the Hyuga's younger generation?"
Second Elder Motoi smiled faintly. "Not at all!"
"Since the Hyuga consider the future of the Uchiha so important, and they refuse to come out of hiding, why don't we use our future to lure them out?"
The Fourth Elder hesitated. He had only just shouldered the main responsibility for the Battle of Ueno's defeat, and now they were planning to put the younger generation in danger again. Deep down, he felt this was wrong.
Before he could speak, the Second Elder continued, "Of course, the young person we choose should have some ability to defend himself."
"Even if our elite ninja lying in ambush on the perimeter cannot reach him in time, he should still have a chance of surviving."
"After all, even the most perfect plan can go awry. What do you think, Clan Head?"
By this point, Uchiha Tajima knew exactly what the Second Elder had in mind.
The Uchiha were supposed to have five elders. If all five joined forces, they could even remove him as clan head.
There were only four elders now because, after the Fifth Elder died in battle, Uchiha Tajima had never nominated another Elite Jōnin to fill the position.
"Are you suggesting we use Madara as bait, Second Elder?"
The Fourth Elder hurriedly spoke up. "Absolutely not! Madara is the Young Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan. With such strength at his young age, his future is boundless."
Second Elder Motoi glanced at the Fourth Elder. "It is precisely because Madara is the Young Clan Leader that the Hyuga will have no choice but to take the bait. Even if they know it is a trap, they will still act, won't they?"
The Uchiha First Elder, who had remained silent until now, glanced at Second Elder Motoi, then at the calm-faced Third Elder and the anxious Fourth Elder.
He spoke slowly. "I believe luring the enemy out is a viable strategy, but using Madara as bait would be too dangerous."
"In the Battle of Ueno, Uchiha Jing Xiu also distinguished himself by killing the Hyuga Jōnin Hyuga Chenxi. And Hyuga Chenxi was the son of the Hyuga Clan's First Elder."
"With his status as the Uchiha Clan Head's son, coupled with their hatred over Hyuga Chenxi's death, I believe the Hyuga Clan will still make a move."
"Besides, Uchiha Jing Xiu is only five years old. Even if the Hyuga act, they will not send an overly powerful force. By my estimate, they would send at most one Elite Jōnin or two Jōnin."
Uchiha Tajima considered this for a long while before making his decision. "Then Uchiha Jing Xiu will serve as bait. As my son, he should have been prepared from birth to sacrifice himself for the clan!"
The next day, while Jing Xiu was peacefully training at home, a masked Hidden Ninja whose face was difficult to make out came to see him.
The Uchiha's Hidden Ninja were the clan's protective force, answering only to the Uchiha Clan Head. Their duties and abilities closely resembled those of Konoha's future ANBU.
Uchiha Madara, who was also training in his room, abruptly opened his eyes when he sensed the Hidden Ninja's presence. His scarlet two tomoe eyes seemed to pierce through the layers of wooden doors, staring straight at the Hidden Ninja standing before Jing Xiu.
The loss of his three younger brothers in the battle at Ueno had dealt Madara Uchiha a devastating emotional blow. His deep love for them had caused his eyes to evolve from one tomoe to two tomoe.
Jing Xiu had been somewhat surprised when he first saw Madara's two tomoe eyes. After all, in the original story, Madara had only had one tomoe when he met Hashirama.
After a few uses of the Body Flicker Technique, Madara appeared in front of Jing Xiu, blocking the Hidden Ninja's view. "Has Father assigned a mission?"
Though the Hidden Ninja's eyes were full of respect at the sight of Madara, he remained strictly professional. "This mission is for Uchiha Jing Xiu. You have no authority to interfere!"
Madara's two tomoe rotated slowly. Although the Hidden Ninja also possessed two tomoe, he did not dare meet Madara's gaze.
"Choose your words again!"
"As the Uchiha's Young Clan Leader, I believe you must have been in such a hurry to get here that you overlooked something!"
Despite having fought countless battles, the Hidden Ninja felt as though he were facing Uchiha Tajima himself under the pressure Madara exuded.
"Enough! Madara, stand down! This has nothing to do with you!"
Uchiha Tajima arrived home at that moment, easing the tension while taking the opportunity to instruct Madara Uchiha.
"The Clan Hidden Ninja represent the clan head's will. As the Young Clan Leader, you should uphold that authority, not undermine it!"
Madara tried to say more, but Tajima snapped, "I told you to stand down! Didn't you hear me?"
Madara gave Jing Xiu a worried glance, then returned to his room, his eyes brimming with resentment.
Hiding on the second floor, Izuna had naturally witnessed everything. He grumbled inwardly, Honestly, Father! Why does he have to be so harsh with our eldest brother?
I wonder what mission Jing Xiu is going on. Why does only Jing Xiu get a mission, while I don't?
Uchiha Tajima looked at Jing Xiu expressionlessly. "This mission is crucial. As my son, I trust you understand what you must do!"
"Remember! An Uchiha may die in battle, but never be taken prisoner."
"But you needn't worry. I will personally lead a force to lie in ambush on the perimeter. As long as you can hold out for ten minutes, I will ensure your safety!"
Uchiha Jing Xiu looked at the mission document, then at his "father"-a clan head willing to send his own son to his death for the clan's glory.
"I need to prepare some Ninja Tools. How much support can the clan provide?"
Uchiha Tajima raised an eyebrow. "As long as it helps you complete the mission, you may take your pick from the clan's storehouse!"
"But I must remind you that the Hyuga's Byakugan can see through objects. Carrying too many supplies would undoubtedly increase the risk of exposing our plan."
Uchiha Jing Xiu nodded. "What reward will I receive if I complete this mission?"