The dim light of the war chamber flickered across the polished stone walls as Madara Uchiha leaned over a map. His Sharingan glowed faintly, studying the intricate details of the region. The faint sound of crackling fire from the nearby torches echoed in the quiet chamber.
"So, the Hima clan has triumphed twice against the Shimura," he said, his tone calculated and cold. "And now, rumors are circulating that their leader, Akio, single-handedly fought and killed over a hundred Kaguya clan shinobi. Quite the tale."
Izuna Uchiha smirked as he leaned against a pillar. "A tale, indeed. The Kaguya are ruthless berserkers, not easily cowed. If the rumor holds even a grain of truth, this Akio is either extraordinarily skilled—or extraordinarily reckless."
An elder seated at the edge of the chamber coughed softly before speaking. "It's not just their victories that are concerning. The Hima clan's strategies have been… precise. Calculated. It feels as if they have a general steering their every move."
Madara's eyes sharpened. "A tactician. That explains much. But even so, a clan with their numbers and inexperience should not be capable of sustaining prolonged victories. It's intriguing."
Izuna raised an eyebrow. "Do you think they're worth keeping an eye on?"
Madara smirked. "We observe. For now, their victories serve only to delay the inevitable. The Shimura or the Kaguya will overwhelm them in time. But if this 'general' truly exists, I'd like to see them in action. It's rare for someone to make the Uchiha curious."
Izuna chuckled softly, the sound low and dangerous. "And if the Hima keep winning?"
"Then we'll decide if they're worth testing," Madara said, his voice like a blade cutting through the still air.
...….
The soft murmur of a nearby stream filled the clearing as Hashirama and Tobirama Senju sat under the shade of a massive tree. A map was spread out before them, pinned down by small stones.
Hashirama grinned, leaning back on his hands. "The Hima clan, eh? Two victories against the Shimura and now rumors that their leader, Akio, took down over a hundred Kaguya warriors alone. What do you think, Tobirama?"
Tobirama, his expression sharp and thoughtful, traced a finger over the map. "I think it's likely an exaggeration. But even if he defeated half that number, it speaks to his strength. The Kaguya are no ordinary clan—they're relentless. To stand against them and live is no small feat."
Hashirama chuckled. "See? You do respect them a little."
Tobirama gave him a sidelong glance. "Don't get carried away. Respect isn't the same as admiration. I've crossed paths with one of their ninjas before. They're competent—disciplined, even. But their numbers are too few. They can't afford to make mistakes."
"Competent, disciplined, and now leading a series of victories," Hashirama said with a teasing grin. "Sounds like you're secretly rooting for them."
Tobirama frowned, his sharp tone cutting through the banter. "I'm not rooting for anyone. I'm stating facts. If they continue this streak, it will draw attention from more than just the Shimura. They'll need more than discipline to survive."
Hashirama sighed, his gaze softening. "I don't know, Tobirama. There's something inspiring about it. A smaller clan, fighting against the odds, making waves in this chaotic era."
Tobirama rolled his eyes. "This is war, not one of your idealistic daydreams, brother. They might win battles, but without allies, their fate is sealed."
"Maybe," Hashirama said with a mischievous smile. "Or maybe they'll surprise you. You've already admitted they've earned a bit of your respect. That's rare."
Tobirama groaned, standing up and brushing off his robes. "You're impossible, Hashirama. Let's focus on our own plans. The Hima clan's fate is their own concern—for now."
Hashirama laughed, his voice carrying over the stream. "You're all business as always. One day, I'll convince you to have a little faith in people."
Tobirama snorted. "Good luck with that."
...….
The frost-encrusted hall of the Yuki clan glimmered in the soft light of the morning sun. Ice sculptures of past leaders lined the grand chamber, their faces stern and resolute, watching over the present-day discussions. Lord Hiroshi Yuki sat atop his throne of carved ice, his piercing gaze sweeping across the gathered advisors and elders. The air in the chamber was cold, both from the temperature and the tension of the debate.
"Rumors of the Hima clan's victories have reached far and wide," said Elder Yukimura, a seasoned advisor with streaks of silver in his dark hair. "Two battles won against the Shimura, and now we hear that Akio, their leader, has slain over a hundred Kaguya warriors alone. These are not ordinary feats."
A younger advisor, Renji, crossed his arms, his voice skeptical. "Rumors, Yukimura. Stories meant to intimidate their enemies and rally their allies. The Kaguya are savage, yes, but they are also reckless. It wouldn't take a hundred to make such a tale believable—twenty could suffice."
Elder Tomoe, a woman known for her sharp judgment, interjected. "The Hima clan's victories cannot be dismissed as mere luck or exaggeration. The Shimura underestimated them, yes, but their strategies were sound, their execution precise. Their general, whoever he is, deserves recognition."
Renji frowned. "Even if their victories are real, what does that mean for us? We have no alliance with the Hima clan. Why should we risk involving ourselves in their war? The Shimura and Kaguya will bleed each other dry eventually."
Tomoe turned to him, her gaze cold. "And when the Kaguya finish with the Hima, who do you think they will turn to next? If we stand idly by and let the Kaguya grow unchecked, it will be our people who suffer."
The debate raged on, voices overlapping as the advisors argued the merits and risks of aiding the Hima clan. Hiroshi remained silent, his icy blue eyes fixed on the ornate table before him, where a map of the region lay unfurled.
Finally, he raised a hand, and the chamber fell into silence. "Enough," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Both sides of this argument hold merit. The Hima clan has proven themselves capable, but whether they are worthy of our aid is another matter entirely."
He stood, the frost on his robes catching the light as he paced slowly. "Yamamoto of the Hima clan came to us weeks ago, warning of the Kaguya's advance. We dismissed him, citing a lack of evidence. Now, his warning aligns with these rumors of Akio's battle. If nothing else, the Hima have shown they are not to be underestimated."
Yukimura bowed his head slightly. "What do you propose, my lord?"
Hiroshi turned to face the gathered council, his expression resolute. "The Kaguya are a threat to us all. If the Hima clan can hold them back, they are an asset we cannot ignore. We will offer our assistance—but cautiously. A token force will suffice for now, enough to show our intent without overcommitting."
Renji hesitated but ultimately bowed. "If that is your decision, Lord Hiroshi, I will not oppose it."
The other elders nodded in agreement, their voices murmuring their assent.
Hiroshi's gaze hardened. "We cannot afford to stand divided. Send word to Yamamoto. Tell him the Yuki clan will lend its aid to the Hima. And bring him here—I wish to hear his assessment of the situation firsthand."
A young ninja stepped forward from the shadows, bowing deeply. "I will deliver the message personally, my lord."
Hiroshi nodded, his voice steady. "Go quickly. Time is of the essence."
As the ninja vanished from the hall, Hiroshi turned back to his advisors. "The Hima have shown their strength. Let us see if they can prove their wisdom as well."
The frost-covered chamber grew quiet once more as the Yuki clan prepared to make their move.
The Yuki clan have officially entered the war.