In the forest a few miles east of Uzushio Village, a fierce battle raged on.
The Uzumaki and Senju forces, led by Uzumaki Guanghai, struggled to repel the relentless assault of the Kaguya clan. The Kaguya warriors, infamous for their bone-manipulation combat style, proved to be formidable opponents. Despite the Uzumaki and Senju's numerical superiority, the morale of their forces was significantly shaken.
Kaguya Manro, wielding bone spurs in both hands, faced Uzumaki Guanghai in close combat. His laughter echoed across the battlefield.
"Hahaha! Uzumaki Guanghai, you've thrown all your reserves at us, haven't you? Is this really the best your clan can do?"
Guanghai, blocking a strike with a sealing jutsu, frowned and countered, "What do you mean, Manro? Speak clearly!"
Manro laughed louder, his voice amplified with chakra so the entire battlefield could hear. "You think it's just my Kaguya clan attacking today? Let me tell you something! Uchiha is here too! While we assault you from the east, they're coming from the west. Your Uzumaki clan is finished!"
"What!?"
The announcement caused a ripple of panic among the Uzumaki and Senju forces. Their movements faltered, leaving openings for the Kaguya warriors to exploit. Blood splattered as Kaguya ninjas seized the moment to strike down countless enemies.
"Don't fall for their tricks!" Guanghai bellowed. "If Uchiha were coming, they'd have to break through the Senju and our western defenses. There's no way they could get here so quickly!"
"Hahaha!" Manro cackled, spinning a large bone spur from his shoulder. "You really are clueless, Guanghai. If my Kaguya clan could get this close without you noticing, why couldn't Uchiha do the same? That flare you saw earlier? It was a signal to Uchiha! They're likely storming your village as we speak!"
"Enough lies!" Guanghai roared, launching a sealing jutsu at Manro in a fit of rage.
"Hmph, angry because I'm right?" Manro taunted, countering with his Dance of the Camellia.
As their attacks were about to clash, a sudden sense of danger washed over the battlefield. Everyone froze, instinctively stepping back.
A sharp buzzing sound filled the air.
In the next instant, a massive Wind Release: Rasenshuriken descended, creating a devastating spiral storm with a diameter of 100 meters. The explosion obliterated everything within its range.
The surviving combatants, both Uzumaki and Kaguya, stared in shock at the destruction.
"This... this is Uchiha Izuna's..." Guanghai muttered.
A calm, mocking voice called out from the trees. "You dodged. Impressive. I expected no less from the Uzumaki's perception skills and Kaguya's physical prowess."
Everyone turned to see Izuna standing leisurely on a branch, smirking.
"Apologies for the interruption, Great Elder Guanghai," Izuna continued. "I wasn't trying to attack. I simply wanted to test your reflexes."
"Uchiha Izuna!?"
The battlefield erupted in murmurs of shock and fear.
Guanghai clenched his fists. "Damn it, the reports were true. Uchiha is here."
Kaguya Manro, however, was delighted. He called out, "Deputy Clan Leader Izuna! Since our two clans are both attacking Uzushio Village, why don't we work together? After we conquer the Uzumaki, we can divide their lands."
Guanghai face darkened. Even before the battle's conclusion, Kaguya dared to talk about splitting Uzushio's territory.
Izuna leaped down from the tree, strolling confidently to the battlefield's center. The combatants instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path for him.
"Oh, Chief Manro, your proposal is... tempting," Izuna said, feigning interest. "But unfortunately, I have to decline."
The Kaguya ninjas stiffened. Manro's expression darkened. "What do you mean by that, Deputy Clan Leader Izuna?"
Izuna smirked. "To be frank, Uzumaki has already reached an agreement with me. They've decided to marry their princess, Mito, to me as my wife. In return, I've agreed to help repel your attack."
The battlefield fell silent.
"On my wedding day, I'd rather not see bloodshed," Izuna added. "I suggest your Kaguya clan withdraw."
Manro's eyes bulged in disbelief. "You... you're lying!"
Before Manro could say more, Guanghai roared, "Nonsense! We'd never agree to such a thing!"
Izuna turned to Guanghai with a sly smile. "The Great Elder's opinion doesn't matter. I've already spoken with Princess Mito herself. It was her request that I assist your clan."
Guanghai's mind raced. "This... this is impossible! You must have coerced her!"
"Oh?" Izuna raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you'd rather let Kaguya destroy Uzushio than accept my help?"
To Guanghai's horror, Izuna wiped the corner of his mouth. A faint smear of lipstick remained—a color he instantly recognized.
Realizing what had transpired, Guanghai's fury erupted. "Mito is betrothed to Senju Hashirama! How dare you lay a hand on her!?"
Izuna's smirk faded slightly. With a flicker of movement, he returned to his perch on the tree branch.
"If that's your decision, Great Elder," Izuna said lazily, "then please, continue fighting. Chief Manro, I look forward to watching you tear through this old man."
End of the Chapter.