The battle continued under an uneasy truce, as Uchiha Izuna, one of the most powerful figures of the Sengoku era, watched silently from a tree branch. His mere presence was like a ticking time bomb—no one knew when he might explode or who would bear the brunt of his wrath.
Bang!
Kaguya Manro's bone spur clashed against Uzumaki Guanghai's diamond chain. Manro staggered back but quickly prepared for another assault. Before he could strike, Kaguya Takeri, standing close by, whispered urgently, "Clan leader, Senju Hashirama will send reinforcements soon. We must end this quickly. The best way is…"
"To ally with Uchiha?" Manro's sharp eyes narrowed.
"Exactly," Takeri nodded firmly.
Kaguya Manro hesitated briefly before shouting toward Izuna. "Deputy Clan Leader Izuna! If all you want is Uzumaki Mito, why not make this simple? Once our two clans capture Uzushio Village, Mito will naturally be yours. Additionally, we'll share half of Uzushio's resources with Uchiha. Isn't this the best of both worlds?"
This declaration sent ripples of shock through the Uzumaki and Senju forces. The logic behind Manro's words seemed undeniable: if Izuna's goal was solely Mito, allying with Kaguya to conquer Uzushio Village would achieve it without further conflict.
On his branch, Izuna feigned a look of realization, stroking his chin as if considering the offer. His mock deliberation sent chills through the Uzumaki forces.
A Jonin from Uzumaki's side shouted desperately, "Great Elder! Let's agree to Uchiha Izuna's terms before it's too late!"
This triggered a fierce backlash from the Senju.
"Ridiculous! Mito is promised to our Clan Leader Hashirama!" one Senju ninja roared.
"Is Uzumaki betraying the alliance that has protected them for centuries?" another accused.
"Enough!" an Uzumaki Jonin snapped. "Uchiha Izuna's army wouldn't have reached our village without passing through Senju's territory. This is clearly a failure on Senju's part!"
"Well said!"
"If Senju had done their job, Uchiha wouldn't be here!"
"If Uzushio Village falls, does it even matter who Mito marries?"
The Uzumaki forces turned their frustration on the Senju, fueling a growing internal conflict.
Kaguya Manro laughed coldly. "So this is the famed alliance of Uzumaki and Senju? How laughable!"
Even Uzumaki Guanghai's face darkened as he observed the fracturing morale. Uzumaki Hikaru leaned closer and whispered, "Great Elder, we have no choice. Agree to Uchiha Izuna's terms. If Kaguya and Uchiha unite, Uzushio Village won't last half a day."
Guanghai's wrinkled face twisted with anguish. "Do you understand the consequences? This will destroy our alliance with the Senju."
"Great Elder," Hikaru said solemnly, "if Uzushio is destroyed, does it matter who Mito marries? Without a clan, there is no alliance."
Kaguya Manro, sensing victory, sneered, "Yes, Great Elder. When Uzushio falls, who Mito marries will be meaningless."
Guanghai's shoulders slumped. He seemed to age decades in a moment. Gritting his teeth, he finally whispered, "So be it. We'll agree to Izuna's terms."
Hikaru nodded and shouted toward Izuna. "Deputy Clan Leader Izuna, the Great Elder agrees to betroth Mito to you! Now, please help us repel the Kaguya clan!"
Gasps of disbelief rippled through the battlefield. The Senju ninjas stood stunned, unable to refute the Uzumaki decision despite their anger.
Izuna smirked. "I didn't quite catch that. Great Elder, would you mind declaring it yourself? Loudly, so everyone can hear."
Guanghai's expression darkened further. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, but he eventually roared, "Fine! I agree! If you help us defeat the Kaguya clan, Uzumaki Mito will be betrothed to you!"
The battlefield fell silent for a moment before Izuna's laughter broke through.
"Hahaha! People truly are cheap!" Izuna's laughter was sharp and unrestrained as he leaped from the branch, landing between the Uzumaki and Kaguya forces.
All eyes were on him as he prepared to end the battle on his terms.
End of the Chapter.