Read Chapter's Ahead in Patreon.
The battlefield, where Izuna was stationed, demanded careful tactical planning. But over at Congyun Mountain, Madara's approach was entirely different. Known for his fierce, direct combat style, Madara wasted no time with elaborate strategy. The flatter terrain of Congyun Mountain allowed for a straightforward offensive, and Madara took full advantage. His Mangekyō Sharingan, coupled with advanced techniques Izuna had shared, made his power nearly insurmountable. For Senju Tobirama, this was a nightmare—Madara's mastery of the Mangekyō was a direct counter to his Flying Thunder God technique.
Yet, on the battlefield, there was Senju Hashirama to contend with. While Madara's Sharingan could counter Tobirama's speed, it couldn't suppress Hashirama's Wood Release. With a single move, Hashirama could reshape the battlefield, altering landscapes in a way even Madara's Susanoo couldn't rival. And Madara's Mangekyō, with its heavy side effects, was not suited for prolonged fights. Unlike Izuna, Madara had no solution to mitigate these severe drawbacks.
In a recent letter, Izuna had suggested a possible answer. He wrote to Madara that Sage Mode could counteract the strain of the Mangekyō. Madara was intrigued; the side effects had indeed been a significant limitation. But learning Sage Mode required a guide—a high-level Uzumaki ninja, to be specific. Unfortunately, the only person capable of such instruction, Uzumaki Mito, was currently with Izuna.
Even Izuna couldn't directly ask Mito to train Madara, as this would mean risking her loyalty to her clan and putting her at odds with her family. Instead, Izuna urged Madara to pace himself in battle, promising to find a way to resolve things on his end swiftly and join him on the battlefield.
As for Madara's immediate problem, Izuna devised a compromise. He proposed that Mito teach him Uzumaki sealing techniques, which he could then relay to Madara to support his chakra control and extend his endurance in battle. At first, Mito was hesitant; the sealing techniques were a closely guarded clan secret. But after much persuasion—and several rounds of Mito's "pink fist" protests—she relented, trusting Izuna enough to bend clan tradition for him.
As Izuna was finalizing his plans, a breathless Uchiha Retsu burst into his tent, his face dusty and bruised. "Deputy Leader, the first defensive wall has been breached by the Senju forces. Their leader… it's Uzumaki Guanghai!"
Izuna's expression turned serious. "Guanghai himself?"
Retsu nodded, struggling to catch his breath. "Yes. He brought a force of about two hundred Uzumaki ninjas, led personally by him. The information aligns with what we have from the clan leader."
Izuna's mind raced. It made sense—Guanghai's precious granddaughter, Mito, was here, and word of her capture would have reached the Senju. It was no surprise that Guanghai, desperate to recover Mito, would change battlefronts to settle the score.
"Retsu," Izuna said calmly, "gather all clan members not assigned to the defensive force. I'll handle Uzumaki Guanghai personally."
Moments later, Izuna and his two hundred-strong force made their way to the front lines. He recalled Mito's advice about Uzumaki ninjas. When engaging them, the first priority was to target their medics; otherwise, their healing techniques would prolong the fight indefinitely.
As Izuna arrived, he observed the Uchiha forces attempting to push back a wave of red-haired Uzumaki warriors with a barrage of fire techniques. However, as the flames subsided, the Uzumaki forces stood unharmed, protected by an almost invisible barrier.
Izuna's Sharingan analyzed the scene, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the technique. "Sealing Technique: Space Separation," he muttered. This was no ordinary defense; it was akin to the Senju's Rashomon, capable of shielding against even large-scale fire attacks.
Suddenly, a powerful gust surged from the enemy's flank. "Wind Release: Gale Palm!" The Uchiha forces turned in alarm as Senju Kawaragi's forces emerged on their right.
Reacting quickly, Retsu sprang forward and countered with "Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!" Flames clashed with wind, creating a storm of swirling embers that temporarily halted the Senju advance.
The arrival of both Uzumaki and Senju forces created a tense atmosphere among the Uchiha troops. Their defenses were stretched thin, and morale was slipping under the weight of the combined assault.
Amid the chaos, a booming voice rose above the clamor. "Uchiha Izuna! Surrender Mito and your forces! I promise no harm will come to the Uchiha if you comply."
Izuna stepped forward, calling back in a voice filled with chakra, "Elder Guanghai, the noble princess enjoys only the finest treatment with us! Mito and I share a bond that transcends the battlefield." With a mocking bow, he added, "Join forces with us, and let the Uchiha and Uzumaki become family. Together, we can crush the Senju!"
Kawaragi's scowl twisted into a smirk at the absurd suggestion, but Uzumaki Guanghai's reaction was explosive. "You insolent brat! You'll pay for those words!"
Seething, Guanghai activated one of the Uzumaki's most formidable sealing techniques, "Adamantine Sealing Chains!" Gleaming, golden chains shot up from the ground, moving like serpents toward Izuna.
Izuna's eyes sharpened. He knew this technique well. The chains could bind even a tailed beast's chakra, effectively paralyzing the victim. Realizing the gravity of the attack, he activated his Mangekyō Sharingan, and in an instant, Susanoo materialized around him. The skeletal frame intercepted the chains, which wrapped around its bony structure, struggling to break through.
Izuna directed Susanoo to unleash an arrow of chakra directly at the advancing Uzumaki forces, creating an explosion that sent the golden chains reeling back momentarily. Guanghai, undeterred, regrouped his forces, his eyes burning with the fierce resolve of a man fighting for family.
Around Izuna, his clansmen battled tirelessly, trying to hold the lines against the overwhelming numbers. Retsu and other Uchiha elites used every skill at their disposal, but the combined assault from the Uzumaki's sealing techniques and Senju's coordinated elemental attacks was wearing them down.
"Uchiha Izuna!" Guanghai called again. "You have until the count of three to surrender, or I will show you the true strength of the Uzumaki's sealing arts!"
Izuna chuckled, feigning composure. "You underestimate the Uchiha, Elder Guanghai," he called back. "Try all you want, but we are ready to face anything."
As the Uzumaki elder began forming a new seal, Izuna's mind raced. This was a test of endurance and strategy, and though the situation was dire, he had one final plan. His gaze shifted to the perimeter of the battlefield. If he could lure the Uzumaki closer, into a chokepoint, he might be able to turn their own numbers against them.
Izuna took a deep breath, his Sharingan blazing. "All units, draw them closer to the cliffs! It's time to test the strength of their conviction!" As his words reached his comrades, a spark of hope reignited within the Uchiha forces. Following their leader, they began a tactical retreat toward the rocky outcrops, preparing for one last stand.
(End of the Chapter).
🖤Ye Qingtian| Patreon🖤
Visit our Patreon for more:
https://www.patreon.com/YeQingtian.
Extra Content Already Available