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More than a month had passed since the tense events surrounding Uzumaki Mito. Izuna, as the deputy chief of the Uchiha clan, busied himself daily with administrative duties and preparations for future conflicts. However, his evenings brought solace, as Mito would personally bring him warm meals and gently massage his shoulders and temples.
After their routine moments of quiet intimacy, Izuna often found himself holding Mito close, cherishing their tender moments. However, as dusk settled one evening and he embraced Mito, savoring her lips, a voice came from outside the door.
"Deputy Chief, the Clan Leader has called an emergency meeting," Uchiha Ise announced.
Izuna sighed, reluctantly breaking away from Mito's lips. "Understood. Wait for me in the conference hall," he replied with thinly veiled disappointment.
Mito smoothed her hair, slightly disheveled from Izuna's embrace, and rolled her eyes playfully. After fixing Izuna's attire, she smiled softly, stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek, and watched him leave.
Left alone, Mito's thoughts wandered. Despite Izuna's advances, he never pushed her to take their relationship further, respecting her emotions. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder, Is it time to take the next step?
Izuna arrived last, his calm demeanor betraying no urgency. Despite his tardiness, no one, save Madara, seemed bothered. The other senior members exchanged knowing smiles, understanding the reasons behind Izuna's delay. Madara, on the other hand, looked characteristically stoic.
"This is an urgent matter investigated by the Secret Investigation Department," Madara began as he stood and unveiled a map marked with several red circles.
"The clans located in these areas—have been secretly transporting food to the Senju clan," Madara announced, his tone filled with frustration.
Izuna's relaxed expression turned serious as he studied the map. "So, the Senju are securing resources to circumvent the autumn harvest timeline," he muttered.
"Exactly," Uchiha Inosuke, the head of the Investigation Department, added. "They are creating a supply chain through these smaller clans. If left unchecked, their next target will likely be…"
"Hatake," Izuna concluded.
The Hatake clan, though small, was renowned for its exceptional swordsmanship and mastery of Lightning Release techniques. They were a formidable force, even in the Warring States Period.
However, Izuna's thoughts shifted uneasily to Kaguya. The proximity of Kaguya's territory to Senju's land and Uzumaki's alliance posed an additional risk.
"Kaguya cannot be ignored," Izuna stated firmly. "Hashirama's idealism knows no bounds. If he managed to negotiate with Kaguya, it could tip the scales against us."
Madara shared Izuna's concern, his expression darkening. "If Hatake and Kaguya join forces with the Senju, their collective strength will surpass ours."
The room grew tense as the implications sank in. While the Uchiha clan held immense power, the prospect of a Senju-led coalition was a significant threat.
"We must act preemptively," Izuna declared. "Divide our forces. We target both Hatake and Kaguya simultaneously to disrupt any alliances before they solidify."
Madara nodded but frowned slightly. "Agreed. However, the question is: who handles which target?"
"I'll deal with Kaguya," Izuna offered. "They are stronger than Hatake, and their unpredictability makes them more dangerous. Brother, you should handle Hatake."
Madara's eyes narrowed. "No. I'll face Kaguya. You take Hatake."
Izuna raised an eyebrow. "Brother, Kaguya requires a more delicate approach. They're more likely to engage in combat than negotiate. I'm better suited for—"
"I said no!" Madara interrupted, his voice resolute. "You've handled every major conflict for the clan recently. It's my turn. As the Clan Leader, I cannot let you bear the heaviest burdens alone."
The room fell silent as the brothers locked eyes, each unwilling to back down. Finally, Izuna sighed. "Fine, you take Kaguya. But don't underestimate them. They're cunning and dangerous."
Madara smirked, his confidence unshaken. "I wouldn't dream of it."
End of the Chapter.