Chapter:182

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Although Izuna had already reviewed the Hyuga clan's information, the half-month journey was so monotonous that he decided to have Uchiha Sashu read the intelligence scroll aloud again.

What surprised Izuna the most was that the Hyuga clan of this era had not yet divided into the "main family" and "branch family."

In his previous life, Izuna had always found the Hyuga's system of division baffling. Why would a clan intentionally split itself? None of the other great clans—Uchiha, Senju, or Sarutobi—had ever implemented such a structure.

After careful research, Izuna began to see some clues.

For over a hundred years, the Hyuga had been the largest clan in the Warring States Period in terms of population and the number of affiliated clans. Their main allies were the Inuzuka and Aburame clans, both of which specialized in controlling animals.

This alliance made Izuna think of Team 8 in the future, led by Kurenai Yuhi, which consisted of members from these three clans. It seemed their cooperation had deep historical roots.

The Hyuga also had several subordinate clans. Among them were familiar names like the Moonlight and Shiranui clans, both of which would later appear in Konoha. There were also smaller clans, such as the Akame, Iga, and Yamashiro, whose names Izuna had never encountered in the future.

Combined, these clans made up a force of over 5,000 ninjas. While there might have been some exaggeration in the numbers, it was still a staggering force.

This network of clans surrounded the Hyuga, forming a protective barrier. Any enemy hoping to attack the Hyuga would have to break through this outer ring first.

As Izuna reflected on these dynamics, the caravan approached its destination: Hyuga Castle.

The name might have been simple, but Hyuga Castle was one of the largest cities of the Warring States Period. The surrounding area was guarded by five subordinate clans, with the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame at the center.

"What an impressive place," Izuna muttered as he pulled back the curtain of his carriage to observe the towering castle.

By comparison, the Uchiha's territory seemed more like a small village.

"Hmph," Uchiha Yanhuo sneered beside him. "They waste their mission rewards on this ostentatious display. No wonder the Hyuga have grown in numbers but not in strength."

Izuna chuckled. While Yanhuo's comment had a hint of "envy against the rich," there was some truth to it.

"Enter the city," Izuna ordered.

"Yes, sir."

The Uchiha's twenty-person delegation began moving toward the gates.

The castle's four gates—north, south, east, and west—were each guarded by one of the Hyuga's subordinate clans: the Moonlight, Akame, Iga, and Yamashiro clans.

The west gate, where Izuna's group arrived, was under the Iga clan's watch.

As the caravan approached, the Iga guards immediately noticed the Uchiha emblem on the carriages. Their expressions shifted to shock and alarm.

"Uchiha is really here," one Iga chunin whispered.

"Of course, they're trying to win Hyuga's support, just like Senju," another replied.

"But isn't it risky? Why would the Uchiha deputy leader come personally?"

The Iga leader barked at them, "Stop speculating. Focus!"

When the Uchiha caravan reached the gate, Yanhuo stepped forward and presented the invitation.

"The Uchiha clan has come to celebrate the birthday of Hyuga Tenzō-sama," Yanhuo announced, his tone sharp and authoritative.

The Iga jonin hesitated, his eyes darting toward the carriages. "We need to register the names and number of attendees."

Yanhuo's brow furrowed in irritation. "You dare make such demands of Uchiha?"

Izuna's calm voice came from within the carriage. "Register."

The deputy chief himself stepped out, drawing gasps from the Iga guards.

Izuna approached the ledger on the table, picked up the brush, and wrote: "Uchiha Izuna, Uchiha Yanhuo, and delegation."

After finishing, he set the brush down and glanced at the Iga jonin. "Will this suffice?"

"Of course, Deputy Chief Izuna," the jonin stammered, barely holding himself together.

The Iga guards were visibly shaken. One of the two most powerful figures of the Warring States Period had personally come to their city.

After the Uchiha entered the city, the Iga guards remained stunned.

"What is Uchiha Izuna thinking?" one guard murmured.

"I thought they'd send a jonin, not him," another replied.

"Isn't this dangerous for him? What if Senju attacks while he's here?"

A few hours later, another group of carriages approached. This time, the emblem of Senju—the crossed branches—was visible.

The guards braced themselves as the carriages stopped. A man stepped out, his masculine features framed by a gentle smile.

"Senju Hashirama of the Senju Clan has come to celebrate Hyuga Tenzō-sama's birthday," he announced warmly, bowing politely.

The Iga guards were speechless.

First Izuna, now Hashirama?

"Aren't they at war?" one guard whispered in disbelief.

Another muttered, "Why do they both have time to come here?"

The Iga jonin could only sigh. "Pray they don't start a fight here."

End of the Chapter.

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