Chapter:202

Perhaps it was the end of the war that caused the heavy clouds to disperse, allowing the sky to clear.

For the past two days, both the Uchiha and Senju clans worked diligently to clean up the battlefield. The bodies of their fallen comrades were brought back to their respective clans for proper burial. Despite the air of solemnity, the battlefield of Congyun Mountain had an unusual calmness—an eerie, quiet truce.

Corpses of Uchiha and Senju ninjas were scattered across the field, mixed together in chaotic patterns of death. Occasionally, both sides would encounter each other as they went about their task of collecting their dead.

In any other time, Uchiha and Senju meeting like this would have sparked a fierce battle. But now, with orders issued by their respective leaders to refrain from fighting, the warriors had no choice but to suppress their hostility.

Even when the bodies to be recovered were lying side by side, forcing both clans to come within inches of each other, they simply ignored one another and continued their grim work. The bitter hatred was buried, if only temporarily.

For a century, the Uchiha and Senju clans had stood on opposing sides. Yet here they were, standing together, if not in peace, then at least in a fragile truce.

Atop a cliff overlooking the entire Congyun Mountain battlefield, three figures stood silently—Uchiha Izuna, Uchiha Madara, and Senju Hashirama.

"It would be wonderful if this scene could last forever," Hashirama murmured, his voice full of hope as he watched the two sides coexist, even if only briefly.

"If their hearts are not truly aligned, what's the point of continuing this farce?" Izuna retorted coldly, breaking the momentary peace with his sharp words.

Hashirama's face twitched at the negativity in Izuna's tone. "You're still as cynical as ever," he muttered.

Madara smirked, his arms crossed. "Have you told him about your plan yet, Izuna?"

Hashirama immediately perked up, his demeanor shifting from sulking to hopeful. "Yes, he told me! It's a brilliant plan, even if I dislike the idea of deception."

"Innocent fool," Madara scoffed, shaking his head at Hashirama's idealism. Then, turning serious, he added, "We'll act on it once we've returned to our respective clans."

Overjoyed, Hashirama slapped Madara on the shoulder. "Madara! I knew you hadn't given up on our shared dream!"

Madara flinched, his expression shifting awkwardly. "Don't get the wrong idea," he said hastily, brushing Hashirama's hand off his shoulder. "I'm simply tired of fighting. But mark my words—if not for those parasites from the major clans, I would have crushed you long ago and created peace my way."

Hashirama chuckled at Madara's flustered demeanor, his laughter filled with affection rather than mockery. It was an odd exchange, one that only friends who had faced life and death together could understand.

Izuna, however, had no patience for it. Rolling his eyes at their sentimentality, he used the Body Flicker Technique to leave, declaring, "I refuse to listen to this nonsense."

Two more days passed. The grim task of cremating the fallen and returning their ashes to their clans was completed. On the final day, Izuna and Madara stood atop the walls of Baili Stone City, watching as the Senju Alliance retreated.

Madara waited until their figures disappeared on the horizon before speaking. "What's next, Izuna? What are you thinking?"

"Next, we target the Hyuga. Black Zetsu showed up in their territory, and I won't rest until I've uncovered every trace of that monster." Izuna's tone was resolute, his eyes narrowing.

Madara frowned. "Black Zetsu—the one who manipulated Hyuga Tenzong?"

Izuna nodded. "It's not control so much as manipulation. He used Tenzong as a pawn to try and kill me. That thing is more dangerous than any clan."

Madara considered this, his expression serious. "With our current forces, taking on the Hyuga Alliance won't be easy. After the Senju Alliance, they're the most populous and powerful group left in the Warring States."

Izuna sighed but agreed. "I'll send an infiltration team to investigate, though their Byakugan will make it difficult."

Madara suddenly turned and started walking toward the city. "In the meantime, I'll focus on mastering the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. I've seen the gap between me and Hashirama, and I won't let it stay that way."

Izuna smirked, watching his brother's retreating figure. "As expected of Uchiha Madara," he muttered. "He can't stand the idea of being second to anyone."

The journey back to the Uchiha clan's territory took more than a week due to the sheer number of urns being transported. Upon their arrival, the ashes were distributed to the bereaved families, who mourned their loved ones in heartbreaking silence. The sorrow and despair of his people weighed heavily on Izuna's heart.

"Since when did I become so sentimental?" Izuna muttered to himself as he walked back to his mansion. He rubbed his chest, trying to shake off the pang of sadness.

When he first traveled to this world, he didn't care about the lives of the Uchiha clan beyond Madara. But somewhere along the way, he'd come to see them as his people, his responsibility. Now, even the idea of peace for the entire ninja world didn't seem so far-fetched.

"Perhaps I've spent too much time with Madara and Hashirama," he murmured, taking a deep breath.

As he entered his home, a familiar voice greeted him. "Izuna, welcome home."

He looked up to see Mito, her light red dress accentuating her gentle and graceful demeanor. She exuded the essence of a perfect Yamato Nadeshiko as she approached him with a warm smile.

Izuna's lips curled into a rare, genuine smile. Without a word, he walked up to her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and lifted her off the ground, spinning her in a circle.

"Really, I'm not a child..." Mito began to scold, but her words were cut off as Izuna leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss.

For a moment, Mito froze in surprise. Then, her eyes fluttered closed, and she returned his kiss softly.

When Izuna finally pulled back, he pressed his forehead against hers and whispered, "I'm back, Mito."

"Hmm," she hummed softly, her cheeks tinged with pink.

Still holding her hand, Izuna allowed her to help him change out of his armor and into more comfortable clothes. The two of them stayed close, enjoying the rare moment of peace and warmth.

After a while, Izuna spoke up suddenly. "Mito, do you want to get married now?"

"Eh!?" Mito's eyes widened in shock, her face turning red.

End of the Chapter.