Chapter 75: Cousin, Don’t Get Me Wrong, I Really Just Meant to Save You

The two brothers, fully geared up for battle, led a still-bewildered Gin sprinting through the forest outside the Uchiha compound.

It was the first time Gin had ever seen Izuna in full battlefield attire — a simple chest plate and armor, plus a katana nearly as tall as he was.

"Big brother is always hanging around with that watermelon-headed kid by the Naka River," Izuna said up front, his tone full of grievance.

"I actually suspect that boy is from the Senju clan," Tajima murmured to Gin as he ran alongside him, his gaze sharp and killing intent leaking through. "Yesterday, Madara already sensed that Izuna and I were onto him. That's why he left so early today. I just hope that boy hasn't tricked him completely."

So that's why Madara disappeared at the crack of dawn… he ran off to warn his little Hashirama.

"If he really is a Senju's son, then they've likely set up an ambush nearby. Be careful, Gin," Tajima advised, his strategist's mind already laying out scenarios.

"No problem," Gin replied with a nod.

"There! It's big brother."

The group stopped, hiding behind a tree by the riverbank. Through the branches, they saw young Madara and a boy on the opposite bank facing each other.

On the river's edge, Madara threw a stone he'd been holding for some time across to the other boy. The watermelon-headed boy threw an identical stone back. Both stones skimmed the water and landed neatly in the other's hand.

Madara's faint smile froze when he glanced at the writing on his stone. Across the river, Hashirama's expression also darkened.

"Hashirama, sorry… I can't play with you today," Madara said, waving as he turned away. "I just remembered something I have to do."

"…I see. Then I'll head back for now," Hashirama answered, hesitating before raising his hand in farewell.

The two boys turned and, almost simultaneously, dashed off in opposite directions.

"So fast. Are they trying to escape? That Hashirama really spilled the beans…"

On the far side, a hidden figure cursed under his breath and turned to a pale-haired boy beside him.

"Come on, Tobirama."

"Yes!" the white-haired boy replied, following close behind.

"They're trying to flee!"

Seeing Hashirama retreat, Tajima instantly guessed the Senju had been tipped off. He waved his hand.

"Gin, Izuna, after them!"

"Yes!" "On it~"

The brothers and Gin leapt after their quarry, their footsteps light as they charged.

The opposing group also noticed their pursuers and stopped mid-river, both sides now standing on the water and glaring at each other.

Splash—

The tense atmosphere was abruptly broken by the sound of someone falling into the water.

"…Sorry, sorry, I'm a little rusty," Gin said sheepishly, barely managing to stabilize himself as water dripped from his feet.

The silence that followed was deafening.

"So… it seems we had the same thought."

Tajima's Sharingan glowed, his jaw tight as he drew his blade and stared coldly at his opposite number.

"Senju Butsuma."

"And Tobirama!" Izuna added, his voice full of venom as he jabbed a finger at the white-haired boy, trying to salvage some Uchiha dignity.

"That's right… Uchiha Tajima," Butsuma replied, his own eyes narrowing, kunai at the ready.

"And Izuna."

Behind him, young Tobirama hoisted a massive sword on his shoulder, his crimson eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.

"Oi, little cousin," Gin murmured to Izuna at his side. "How do you know that sour-faced white-haired brat?"

"I've crossed blades with him many times on the battlefield," Izuna replied, still focused on his opponent but sparing his cousin an answer. "He's Butsuma's kid — Senju Tobirama."

"…Here we go."

As a single leaf drifted down, both sides moved at once.

Big versus big, little versus little.

Tajima went for Butsuma.

Izuna went for Tobirama. Their weapons clashed, spraying water in all directions.

"…And me?"

Gin stood there, the only one without an opponent.

He scanned the scene, then his gaze locked on the dazed watermelon-head boy. His eyes gleamed mischievously as he practically itched to pounce.

That's the future God of Shinobi. No way I'm passing up a chance to slug the First Hokage!

He lunged at the still-stunned Hashirama.

"Senju brat! Dare you face me, Uchiha Gin?!"

"Eh?"

Hashirama, who'd been racking his brain over how to defuse the growing conflict with Madara, looked up in shock — only to see a grinning, curly-haired Uchiha charging him. Instinctively, he raised his fists in his usual fighting stance.

Battle detected. Heart of Steel chest accumulating…

The system's chime rang in Gin's head.

"Eat my punch!"

He coiled his strength midair, preparing to hit Hashirama with a monster blow — enough to put even the God of Shinobi in bed for a few days.

Just as his fist was about to connect, however, a figure appeared and kicked Hashirama aside.

"You don't have to fight him, cousin. Leave him to me."

It was Madara, who'd been standing off to the side until now.

"…Fine, I'll leave him to you."

Gin landed lightly, shoulders shrugging.

Well, great. Everyone's got their own opponent and I'm left with nothing again.

He stepped back to watch the show.

"Izuna! Don't match strength with him — just spit in his face, he'll choke!"

Gin called helpfully, offering his little cousin some battlefield wisdom.

"You filthy Uchiha!"

Tobirama snarled, enraged at such underhanded tactics. This was clearly a boy who knew how to play dirty — he had to die.

Izuna didn't answer — he was too busy focusing — but Gin could see him seriously considering the advice.

Meanwhile, the two clan leaders leapt high into the air, their weapons spinning toward the two younger boys, aiming to take their lives.

"Not good!"

Madara and Hashirama froze, realizing their fathers were aiming to kill their younger brothers. But neither could move in time to stop it.

"Izuna!"

"Tobirama!"

Both cried out in unison, hoping their brothers would dodge.

But both boys, locked in a stubborn contest of wills, refused to back down.

Clang! Clang! Splash!

Just as the blades were about to hit the two boys, another sword flew in and knocked the deadly weapons aside.

Everyone turned in unison to find the source — and all eyes landed on Gin, standing on the riverbank.

"…If I said my hand slipped, would you believe me?"

(End of Chapter)

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