The next day, within the Senju clan's compound—
Butsuma Senju stood solemnly before the clan's memorial monument, dressed in plain white robes. His expression was grave and dignified.
The number of clansmen accompanying him had decreased considerably. Now, only his two sons could truly shoulder important responsibilities.
At nearly forty years of age—a considerable lifespan for a shinobi—he had already begun entrusting clan affairs to his sons. Still, for occasions of such significance, the former clan head himself had to be present.
Standing beside him was the Senju clan's key ally—the Uzumaki clan. Leading their group was a young woman with long, crimson hair tied into twin buns, a golden crown on her head, a purple rhomboid mark on her forehead, and charm-like ornaments hanging from her ears. She wore a pristine white kimono.
Mito Uzumaki—hailing from Uzumaki Village in the Land of Whirlpools—was the most talented kunoichi in the history of the Uzumaki clan.
Gifted with naturally vast chakra reserves and extraordinary vitality, she possessed masterful chakra control and had even developed the Yin Seal technique.
Coupled with her noble lineage, she quickly rose into the political core of the Land of Whirlpools.
Yet beneath her composed and courteous exterior, the brilliant young woman was simmering with irritation.
"Damn it… those old geezers back home couldn't just let me peacefully study the Shinigami Mask, could they? No, they just had to send me all the way to the Senju compound for some funeral. What a waste of time."
Behind her calm face, Mito Uzumaki had already muttered countless complaints in her heart.
"Mito, this isn't the place to throw tantrums," said a kindly old man beside her. "Don't forget why we're here."
The elderly man looked harmless enough, but none in the shinobi world dared underestimate him.
He was Ashina Uzumaki—master of sealing arts so profound that the scroll capable of restraining the Eight-Tails had been his creation.
He was also Mito's teacher and knew her personality inside and out.
He understood well that, beneath her composed demeanor, a storm was always brewing.
"Please, Princess, have patience," he said softly.
Mito pursed her lips subtly and replied in a small voice, "Hmph. Old man, I'm not that immature. I won't lose my temper in a place like this."
Still, when her gaze drifted to the rows of memorial stones surrounding them, she couldn't help but sigh.
No matter how many times she attended such ceremonies, she could never quite get used to the atmosphere.
Seeing her small gesture, Ashina knew her thoughts were elsewhere—but as long as she could restrain herself, it was good enough for now.
Yet on this day, the most attention-grabbing presence at the funeral was neither the Senju nor the Uzumaki, but rather the newly emerged Hyūga clan—led by Ranzuki Ōtsutsuki.
Unlike her usual haori attire, Ranzuki had chosen a formal kimono specifically for the ceremony.
Behind her followed twelve Hyūga clan members, all dressed in plain white robes with armor layered atop them. Under the watchful eyes of every attending clan, they approached the largest of the memorial stones.
Their appearance alone caused an uproar among the gathered shinobi.
Leaving aside Ranzuki's reputation and influence across the shinobi world, this newly revealed Hyūga clan was extraordinary in its own right.
Regardless of gender, each clan member possessed refined features and moved in perfect unison—their steps, gestures, and even their breathing synchronized as though one entity.
In an age when wars were fought not by small teams but by massive clan armies clashing head-on, such unity was an unmistakable sign of elite training and discipline.
"This is no ordinary clan," murmured one of the observing shinobi.
Anyone with discernment could see that immediately.
Notably, the Hyūga were the only clan granted permission to carry weapons near the memorial stones.
Although this privilege stirred discontent among some clans, their protests died the moment they noticed the Hyūga members' peculiar, all-white eyes.
A hushed ripple spread through the crowd.
"So these are the Hyūga the Senju clan head mentioned?" one shinobi whispered. "They don't look like ordinary ninja… more like nobles or military officers."
"Most likely a clan with a special ocular Kekkei Genkai," another murmured. "That's why Lord Butsuma Senju treats them with such respect."
A lovestruck kunoichi blushed as she glanced at the leading youth of the Hyūga clan. His handsome features and ascetic aura were precisely her type.
As a newly risen ninja clan, the Hyūga had suddenly vaulted past multiple ranks—skipping entirely over the subordinate families—and joined directly into the central alliance dominated by the Senju and Uzumaki clans.
This leap instantly elevated the Hyūga above several minor clans, even surpassing the famed "Ino–Shika–Chō" trio—the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans—whose prestige stretched across the shinobi world.
Though such advancement defied reason, few dared to object. After all, the Hyūga's backing was none other than the Azure Sky Dragon, Ranzuki Ōtsutsuki. Picking a fight with that power would have been pure folly.
Moreover, the Hyūga's distinctive ocular Kekkei Genkai left no room for doubt.
In this Warring States era, visible bloodline traits were the ultimate proof of strength.
After offering incense at the memorial monument, Ranzuki stepped into the innermost circle of the ceremony.
Though Butsuma Senju maintained his usual stern expression, his tone was warm and courteous. "Lady Ranzuki, it has been too long. Your grace has only grown since we last met."
"Hehe~ Lord Senju, you flatter me," Ranzuki replied with a calm smile. "In my eyes, the growth of your two sons is what truly deserves admiration."
It wasn't mere flattery. According to Ranzuki's intelligence network, Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju were undeniably the brightest twin stars of their clan.
Both possessed unparalleled talent and potential far beyond the reach of ordinary Senju. They had even developed their own unique ninjutsu styles—Hashirama's Wood Release and Tobirama's Water (Sea) Release—and were already internally recognized as future candidates for clan leadership.
In recent years, the brothers' growth had reached its peak. Their strength increased almost visibly with each passing day.
Not long ago, they had already ascended into the upper echelons of the shinobi world's elite—so much so that even their father, Butsuma, could only sigh in admiration.
After a few polite exchanges, Ranzuki's gaze shifted toward the nearby Uzumaki delegation. Nodding slightly, she greeted them, "Lord Ashina Uzumaki, it has been a while. This must be the prodigious disciple you've spoken of so often—the Princess of the Uzumaki, Lady Mito?"
Mito Uzumaki returned the gesture with the grace of a noblewoman. "Lady Ranzuki Ōtsutsuki, you're too kind. I am but an ordinary kunoichi of the Uzumaki clan. It is your elegance that truly befits the title of 'princess.'"
After exchanging respectful bows, Ranzuki's eyes lingered briefly on the rhomboid seal upon Mito's forehead. With a soft smile, she remarked, "Even in the distant Ōtsutsuki branch, we have heard the legends of the Uzumaki clan's mastery over sealing arts. And upon seeing Princess Mito, I can confirm those tales were no exaggeration."
After their brief conversation, Ashina smoothly steered the topic toward the group standing behind Ranzuki.
"Lady Ranzuki, may I ask about the shinobi accompanying you?"
This event, after all, had been deliberately arranged as an introduction of sorts.
Understanding his intent, Ranzuki gave a small nod. The leading shinobi of the Hyūga clan stepped forward under her direction.
"I am Tenjin Hyūga, head of the Hyūga clan," he said respectfully. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance."
Ranzuki followed up, saying, "Lord Senju, this is the Hyūga clan that Lady Satsuki once mentioned. From this day forward, they will take our place within your alliance."
"Indeed," Butsuma Senju replied, nodding gravely. "That was the agreement between our two clans. I simply did not expect that your lord would dispatch such an exceptional family to join us."
Even Butsuma, upon seeing the Hyūga for the first time, could not hide his astonishment.
Having fought the Uchiha clan for years, he understood better than anyone the terrifying power of a family blessed with a Kekkei Genkai.
However, directly inquiring about another clan's Kekkei Genkai was considered highly taboo.
Thus, the true abilities of the Hyūga clan's "Byakugan" remained an enigma to all.
With the Hyūga's arrival, the funeral's opening ceremony had officially concluded.
Next came the tributes—each clan leader stepping forward in turn to offer their eulogies.
Though the process was ceremonious, this was still the Warring States era, and most speeches were brief, avoiding excessive formalities.
As time passed, the formal proceedings soon ended, giving way to the social portion—where clan heads mingled and exchanged courtesies.
At the core of this political gathering stood the Senju, Uzumaki, and Ōtsutsuki clans—forming the alliance's highest tier.
Below them were the great families that would one day form the foundation of Konohagakure.
Further down the hierarchy were minor clans and smaller shinobi groups, some still hesitant about formally joining the coalition.
Among them, Tenjin Hyūga—the newly introduced clan head of the Hyūga—was easily the most attention-grabbing figure in attendance. Many leaders sought him out, eager to establish ties.
Though Tenjin Hyūga lacked a complete individual consciousness, that very emptiness made him all the easier for Ranzuki to control.
A few polite pleasantries were no challenge for him, though his cold and expressionless demeanor gave him an aloof air.
Fortunately, such behavior fit the stereotype of bloodline shinobi, so most dismissed it as natural.
At that moment, a Senju shinobi in combat gear appeared beside Butsuma Senju, whispering something discreetly into his ear.
After hearing the report, Butsuma's expression hardened into one of grim satisfaction. He immediately called over his sons, who were mingling nearby—Hashirama and Tobirama.
"As expected, the Uchiha have made their move. Hashirama, Tobirama—proceed according to plan."
"Yes, Father." x2
The two prodigies vanished instantly, their figures dissolving into motion.
Butsuma then turned to Ranzuki Ōtsutsuki, smiling confidently. "Just as you predicted, Lady Ranzuki. It seems the Uchiha's target this time is the Hyūga clan."
"As we anticipated," Ranzuki replied calmly. "The bait is too tempting to ignore. Even knowing it's a trap, they'll have no choice but to take the risk."
"Trap? What trap?"
Mito Uzumaki, who had been quietly observing, tilted her head in confusion. Most of her attention was perpetually consumed by her studies in sealing arts, leaving her somewhat slow to grasp political nuance.
Fortunately, her mentor Ashina Uzumaki stood beside her, ever the cautious elder.
"Master, what are they talking about?" she asked.
Ashina hesitated, glancing awkwardly at Ranzuki and Butsuma, unsure if revealing their strategy was appropriate.
After all, using the Hyūga clan as bait to lure out the Uchiha was hardly an honorable tactic.
"There's no need to worry, Elder Ashina," Ranzuki said lightly, smiling in a reassuring manner. "Since I've already spoken openly, I don't mind the plan being exposed."
Her tone carried a touch of warmth toward Mito—perhaps because she appreciated seeing another capable woman among the leaders of this era.
Butsuma added, "In truth, it's simple. Lady Ranzuki and I agreed to deliberately leak information to the Uchiha—specifically that the Hyūga clan are bearers of a Kekkei Genkai—thereby drawing them here to investigate."
"Ah?"
Hearing that, Mito turned toward Tenjin Hyūga, who was currently conversing politely with another clan head. "Then… does the Hyūga clan know about this?"
"Of course," Butsuma replied. "Otherwise, they wouldn't have appeared so openly."
"But what if the Uchiha don't take the bait?" Mito pressed, her curiosity outweighing her restraint. "Or what if they only send weak shinobi? Wouldn't exposing the Hyūga's existence work against us then?"
Ashina sighed softly beside her, realizing his pupil's tactical inexperience. Though brilliant in sealing arts, Mito was still new to the subtleties of political maneuvering.
"That's because," Ranzuki said with a cheerful smile, "we have intelligence of our own."
"What kind of intelligence could guarantee that… mm~"
Seeing Mito Uzumaki still trying to dig deeper, Ashina Uzumaki quickly stepped in to interrupt his pupil before she could overstep any further.
Honestly—did this girl have no sense of what questions were appropriate to ask and which were not?
Information about how they were tracking the Uchiha clan's movements was not the kind of intelligence one could casually disclose.
Ashina sighed deeply. Perhaps his approach to teaching her had been flawed all along.
He had trained her into an exceptional kunoichi—but not into a leader.
At that very moment, a series of alarmed shouts erupted around them. The distant screams of dying shinobi drew rapidly closer, one after another, without pause.
That could only mean one thing—the enemy had broken through their defenses at astonishing speed. It was as if they were moving through empty ground.
"It seems the one we've hooked this time is quite the big fish," Ranzuki murmured.
Despite her words, there was no trace of surprise on her face—clearly, she had anticipated this outcome from the start.
Before anyone could respond—
Dozens of shinobi bearing the Uchiha clan crest appeared all around them, their hands gripping katana blades. The man at their head carried a massive war fan on his back, arms crossed over his chest, with two swords hanging at his waist.
"So this is your so-called trap? I must have overestimated you, Senju clan."
The instant he appeared, an overwhelming aura of dominance swept across the area. His Sharingan eyes scanned the crowd, and with that single gaze, every surrounding ninja felt their muscles tense and their chakra churn uncontrollably.
"Uchiha… Madara."
The moment Mito Uzumaki met his eyes, her body began to tremble uncontrollably.
As one of the Senju's core allies, she was well-informed about the Uchiha clan's most dangerous figures.
Aside from the previous clan head, Tajima Uchiha, the most fearsome names were those of the current leaders—Madara Uchiha and Izuna Uchiha, the legendary brothers.
Mito was no weakling. She possessed immense chakra, incredible vitality, and mastery of advanced sealing arts.
Yet in front of Madara Uchiha, she found herself unable even to remain calm—barely able to stand upright.
Even Ashina, normally unflappable, stepped protectively in front of her, his expression grave.
"So this is the Uchiha clan's greatest prodigy of this generation…" Mito whispered inwardly, her eyes wide with awe and fear. "Before a monster like this, what right do I have to call myself a genius?"
To stand face-to-face with a being whose mere presence dominated an entire era—a man who, alongside Hashirama Senju, would one day become a legend—it was only natural that even a prodigy like Mito would feel a pang of inferiority.
Just then, a group of Senju shinobi stepped forward fearlessly to block Madara's path.
At their head stood Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju.