The Nara clan constantly relied on their Shadow Secret Technique, and their strategic thinking was among the very best. Whether from the main family or branch members, whenever they went on a mission, they would serve as tacticians, overseeing the entire team's movements. Naturally, they also handled the command.
"Yes, we understand. Rest assured, this time our operation will definitely wipe them out. The Uchiha clan is an evil clan. If they dare to move against us, it's nothing but overestimating themselves."
Akimichi Muza and Yamanaka Hai replied with a grin. They had brought along the elite of their clans. Even if the Uchiha managed to escape the ambush within the valley and made it to their position, they were confident they could push them back. After all, they needed to prove to the world that the Uchiha clan could be resisted.
Inside the valley, Madara's team had already stepped in. This valley was flanked on both sides by cliffs, forming a narrow passage — a perfect location for an ambush. The only way to reach the territories of those clans was to pass through here. If they wanted to take a longer detour, it would add at least two extra days of travel — time they couldn't afford.
"Stay sharp."
At Madara's order, everyone walking along the path moved to the sides, remaining alert for possible attackers. Kaede followed silently at the rear. His sensitivity to natural elements had already told him that ambush forces were hidden above the valley. But this was a test for Madara — to see how he would handle the sudden threat — so Kaede didn't warn him.
The group entered the middle of the valley.
With a sudden command from above, huge ice chunks and logs were shoved down the slopes at high speed toward Madara's group. Layer upon layer of explosive tags had been hidden on them. Even if they avoided the initial impact, the detonation from the tags would cause serious damage.
The incoming barrage was so fast that it immediately alarmed everyone.
"Quick, Earth Release!" Madara shouted when he saw the danger.
"Earth Release: Earth Wall!"
Walls of earth sprang up, blocking the ice and logs, stopping the first wave. But the explosive tags ignited instantly.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The detonations roared, shaking the valley.
"Yes!" The ambushers from the three clans on top clapped hands in celebration. From their perspective, no one could have survived such an onslaught.
But then, as the smoke cleared, their smiles froze.
Standing in the middle was the transparent skeletal form of a Susanoo — perfectly blocking the attack.
It was Kaede who had stepped in to shield them. The combined explosive tags of the three clans, detonated all at once in this enclosed space, packed the destructive force of an S-rank jutsu. Even though Madara's group could have survived without him, it would have caused casualties, so Kaede acted.
When the dust settled, everyone was stunned. Even Uchiha Joryu and Uchiha Shizumi, both Mangekyō Sharingan users capable of manifesting their own Susanoo, were speechless. For them, each use of Susanoo was exhausting — but Kaede's reaction time and ease of control… it truly was worthy of the title "Master."
"Sensei!" Madara looked at Kaede.
"Don't just stand there. Do you want me to fight those people for you as well?" Kaede's reminder snapped him back to his senses.
"Attack!" Madara waved his hand, and numerous Uchiha charged toward the valley's exit, including Madara himself.
"Damn it!" The ambushers above, seeing Susanoo's defense, widened their eyes in disbelief. They couldn't believe such power existed.
But they quickly regained focus.
"Throw all your shuriken and kunai wrapped with explosive tags! We still hold the aerial advantage!" Nara Shikau bit down hard as he issued the order.
Originally, they had planned to wipe out this squad and then retreat to their clans, but now it was clear they had become cannon fodder. Still, they were willing — if their deaths could buy their clans a chance at survival, it was worth it.
"Yes!"
Without hesitation, they wrapped explosive tags around their weapons and hurled them down.
Bang!
Explosions tore into the ground, sending dirt flying — but none of it could harm the Uchiha. Joryu and Shizumi cut through the battlefield like twin storms, their Mangekyō-powered Susanoo making them unstoppable. Anyone who tried to block them was slaughtered instantly.
The Uchiha's movements were fluid and untouchable, slipping between attacks without so much as a scratch.
Madara, perhaps due to Kaede's taijutsu training, didn't use ninjutsu at all. Instead, he engaged his opponent — an Akimichi — purely in close combat. The Akimichi had enlarged his fists massively, each strike making the ground tremble. But the trade-off for size was speed, and the nimble Uchiha easily outmaneuvered him.
From the way Madara toyed with his opponent, it was obvious he could have ended the fight at any moment.
When the attackers above realized they couldn't stop the Uchiha from below, they hurried down to join the melee. With their numbers now higher, they managed to fight the Uchiha to a temporary standstill. The battle locked in a tense stalemate.
(End of Chapter)
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