But they still struck without hesitation, their goal being to eliminate a future powerful enemy on the battlefield.
Because of this, the Hagoromo clan had now made enemies of the two strongest clans.
This also meant that if the Uchiha launched an attack on them, not only would the Senju refuse to help, they might even secretly deal a deadly blow.
"What should we do now!"
Hagoromo Kakigi paced anxiously around the gathering place, his face filled with resolve.
"What do you mean, what should we do? When soldiers come, we block them with generals, when floods arrive, we block them with earth. The Uchiha aren't invincible, and we're not weak either. What's there to fear?" Hagoromo Hakuya replied impatiently.
Although the Hagoromo had suffered heavy losses, that was only because they were attacked jointly by the Senju and Uchiha. When fighting one clan alone, they had never been completely routed.
So, naturally, they didn't believe they would lose.
Even if the Uchiha sent people against them, the outcome of victory or defeat was still uncertain.
"You… you're always so arrogant. Fine then, if you think you can handle the Uchiha, this time you'll lead the vanguard. If they really come, you'll hold them off while I take the rest of the clan to retreat. How about that?" Hagoromo Kakigi said, clearly annoyed.
"Fine! But if I defeat the Uchiha, then the position of clan head will surely be mine."
Hagoromo Hakuya sneered.
"Of course. If you can really repel the Uchiha, you'll be our hero. That won't be a problem."
Hagoromo Kakigi smiled faintly, though in his heart he clearly already held grievances against Hakuya.
"You said it yourself!"
Hakuya eagerly agreed.
In his eyes, the Uchiha were no longer a threat. After all the clans they had fought, the Uchiha must have suffered severe losses as well. They wouldn't have the strength to attack again anytime soon. That made this the perfect opportunity to strike back at them.
"Lords, the Sarutobi have sent an envoy. They seem to want an alliance with us against the Uchiha. Should I bring them in?"
A ninja came forward to report.
"No need. To defeat the Uchiha, the Hagoromo are enough. We don't need anyone else sharing the spoils. Go back and tell the Sarutobi envoy to give up. If they think we'll help them out of their crisis, they're delusional."
Hakuya cut him off without even asking Kakigi's opinion.
"Yes!"
The ninja turned and left immediately.
Kakigi looked deeply at Hakuya, feeling this man was nothing short of a lunatic.
Shaking his head, he left as well. He needed to gather a group of clansmen, ready to flee at the first sign of disaster. Otherwise, if they kept following Hakuya, the Hagoromo clan would be completely destroyed.
Meanwhile, the heads of the Yamanaka and Nara clans were shouting orders as well. Their clansmen were also scattered within the Uchiha encampment.
In the past, the Uchiha's gathering place had only been simple tents and stone houses, designed to be easily relocated in the midst of battle. But now things were different. They were searching for a broad, open space nearby to build a permanent home.
After all, this time Kaede had not only brought them improved ninjutsu knowledge but also a solid system.
Forming villages, allowing nearby civilians to move in, and turning them into towns. This way, ninjas could govern towns, while the civilians provided a constant stream of new shinobi.
They would protect the people, and in return, the people would support them financially.
This allowed the Uchiha to break free from relying solely on missions to sustain the clan.
At the same time, it showed the daimyo that ninjas were not their servants or the lowest of tools, but people like them, possessing great strength.
Coincidentally, the land chosen by the Uchiha was exactly where the future Konoha would be built. But it made sense—within the Land of Fire, that terrain and those resources were the best.
Surrounded by forests that provided endless resources, with two great rivers to supply water, fertile land for crops, and even mineral resources, though rare smithing specialists meant the ores were still untapped.
Now that they had decided to settle down, just as Kaede had said:
If you want true peace, you must become strong enough to make others fear you, so they won't dare act rashly. Gather all under your banner and establish absolute control.
As long as the clan remained powerful, the village would endure forever.
If no one had the strength to challenge you, then the world itself could remain peaceful.
That was the kind of clan the Uchiha intended to become.
And they had full confidence they could achieve it. After all, their bloodline limit, the Sharingan, was the key to becoming the strongest in the world.
On a cliff, Kaede stood, gazing down below.
There, the Uchiha clansmen, along with those from the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi, were all working hard to build the village.
Chopping down excess trees, leveling the land with ninjutsu, creating smooth roads, constructing houses, and plowing fields—everything was orderly and full of vitality.
"Sensei, honestly, I never thought I'd see this scene in our clan. This matches my dream exactly—building a village, placing all my treasures and my true love within it, and dedicating everything to protecting them from the slightest harm."
Kaede's eyes softened as he spoke to Kaede beside him.
"There will be many more things beyond your imagination, not just this. In time, you'll understand. From now on, even great clans will be able to recuperate while contributing."
Kaede paused as he said this, glancing at the still somewhat youthful Kaede beside him.
(End of Chapter)
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