At this moment, Kaede still wore the appearance of a youth.But already, there was a trace of the future Shura of the ninja world in him.
"At most three days, the other clans will react. They might join forces, or they might each act alone. Have you decided which clan you'll strike first?"Kagami frowned as he asked.
"Mhm. The Hagoromo clan," Kaede replied, eyes narrowing. "They killed two of my younger brothers, and many of our strongest have fallen to them. We share a blood feud. In the past, for various reasons, we weren't able to fully wipe them out, and left them lingering in this world… that was the greatest mistake. Worse, just a month ago they even ambushed me, seeking my death. So this time, we'll start with the Hagoromo."
His gaze turned cold. The Hagoromo clan had long become a source of deep loathing.
"If you're going to do it, then do it cleanly," Kagami said casually.For him, such matters were child's play.If Kaede truly wished, he could unify the entire shinobi world with his own hands.
But Kagami also knew: even if the future was altered in part, karma always found its way. Some details might change, but the broad course of history would remain.
"Mhm, don't worry. Everything is already arranged—and father has been informed as well."Kaede smiled faintly.
"Then I won't disturb sensei's rest. I'll head down and lend a hand."Kagami chuckled and slid smoothly down the cliff.
From above, Kaede could see him immediately begin working, his hands already busy.If the people of later generations saw Kagami like this, their eyes would surely pop in shock. To see the ever-stoic Kagami show such a side was unbelievable.
…
The Sarutobi clan.
A squad of Sarutobi shinobi returned with news gleaned from the Hagoromo.
"What? They want to build a village?"Sarutobi Sasuke's eyes widened in shock.
The others present, hearing the full account, looked at one another as if wondering if the Hagoromo had taken leave of their senses.
Who didn't know by now? The Uchiha were no longer what they had been. Their strength had grown to unimaginable heights.They wielded ninjutsu unseen before on the battlefield, and above all, they fought with that colossal skeletal warrior. They had never witnessed such a thing before, but its destructive power was undeniable.
And yet the Hagoromo refused to acknowledge it.Laughable. Utterly laughable.
"Well, if they refuse reason, then we need not bother with them. Fortunately, gathered here with us are the Shimura, Mito, and Tsumura clans. That will suffice."Sarutobi Sun spoke with grim resolve.
"Mhm." Sasuke nodded.
Meanwhile, Hagoromo Kanran had already fixed his mind on a plan: to strike the Uchiha settlement by surprise.
After all, the news that the Uchiha were preparing to establish a village could not be hidden.Soon it spread across the entire shinobi world.
Each clan had its own interpretation.
The Senju believed the Uchiha were preparing something significant.When Hashirama heard, he was shocked. He had thought Kaede had long abandoned the idea of creating a village. But now it was the Uchiha who were the first to begin.
How could that not make him happy?
If Hashirama were already clan head, he might have led the Senju to join the village Kaede was building.
"Brother, I know what you're thinking, but don't indulge in fantasies. The Uchiha will never accept us. And a true village doesn't need to be built by the Uchiha."Tobirama crossed his arms and shook his head.
His words were like a basin of cold water poured over Hashirama's hopes.Hashirama was disheartened, but not defeated.
After all, this was only Tobirama's thought. Kaede had not rejected him outright.
The Sarutobi, however, suspected the Uchiha intended to use the creation of a village as justification after launching another attack.It was what daimyo did—seize land in war, then raise towns to draw people and claim nobility.
And what shinobi didn't desire such elevation? To shed the lowly status of a mercenary and become nobility—this was a powerful temptation.So though the Sarutobi envied, they also prepared constantly for a strike from the Uchiha.
The Hyūga too heard of it.But as always, they stayed neutral, joining no war unless directly provoked.
…
Night fell.
The moon was hidden by thick clouds, plunging the forest into pitch black. Only the chirping of insects filled the air. The underbrush rustled—it was hard to tell if it was shinobi moving or beasts hunting.
Outside the Uchiha settlement, all was quiet, as though everyone slept. Only scattered torches glimmered faintly, their light swallowed by the darkness.
At the forest's edge, Hagoromo Kanran crouched with his most elite men.
Just a few steps more, and they would be upon the Uchiha stronghold.
"Tonight is the best time to butcher the Uchiha. If we succeed, all of you will be heroes. Once we return, I will grant you greater resources and higher status."Kanran's voice was low, filled with murderous intent.
"Rest assured, my lord. We're ready. Better to strike first than wait for the Uchiha to come to us. They'll never expect us to attack. Tonight is the perfect chance. Only this way can we wipe them out completely!"The men nodded together, eyes gleaming.
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