Chapter 30: Izuna’s Crisis
"Forget it. There's no point in chasing the remaining Kaguya clan members anymore." Madara Uchiha glanced at the lifeless body of Kaguya Itabashi, his expression unreadable. He had once despised Itabashi, but the man had died with honor, embracing death through his own ritual. Even Madara, hardened by war, couldn't help but respect his determination.
Despite their enmity, the Kaguya clan elders and Kaguya Itabashi had ensured the survival of their bloodline. It left Madara with mixed feelings—he couldn't truly hate them anymore.
Word of the Kaguya clan's destruction at the hands of the Uchiha spread rapidly across the Land of Fire and beyond. The Uchiha, already a fearsome clan, had surpassed even the Senju, now standing on the brink of becoming the most powerful force in the land. Their members celebrated their victory with songs, feasts, and laughter. Some traveled to the battlefield where the Kaguya clan had met their end, marveling at the forest of white bones left behind.
Despite the brutal battle, the Uchiha had suffered no casualties. Their overwhelming power sent shockwaves throughout the ninja world, leaving various clans in a state of fear.
The Sarutobi and Shimura clans, long-standing rivals of the Uchiha, were especially uneasy. They feared they might be the next to fall, sharing the fate of the Kaguya. Even the mighty Senju clan felt the pressure. Though they had always been the Uchiha's greatest adversaries, the power balance was shifting—and not in their favor.
Inside the Senju compound, Tobirama Senju paced anxiously.
"Brother, the Uchiha are a ticking time bomb. The power gap between us has grown too wide. They still have Uchiha Xiuyu at their side. Doesn't that concern you?" His frustration was evident.
Hashirama Senju, however, held a different perspective. With a bright smile, he held up a letter. "Tobirama, I've received word from Madara. He's working hard to unite the Uchiha and wants to build a true village with us. My dream is within reach!"
Tobirama's skepticism remained. "You trust him too much. What if this is just a ploy to buy time?"
Hashirama sighed. "Tobirama, stop treating the Uchiha like enemies at every turn."
"They are enemies! Have you forgotten how Kawarama died? The Uchiha killed him! And you expect me to trust them?" Tobirama's voice rose with anger.