Chapter 50: Uchiha Tajima's Gambit
They arrived swiftly at the Uchiha war camp, a bustling, grim assembly of tents and defensive structures.
"Uchiha Hakusai, why are you—? Elder Raizen! You're here!" A dark-clad ANBU operative materialized before them, his surprise evident upon seeing Uchiha Raizen.
"I need to see the Patriarch," Uchiha Raizen stated, his tone brooking no argument. His status as an elder gave him that authority.
"Of course. This way." The ANBU operative gestured for him to follow.
"Uchiha Hakusai, you are dismissed. Report to the logistics division or return to the compound," Uchiha Raizen said, not even sparing the other boy a glance. When one possessed real power, petty rivalries became meaningless.
The ANBU agent led him directly to the command tent.
"Patriarch, the Sixteenth Elder, Uchiha Raizen, has arrived." The agent delivered his message and vanished back into the shadows.
Hearing this, Uchiha Tajima turned from the strategic map, his expression a mixture of surprise and stern disapproval.
"Where have you been for the past six months?" was his first question, his voice low and dangerous. An elder disappearing without a trace was a serious offense; Uchiha Tajima had been lenient by not stripping his title.
"For the past six months, I was trapped in an otherworldly realm," Uchiha Raizen explained truthfully. "I only managed to return to the Fūma settlement three days ago. Upon hearing of the war, I came immediately."
"Is that so?" Uchiha Tajima's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing him. "Your strength... I can no longer gauge it." This was a significant admission. As a top-tier Kage-level shinobi, he could previously sense Uchiha Raizen's level. Now, the boy felt like a deep, placid lake, its true depth hidden.
"My base strength has reached the level of an Elite Jonin," Uchiha Raizen confirmed. "And during my... absence... I acquired a new ability. Summoning Technique!"
He bit his thumb and slammed his hand onto the ground. In a puff of smoke, a large, glistening slug appeared, its antennae twitching curiously.
"What is the purpose of this... soft creature?" Uchiha Tajima asked, unfamiliar with the Slug summons.
"They are the finest medical ninja in existence," Uchiha Raizen declared. "They can split into countless clones, acting as portable field medics. While the chakra cost is significant, my reserves are more than sufficient to sustain them."
A slow, grim smile spread across Uchiha Tajima's face. "Excellent! Those Hyūga bastards won't know what hit them! Elder Raizen, you truly are a boon to this clan!" It was the first genuine laugh he'd had in weeks, a welcome sound amidst the grim reports of casualties.
After the briefing, Uchiha Tajima led him to a large tactical map spread across a table.
"Elder Raizen, look here. This is our position. This is the Hyūga's stronghold. What do you see?"
Uchiha Raizen studied the map. "It looks like a sack. A pocket."
"Precisely," Uchiha Tajima's smile turned predatory. "And what happens when you tie a sack shut and squeeze?"
"A pincer movement? An encirclement?" Uchiha Raizen understood the concept but wanted to hear the plan.
"You possess the ability to unleash multiple high-level ninjutsu in rapid succession. How many can you manage now?"
"Ten," Uchiha Raizen stated, deliberately understating his true capacity, which was far greater after six months of stockpiling. He was now at Pickup Level 4, only two levels away from being able to use SS-Rank techniques. Once he reached that point, with the Eight Gates and an endless arsenal of ninjutsu, who could possibly stand against him?