Chapter 96: The Response of the Five Clans
After concluding their business with the Sarutobi, Raizen's group proceeded directly to the mine site. They found Sarutobi Fujiki and Shimura Nao already waiting for them at the entrance.
"Fujiki, if they're making moves like this, does it mean…?" Shimura Nao murmured, his voice low.
"It must," Fujiki replied, his expression grim. "Our only viable move now is to align ourselves with them. If we try to join later, our standing will be negligible. We don't need to worry about the Ino-Shika-Cho or the others for now. Gather our people. Inform them of our decision."
"Understood. We'll make the preparations."
With that, the two local clan leaders dispersed to mobilize their forces, choosing pragmatism over pride.
When Raizen and Madara arrived at the purported mine, they found themselves looking at a rather unremarkable mountainside. It was difficult to believe such a potent resource lay hidden within.
"Care to make a wager?" Madara suddenly proposed, a competitive glint in his eye.
"A wager? On what?"
"On this vein. Before Hashirama gets here, let's see who can unearth the most chakra metal. The loser's share goes to the winner."
"You're on!" Raizen grinned. "Brothers, you're with me. Madara, it's three against one. Still confident?"
"Bring it on," Madara declared, grabbing a shovel from the ground and immediately setting to work with furious intensity.
Raizen, Ryoken, and Natsume selected another spot and began digging with equal fervor.
Five hours later, a dejected-looking Hashirama arrived. His slumped shoulders suggested his diplomatic mission to the Ino-Shika-Cho had failed. However, his spirits lifted slightly upon seeing the impromptu mining contest, and he eagerly asked to join. His request was, of course, denied; he was far too late.
As they tallied the results, Raizen had to concede defeat. Madara, working alone, had somehow excavated more raw ore than the three of them combined. The man's sheer drive was monstrous.
"Fine, you win. We'll have Natsume and Ryoken process these," Raizen said, gesturing to their pile. "Now, Hashirama, report. What is the situation? We've secured the cooperation of the Sarutobi and Shimura."
Hashirama sighed. "They showed no interest at all. But I remain confident that with persistent effort, we can win them over!"
This outcome was what Raizen had expected. Unifying the clans of the Warring States Period was never going to be a simple task. But for now, they controlled the mine. Any clan that wanted a piece of it would have to go through them.
"Good. The Sarutobi and Shimura are handled. Now, we send word to our clans. Have them dispatch a contingent here immediately to secure the site," Raizen ordered.
Even as he gave the command, a nagging doubt persisted in the back of his mind. How did our clans agree to this alliance so quickly? Just days ago, they were embroiled in a bloody war, a conflict the Uchiha had deliberately escalated. The deep-seated hatred shouldn't have vanished overnight. And Senju Tobirama—would he truly accept coexistence with the Uchiha so easily? In the history he remembered, it was Tobirama's policies that ultimately drove Madara away, leading to the Valley of the End and Hashirama's death. The lack of significant resistance felt… unnatural. Something felt off.
"Fatty," Raizen said, turning to Natsume. "You have the fastest legs. Return to the clan and deliver this report personally."
"Hashirama, you should—"
"On it. Wood Style: Wood Clone!" Hashirama formed a seal, and a perfect replica of himself made of wood sprang from the earth and sped off toward Senju territory.
Within three days, a combined force of five hundred shinobi from each clan arrived, establishing a formidable presence around the mine. Their arrival signaled the start of the real confrontation with the five major southern clans.
In a concealed council chamber, the leaders of the five clans—Ino-Shika-Cho, Aburame, and Inuzuka—were deep in discussion. All eyes were on the Nara patriarch, renowned as the sharpest mind among them.
"Patriarch Nara," an Inuzuka elder grunted. "What is your assessment? The Uchiha and Senju are here. Together."
"This alliance is unprecedented and dangerous," the Nara leader began, his voice calm and measured. "Their combined strength is overwhelming. However, we are not without recourse. We are five clans. My proposal is this: the five of us, Patriarchs Madara, Hashirama, and Raizen, will engage them directly. Meanwhile, Patriarch Hatake," he said, turning to the leader of the Hatake clan, who had been persuaded to join with the promise of ten chakra metal swords, "your elites will execute a lightning assassination strike on their key commanders and strongest jōnin. Decapitate their leadership, and their army, no matter how large, will crumble. I refuse to believe they can withstand such a coordinated assault."
The plan was set. The southern clans would not surrender their lands without a fight. A deadly confrontation was now inevitable.
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