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The Uzumaki Clan's settlement had been shrouded in sorrow for an entire day.
Muren was well-liked within the clan—a young genius with a striking appearance, yet he was neither arrogant nor domineering. Had he mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, he would have been akin to a Warring States-era Namikaze Minato.
"What a pity, being born in the Warring States period," Akio thought to himself.
Akio did not feel overwhelming grief; after all, in his forty-eight years of life, he had witnessed far too many partings due to death.
He knew that such events would continue to occur. After all, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he was bound to have a long life ahead.
"I have to survive… at least until the end of the story," Akio mused internally.
The next morning, Akio rose early, had a simple breakfast, and hurried to the clan hall.
The remnants of yesterday's funeral had yet to be entirely cleaned up, and Muren's body had been laid to rest in the clan's burial grounds the previous night.
"Uncle, you're here." The clan leader, seated at the head of the hall, lifted his weary head.
Akio understood—the clan leader was under immense pressure, preparing to wage war against the Kaguya Clan, a force even stronger than the Uzumaki. Yet, Muren's death could not be in vain; this war was inevitable.
"Uncle, you need to go to the Senju Clan and request their aid," the clan leader said.
"But… if the Senju join the battle, the Uchiha will undoubtedly intervene," Akio replied.
"There's no other choice. In terms of combat power, we are far inferior to the Kaguya. Our only chance of victory is to pull the Senju and Uchiha into the battlefield. Moreover, the Second Elder has already set out to seek assistance from the Hyuga Clan."
"The Hyuga, huh? Understood. I'll depart for the Senju immediately," Akio nodded, recognizing the clan leader's strategy. If the conflict expanded into a five-clan war, their side would gain a significant advantage.
For the third time in half a month, Akio found himself on the familiar path to the Senju territory.
"Sigh… what a tiresome life," he muttered to himself.
"Even though we have ties through marriage, convincing the Senju to deploy their forces won't be easy," he thought. "I'll have to find a way to handle this carefully."
The journey was uneventful, and he soon arrived near the Senju settlement.
"What's going on? There's an unusual concentration of chakra signatures… even Hashirama and Tobirama are there." Akio's sensory abilities detected a large gathering of Senju shinobi in the distance.
"That man at the forefront… he seems to be their Eastern Battlefield Elder." Akio moved closer to observe.
"Who's there?" Hashirama called out, sensing Akio's presence. Instantly, all eyes turned in his direction.
Awkwardly, Akio stepped forward. To be discovered so easily… well, it was expected of the future God of Shinobi.
"Granduncle? Didn't you already return?" Tobirama asked in surprise, recalling how Akio had bid him farewell just the day before.
"Ah, I left something behind in the Senju compound," Akio quickly improvised, choosing not to reveal his true purpose.
"The guest rooms should have been cleaned by now…" Tobirama muttered suspiciously.
Sensing the suspicion, Akio swiftly interrupted, "What, am I not welcome?"
"Of course not! If you wish to stay, you're always welcome," Hashirama said with a laugh, while Tobirama's expression darkened.
Seeing an opportunity, Akio quipped, "Then why don't you use Wood Release to build me a house? Warm in winter, cool in summer… staying in a guest room forever is inconvenient."
Hashirama looked confused. "Did I say something wrong, Tobirama?" he whispered.
Tobirama simply rolled his eyes at his brother.
"Just kidding, no need to take it seriously," Akio chuckled. "By the way, where are you all headed?"
Before Hashirama could respond, the elder leading the group coughed meaningfully. "Oh, we're… going hunting."
Tobirama shut his eyes in frustration, and Akio barely held back a laugh. "Alright, safe travels."
Shaking his head, Akio turned back toward the Senju settlement.
"That was the worst lie I've ever heard," he thought to himself.
"Do they really think I wouldn't figure it out? The Eastern Battlefield Elder personally leading a squad, with Hashirama and Tobirama in tow, and a contingent of elite shinobi… There's only one target worthy of such a force on the eastern front—the Kaguya."
"It seems I don't need to request aid anymore. There's a world of difference between begging for assistance and receiving voluntary support."
Having made up his mind, Akio decided to make his presence worthwhile. He headed to the guest quarters and stuffed his bag with stones, feigning that he had retrieved something he'd forgotten.
Before he could leave, however, a jonin stopped him. "Akio-sama, the clan leader requests your presence."
"Alright, I understand," Akio replied.
"Calling for me now… could they be asking for Uzumaki's assistance instead?" he speculated as he walked into the hall.
"Akio, did you come back to retrieve something? Got everything this time?" Butsuma Senju greeted him casually.
"Yes, I have everything now," Akio responded without offering more.
Butsuma hesitated momentarily before sighing and saying, "Our clans are bound by marriage, and we should stand together. The Kaguya are relentlessly attacking our eastern borders, while smaller clans are harassing us from the west. We hope the Uzumaki Clan will aid us in defeating the Kaguya."
"Oh, that? Well, I can't make that decision alone. I'll report back to the clan leader and elders, but ultimately, it's up to them."
Akio evaded responsibility while secretly celebrating.
"Good. I hope you bring back a favorable answer," Butsuma said.
"Don't worry, Clan Leader Butsuma. Given Mito's connection, I doubt there will be any major issues," Akio assured him, playing the part of the helpful intermediary. Even Butsuma seemed somewhat moved by his words, finding Akio unexpectedly reliable.
With that, Akio departed, carrying a bag of stones back to the Uzumaki settlement—though he discarded them halfway. If he wanted weight training, he had proper equipment for that, not random rocks.
Upon his return, the Uzumaki clan leader personally welcomed him.
"Uncle, you're back so soon? Did the Senju agree to aid us?" the clan leader asked.
"Yes, in fact, they requested our help instead," Akio answered.
"What?"
Akio then relayed the entire sequence of events.
"So that's how it is? Even better! This way, the Senju can take the lead, and our clan can minimize casualties," the clan leader mused. "I won't need to go personally. I'll have the Second and Third Elders lead the troops."
"I'll go as well," Akio added after a brief hesitation.
The clan leader was puzzled—Akio usually only fought when absolutely necessary. Why the sudden enthusiasm?
"Alright, but be careful," he agreed without pressing further.
"Time to prepare," Akio said as he turned toward his home.
"Sigh… This Witness Point system forces me to involve myself in everything…" he lamented inwardly.
"I just hope this battle is worth it…"
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