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Akio originally thought that following Hashirama back to the Senju clan would soon lead him to face off against the Uchiha, allowing him to witness history and climb to the pinnacle of life.
However, reality struck him with a harsh blow.
For the past few months, the Senju and Uchiha had been unusually peaceful, as if in a strange honeymoon phase. Perhaps due to the toll of years of war, both clans had suffered heavy losses and tacitly agreed to a truce, making it unlikely that battles would resume anytime soon.
After spending three idle days in the Senju territory, Akio found amusement in teasing Tobirama, relishing in the younger man's reluctant frustration as he was forced to address him as "Second Grandfather." Of course, he also visited Mito from time to timeāher once youthful appearance was beginning to fade, a natural consequence as her belly grew larger.
As for Hashirama, he had been buried in the administrative work Tobirama left for him. Only after completing it did he eagerly rush back to Mito's side.
Another two days passed with nothing to do, and Akio was already considering returning to the Uzumaki clan to lay low, planning to return once the war resumed.
However, Hashirama soon received intelligence of unusual movements from the Uchiha clan.
Akio barely had time to celebrate before reality struck him with a second blow.
The Senju had also received word that the Hyuga clan had resurfaced, and the Uchiha's movements were entirely aimed at them.
Speaking of the Hyuga, it had been twelve or thirteen years since they were forced into seclusion by the Uchiha.
Now that they had reemerged, aside from their clan leader, Hyuga Tennin, their elite forces had likely undergone a complete generational shift. Over a decade was more than enough for an entire cycle of replacements.
Hyuga Tennin was now the last remaining member of the so-called Four Great Powerhouses of the old era. Uchiha Tajima and Senju Butsuma had perished together on the battlefield of Wind Valley, and Kaguya JÅrai had met his end five years agoāAkio had personally witnessed his death.
"The Hyuga have returnedā¦ Does Tennin truly believe himself to be the strongest in the Warring States now?" Akio mused. "Madara's current strength is hard to gauge, but Hashirama, after mastering Sage Mode, could utterly dominate him in battle."
"Butā¦ I'm actually quite looking forward to this."
Reality, however, dealt Akio a third crushing blow.
A messenger arrived, reporting that Hyuga Tennin had brought his clansmen to seek an audience with the Senju clan leader. They were waiting right outside the Senju territory's gates.
"What the hell? So courteous?" Akio thought to himself. "Looks like I won't get to see an old master underestimating a younger generation, only to get utterly humiliated in battle."
In truth, Akio had overthought the situation. As expected from a seasoned veteran, Tennin wouldn't have led the Hyuga clan back into the fray without first investigating the current state of the Warring States.
Of course, since Tennin was showing respect, Hashirama couldn't afford to slight him either. After Kaguya's fall and retreat to the Land of Water, the only major clans remaining in the Land of Fire were the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga.
Hashirama personally went to greet Tennin outside the clan's territory, accompanied by a group of branch family guards.
Once inside the Senju hall, Hashirama wasted no time asking the question that had puzzled many: "Clan Leader Hyuga, why did your clan attack the Uchiha all those years ago? While your relationship with them has never been friendly, there was never a grudge of absolute enmity between you."
Tennin's face showed a trace of bitterness. "So it was as I suspected."
"Thirteen years ago, we received a secret letterāsupposedly from the Senju clanāurging us to attack Uchiha's Fourth Training Ground in a coordinated strike to deal a heavy blow to them."
"At the time, you Senju were at war with the Uchiha, and I did not question the message much. I merely sent a small squad to scout the Uchiha territory."
"However, that day, Uchiha's defenses were abnormally lax. Our squad infiltrated deep into their lands without being noticed, so they took the opportunity to launch an attack on the Fourth Training Ground."
"In retaliation, the Uchiha exacted a ruthless vengeance, yet you Senju never provided the promised reinforcements to intercept them."
"At the time, I wanted to question Senju Butsuma about this, but in the years that followed, I began to suspect something was amiss. Judging by your reaction, it seems you knew nothing of this secret letter."
Hashirama and Tobirama exchanged glances before Tobirama immediately disappeared, heading off to find the semi-retired elder, Senju Suiken.
A short while later, Tobirama returned, shaking his head slightly toward Hashirama.
Seeing this, Tennin closed his eyes. "So we were played for fools."
A trace of anger flashed across his face. "Whoever orchestrated thisā¦ they better hope I never find out."
Akio, watching from the side, subtly shook his head. "Even if you did find out, what could you do? Black Zetsu has been manipulating the shinobi world for centuriesāthere's no way even the Byakugan could detect him."
Tennin put aside his frustrations and finally spoke about the true reason for his visit.
There was little mystery to itāhe had come to seek the Senju's mediation, as the Uchiha still harbored resentment against them.
In reality, this wasn't a particularly difficult issue to resolve. The Uchiha had personally buried their ally, the Kaguya clan. Given their current state, they couldn't afford to face both the Senju and the Hyuga at the same time.
Thus, Madara's recent activity was likely due to his unwillingness to let go of his grudge, seeking vengeance for his fallen brethren. If the Senju were willing to mediate, it was likely that Uchiha's elders would be eager for a peaceful resolution.
Still, even though the Senju and Hyuga were allies, Tennin knew better than to expect their help for free.
Understanding this, Tennin spoke, "To express our gratitude for your assistance, we have brought you a significant giftāan important piece of intelligence."
"Intelligence?" Hashirama raised an eyebrow, while Akio's curiosity was piqued.
"Senju clan leader, have you noticed that several mid-sized clans in the west have been fighting more fiercely as of late?" Tennin asked.
"Yes, I have," Hashirama nodded and glanced at Tobirama, who confirmed it with a nod.
"A small western clan's iron mine has unearthed chakra-conducting metal."
"Chakra-conducting metal?" Hashirama's eyes widened in surprise. "That'sā¦ quite the find." He fell into deep thought.
Akio, too, was intrigued. Chakra-conducting metal was a rare resource in both the Warring States era and in future Konoha. Despite his fifty-three years in this war-torn world, he had never seen a single chakra-conducting weapon. The Uzumaki had some, but only in such small quantities that they could barely craft a few senbon.
"I wonderā¦ would chakra-infused shuriken enhance my Shuriken Replacement Technique?" Akio pondered.
"Thank you for this valuable intelligence," Hashirama finally said. "I will speak with the Uchiha."
"Much appreciated, Senju clan leader. We will take our leave."
As the Hyuga delegation departed, Hashirama suddenly remembered something. "Clan Leader Hyuga, which small clan discovered the chakra-conducting metal?"
Tennin turned back. "A clan called Sarutobi."
WaitāSarutobi?
Akio's expression stiffened. The Senju wouldn't try to seize Sarutobi's mine in the Warring Statesā¦ would they?
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