Chapter:109

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The first direct confrontation between Izuna and Senju Kawaragi, the current head of the Senju clan, ended with a powerful Tailed Beast Bomb unleashed by Izuna. Despite the devastating impact, Kawaragi had somehow survived. Izuna's attack caused immense destruction, but it was clear that Kawaragi was resilient and that the sheer power of the Tailed Beast Bomb wasn't enough against an elite opponent. Reflecting on this, Izuna recalled how, in the future, even a similarly powerful tailed beast bomb from Killer B would struggle against agile, skilled ninja. This encounter highlighted the attack's limitations when facing opponents who could dodge or defend against its straightforward trajectory.

Later, as he assessed the damage to his own forces, Retsu Uchiha entered Izuna's camp. After a respectful bow, he reported, "Deputy Chief, our losses in this battle are within acceptable limits. However, Senju forces have an overwhelming numerical advantage. Their combat power remains significantly higher than ours." He hesitated before continuing, "Because of this, I believe we should consider requesting reinforcements from the Chief."

Izuna shook his head, calmly dismissing the suggestion. "Reinforcements? No, they won't be coming."

Retsu's brows furrowed in confusion. "But, Deputy Chief—why?"

Izuna smiled slightly, then began writing a letter. "You'll understand soon enough."

The mountain Pass battlefield, where Izuna and his forces were stationed, and the main battlefield at Congyunshan, where Madara led the larger force, maintained contact through a weekly exchange of letters. These letters allowed both sides to remain informed of each other's status, especially crucial during non-combat periods.

Two days later, a letter arrived from Madara detailing the latest situation at Congyunshan, and the news wasn't encouraging. Despite Madara's strength, he was facing relentless attacks from Senju Hashirama's Wood Release techniques. Without the Mangekyō Sharingan, Madara struggled to withstand Hashirama's power. To make matters worse, the Uzumaki clan, led by Uzumaki Guanghai, continued to pose an exceptional challenge. The Uchiha had allied themselves with four smaller clans from the northwest, but their abilities were minimal compared to the Uzumaki, who wielded complex and highly effective sealing techniques. These seals immobilized Uchiha ninjas, blocked their chakra flow, and neutralized their ninjutsu, creating severe limitations.

Izuna understood that sending more forces to support him at Mountain Pass could compromise Madara's situation. This dilemma left him with only two realistic options:

1. Fortify Defenses and Safeguard Uchiha Territory: Deploying more forces to Baigu Pass would mean leaving their homeland vulnerable. The clans left under the care of Uchiha's three elder advisors were the last line of defense. Drawing troops from these reserves could tempt nearby clans, like the Hyuga, to attack, endangering Uchiha land and weakening their overall strength.

2. Eliminate Senju Kawaragi: Given the narrow confines of Mountain Pass, both sides had committed only small forces. Thus, the fall of either commander—Izuna or Kawaragi—would be enough to tip the scales. If Izuna could eliminate Kawaragi, it would demoralize Senju forces and likely secure a victory. However, Kawaragi was no ordinary opponent; as the head of Senju, he had immense skill and strength.

Izuna acknowledged the challenges with a sigh. Every time he faced Kawaragi, he fought with the intent to end him, but the power difference was too small to achieve a decisive victory. Kawaragi's battle prowess as a top Kage-level ninja made him difficult to overpower.

Izuna suddenly raised his voice, calling, "Akechi."

Standing outside, Uchiha Akechi immediately turned and entered the tent, bowing respectfully. "Deputy Chief, your instructions?"

"Strengthen the defensive barriers," Izuna ordered. "Focus all our efforts on defense from now on."

Akechi nodded and left to carry out the command. Left alone, Izuna pondered the inner workings of his clan. Although he and Madara appeared to lead, a powerful elder faction still held significant influence. This council of elders, led by Uchiha Ishiki, held as much sway as the brothers, resembling Konoha's advisory group in later years.

While Izuna saw the role of advisory councils as mostly ineffective, he recognized that, with most of the younger generation still in training, some experienced leadership was necessary. If he could secure additional troops from the elder faction's reserves, it would strengthen his position at Mountain Pass. This strategy would also have the added benefit of subtly weakening the elders' grip over the clan.

The main issue was ensuring that the Hyuga or other opportunistic clans wouldn't exploit the weakened Uchiha defenses. Deep in thought, Izuna spent hours pondering the dilemma, seeking a feasible solution.

Late at night, Akechi returned, carrying a tray with a simple meal of vegetable soup and dried noodles. "Deputy Chief, dinner."

Izuna acknowledged him with a nod. "Thank you. You may go."

However, before leaving, Akechi hesitated. "Deputy Chief, about the Uzumaki woman you brought back… shall I serve her the same meal?"

Izuna paused, then nodded. "Yes, the same." Although he felt reluctant to let his beloved Mito endure the camp's plain rations, he knew favoritism would only breed unnecessary gossip among the ranks.

After Akechi left, Izuna quickly finished his meal, resuming his contemplation. An idea struck him: covert tactics. In the past, he had honed his skills in espionage, and he still had alliances within the Sarutobi and Shimura clans. Perhaps he could exploit these connections, planting seeds of dissent among the Senju forces. Such a maneuver wouldn't guarantee success, but it was a feasible tactic that could sow confusion and weaken their enemy's resolve.

His spirits lifted, Izuna felt a renewed determination. If he could pull this off, it might just be the opening he needed to tip the scales at Mountain Pass.

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