Chapter 54: Madara’s Resolve, The Flame of Garuda

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At the front lines, in the Uchiha camp.

"Has Kyosuke still not returned?" Uchiha Hiroki sighed deeply.

The two sides had secretly agreed to a one-year truce, with Uzumaki Ashina promising not to break through the Uchiha defenses during that time.

However, Ashina wasn't foolish—how could he not anticipate enemy scheming?

If he deliberately slacked off, Senju Butsuma would surely come looking for him afterward.

At that point, Uzushiogakure would face the wrath of both the Senju and the Uchiha. Could their nation survive such a predicament?

Not to mention, the Land of Water had always harbored hidden hostility. If not for the ongoing turmoil, Uzumaki Ashina's greatest concern would likely have been the forces of the Land of Water.

Reluctant to offend the Senju clan, Ashina frequently launched terrifyingly intense attacks.

He didn't aim to break through the Uchiha lines; instead, he sought to inflict as much damage as possible on the battlefield.

Soon enough, Uchiha Hiroki and his troops realized their casualty rates were mysteriously climbing.

At this rate, they wouldn't last the full year before their forces were utterly crippled.

As Kyosuke's promised reinforcements had yet to arrive, they were forced to request aid from Uchiha Tajima.

"A bunch of fools who can't even handle someone like Uzumaki Ashina," Tajima reportedly fumed when he received the plea for help, nearly spitting blood.

Not only did he openly berate the troops for their incompetence, but he also seized the chance to vent: "As a commander, Kyosuke abandoned his post during a war. If he doesn't bring back reinforcements, he can go guard the gates!"

If it were anyone else, Tajima would have had more than enough reason to kill them several times over.

But given Kyosuke's past contributions, and not wanting to lose such talent, Tajima begrudgingly issued the gate-guarding punishment.

This allowed him to diminish Kyosuke's reputation while ensuring his safety. Tajima's actions were calculated.

Currently, Tajima didn't want Kyosuke dead. However, he was also wary of Kyosuke's growing influence.

In Tajima's eyes, Kyosuke should be a blade to wield at his command. Only then could he trust handing him over to his son.

Otherwise, Kyosuke would inevitably become a threat.

Forget the close bond between Madara and Kyosuke—hadn't he and Uchiha Rei once been like brothers, even taking hits for each other on the battlefield?

And look how that turned out. Now, they dreamed of each other's demise.

Tajima believed that someday Madara and Kyosuke would stand on opposing sides.

When that day came, it would spell disaster for the entire Uchiha clan.

For now, he refrained from drastic actions, as the situation was still salvageable.

But if Kyosuke showed any signs of defying control, he wouldn't hesitate to strike mercilessly.

Madara was unaware of these machinations. Although he knew his father to be narrow-minded, his attempts to guide him in a better direction often had limited success.

Not long after the plea for help was sent, Uchiha Izuna arrived at the battlefield with reinforcements.

"Brother."

The saying goes, United, brothers can conquer anything. Fighting side by side on the battlefield was indeed exhilarating.

However, it did little to change the grim state of the battle.

The reinforcements merely delayed the inevitable defeat.

At this rate, Hiroki's forces would likely face total collapse within six months.

Clang!

Drawing his scythe, Uchiha Madara led Izuna in repeated assaults on the Uzumaki defensive lines.

Though it hadn't been long, Madara's presence had grown steadier, his strength noticeably improving.

Madara was now entering a period of rapid growth.

After parting for just a few days, anyone who saw him again would be amazed.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Loud Singing Jutsu!"

Facing a surge of enemies, Madara's expression remained cold as he unleashed five blazing fire dragons that instantly vaporized his opponents.

With a sweep of his scythe, the remaining Chūnin were felled.

Behind him, Izuna showcased his own formidable prowess.

Anyone attempting to approach Madara met Izuna's blade, the brothers' teamwork tearing through the enemy formation.

But the Uzumaki forces were far too numerous, vastly outnumbering the Uchiha.

The brothers had to retreat quickly after each assault, or risk being captured.

At first, their raids were smooth, costing them only minor injuries.

But this time, Madara's carelessness came at a price.

"Uchiha brat, I've been waiting for you."

Black sealing marks spread across the area as the distinct aura of a sealing jutsu unfolded.

Many were trapped before they could retreat.

"Damn it."

Madara furrowed his brows, realizing he had underestimated his enemy.

Seeing his brother's panic, he repeatedly reminded himself not to let Izuna come to harm.

As masters of Fire Style, the Uchiha had naturally developed S-rank Fire Style jutsu over the centuries.

However, such techniques were rarely used due to their difficulty and lack of decisive advantage in skilled combat.

Rather than waste chakra, many opted for B or C-rank jutsu to create opportunities.

But to break through the enemy's barrier, Madara needed the most destructive single-point attack.

Even if it meant risking his body, he decided to try.

After 20 seals, Madara's chakra transformed, fiery energy gathering in his mouth.

Though the jutsu had yet to be released, the surrounding temperature soared.

Even Izuna, closest to him, instinctively stepped back.

"Don't underestimate Uchiha Madara!"

With a roar, Madara unleashed the S-rank forbidden jutsu.

The Flame of Garuda!

The golden flaming bird, born of intense fire chakra, blinded everyone upon its appearance.

It was so intense that looking directly at it felt like one's eyes would burn.

With wings of fire, the divine bird crashed into the barrier, shattering the seemingly impenetrable seal.

And it didn't stop there. When the caster tried to escape, the bird pursued and detonated its fiery energy.

Boom!

Using this forbidden Uchiha fire jutsu, Madara obliterated the Uzumaki ambush squad's plans.

"Accept your deaths with dignity, scum," Madara taunted, his stance unsteady but his arrogance undiminished.

Though the powerful attack defeated the ambush squad, it also drew the attention of hidden enemies.

"Izuna, go ahead. I'll cover you." Despite the severe burns near his mouth, Madara prepared to fight again.

"Brother!"

At that moment, an unusual kunai landed nearby.

Seeing it, the brothers' stern expressions finally softened.

"That bastard finally showed up."

[Chapter End's]

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