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The Shimura representative stepped forward, arms crossed. "And if we unite? Under who? You?"
"We unite under common interest," the Sarutobi elder replied. "Survival. Influence. Control of neutral trade routes. Intelligence exchange."
The Kurama speaker, veiled and quiet, said only, "We value cooperation. But genjutsu makes everyone uneasy."
The Nara leader, fingers laced together in front of his lips, spoke slowly. "We have the numbers to form a bloc. Not a kingdom. Let's not mistake alliance for empire."
The Yamanaka nodded. "An information web, not a military front."
The Akimichi laughed. "And if either of the big clans attacks us?"
"Then we feed each other," the Yamanaka replied calmly. "And hide each other."
No one outright said it, but the implication was clear: they were building an invisible wall between the great clans and themselves. Not neutrality—detached control.
"This is dangerous. Not now—but later. If they grow strong together, we'll have to break them apart."
Madara scowled. "They're cowards."
"No," Arai countered. "They're predators who wait until the prey is weak. Like wolves."
"They think we're the prey?" Izuna asked.
"They think they won't be the first to die," Arai replied.
Yagami didn't speak. But the glint in his eyes said everything: this would not be forgotten.
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Meanwhile, Hiroshi tensed.
He turned his head slightly, narrowing his eyes. "Something's wrong."
Hashirama glanced at him. "I have also been sensing another party. What do you see?"
"Another presence," Hiroshi whispered. "Not from here. Above the tree line."
Tobirama's eyes sharpened. "Where?"
"I can't be sure. But... it feels like a reflection."
Tobirama's hand twitched toward his blade. "Another clan?"
"Maybe," Hiroshi said. "Maybe not."
Hashirama placed a calming hand on Hiroshi's shoulder. "Let them be. We're not the only ones who can watch without being seen."
"Could be the Uchiha," Bunta muttered.
"Then we learn from them," Hashirama said. "Don't confront—adapt."
As the summit wound down, final words were exchanged:
The Nara promised future communication.
The Yamanaka offered to establish a signal system via mental link for emergencies.
The Kurama remained vague.
The Shimura requested maps of safe zones for minor clan refugees.
The Akimichi agreed to share surplus food supplies.
The Sarutobi quietly proposed a rotating watch system.
Not a single oath was sworn, but something solid had begun. A web. Thin and fragile—but sticky and patient.
And then they left.
Each clan melted into the trees, returning to their territories.
None of them knew two great powers had observed them.
None of them knew they had been catalogued and analyzed.
And neither the Uchiha nor the Senju realized they had both been present, silently watching, only heartbeats away from discovery.
As the shadows lengthened and the last of the summit's echoes faded into silence, Arai stood atop a high branch and whispered:
"They want to survive this war."
Yagami replied, "So do we. But we won't do it by hiding."
And far on the opposite ridge, Hiroshi said softly to Hashirama, "They're not afraid of the Uchiha or Senju. Not enough."
Hashirama's eyes narrowed. "Then maybe... they should be."
coldness. The minor clans had returned from their summit, leaving the glade in eerie silence. But for the great powers in the shadows—Uchiha and Senju—the true storm was only beginning.
Tajima Uchiha stood before a burning brazier, the flickering flame casting jagged shadows on the wooden walls of his study. His fingers steepled beneath his chin as Yagami, the seasoned elite who had led the surveillance team, finished his report.
Madara and Izuna stood to the side, their faces unreadable. Arai remained near the back, hands behind his back, eyes lowered in calculated thought.
Yagami's voice was calm, precise. "The clans present were Sarutobi, Shimura, Kurama, Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi. No Hyuga. No Senju. But the meeting tone was… quiet tension. Each clan spoke with diplomacy but danced around their distrust. They fear us. And also perhaps, each other."
Tajima's voice was a low growl. "They seek to balance our strength through numbers. The weak, as always, cling together. But none were bold enough to declare war?"
"No, Lord Tajima," Yagami replied. "They spoke of a unified minor front, but it remains talk. No actionable pact was signed. The Sarutobi are cautious. The Nara seemed observant more than assertive."
Madara stepped forward. "Then we are not too late."
Arai spoke at last. "I agree. The situation is fluid. The clans are wary but not aligned. A push could fracture them. If we target the Kurama or Shimura first—subtly—it may cause the others to hesitate."
Tajima's eyes flicked to Arai. "You speak of provocation."
"Subordination, Father. The Kurama's Genjutsu could be useful. The Inuzuka and Kaguya are more suited to feral, rapid-response squads. Together, we build a force of shock and awe. And fear."
Izuna chuckled. "He's almost 5, and already strategizing like you."
Tajima didn't smile. "He understands what's needed." He turned back to the flames. "Prepare envoys. Quiet ones. We will offer protection, territory, or arms. But not as equals."
Madara furrowed his brow. "And if they resist?"
Tajima's tone was iron. "Then they will understand that rejecting Uchiha favor invites Uchiha fire."
Meanwhile, across the valley, Butsuma Senju sat with arms crossed in his pavilion. The mood was grim. Bunta, broad and scarred from old battles, finished detailing the minor clan summit. Hashirama, Tobirama, and Hiroshi sat nearby.
"They met, as expected," Bunta concluded. "But there was no mention of allying with Uchiha. Still, the undercurrent was clear. They do not trust us. The Uzumaki alliance made them fearful."
Butsuma narrowed his eyes. "The Uzumaki… that alliance was my call, yet it has made the others skittish. They think we've grown too strong, too fast."
Hashirama looked up. "But it's not wrong to seek peace through strength."
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