Wounded Worlds

三

"Sometimes there's nothing you can do... Sometimes they don't have enough to fight with."

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As the following weeks flew by after the Uzumaki and Senju clans agreed to an alliance, a certain clan in the far distance had their own matters to take control of. For they were losing in numbers and had also agreed to an alliance with the Inuzuka clansmen to make up for it. The birth rate in their clan was steadily increasing but wasn't fast enough to produce enough warriors for fight on the front line. Their enemy clan was steps ahead of them now and was the victor for quite some time.

And it infuriated this clan.

They were the Uchiha clan. Known to be the most powerful clan known and yet the Senju clan leveled up with them equally. The two clans were equal in power, thus causing wars back and forth over control of territory and simply dominance. The Uchiha clan was being led by a man who was strictest as one could be, a heart cold enough to the touch, and was merciless. While the Senju clan believed in more of a democratic ruling, the Uchiha clan was under a totalitarian leader. He had advisors in a council but they were seen useless and not needed.

Uchiha Tajima, is his name. And he had a plan to conquer his biggest rival clan. But it required his only two living and breathing sons to get involved, despite it being a life or death plan. He would risk anything to win and defeat the Senju clan.

Which was why he called in his eldest son, Uchiha Madara. Madara took upon his father's attributes and strived to be seen as a prodigy in his clan. He had already proven himself worthy by slaying adult samurais effortlessly in battle, shown great care for his people and clan, and proved his intelligence in battle strategics and out-smarting his enemy. Madara was also in training to take over his father's position as the clan leader of the Uchiha clan.

Only nine years old and he was a legend.

Tajima sat in front of his eldest son with hands placed in front of him as his long sleeves of his high collared kimono hung lowly to his lap. The sleeves covered the entirety of his arms. His stern onyx eyes looked down at his son, not a single sign of endearment in them. It was said that the Uchihas value love deeply but it seemed like Tajima had none for his sons. He only saw them as pawns to get the job done. Madara sat before him on his knees with hands on his lap and look at his father with emotionless eyes. "I want you to spy on the Senjus. See what is making them victorious." Said Tajima, spitting out his enemy's name with hate. Simply saying their name was distasteful.

Madara raised an eyebrow of confusion. How could an Uchiha pass for a traveler in the Senju clan? His enemies knew what Uchihas looked like and Madara was a pure epitome of the Uchiha clan. He bore the signature black hair and onyx eyes. Tajima noticed his son's look of confusion and sighed. "There is a small clan of farmers by the river bend. They look like us but are harmless and are friends with the Senju clan." He paused to ponder more on his next words and plan for his son until Madara spoke up. "I could blend in as a farmer and deliver the cargo to the Senju clan from there. It'll be easier to enter that way than sneaking in." He said confidently. In truth, the plan was foolproof. Madara had observed this small clan at some point from the distance and heard a group of traders traveled to the Senju clan to trade.

All Madara needed to do was to dress in rags, disregard his high status, blend in as a farmer, and enter enemy ground. But at the same time, he couldn't help himself but to feel nervous. Only nine and the thought of being caught and killed worried him. Would he dishonor his family and clan? Would he succeed? He didn't know. But Madara would accept this mission with his chin held up high.

Tajima looked at his son with pride. A small smile dared to make its way known but he held it down and dismissed his son. Tajima eventually gave Madara about a week to prepare himself and told him not to come back until he found the secret to causing the Senju clan to be victorious for so long. This made Madara leave his father's room with weight on his shoulders.