Naruto: Uchiha Izuna with system

Hearing Madara's words, Izuna's attention sharpened.

Madara continued, "With Senju Hashirama now leading the clan, they've made extensive preparations. Not only have they deployed significant manpower around Uzushio Village, but they've also placed the docks and ports along the southeastern coast under strict surveillance."

Uchiha Yano frowned. "So, the Senju have essentially created an iron wall around Uzushio Village, ensuring no one can approach without their permission?"

"Exactly," Madara replied, crossing his arms. "The Uzumaki and Senju have made it clear they want no interference. With the Uzumaki clan's unparalleled sensory abilities, a surprise attack would be futile. Add the Senju's defenses, and it's impossible to reach Uzushio Village—or even the sea—without a solid plan."

Uchiha Inosuke suggested, "Would a large-scale force work? Perhaps overwhelming them with numbers?"

"No," Uchiha Sashu interjected. "The war between us and the Senju has just ended. If we assemble an army so soon and march toward their territory, it will leave a clear trail. They'll see us coming."

Inosuke frowned. "But sneaking in with only a few people won't work either. The Uzumaki's sensory barrier would detect us immediately, and with too few numbers, we'd be at a disadvantage."

Izuna, who had been quietly listening, closed his eyes to think. After a moment, he spoke. "There's a better way. Let's resolve this peacefully—through a marriage proposal."

"Marriage proposal?" Everyone froze, stunned by the suggestion.

Madara chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Izuna, I doubt the Uzumaki would be eager to marry their princess to the Uchiha."

Izuna smiled confidently. "We'll deliver the proposal ourselves. I'll go to Uzu Village in person."

The room erupted in protest.

"Deputy Clan Leader," Sashu argued, "the Senju have blocked all roads. It's nearly impossible for us to reach Uzu Village without being detected. Even if we send a small group, the sensory barrier will make it difficult, and a larger force would only draw attention."

Izuna raised a hand, silencing him. "I have a technique capable of transporting a large group directly to Uzu Village. We won't need to sneak past the Senju or worry about the Uzumaki's sensory barrier."

Madara's eyes lit up. "Izuna, have you developed a new jutsu?"

The others in the room shared Madara's amazement. By now, they were used to Izuna creating innovative techniques, but a jutsu capable of transporting an army? That was unprecedented.

Izuna grinned. "Yes, but there's a risk. Using this technique will undoubtedly anger the Senju and Uzumaki. The war we just ended could reignite, and I'm not willing to risk another conflict over a personal matter."

Though Izuna's resolve to bring Mito back was strong, he wasn't ready to jeopardize the clan's fragile peace. He needed a solution that would avoid unnecessary bloodshed while still achieving his goal.

Uchiha Yano, ever pragmatic, asked, "Deputy Clan Leader, what's your plan?"

Izuna smirked. "How is the Kaguya clan doing these days?"

The Kaguya clan, infamous for their warlike tendencies and fierce combat skills, had survived the Warring States Period but suffered from a debilitating genetic disease. Their population was small, and their resources—land, food, and minerals—were inferior to those of the Uzumaki.

Because of their territorial disadvantages, the Kaguya often eyed the Uzumaki's lands with envy but lacked the strength to conquer them outright. Protected by the Senju, Uzu Village had remained untouchable.

Sashu replied, "The Kaguya haven't stopped their attempts to invade Uzushio Village. Now that we've weakened the Senju's control, they're likely planning another attack."

Madara added, "Kaguya Manro, their leader, is strong enough to stand among the best clan heads, but he's no match for Senju Hashirama. Before even reaching Uzu Village, he'd be overwhelmed by Hashirama's Wood Release."

"True," Izuna admitted, "but if the Senju don't arrive in time, the Uzumaki and Senju would still suffer heavy casualties."

A sinister smile crossed Izuna's face. "If we give the Kaguya an opportunity to land their forces in Uzu Village, they won't hesitate to attack."

The room fell silent as the Uchiha leaders processed Izuna's plan.

Madara chuckled. "It seems the Kaguya are about to find themselves in trouble."

Back at his residence, Izuna opened the system skill tree.

One particular path caught his attention:

Flying Thunder God (Level B): Acquired

Flying Thunder God Level 2 (A Level): Acquired

Flying Thunder God Level 3 (S Level): Not unlocked, required skill points: 80

The third level of the Flying Thunder God technique was what Izuna had in mind. It was an advanced, nearly broken-level jutsu capable of creating a Flying Thunder God barrier that could transport entire armies or even redirect attacks like a Tailed Beast Bomb.

Izuna currently had 110 skill points—enough to unlock it.

Originally, he planned to save these points to upgrade his Mangekyō Sharingan and assist Madara in awakening the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. With 800 points required for the Rinnegan, this seemed like a more practical investment.

But the situation with Mito had shifted his priorities.

"Sorry, Madara," Izuna muttered to himself, smirking. "We're brothers, and I'll help you in the end. But for now, I'm using these points for Mito."

He clicked the unlock button.

In the world of brothers, Izuna thought with amusement, you could support each other.

But for the right woman, you could even stand in each other's way.

End of the Chapter.