"Report! Lord Nara Enkaku was ambushed by Senju Hashirama and 500 Uchiha warriors!"
"Report! Lord Akimichi Shefeng was ambushed by 700 warriors led by Senju Tobirama!"
The rapid succession of defeats left Nara Fukaku's head spinning.
He quickly analyzed the battlefield situation:
Nara Enkaku's forces: Although they outnumbered Hashirama's army 4 to 1, Hashirama alone was an overwhelming force.
Akimichi Shefeng's army: Although the numbers were balanced, many Three-Legged Alliance warriors were injured. Their combat effectiveness was compromised.
Shimura Keizo Steps In
"I will personally hunt down and eliminate Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Enhuo."
The war council fell silent.
Everyone quickly realized Keizo's true intentions:
Senju Tobirama had lost an arm and was weakened.
Uchiha Enhuo was only quasi-Kage level, making him easier prey.
A victory here would boost Keizo's prestige significantly.
"Report!!!"
A Hyuga scout rushed in, drenched in sweat.
"What now?" Nara Fukaku frowned.
Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Izuna Attack!
"Lord Madara Uchiha and Lord Izuna Uchiha have each led attacks!"
The war council erupted.
Madara is leading 800 warriors to attack the Sarutobi-Shimura forces.
Izuna is leading 500 warriors towards Hyuga Castle.
"This is madness!" Inuzuka Retsu shouted.
The Uchiha-Senju Alliance had divided their forces into:
800 warriors under Madara – Attacking Sarutobi-Shimura.
500 warriors under Izuna – Attacking Hyuga.
500 warriors under Hashirama – Attacking Ino-Shika-Cho.
800 warriors under Tobirama – Holding the northern front.
This meant nearly every soldier was deployed in battle.
"They're treating this war like a gamble!"
Three-Clan Alliance Response
Shimura Keizo took charge of defeating Madara's forces.
Hinata Genmasa would lead the Hyuga and Inuzuka clans against Izuna.
Nara Fukaku reinforced Ino-Shika-Cho with warriors from Shiranui, Moonlight, and Yamashiro clans.
"Now, we'll see if the so-called 'Three Heroes of the Warring States' can truly survive against us!"
Madara's Battlefield – Sarutobi-Shimura Territory
Madara's 800 warriors, led by him and Senju Yunma, advanced toward enemy lands.
"We will cross the mountain range by tomorrow," Yunma reported.
"That means the enemy will attack us within the next three days."
Yunma's Tactical Proposal
"We should find a good position for an ambush."
"We are outnumbered at least three to one."
Madara scoffed.
"Ambush? Coward's play."
"Find me an open battlefield. Let them come."
Yunma's eyes widened.
"This guy is insane!"
But Uchiha warriors cheered—their leader had absolute confidence.
The army camped in an open valley.
Some Uchiha ninjas were nervous
"If the enemy finds us, we're at a disadvantage."
Madara grinned.
"So what? Let them come. The stronger they are, the better the battle will be."
A massive explosion rocked the sky.
"ENEMY ATTACK!!!"
Sarutobi and Shimura warriors appeared from all directions!
Madara's 800 warriors were surrounded by 3,000 enemy ninjas!
Madara stood up slowly, smiling.