Naruto: Uchiha Izuna with system

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the room grew warmer, and the representatives of the various ninja clans had noticeably flushed faces, including Izuna and Senju Hashirama.

Hyuga Tenzō cleared his throat, his sharp eyes moving between Izuna and Hashirama.

"I've heard that Uchiha and Senju are currently embroiled in battle on the eastern front, both displaying tremendous strength. To have Izuna and Hashirama, the so-called 'Two Heroes of the Warring States Period,' attend my humble birthday banquet is truly an honor," Tenzō said with a measured smile.

The hall fell silent. The casual murmurs and polite conversations ceased as all eyes turned toward Izuna and Hashirama, waiting for their responses.

Izuna's face darkened, his expression unreadable, while Hashirama's surprise was evident. Without Senju Tobirama, his more politically adept brother, at his side, Hashirama struggled to mask his reaction.

Even so, he understood that such a sensitive topic should never have been raised publicly. It should have been discussed in private, not at a celebratory event.

Hashirama cast a glance at Izuna, hoping to gauge his reaction and determine his next move.

"This just got interesting," murmured the Nara representative seated near the back.

"Interesting, yes, but what is Tenzō thinking? Bringing up such a matter here of all places…" replied the Akimichi representative, his voice low and uncertain.

Izuna noticed Hashirama's hesitant gaze and quickly understood his intentions. For once, Hashirama was looking to him for guidance.

A faint smirk tugged at Izuna's lips. "Now things are getting serious," he thought.

Breaking the silence, Izuna addressed the room. "I suspect Clan Leader Hashirama and I are here for similar reasons."

Izuna's eyes locked onto Hyuga Tenzō's with a piercing intensity. "This battle will decide the future of the ninja world for the next fifty—no, perhaps even a hundred years. Clan Leader Tenzō, your decision holds immense weight. Don't make the mistake of choosing the wrong side."

The tension in the room thickened. Many representatives felt their hearts race. It was no secret that Uchiha and Senju were the two dominant clans, but hearing Izuna's words out loud brought the gravity of the situation into sharp focus.

The Hyuga clan's decision could tilt the balance of power irreversibly.

Hashirama seized the opportunity to add his voice. "What Deputy Clan Leader Izuna said is true. While I abhor war, I must ask Clan Leader Tenzō to make a choice. The Hyuga clan's alliance could help shape a peaceful future for the ninja world."

Hyuga Tenzō's expression grew unreadable. The room was silent as everyone waited with bated breath for his response.

After a long pause, Tenzō finally spoke, his voice calm but laced with an unsettling edge. "The Two Heroes of the Warring States Period… quite the grandiose title."

His gaze swept across the room before resting on Izuna and Hashirama.

"I, Hyuga, stand among the oldest and most powerful clans in the Warring States Period. With Inuzuka, Aburame, and five other clans as our allies, our combined strength far surpasses that of either Uchiha or Senju alone," Tenzō declared.

The room stirred uneasily at his bold proclamation.

His tone hardened as he continued, "What gives you two the confidence to assume that the Hyuga clan will align itself with either of you? What makes you think I, Hyuga Tenzō, would not be the one to unite the Warring States under my rule?"

Gasps echoed through the hall.

This wasn't merely a rejection of Uchiha and Senju—it was a declaration of war!

The representatives exchanged uneasy glances, struggling to process Tenzō's audacity.

Hashirama rose quickly, attempting to diffuse the situation. "It's not about subordination, but alliance. My dream is to create a village where all clans can live together in peace…"

Before he could finish, Izuna interrupted. "So, Hyuga wants to imitate Shimura Keizō (Old guy)and reap the rewards without lifting a finger?"

The Shimura representative's face darkened at the insult. Izuna's casual dismissal of their clan leader as an "old man" didn't go unnoticed.

"Hmph. Unlike Shimura, the Hyuga clan has no need to act like scavengers," Tenzō retorted coldly. "Since the Two Heroes are both present, why not resolve this matter here and now? Perhaps by eliminating one of you, the Hyuga clan can officially declare war on both Uchiha and Senju—and claim dominance over the Warring States!"

Izuna's smirk vanished, replaced by a dangerous glint in his eyes. "You're either a fool or far braver than I gave you credit for."

The next moment, the entire roof of the mansion erupted with a deafening explosion.

Outside, the guards of the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans froze in shock.

From the shattered remains of the roof, a silver-white giant emerged.

"Is that… Susanoo?!"

The sight of the legendary construct sent shivers down the spines of those who had only heard of its destructive power.

"Deputy Clan Leader, what are your orders?" Uchiha Yanhuo called out, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.

"Evacuate at once. I'll handle this," Izuna replied, his voice calm yet resolute.

Yanhuo hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Understood."

The three Uchiha jōnin retreated swiftly, leaving Izuna to face the situation alone.

"Stop them!" Tenzō barked.

Hyuga guards and their allies surged forward, but Izuna remained unfazed.

From behind Tenzō, Inuzuka Hen and Aburame Masashi approached. "Clan Leader, shall we proceed with the plan?"

Tenzō's lips curled into a smirk. "Yes. Leave this to me."

The two deputies departed with their clansmen, leaving the other representatives in disarray.

"What should we do now?" the Akimichi representative asked nervously.

"We leave," the Nara representative replied grimly. "This entire banquet was a trap. I never imagined Hyuga Tenzō would have the audacity to challenge the Two Heroes directly."

Before anyone could move, an overwhelming surge of chakra flooded the area.

The oppressive force was suffocating, leaving everyone frozen in place.

"What… is this?" someone muttered in disbelief.

The source of the chakra was neither Izuna nor Hashirama—it was Hyuga Tenzō himself.

"This… this can't be…"

Tenzō stood amidst the chaos, his eyes glowing with an unnatural brilliance. His chakra, massive and unrelenting, tore through the air like a storm.

For the first time, even Izuna and Hashirama found themselves momentarily caught off guard.

"What kind of monster is he?" Izuna thought, narrowing his eyes as he prepared for the confrontation ahead.

End of the Chapter.

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