As the three grew closer, the war between the Amamiya and Ueshi clans gradually began to die down.
After Patriarch Amamiya Gen decided to strike, he mobilized the clan's ninjas for a decisive surprise attack on the Ueshi. The ambush hit hard—heavy casualties tore through the Ueshi ranks, shaking their foundation.
But Ueshi Masahiro, stubborn to the end, abandoned his clan estate and led his people into retreat. The Amamiya could only watch them slip away into the forests.
Even while retreating, the Ueshi continued to lash out in scattered raids. Their relentless guerrilla tactics gave the Amamiya clan constant headaches. Despite tightening their pursuit, the Ueshi slipped away more than once. The war was not over—it had simply grown quieter and more frustrating.
Raizen understood the situation well, but there was little he could do. The long, slow cleanup of the remaining Ueshi fighters was left to the clan's tracking squads.And so, as the pace of war slowed, Raizen finally gained more time to train with Hashirama and Madara.
That day, after practice, Raizen soared on a giant clay bird toward the riverside meeting spot. Beneath a cliff, a boy with spiky, hedgehog-like hair stood waiting, arms crossed, irritation all over his face. The moment he saw Raizen descending, he yelled:
"Oi, Madara! You're still the first one here! Why am I always the one waiting alone?!"
From the riverbank, Madara waved lazily and shouted back, "Hahaha—stop whining already!"
Raizen laughed, guiding the bird down to land. Hashirama arrived a moment later, panting, eyes sparkling.
"Madara! Raizen! After our last fight, I invented an insanely powerful ninjutsu—wanna see it? Hahaha!"
Madara stared at Hashirama's absurdly gleeful grin and muttered, "...What kind of move is that supposed to be?"
Hashirama threw his arms up dramatically.
"It's the second-stage Shot Down Technique of the Body Magic Secret Super Fire Style Illusion Cut Big Shuriken Technique!!"
Madara's mouth twitched. "You definitely have a talent… just not sure for what."
"It's strong though! I'll explain—!"
"Don't explain. I don't want to know," Madara cut in flatly.
Hashirama collapsed to his knees like he'd been struck by heavenly betrayal.
Raizen just laughed, then pointed up the cliff.
"Today we're doing a climbing race. Whoever reaches the top first—wins."
Before the final word left his mouth—
Hashirama was already sprinting up the cliff.
Madara smirked and took off right after him.
"Hah! I knew you'd rush first! Think I'd fall for it again?" Madara taunted.
Raizen sighed. "Little troublemakers."
He swung a hand—and the giant clay bird shot forward, gliding straight past both of them and landing at the top without effort.
"RAIZEN!! YOU CHEATED!!" both shouted together when they reached the peak.
Raizen grinned. "Looks like I win."
"SHAMELESS!" Hashirama and Madara roared.
"Acted slow just to ambush us at the end… Very bold, Raizen," Madara growled, though his smirk betrayed amusement.
Raizen only laughed. Their banter, tricks, petty competitions—that was where their bond deepened most.
Brothers, forged not by blood—but by shared battles, laughter, and the desire to change the world.
...
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