While turmoil churned through the Uchiha and Senju households, Raizen—flying atop his clay giant bird—remained blissfully unaware. The sun had barely risen, casting a pale glow over the river where the three had agreed to meet today. Yet as Raizen arrived, he noticed something odd: neither Madara nor Hashirama had shown up.
Of course. Typical. When punctuality matters, everyone suddenly forgets it exists. Raizen muttered, settling by the riverbank with a sigh. Waiting was boring, but he knew better than to complain—sometimes patience was the deadliest weapon.
What Raizen didn't know was that both Madara and Hashirama were caught in the tightening grip of their families' authority. Madara had risen early with the intent to sever the bonds she'd formed with Hashirama and Raizen—but barely a few steps from the Uchiha residence, she was intercepted by armored ninjas.
"Father… Izuna?" she whispered, disbelief flashing in her eyes.
"I know exactly who you're planning to meet," Uchiha Tajima said coldly. "Your next task is to bring them here. I'll personally sever your connection with them." His voice brooked no argument, and a mix of anger and helplessness washed over Madara.
"Remember," Tajima continued, his gaze piercing, "you are the young patriarch of the Uchiha. Your bloodline binds you to this clan. You carry every weight of the Uchiha name from birth!"
Madara's heart clenched, and she forced out a whisper. "I understand, Father…"
Meanwhile, Raizen waited as hours ticked by. By late morning, a gnawing unease settled in. Something wasn't right—Madara's absence was unnatural, and the Warring States history in his mind screamed danger.
If she's missing, it's probably not voluntary. She's walking into a trap…
With grim determination, Raizen retrieved a Flying Thunder God Kunai and anchored it to his clay bird. If things went south, he would need a quick escape route.
Noon came, and at last, sounds from the forest heralded the arrival of Madara and Hashirama. Relief surged through Raizen as they stepped into view, their expressions slightly tense but calm enough. He greeted them with enthusiasm, hiding the flicker of worry in his chest.
Across the river, the three exchanged an unspoken understanding. Raizen, ever alert, picked up a smooth stone and tossed it lightly toward the opposite bank, signaling readiness. Madara and Hashirama did the same, each stone carrying a secret message.
Finally, Madara shook her head apologetically. "Sorry… I just remembered something I need to take care of. Let's call it a day."
Hashirama's brow furrowed, frustration clear. "Really? Alright… Raizen, you should head back. Sitting here alone is boring enough without this."
The three turned to leave, each mindful of the messages embedded in the stones. Raizen's stone read: "There's an ambush." Hashirama's warned: "Run." And Madara's—across the river—screamed: "Trap! Run now!"
Before any of them could act, four shadowed figures emerged from the forest edges: Uchiha Tajima and Izuna, Senju Butsuma and Tobirama. The quiet riverbank, once a place for camaraderie, had instantly become a stage for confrontation.