Faced with Izuna's almost childish reluctance, Mito froze for two seconds before bursting into a laugh. She stood on her tiptoes, planted a kiss on his lips, and then shook her head with a look of absolute seriousness.
In the end, Izuna dispatched Uchiha Shin as an envoy, leading a diplomatic team of three Jonin.
They carried Mito's kimono and a handwritten letter from Izuna, with orders to deliver them to Uzumaki Hiro'umi in the opposing Senju encampment.
News had spread that the Uchiha army on the frontal battlefield at Mount Congyun had shifted from offense to defense.
In the previous battle, Senju Hashirama had used Deep Forest Bloom to force the Uchiha army into retreat, injuring two Uchiha Kage-level experts: Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Gakugyo.
Senju Yuma knew his strategy had been correct, reinforcing his commitment to a defensive stance. No matter how Izuna provoked or attacked over the last two months, he resolutely refused to fight.
"Clan Head, Elder Hiro'umi. Uchiha Shin has arrived as an envoy. He says he has something to deliver to Elder Hiro'umi," a Senju Chunin reported, entering the tent where Senju Yuma and the high command were discussing their next move.
"Something for this old man?" Uzumaki Hiro'umi frowned.
Senju Yuma exchanged glances with the surrounding high-ranking officers and nodded. "Bring it in."
Two armies at war do not kill envoys. This was a universal rule of warfare in this world.
Soon, the Senju Chunin brought in a small parcel and placed it on the table in front of Senju Yuma.
"Clan Head, this is it."
"Mm." Senju Yuma waved his hand, dismissing the messenger.
Uzumaki Hiro'umi and the others gathered around, curious to see what was inside.
Senju Yuma drew a kunai and sliced open the outer wrapping. They weren't afraid of hidden weapons; there were no hidden weapons in the world that could harm a peak Jonin, let alone the Kage-level experts present.
As the wrapping fell away, a plain white silk garment was revealed. The material was exquisite, clearly the work of a master.
That was the first thought of the Senju officers. The Uzumaki clan members, however, including Uzumaki Hiro'umi, saw their expressions change drastically.
Hiro'umi instantly recognized the white kimono. It belonged to his granddaughter, Uzumaki Mito.
"There is also a letter inside." Senju Yuma removed the letter tucked into the kimono and handed it to Uzumaki Hiro'umi. Since the package was addressed to him, he should be the one to open it.
Uzumaki Hiro'umi tore open the envelope and quickly scanned the contents. His body began to tremble. He nearly tore the letter to shreds in a fit of rage, stomping his foot heavily on the ground. "Uchiha Izuna! You wet-behind-the-ears brat, how dare you use Mito to threaten this old man!"
Senju Yuma frowned and took the letter. It read:
"Elder Hiro'umi, the Princess of your noble clan has been treated as an honored guest in my camp. However, the confrontation between our armies has dragged on, and I fear a shortage of provisions. Princess Mito is not of my clan; to ensure she suffers no grievances, I boldly request a swift resolution.
I am willing to fight a decisive battle alone against both your clans to determine the ownership of Shirotani Pass. If you agree, I will return Princess Mito as a show of sincerity.
Signed, Uchiha Izuna."
Though less theatrical than Hiro'umi, Senju Yuma couldn't help but let out a cold snort. "This Uchiha Izuna is truly shameless, actually using Princess Mito as leverage!"
Another peak Jonin of the Senju clan immediately spoke up. "Clan Head, Uchiha Izuna claims he will face everyone from the Senju and Uzumaki clans alone. It's laughable. He's obviously trying to lure us out for a decisive battle. We cannot be fooled."
As soon as he spoke, an Uzumaki ninja retorted sharply, "Bastard! Are you saying Princess Mito's safety is irrelevant?"
"That's not what I meant..."
"Then what did you mean? My Uzumaki clan traveled thousands of miles to reinforce the Senju. Now that our Princess is in danger, shouldn't the Senju do everything in their power to help? Furthermore, Princess Mito is betrothed to your Vice-Clan Head."
Seeing the two sides about to quarrel, Senju Yuma shouted to prevent internal strife. "Enough!"
As the current Clan Head of the Senju, Yuma possessed considerable authority. The tent immediately fell silent, though the temperature seemed to drop a few degrees.
Uzumaki Hiro'umi pondered for a moment before speaking. "I am aware that Uchiha Izuna is trying to force us into battle. I would not dare ask the Senju to make the same choice, but the Uzumaki must rescue Mito. If Clan Head Yuma does not agree, then the Uzumaki clan will meet him alone."
Senju Yuma and the others were startled and quickly raised their hands to stop him.
"Elder Hiro'umi, you speak too heavily. How could we disregard Princess Mito's safety? We must not let Uchiha Izuna's schemes destroy the friendship between our two clans."
Senju Yuma continued, "Our concern is that even if we go to battle, Uchiha Izuna might suddenly retreat without returning the Princess. What would we do then?"
Uzumaki Hiro'umi thought for a moment. "How about this? We send a reply demanding that both armies exit their camps and form a standoff on the battlefield. Uchiha Izuna must come out alone and return Mito. Didn't he say he would face us alone? This grants his wish exactly."
Senju Yuma's eyes lit up.
This was a good method. It ensured the recovery of Uzumaki Mito while putting Uchiha Izuna in a death trap. Although half his forces had been transferred, Yuma still had over five hundred men, including two Kage-level experts.
No matter how strong Uchiha Izuna was, even with the Two-Tails, could he really fight so many people alone?
This Grand Elder of the Uzumaki was truly not simple. Old ginger really is spicier!
"Vice-Clan Head, you can't! It's too dangerous!"
"That old fox Uzumaki Hiro'umi is truly insidious!"
"How can we agree to such conditions?"
Shirotani Pass. The Uchiha camp was in chaos. Uchiha Shin, who had delivered the women's clothing, had brought back a reply from Uzumaki Hiro'umi.
In the letter, Hiro'umi agreed to Izuna's terms. He would grant Izuna the chance for a decisive battle in exchange for the return of the Uzumaki Princess—his granddaughter, Mito.
However, the condition was that Izuna must bring Mito alone to the centerline of Shirotani Pass for the exchange. No second Uchiha was allowed, or the deal was void.
Wasn't this clearly sending Izuna to his death?
The Uchiha clansmen were filled with righteous indignation, insisting they could not agree. They would rather continue the stalemate!
"Everyone, calm down!"
Izuna raised a hand to stop the arguments, his expression cold. "We can afford to wait, but can the frontal battlefield at Mount Congyun afford to wait?"
Silence fell over the tent.
It was common knowledge that on the main front, the Uchiha had been forced onto the defensive. Moreover, their Kage-level leaders, Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Gakugyo, were injured. The Senju side still had Senju Hashirama and many other experts.
The situation was critical. They had to end the battle here quickly to reinforce Mount Congyun.
"I intended to wipe them all out alone from the start."
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