Three days passed in a blink. During that time, Amamiya Raizen threw himself into mastering every nuance of the clay Explosion Style and, on top of that, crafted three new ninjutsu: an owl, a biplane, and a grasshopper.
The owl was meant for riding, just like his previous clay creations—but this one could see in the dark, slicing through night like a silent predator. The biplane was a speed demon, a faster, sleeker version of the little bird. The grasshopper? Slow and not especially explosive, but it could jump like a demon, perfect for sudden assaults.
Raizen held the little grasshopper in his hand, sighing. "Three new skills… and still not enough."
Explosive clay was devastating at range—but close-quarters? Suicide. One misstep and the blast could turn on him. He needed ninjutsu for defense, for close combat—something Rasengan-esque—and the attacks he'd mastered so far were all offense.
Time was slipping. A month had passed since he'd been reborn here, and in that same month, he had mastered the Three Body Technique and Kuwu hair throwing. Then came the family crisis and the orders to join the Uchiha forces.
"I'm going to the battlefield soon. More achievements. More ninjutsu. No excuses."
Raizen clenched his fists. He'd show what he could do.
"Raizen is about to set off! Are you ready?" Amamiya Tian's deep voice cut through the camp.
"I'm ready," Raizen said, standing and straightening his black attire. Tian gave a subtle nod.
"Then go!"
The group moved swiftly toward the Uchiha open field. Thousands of ninjas were already gathered, eyes blazing with battle fervor.
"Is this… the Ninja War?" Raizen muttered, his heart thumping.
"Uchiha must win!" Uchiha Tajima roared from the highest point. The army's response was deafening—a rolling tide of voices like a storm crashing across the valley.
The battlefield was Lingshan Gorge, a natural chokepoint between the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. Previous skirmishes had scarred the valley. Now, the vanguard forces would push through to the Hyuga rear and ignite chaos.
From their vantage, the camp was a fortress in the clearing, visible yet secure, a perfect platform for leadership and observation. Confidence swelled as Tajima secured the camp and called the first meeting of his forces.
"Report! The Uchiha clan's forces have arrived!"
The Hyuga scouts were quick to relay the news to Patriarch Hyuga Tennin, who studied the message, eyes cold and calculating. "The Uchiha ninja army has arrived. Let's see what they can do."
In council, an allied Jōnin suggested a direct assault. Tennin remembered the recon details of the gorge and slammed a fist on the table. "Then raid the Uchiha!"