While Hyuga strategized, Uchiha forces were equally busy. Tajima knew the Hyuga had allied families now, evening out the battlefield. Hundreds of Jōnin discussed strategies before Tajima finalized a plan:
Night vanguard assault: Strike Hyuga camps suddenly to inflict maximum damage.
Rear sabotage: Small teams bypass the gorge to hit Hyuga supply lines, spreading chaos.
Full-force sweep: Crush the enemy once both strikes destabilize them.
Tajima took the rear-sabotage mission personally, while the night raid would be led by Uchiha Zero, an elder who matched Tajima in strength.
Amamiya Tian and Amamiya Riku were assigned to the vanguard. Raizen, for safety and skill-building, would remain in the camp.
"Take care of him," Tian instructed Riku, nodding toward Raizen.
"Yes, understood," Raizen said, though a part of him longed for real combat. He decided to wait for a patrol mission—small skirmishes where he could test his skills safely.
Just as he formulated his plan, a familiar voice called from outside the tent: "Amamiya Raizen, come out!"
A small boy with spiky hair and an arrogant gaze stood there. "Uchiha Madara?" Raizen guessed.
"I came to the battlefield to get stronger!" the boy declared, his anger fading as he smiled mischievously.
Raizen grinned. "Inspection mission tomorrow. Care to join?"
Madara's eyes lit up. "Then it's settled!"
The next day, Raizen and Madara joined an inspection patrol with a Uchiha Jōnin, Uchiha Rei, and two other Genin. Their mission: scout the jungle between camps for enemy presence.
Three hours passed without incident. Relaxed chatter broke out.
"Haha! The Hyuga must be hiding!" one Genin joked.
Then, a chilling voice: "Eight Trigrams·Empty Palm!"
The air exploded with pressure. Two Uchiha Genin were knocked out instantly, eyes bulging, blood flecking their mouths. Raizen's pulse spiked—the battlefield was never simple.