The war between the Uchiha and Hyuga had ended. Word of the ceasefire spread through the coalition camp, and the reactions were as varied as the shinobi who heard it. For the minor clans, relief—finally, the bloodshed would stop. For the Uchiha, though, the news tasted of helplessness.
No sooner had the decisive battle concluded than the Uchiha learned that the Senju had launched an offensive on the Nanfeng mine, officially declaring war. The northern Yuyi clan, masters of their domain, looked down on both Hyuga and Uchiha, showing clear signs of moving south. The Senju attack struck first at the Hyuga clan's herbal plantations in the Grand Earth Canyon, then pushed on to strike Beifeng City, striking both Senju and Hyuga simultaneously. The chain of attacks left the Uchiha and Hyuga reeling.
Caught off guard, the Hyuga and Uchiha were forced to sign a truce. For the Hyuga, this was a small fortune in disguise: supplies had been cut, their victory uncertain, yet the truce spared them from outright surrender. As the war ended, the ninjas from allied clans returned to their homes; their obligation to aid the Uchiha had expired with the ceasefire.
Raizen was packing his few belongings when a familiar voice called out.
"Raizen, leaving already?"
Madara jogged up, eyes sharp.
"Well… the war's over, and our family fulfilled its part. No need to linger," Raizen replied, brushing dust off his pack.
Madara exhaled slowly. He knew the recent losses in the Amamiya camp had left Raizen heavy-hearted. But there was nothing to be done—death was the ultimate fate of a ninja, and all Madara could do was watch.
When Raizen and Amamiya Kiyomasa finished packing, they checked out at the registration desk and headed for the camp gates. Madara followed silently, keeping pace until they passed through. In the chaos of the Warring States, each parting could be the last. For Madara, Raizen was more than a rival; he was the first shinobi to feel like a true peer.
At the gate, Raizen looked back at the quiet Uchiha and muttered, "Let's go back… Take care of yourself. I hope… we meet again. Don't die."
Madara remained silent for a long moment, then replied, voice cold but steady, "You… take care too."
"Madara!" Raizen called, the corner of his mouth twitching into a grin as he watched the boy begin to turn back toward the camp.
Madara paused mid-step. Raizen's grin widened. "You have to be stronger next time we meet. Don't let me underestimate you."
"You little—are you challenging me?" Madara barked, brow twitching, but before he could finish, Raizen had already turned and was striding away. The sun reflected off his back as he moved homeward, the faint glint of determination in his eyes.
Madara watched him go, then smiled quietly. "Heh… I'll make sure to surprise you next time."
The sun rose higher, burning away the shadows and sorrow left by war. Two young shinobi, each driven by their beliefs, walked separate paths now. When they would meet again, neither knew if they would remain the same—or if time and battle would have reshaped them entirely.