"Rainy!"
The trees whispered under the sudden movement of the wind. The Amamiya squad, now down to just four, stiffened instinctively. Every shinobi knew that in the Warring States era, danger often came before you even blinked.
"Amamiya clan?"
Voices crackled as three figures dropped from the trees ahead. Two young men and a woman, all clearly trained and composed, perched on the branches, looking down at the four Amamiya ninjas. Their black pupils shimmered scarlet, the unmistakable glow of Sharingan catching the light.
"Uchiha…"
Amamiya Tian's stomach tightened. Recognition, respect, and a flash of unease flickered through him. He stepped forward, addressing the newcomers formally.
"We are ninjas of the Amamiya Family, sent to support the Uchiha. I am Captain Amamiya Tian. May I know your names?"
One of the young Uchiha exhaled slowly, a polite smile beneath the intimidating aura of his three-tomoe Sharingan. "We are a welcoming squad from the Uchiha clan. Your journey here is appreciated. I am Uchiha… Please, follow me to our residence."
The Amamiya team noticed the six-leaf emblems on their arms—the mark of their clan. Tian exhaled in relief. These weren't impostors; this was the real Uchiha clan. With a subtle nod, he led his squad to shadow the Uchiha trio.
Raizen's eyes narrowed, scanning the young Uchiha leader. Barely seventeen or eighteen, yet the air around him was sharp, almost a tangible pressure. Three tomoe Sharingan spun in his pupils. Even Tian, seasoned and battle-hardened, was no match for the sheer intensity radiating from this teen.
They're strong… top-tier strong. But I'm stronger, Raizen thought, a grin tugging at his lips. Especially after taking down a special Jōnin in one sweep at age five. Let's not forget that little detail.
He tapped his system reflexively. First Jōnin Kill Achievement unlocked. A silver chest shimmered into existence before him. With barely a second's hesitation, Raizen clicked it open. Out popped a massive clay bird—his latest addition to his arsenal.
Finally, he thought, excitement bubbling. Air supremacy. No more blind spots. No more surprise decapitations. The giant bird wasn't overwhelmingly strong like a battlefield nuke, but it was agile and practical. He could ride it, drop explosives, scout, and dominate the battlefield from above.
"Yes!" Raizen acknowledged instinctively when the system prompted. Almost immediately, understanding dawned on him. Just like the clay clones, the giant bird could be controlled with finesse—but mastery would require practice.
Ahead, the forest opened into a massive clearing. In the center rose a fortified estate, enormous and imposing, the Uchiha emblem fluttering high on a pole.
Amamiya residence big? Cute. Uchiha? This is basically a city.
"Everyone, follow me!" The Uchiha led them past the outer guards. Inside, the estate bustled with life. Uchiha clansmen mingled freely, their demeanor relaxed despite the era's constant warfare. Children sparred, elders trained, and merchants moved quietly between training halls—a living, breathing fortress.
"What do you think of the Uchiha clan?" one of the young Uchiha asked, a faint smile on his face, masking the subtle superiority in his tone.
Tian's eyes flickered. They were showing off, of course, but even so… it was undeniable.
"They deserve to be a first-class family in the Warring States period," Tian admitted.
"Indeed, the most powerful family," the Uchiha replied, voice calm but confident.
Raizen, arms crossed, smirked internally. Strong? Sure. But not unbeatable. Hyuga in the north, Yuyi clan ruling the fire country… hell, Senju's got them all beat in the past campaigns.
"Follow me. The Patriarch awaits," the Uchiha leader announced. He guided Amamiya's team toward the central mansion, where dozens of smaller clans were already gathering for the coming war. The estate was transforming into a war council, the air electric with tension and anticipation.
Raizen's mind raced. A massive stronghold, top-tier ninjas everywhere, and a fledgling system giving him supercharged abilities. Perfect playground for a five-year-old reincarnator with too much ambition.