Chapter 187: Chapter:184
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Although the Hyuga clan had warned the ninja clans to remain calm, it was impossible for the invited clans not to send people to investigate their surroundings.
It didn't take long for word to spread: both Uchiha and Senju representatives had arrived.
And not just any representatives—Uchiha Izuna and Senju Hashirama!
This unexpected turn left the other clans in a dilemma. Aligning with one meant risking enmity with the other. As a result, none of the other clans made any overt moves, choosing instead to quietly observe the unfolding situation.
Internally, the attendees were in turmoil. Sending a single jōnin to represent a clan at a banquet would have been normal. But to have the two most powerful figures from Uchiha and Senju appear in person? That was unheard of. What were they planning?
And wasn't there still an active battlefield between the two clans?
The streets of Hyuga's inner city were decorated in festive red, with ribbons lining every corner.
Finally, the day of the banquet arrived. Early in the morning, representatives from various ninja clans began entering the Hyuga mansion where the event was to be held.
Izuna stood at the entrance of his guest house, gazing into the distance.
One of the three Uchiha jōnin accompanying him appeared beside him with the Body Flicker Technique, kneeling on one knee.
"Deputy Chief, the Senju clan has started leaving Hyuga City. Senju Hashirama himself, along with two jōnin, has entered the Hyuga Tenzō's mansion," the jōnin reported.
Izuna's lips curled slightly. "He's moving cautiously. Hashirama must have noticed something unusual."
Senju Hashirama's exceptional sensory abilities were likely the reason for his actions. Though Izuna's perception wasn't on the same level, he trusted Hashirama's judgment.
"Order the accompanying chūnin squad to leave Hyuga City immediately and return to the battlefield at Congyun Mountain. The three of you will remain with me."
"Understood!"
The Uchiha jōnin disappeared instantly to carry out Izuna's orders.
Inside Hyuga Tenzō's mansion, the main hall was adorned for the grand celebration. Long tables surrounded the central performance area, where a troupe of dancers performed.
The closer a clan representative sat to Hyuga Tenzō's main seat, the higher their standing in the Warring States Period.
Today, the Senju were seated ahead of the Uchiha.
Dressed in casual gray robes rather than his usual combat attire, Senju Hashirama sat down with a bright smile. "Clan Head Tenzō, congratulations on your birthday," he said warmly.
Despite his cheerful demeanor, his presence had a chilling effect. Conversations among the other representatives came to a halt. Even the dancers faltered for a moment, their movements stiffening as they glanced at the imposing figure.
"That's Senju Hashirama! The so-called 'God of the Ninja World'? What kind of title is that?" whispered one attendee.
"Hush, you fool," another hissed. "Haven't you heard about his battles with Uchiha Izuna? It's said they can destroy mountains and split seas with a single move!"
"Ridiculous. No human could do such things," someone muttered skeptically.
But the murmurs ceased when the main door opened again, revealing a group of Uchiha.
Izuna led the way, followed by Uchiha Yanhuo and two other jōnin. His expression was calm as he spoke. "Uchiha Izuna is here to offer congratulations to Clan Head Tenzō on his birthday."
Izuna's entrance was markedly different from Hashirama's. While Hashirama addressed Tenzō with a respectful "sir," Izuna omitted any honorifics. It was a subtle yet pointed distinction.
Hashirama's eyebrows twitched as he turned to look at Izuna. Behind him, the two Senju jōnin bristled, their eyes narrowing in anger. However, under Hashirama's sharp gaze, they reluctantly held their tongues.
"Haha! To have both the 'Two Heroes of the Warring States Period' here for my birthday is a blessing indeed," Hyuga Tenzō exclaimed, standing to welcome Izuna.
Unlike a common banquet, this event had a unique seating arrangement. Each representative had their own table, with their entourage standing behind them.
Hyuga Tenzō sat at the head of the hall, with two rows of tables extending on either side.
Izuna was seated at the first table on the right, while Hashirama occupied the first table on the left.
In the Warring States Period, the left side was traditionally considered more honorable. This seating arrangement immediately soured the mood of the Uchiha delegation.
"What does this mean?" Uchiha Yanhuo muttered under his breath. "Does he think the Uchiha are beneath the Senju?"
Izuna silenced him with a sharp glance. Sitting down, he raised his cup toward Hashirama. "Hashirama, let's have a drink together."
The corners of Hashirama's mouth twitched, his forced smile betraying his irritation. "Ah… of course," he replied.
Izuna chuckled inwardly. "Tch, still upset about me cutting off your brother's arm? In the original timeline, you did worse to me."
Hyuga Tenzō stood, addressing the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Inuzuka and Aburame clans are regrettably absent today. Their respective leaders, Inuzuka Retsu and Aburame Juzō, are unwell. In their stead, Deputy Clan Heads Inuzuka Hen and Aburame Masashi are attending."
Izuna and Hashirama both stiffened slightly.
Uchiha Yanhuo leaned closer and whispered, "This banquet feels like a powder keg waiting to explode. Yet the allied clans of Hyuga couldn't even bother to send their leaders?"
Izuna nodded subtly. It was strange. Given their alliance, the Inuzuka and Aburame leaders should have made an appearance, even if they were gravely ill. Their absence raised questions.
Still, the banquet proceeded, with representatives offering their congratulations to Hyuga Tenzō and watching the performances in the center of the hall.
"Clan Head, your expression looks tense," one of the Senju jōnin whispered to Hashirama.
Hashirama took a sip of his drink and replied quietly, "The chakra level of Hyuga Tenzō… it's terrifying."
Both Senju jōnin were taken aback.
For Hashirama—known as the "God of the Ninja World"—to describe someone's chakra as "terrifying" was shocking. It was akin to a tiger calling a house cat strong.
As the night continued, the festive atmosphere masked the growing tension. Izuna remained silent, but his sharp eyes were fixed on Tenzō.
Something about this banquet was deeply wrong.
End of the Chapter
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