Chapter 13: The Death of Senju Stelle
What puzzled Senju Tobirama and the others was that after the assassination attempt, the members of the so-called Destruction Organization had simply vanished. No one knew if they had been wiped out or were merely lying low, waiting for their next chance to strike.
Due to that inexplicable battle involving the "Chakra Ancestor," the major clans had all withdrawn into their shells to recover and regroup. In the midst of the chaotic Warring States Period, a surprising semblance of peace had actually emerged. Even the daimyo and nobles, who loved nothing more than stirring up trouble, had quieted down significantly.
Influenced by Stelle's forward-thinking ideas, Uchiha Madara had actually begun to consider the notion of unifying the ninja world, a thought that had arrived far earlier than it should have. He felt that the measures Stelle had mentioned could not only be applied to their future village but could also be scaled to encompass the entire world of shinobi.
When he raised this very question during a gathering, Stelle felt like giving the Uchiha clan head a massive thumbs-up. As expected of the man who would contribute to peace until his dying breath; he had already managed to grasp this concept ahead of schedule.
Unfortunately, Senju Hashirama, that stubborn idealist, was the first to disagree.
"Madara, how can you entertain such dangerous thoughts?" he boomed, his voice filled with concern. "Doing something like that will only provoke war, and even more people will die. We are here to create peace, not to start conflicts!"
As one of the most powerful individuals of his time, Senju Hashirama had his own unique perspective on the matter. "I believe that people can understand each other. As long as everyone is willing to try, there will be no more wars."
Stelle, however, stood completely on Uchiha Madara's side. "It's impossible for people to fully understand each other, Hashirama. You're being far too idealistic."
Senju Hashirama laughed heartily, the sound echoing with unshakable conviction. "How is it impossible? Look at us! Madara and I can understand each other. Even Izuna and Tobirama have reconciled. If the Senju and their mortal enemies, the Uchiha, can shake hands and make peace, then surely others can too."
Stelle fell silent. 'Damn it, he actually makes a lot of sense. I find myself unable to refute him.'
Whatever. The fate of the ninja world was a problem for the future; farming mood values was what mattered right now.
Calling the four of them together for a meeting, she produced two sets of documents she had organized previously. They contained constructive ideas for building the village, which she handed to Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Izuna.
"Here, take a look. These are some things I've considered that will need development and improvement after the village is established. There might be some errors, so check them over first."
Senju Hashirama stretched his hand out expectantly, but seeing that she had no documents for him, he prompted, "What about me? Where's my copy?"
Stelle smiled, a background of blooming lilies seeming to appear behind her as she delivered a heartless blow. "Hashirama, even if I gave it to you, you wouldn't understand. Let's leave the professional matters to the professionals."
"How could I not understand?" he protested. "Stelle, don't look down on me! I handle all the clan's internal affairs."
He leaned over to his brother and glanced at the first sentence of the document: Eliminate clan-based opposition, guarantee individual rights, and establish a dynamic balance of power structures…
Senju Hashirama's shoulders slumped. He sank dejectedly to the ground, the familiar gloomy lines materializing all over him again. "I really am not smart enough… Even the gentle Stelle has started to look down on me."
"Stop looking so gloomy all the time!"
Uchiha Madara felt he was also being underestimated. He stepped forward with his arms crossed and scanned the documents in Izuna's hands: Rebuild public order, develop the people's livelihoods, popularize education… A single drop of sweat slid down Madara's forehead. It was better to leave this kind of thing to Izuna; he much preferred opening his Susanoo and getting into a good fight.
"I'm a bit hungry," Stelle announced, changing the subject. "I'm going to go catch some fish to grill. I'm really getting tired of rice balls."
She leaped onto the river, her feet landing steadily on the water's surface. Taking a thin wire from her ninja tool pouch, she began to fish. A light breeze blew, ruffling her ink-black hair. Her beautiful features had fully matured, her skin so clear it seemed to reflect crushed diamonds. A few glances were enough to make one's heart race.
Uchiha Izuna found his gaze fixed in her direction, unable to look away.
Beside him, Senju Tobirama bumped his shoulder hard. "The Senju Clan will not intermarry with the Uchiha Clan," he sneered. "Give up on that idea."
Uchiha Izuna pointed a finger at the Village Building Guide Stelle had given him. "But it says right here that the best way to eliminate barriers is through intermarriage. I think it's a great idea."
"It still won't be with Stelle."
"You damn white-haired menace!"
Stelle glanced back to see Uchiha Izuna grabbing Senju Tobirama's collar, his teeth gritted, while Tobirama himself remained perfectly calm, wearing an expression of doting amusement, as if looking at a cat that had puffed up its fur in a pointless show of aggression.
'My god,'she thought,'this is a bit ship-worthy.'
How did they manage to generate such explosive mood values every time they got together? It was hard for her not to ship them, and honestly, they were quite the pair.
Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama began the process of integrating their clansmen, then went together to discuss the founding of a village with other ninja clans. As for those who didn't agree—it didn't matter. Stelle had said that if they didn't agree, you just had to beat them until they did.
While they were all busy and full of hope, Stelle was starting to feel a bit of a headache.
Back when the four of them weren't fully developed, there were all sorts of assassinations, poisonings, and other threats. She could still act as a firefighter, swooping in to save them while farming some mood values.
Now, once Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama went all out, everyone else had to stay out of their way. With them acting as shields, danger had moved far away. When the five of them stood together, whether individually or in any combination, they were an existence no one dared to provoke.
It seemed they had accidentally conquered the Warring States Period.
It was getting harder and harder to farm mood values. Although she had some savings, she couldn't just live off those reserves forever.
[Senju Tobirama is truly the most emotionally stable man I've ever seen; his daily output has dropped to just a few dozen points. Even Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara are down to a hundred. Izuna is easy to farm, but I can't see him every day. I'm worried sick; if this continues, I'll have to dip into my savings again.]
[Then what does the Host plan to do? If you can't think of anything, I can perform a Seaweed Dance to cheer you up.]
[System, you really are a dedicated mascot.]
Stelle slapped her thigh. It seemed this alias had to go offline. The death of a dear friend, the passing of a companion one could trust with their life—that should earn a massive haul.
It just so happened that Black Zetsu had finally reappeared after being gone for a long time, lurking suspiciously and even following Uchiha Izuna from time to time. He surely wanted to sow discord between the Senju and Uchiha.
Black Zetsu was a thousand-year-old big boss; any move he made involved life and death. He couldn't stand seeing Hashirama and Madara on good terms. Small squabbles wouldn't be effective enough, so he would likely try to stir something up using Tobirama and Izuna.
Since he appeared every time Izuna was around, the problem was definitely on Izuna's side. The influence of the original plot was still quite strong.
In the original story, Uchiha Izuna died at the hands of Senju Tobirama. That was certainly impossible under normal circumstances now, but there was no guarantee Black Zetsu wouldn't cause trouble. She might as well make use of this situation.
By going offline through this scheme, she could also farm Black Zetsu one more time.
First, she had to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique and place a mark on Uchiha Izuna. This was the key to saving the day. Otherwise, if Black Zetsu chose to sabotage things while Tobirama was using the Flying Thunder God, who could possibly keep up with that speed?
However, while Black Zetsu was a top-tier source of emotional energy, he was also a huge problem. She had to continue learning Fuinjutsu, and even intensify her studies. It would be best to master an instant sealing technique. If she could instantly seal Black Zetsu upon contact, she would be at ease.
Three months later, the Senju and Uchiha clans officially formed an alliance. The clan heads of both sides signed the treaty in front of everyone.
That night, to bring the members of both clans closer, Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Izuna organized a grand joint celebration. The scene, however, was quite amusing.
Men, right? Once they've had too much to drink, they start bragging and talking nonsense. Just like that, an Uchiha clansman rambled on about something, which struck a chord with a nearby Senju. The two of them drank and chatted, and as they talked, they suddenly realized the person they were connecting with so intensely was from the rival clan. The atmosphere instantly became awkward. Then, the Uchiha gave a tsundere-like huff, while the Senju turned away disdainfully, putting his back to the other.
Both were thinking the same thing: 'I actually had a great conversation with an Uchiha (Senju). I must be dreaming.'
Stelle sat in a corner, watching the scene unfold, finding it truly amusing.
Uchiha Izuna approached and handed her a bottle of fruit wine. "The sake served at the banquet is too strong. Drink this instead. It's sweet and the alcohol content is very low; the kunoichi in our clan all like it very much."
"Thanks!" Stelle had originally intended to have some sake, but Senju Tobirama wouldn't let her. She was still very happy to have the fruit wine.
She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Can I place a Flying Thunder God mark on you?"
They were acquaintances, after all. It would be awkward if he found out she'd done it secretly, so it was better to just ask.
Uchiha Izuna was stunned for a second. He turned his head away, his ears flushing red. "May I ask… why you want to give me a Flying Thunder God mark?"
'To block a fatal blow for you at any time, farm mood values, and sabotage Black Zetsu's plans.'
Of course, she couldn't say that. Stelle couldn't think of a good reason for a moment, hesitating before saying, "I just thought it would be more convenient if I wanted to find you."
At that, Uchiha Izuna's smile became exceptionally radiant.
A moment later, Senju Tobirama, who had been dragged away by Hashirama to help deal with the drinks, came over and sat on Stelle's right. He noticed that the little black-haired Uchiha next to him was particularly happy—happier than he had ever seen him—and asked casually, "What are you two chatting about?"
Before Stelle could answer, Uchiha Izuna immediately chimed in, "Stelle placed a Flying Thunder God mark on my back. She said it would make it easier to find me."
Senju Tobirama's habitually expressionless face froze for a second. His red eyes narrowed, making him look very much like a calculating old fox, though no one knew what he was thinking.
After the banquet ended, on the way back, he gazed at Stelle's profile in the moonlight.
"A couple of days ago, Father said that if the Senju must form an alliance with the Uchiha, it would be best to have a marriage alliance. This would help stabilize the relationship and allow us to know the Uchiha's movements at a moment's notice. What do you think?"
Stelle noticed that Black Zetsu was following Tobirama today. She was wondering when the creature would strike when she suddenly heard Tobirama's words. Before she could fully process them, she blinked and gave a belated smile.
"It wasn't easy for Uncle to come around; just let him arrange it. However…" She adopted a troubled expression. "Tobirama, you suddenly saying this to me makes me a bit nervous. Please don't tell me Uncle wants me to enter a marriage alliance and sent you to be his lobbyist."
"No."
His father had wanted his elder brother to marry Stelle to pass down the Wood Release, but his brother had firmly refused. There was no need to tell her about such troubles; he would handle it himself.
"That's good then!" Stelle breathed a sigh of relief. As a gentle, "spring breeze" type of person, she couldn't be too forceful when refusing things; she would only argue her point reasonably. If she couldn't control her temper and ended up beating the former clan head until he only had one breath left, her entire persona would crumble.
Seeing Stelle's reaction, a hint of a smile touched Senju Tobirama's eyes, and the gloom that had weighed on his heart all evening suddenly vanished. He said softly, "Don't worry. With Big Brother and me here, these things won't become a burden for you."
...That day, the two great clans took on a mission. Two rival nobles had offered a large amount of resources, inviting them respectively to perform a task—one for protection, the other for assassination.
Originally, they didn't want to do it, but the other party offered too much; it was impossible to refuse. The five of them had already agreed to put on a show, making the fight look good and tragic. The assassination would fail, the protecting side would take the resources, and then the two clans would split them equally.
Soon, the clansmen of both sides were "fighting" on the battlefield again.
Senju Hashirama activated massive techniques like Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence, and Uchiha Madara also unleashed his Susanoo, their battle shaking the heavens and the earth. The clansmen brought this time were from the moderate factions, who already knew that their clan heads had entered peace talks and planned to build a village.
The fight was listless; the entire battlefield relied on the two clan heads and their seconds-in-command to keep up appearances.
Uchiha Izuna, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan active, was sparring with Senju Tobirama. No matter what ninjutsu his opponent used, he would follow suit with the same technique, not even bothering to activate his Mangekyo. This infuriated Tobirama to no end.
At that moment, Tobirama threw out a handful of specially-made kunai, which scattered and embedded themselves in the ground around Izuna.
"Next, I will perform a space-time ninjutsu that you cannot copy: the Flying Thunder God Technique," Tobirama declared. "You've tasted it before, but this time I've increased it to four kunai. No matter how fast your reactions are, how can you defend against four positions simultaneously?"
He quickly formed hand seals. "Genjutsu: Bringer-of-Darkness Technique!"
Seeing this, Uchiha Izuna broke into a cold sweat. Using the Bringer-of-Darkness to interfere with his vision first, and then preparing to ambush him with the Flying Thunder God—Senju Tobirama was probably planning to kill his love rival outright.
His eyes morphed again; this time, they became the Mangekyo Sharingan. These were the eyes he had awakened on the night his father was heavily injured and nearly died.
At this time, Black Zetsu was attached to a member of the Senju clan, completely controlling him while carefully hiding its presence. It planned to wait for the two to start fighting, then have the Senju clansman rush forward to suddenly ambush Uchiha Izuna. If Izuna was intercepted by this person and had no time to dodge, he would certainly be hit by Senju Tobirama's attack.
After all, it had seen Tobirama's Flying Thunder God Slash many times. It was too fast; with Tobirama's current mastery, he wouldn't be able to stop in time, and Izuna wouldn't be able to dodge.
Ever since that Sōjin fellow had popped up, Black Zetsu had been questioning its very existence for a long time. Later, it thought that since that damn Sōjin had already disappeared, why bother caring? Now that Hashirama and Madara were on such good terms with no rift between them, this wouldn't do. It had to do something to create estrangement and hatred between the two, preparing for their future fallout.
If Uchiha Izuna died, his eyes could allow Uchiha Madara to upgrade to the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, and it would also make Madara suspicious of Hashirama. It was a perfect chance to kill two birds with one stone. Later, it would find another opportunity to have him awaken the Rinnegan, and then there would be a chance to save Mother.
On the battlefield, Senju Tobirama had already drawn his sword.
In an instant, he vanished from his spot and appeared behind Uchiha Izuna the next second, his sword thrusting toward Izuna's chest. The speed of his thrust wasn't his fastest; it was just enough for Izuna to dodge, at most resulting in a scratched arm or something similar. He felt that since he had given a warning, if Izuna still couldn't dodge and got stabbed, he would deserve it.
Senju Tobirama loved to use the Flying Thunder God to stab people in the back. From the moment he threw the kunai, Uchiha Izuna guessed he was preparing to backstab him again. He wanted to use the Body Flicker Technique to avoid it almost immediately. However, just as he was circulating his chakra, a sudden, sharp pain shot up from his ankle.
Immediately afterward, countless dense black seal marks erupted from his feet, covering his body in an instant. The chakra in his body could no longer be mobilized; it was completely sealed. He seemed to have lost control of his body as well, as if an invisible force was manipulating him. His whole body moved uncontrollably for a moment, and then he could no longer move at all.
He was suddenly startled, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.
From Senju Tobirama's perspective, he only saw Uchiha Izuna's body twitch slightly before stopping. Instead of dodging, Izuna seemed to aim his heart right at the tip of the sword, showing no intention of avoiding it at all, as if he were seeking death.
'What happened?'
Senju Tobirama's face turned pale. The Flying Thunder God Technique was a space-time ninjutsu; he had appeared before Uchiha Izuna almost instantaneously. Even if he wanted to stop, it was too late. Clearly, with Izuna's speed, after his warning, he could have predicted the four positions where he might appear and then dodged. Why did he just stand there and not move?
In a flash of blue light, another figure used the Flying Thunder God Technique and rushed between the two. She didn't even have time to react, able only to use her own body to block the menacing sword.
Puchi!
Senju Tobirama's sword pierced her heart, a single, clean thrust through the center, the blade sinking all the way to the hilt.
In an instant, it was as if the world had turned black and white. Senju Tobirama simply could not believe the scene before his eyes.
Thick, warm liquid slowly flowed down the blade and dripped onto the ground. There was so much of it that it coated the hilt, sticking to his hand and dripping through his fingers onto the earth below.
He retreated in a panic, his whole body trembling so much he could barely stand. He squeezed his eyes shut, wanting to confirm that this was just a genjutsu, but when he opened them, none of it had disappeared.
[Inorin's Note:
Enjoying the story? Dropping a quick review, comment, or Power Stone means the world to me and keeps these daily updates flowing!
Want to read 50 chapters ahead or just want to help keep a shameless translator alive? (My livelihood actually depends on this, haha 😭). You can support me directly here:
(P.S. Just remove the brackets and replace the [.] with a regular dot . to use the links!)
✨ Patreon (50 Advanced Chapters): patreon[.]com/InorinTL
☕ Ko-fi (Support / Sponsor): ko-fi[.]com/InorinTL
Thank you so much for reading and keeping this project alive!]