Chapter 8

The aftermath of the battle against the Hyuga clan left the chakra iron mines under the vigilant watch of a Uchiha contingent. Raito, along with other Jonin Uchihas, showcased their prowess by eliminating three Jonin-level Hyuga warriors. The decisive victories forced the Hyugas into a hasty retreat, leaving the Uchiha with a hard-fought triumph.

As the moon bathed the battlefield in its silvery glow, the Uchiha forces secured the mines and established a defense perimeter. A group of seasoned warriors was left behind to safeguard the invaluable resource while the rest returned to the clan.

Akihiro, his Sharingan still flickering with the residual intensity of the battle, walked alongside his comrades. The victory was a testament to their strength, but the Uchiha compound loomed ahead, carrying whispers of unease.

Upon reaching the clan, Akihiro's elation shifted to concern as he received disquieting news—Haru, his six-year-old brother, had joined the Uchiha forces heading to the battlefield against the Senju. The realization struck Akihiro like a thunderbolt, worry etching lines on his face.

Driven by a mix of anger and fear, Akihiro sought out his father, Tajima, with hurried steps. The patriarch's study bore the weight of solemn decisions, and Akihiro, unable to suppress his emotions, burst through the door.

"Why did you let Haru go to the battlefield without me??" Akihiro demanded, his voice edged with a mixture of frustration and concern.

Tajima, seated at his desk, regarded Akihiro with a stern expression. "Haru is of age to contribute to the clan's defense. The battlefield is a harsh teacher, and he must learn to navigate it to ensure our legacy."

Akihiro's anger flared, fueled by the raw emotion of protecting his family. "He's just a child! He's not ready for the brutality of war. He should be protected, not sent to face danger!"

Tajima's gaze remained unwavering. "War respects no age, Akihiro. We must all play our part. Haru has chosen to defend the clan, and you must respect his decision."

Akihiro, seething with frustration and fear, stormed out of his father's study. The weight of powerlessness settled on his shoulders as he struggled to reconcile the ideals of duty with the vulnerability of his family.

In the solitude of the clan grounds, Akihiro clenched his fists, his frustration echoing in silent prayers to any divine force that could ensure Haru's safety. The night hung heavy with uncertainty, and Akihiro, torn between duty and familial bonds, could only hope for his brother's safe return from the looming shadows of the battlefield.