Chapter 129: The Incitement Succeeds

The man sitting at the very front, a katana tucked into his waist, wore a face filled with the same hatred as his companions, though with slightly less panic. He lowered his head and said, “I believe this was a surprise attack launched by the Iga Clan against us. It is, in fact, their formal declaration of war.”

A middle-aged man beside Yukihito interjected, “Chief, I think we shouldn’t rule out other possibilities. If they truly intended to declare war and launch a surprise attack, there’s no reason they would send only one ninja. Even if that one was highly skilled, the Iga Clan wouldn’t resort to such a tactic—they have always prided themselves on being stronger than us.”

“Muraue, you’re mistaken,” Yukihito retorted. “Precisely because the Iga Clan is so confident in their strength, they sent only one ninja to strike us. They have always looked down on our Koga Clan.”

Many of the disciples glared at Muraue with dissatisfaction. Clearly, his words had dampened their spirits. Almost every Koga disciple hoped for unity in the face of this threat, determined to resist the Iga Clan’s aggression. Nearly all believed that the black-clad figure tonight was sent by the Iga Clan—perhaps as a challenge, perhaps as a scout—but certainly with hostile intent, a blatant insult to the Koga Clan.

Koga Yada, the clan chief, was no fool. His patience in enduring the provocations before Long Fei was a testament to his intelligence. He didn’t think Muraue was entirely wrong, but what the Koga Clan needed most now was unity. Standing together against a common enemy was paramount. As the two greatest ninja clans in Japan, neither the Koga nor the Iga wanted to be second best. Whether or not tonight’s visitor was sent by the Iga, Koga Yada knew he had to rally every ounce of clan strength and turn their weapons toward the Iga. He had long resented the Iga Clan but had lacked an excuse to confront them—now, this was his chance.

“Muraue, how can you say such things? Didn’t you examine the caltrops left at the scene by that black-clad ninja? Aren’t they the strongest proof? The Iga Clan has always coveted our lands. After the Black Dragon Society suffered a heavy blow, they immediately made their move against us. Hmph! Our Koga warriors are no pushovers. We must strike back with overwhelming force and show them who truly commands the title of the Empire of Japan’s strongest ninja clan!” Koga Yada’s voice was grave and resolute.

“Isn’t it a bit rash to assume they’re responsible just because the caltrops bear the Iga insignia?” Muraue frowned. He felt something was off about tonight’s events.

Koga Yada’s brow furrowed as he snapped, “Enough! Muraue, don’t you think the conflict between us and the Iga Clan has reached an irreconcilable point? Perhaps it’s time to settle this once and for all. Say no more!”

He didn’t spare the deputy clan chief any courtesy, harshly reprimanding Muraue.

“Understood!” Muraue lowered his head, unwilling to argue further, though his true thoughts remained hidden.

“Since the Iga Clan has openly provoked us, prepare yourselves. Tomorrow night, we will strike their doorstep and spill their blood. This is their own doing! Now, everyone, rest. We will discuss further tomorrow. Yukihito, assign more men to guard. We must not give those scoundrels any opportunity.”

With that, the crowd dispersed amid murmurs. Koga Yada furrowed his brow and quietly said, “Muraue, we’ve known each other for years. Now that no outsiders are present, feel free to speak openly.”

Muraue looked up, hesitated several times, and finally said, “I still think maybe we should hold back a little longer.”

“Hold back? How can I hold back after this insult? You’ve seen it yourself— the Iga Clan uses their numbers to swagger over us. I’ve endured it before, but this time we lost several disciples, including two Chunin. Do you think I can let this slide? Can they? The people’s anger cannot be quelled. Besides, don’t you think the Koga Clan has been waiting for an opportunity like this? Perhaps only after being beaten will they realize the need to fight back!” Koga Yada’s voice was low and intense.

Muraue glanced at Koga Yada, concern etched on his face. “But the Iga outnumber us by nearly two to one. Though we hastily recalled some reinforcements today, we cannot be sure they haven’t prepared for this. If we rush into war now, I fear it will work against us.”

“Have you forgotten our trump card?” Koga Yada’s eyes gleamed with battle fervor and a hint of pride. “This fight will show them what true ninjas are. Who truly leads the Empire of Japan’s ninja clans.”

The trump card he referred to was a group of thirty-six ninjas he had secretly trained over the past decade. Each was not only an elite Jonin but had also mastered a secret sword manual.

That manual had come into Koga Yada’s possession by chance. Historically, ninjas and samurai had been sworn enemies, so he had never taught the sword techniques to his disciples. Yet he had personally practiced them and knew their devastating power. Quietly, he selected seventy-two individuals with exceptional potential and trained them rigorously for over ten years. Only thirty-six survived, but each had transcended the traditional ninja role. While ninjas excelled in stealth and assassination, this group could lead charges and fight head-on—a formidable ace force for the Koga Clan.

Only Koga Yada and Muraue knew of this secret. Mentioning it now was meant to ignite Muraue’s fighting spirit and encourage him.

Muraue nodded, gaining confidence. “You’re right. If we unleash this ace unit, the outcome against the Iga Clan will be uncertain. But I still worry about two things: one, the Iga may have hidden deadly assassins; two, if we attack first and word gets out, we may be blamed—and we cannot shoulder that responsibility.”

Koga Yada frowned. “Are you talking about the women of the Suigetsu Sect?”

Muraue nodded solemnly. “Yes. Though we’ve never encountered the Suigetsu Sect ourselves, clan records confirm their existence. The reason the four or five dozen ninja clans in the Empire haven’t descended into chaos is because of those women. You know they won’t allow us to slaughter each other.”

“Women’s meddling! Without conflict, there’d be no progress!” Koga Yada grumbled with frustration. “But maybe the Suigetsu Sect has long been wiped out—it’s only a legend after all.”

“I firmly believe the Suigetsu Sect still exists,” Muraue said with a worried tone. “And I have a bad feeling that our conflict with the Iga Clan will sooner or later draw their attention.”