How about that?
Even if someone went back and reported this to Hiruzen Sarutobi, what right would he have to deny the status of the Senju clan, even if he were unhappy about it?
Not to mention, Yukika had already helped Konoha deal with the Raikage's provocation. That incident alone was enough to shut people up.
Whether Yukika had the capability or whether he'd lead the Senju into disaster—that was his burden to bear. It wasn't anyone else's place to interfere.
I have no right...?
Danzo clenched his fists tightly.
That same lofty tone again.
It brought back memories—memories from after Tobirama Senju died.
"Besides…"
Seeing Danzo lose the ground for debate, Yukika shifted gears and casually shrugged.
"Reorganizing the Senju clan is a wartime strategy. These are all my clanmates. They know each other, trust each other, and are willing to watch each other's backs on the battlefield."
"It's not like reorganizing them means we'll stop following the orders of the commanding officer. Why are you so nervous?"
"This is better than having to constantly worry about who's behind you during a mission, isn't it?"
"In the chaos of battle, what if some idiot stabs one of my clanmates in the back? Wouldn't that be a shameful and pointless death?"
What does this brat know?
Danzo's eyes narrowed. Yukika was clearly alluding to something… something dangerous.
"Heh, what nonsense."
"If you can command the Shimura clan, then why the hell can't Yukika command the Senju?"
It was Tsunade who suddenly spoke up, blunt and straightforward.
She had a point.
The Shimura and Sarutobi clans were both on the battlefield under Danzo's leadership, along with the lesser-known clans tied to Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
To them, this war seemed more like a chance to boost their prestige and rake in military merit.
"I think Clan Leader Yukika makes some valid points."
Kakashi's father, Sakumo Hatake, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up.
He wasn't trying to curry favor with Yukika—he just saw the truth: if the Senju clan reestablished their name, it might make their enemies think twice before engaging.
"After all, we're talking about the Senju clan—dominant during the Warring States period. Their presence alone could put psychological pressure on the opposition."
As expected!
Sakumo's siding with Yukika!
Danzo's gaze immediately locked onto him, brimming with suspicion.
How dare he speak in support of Yukika and completely ignore me—the commanding officer?!
"It's the same protocol we've followed with other clans arriving at the battlefield. There's nothing wrong with the Senju organizing themselves."
Orochimaru chimed in immediately after.
He didn't care for Danzo's glare—he had already made up his mind during a previous mission. Besides, what was wrong with aligning himself with his own student?
Well damn.
That's not like you at all, Orochimaru.
Jiraiya gave his teammate a curious look, scratching his chin.
Orochimaru was usually low-key and never involved himself in political messes like this. But now, he had openly chosen a side?
Is this really okay?
Jiraiya glanced around the room and sighed.
The war is still raging out there, yet the upper command is already split into factions.
He didn't want to get involved in the complex power dynamics. He just didn't want to see people die because of politics. That was all.
The meeting came to an end.
Danzo, preoccupied with relaying information to Hiruzen, had no energy left to keep arguing with Yukika.
Back in Tsunade's tent, Yukika laid lazily across a certain someone's now-generously proportioned chest.
Strategizing like a general?
Outwitting everyone with pure intellect?
Forcing Danzo into silence with sheer logic?
Heh.
Achieving all that wasn't as easy as it looked.
Right now, all he wanted was a moment of peace before his clansmen began to regroup. That's all.
Well, that and a certain habit.
"Keep your hands to yourself!"
"Mmm…"