Emotions were slowly building.
You have to understand—how long has it even been since the Second Hokage died? Before he ordered the Senju clan to integrate into Konoha, the Senju were at their peak. This dramatic fall from grace—that's exactly what Senju Yukika was aiming for.
Changing a clan's mindset isn't so easy. Yukika wasn't Hashirama Senju; he didn't have that kind of influence—at least not yet. But if he wanted his clan to one day follow him without hesitation, even if it meant going against the higher-ups of the village, he needed time. Time to sow seeds of doubt about the village that had raised and nurtured them.
This shift in perspective was just the first step.
The next? To open the clan's eyes to the true faces behind Konoha's so-called leadership. And beyond that, to establish himself as a legitimate leader—as their clan head.
Respect isn't given. It's earned through power, through action. Even if your speeches are stirring, if you fall short on the battlefield, nobody will follow you.
Hashirama believed his success came from mutual understanding—but that's because he never understood just how powerful he truly was. If your strength is absolute, then even if you claimed to be someone's father, no one would dare refute you. But if you're just a low-level ninja shouting about understanding, you're begging for death.
So, Yukika hadn't called the clan together for any long-winded speech.
In their eyes, he was still just a talented ten-year-old kid. His position as clan head might command some attention, but his words alone held little weight.
What Yukika really wanted was to see the faces of those he'd soon be protecting.
"Yukika."
At that moment, a silver-haired young man strolled over. They'd never met, yet the guy acted overly familiar, like they were old friends. His name was Dan Kato—a man who, more often than not, tried to cozy up to Tsunade.
But after Yukika had told Tsunade the tragic tale of Sakura Kato back when they were younger, she instinctively kept her distance from anyone with the surname Kato. As a result, their paths diverged. These days, even calling them colleagues was a stretch.
Hah.
Trying to get close to Tsunade? You dare make a move on what belongs to this clan head?
Yukika curled his lip in disdain. If the guy knew his place, fine. If not—well, he wouldn't hold back.
Simple as that. If you're not good enough for Tsunade, that alone earns you a death sentence.
"Address me as Lord Yukika. Or Clan Head Yukika," he said flatly, casually leaning into Tsunade's side like he was staking his claim.
He wasn't wrong.
He had assumed the leadership position originally meant for Tsunade, while Dan was just a Jōnin under his command. Calling him "Lord" was appropriate.
"I didn't think we needed to be so formal," Dan said awkwardly. He glanced at Tsunade, hoping their former camaraderie might earn him a word or two. But her wary expression left him baffled.
The story of Kato Sakura had left an impression. A deadly one.
"Um, Lord Danzō requested your presence. There's movement from Sunagakure..."
Opportunity.
Yukika's eyes gleamed.
...
"Just like the intel said."
"Sunagakure wasn't content after their last defeat at the hands of Sakumo Hatake. They've regrouped and are back on the Rain Country front. Judging by their movements, Konoha is clearly their first target."
Inside the command room, Danzō wore a smug smile.
He was thrilled.
No hint of tension about the coming war—instead, he looked at Sunagakure like they were sacrificial lambs.
Why? Because if Sakumo could beat them, why couldn't he?
To Danzō, this was his chance to rack up military achievements.
And there was one more thing...
The Senju clan.
Casting a sidelong glance at Yukika, Danzō sneered.
So, you want command authority, huh?
Even if you've rallied the Senju, so what? You still have to follow my orders.
Sarutobi had just sent a reply, and for once, the two were in complete agreement:
"Don't give Senju Yukika any chance to gain merit."
It was an unspoken command, but Danzō understood it perfectly.
"The Ino-Shika-Chō trio, Hyūga, Uchiha, Shimura, and Sarutobi clans will advance with me to the front lines."
"As for the Senju..."
He pointed a mocking pinky in Yukika's direction and gave it a little wag.
Danzō looked every bit the grinning fool—arrogant and theatrical.
"You will stay here and hold your position."
He'd take all the glory.
They'd take all the casualties.
That was his strategy.