Their eyes burned with passion.
Heavy breaths escaped countless clan members as they stared at the figure ahead. This was the first time the Senju Clan had returned to the battlefield since assimilating into Konoha.
And it was also the first time in the Second Great Ninja War that a battle would be fought under the name of the Senju Clan.
The Senju of the Forest.
How long had it been since anyone in the ninja world mentioned that name?
Even during the reign of the Second Hokage, the influence of the Senju Clan had already started to wane.
In the eyes of many, there had only ever been one true representative of the clan — Senju Hashirama.
But even one man stood for the pinnacle of power in the ninja world.
Now, Senju Yukika had spoken that surname aloud again, and it reignited the blood in his clansmen's hearts.
In Hashirama's time, they fought for peace.
But after years of silence, they realized — they were born to fight.
From top to bottom, over a thousand Senju shinobi roared as they charged toward the weakest point in the enemy's encirclement, as identified by their clan leader.
From a distance, the aura of determination radiating from these ninja was awe-inspiring.
The temperament of a force is shaped by its leader.
And when emotions are roused like this, the former glory of the Senju of the Forest becomes a mere prelude.
The new era of glory would be carved by their own hands!
"If honor is bestowed upon us, what fear is there in death?!"
For the first time, Yukika felt what it was like to lead a thousand into battle. The thrill, the bloodlust.
Perhaps every man once dreamed of becoming a general — Yukika was no exception.
And now, he had fully immersed himself in that spirit.
"Yukika, slow down!"
"And you too, Nawaki — stay close to me!"
Of course, amid the heated atmosphere, there were still family members who worried for their own.
Tsunade hadn't forgotten her role. Her eyes stayed fixed on her two younger brothers.
But... was it really appropriate to trail behind a woman?
As he ran, Yukika licked his dry lips, cracked from the rising fervor.
As the clan leader, how could he possibly allow himself to act with cowardice?
Yes, he was still young. And perhaps he couldn't yet sweep through the battlefield like Hashirama once did.
But that didn't mean he was weak!
Yukika had said it himself —
True respect isn't earned by words.
Sure, his clansmen now followed him into battle with excitement, but if he ever showed weakness, if he ever acted like a burden in need of protection, even they would eventually scorn him.
Because in the end… this was a world where power ruled all!
Without overwhelming strength, how could he offer his people the confidence they needed?
Still, it made sense that his clan — even Tsunade — assumed his abilities weren't that impressive.
After all, aside from his display of talent during the graduation exam, Yukika had rarely shown off his true strength in public.
Even Orochimaru, who recognized Yukika's sensory skills and speed, didn't know the full extent of his power.
Not even Nawaki was told how he escaped the heavily guarded borders of the Land of Lightning and returned to Konoha.
Only Lady Mito's maid, Yugito, had heard the story a few times after becoming her attendant.
Which was exactly why, when the Hidden Cloud ninja attempted to kidnap Kushina, and she saw the wings behind Yukika, she wasn't as shocked as others might've been.
Because she had never forgotten.