Naruto: The Senju Patriarch

Katsuro was doing the last of his chores, he went to a weapon's store often used by the Shinobi of his clan. 

"Hello, I have come for my commission."

"Ah, yes I have them right here." The owner rummaged for a bit before producing more than a hundred kunai. But these kunai were different, they were longer and thinner almost like the blade of a sword in kunai form. They also had paper wrapped around their handle and another hole in the blade, reducing the weight.

"Yes, these look perfect, thank you."

"No problem at all, Lord Katsuro, I hope they will be helpful to you. Please come back safely."

Katsuro smiled seeing the slight expression of genuine worry in his face, and left the store saying his goodbyes. When he went back home, he had to say goodbye to his little sister.

"Kushina, be good, I'll be back before you know it, y'know. If something happens make sure you use my special communication talisman - all you have to do is pour some chakra into it. The aunties at the Senju clan will take care of you. And make sure you eat properly and don't laze about. And-"

"Jeez I know big brother Suro, y'know." Kushina exclaimed, grabbing the hand of Kasturo which was rubbing the top of her head. As Katsuro laughed, in a quieter voice she whispered underneath her breath, "you'll come back safe, right?"

Katsuro's voice was pained after hearing this - clearly she was still reeling from Nawaki's death very much, just as he still was. 

"Don't worry, I'll come back safe and sound." He said softly, but then with more venom and firmness he said, "I'll collect everything owed to us, too, with interest." 

He walked past her outside where his clan was waiting for him. Those not going to war said their goodbyes to friends and family, wishing their Patriarch luck and safety as they saw him, and he thanked them and asked them to take care of each other and Kushina. He gave her one last hug before walking towards the Shinobi of the Senju clan. He made no speeches and gave no advice, but as they made way for him they saw the fire in his eyes. He led and the Senju followed in step just behind him. He met the Uchiha, led by Fugaku, at the gate with the rest of the reinforcements, consisting of civilian shinobi, some more clan shinobi and even fresh Genin graduates. Katsuro's heart pained at the sight of children barely older than Kushina being sent off to war. 

The Uchiha, long time rivals of the Senju, made snide remarks, hoping to rile up the Senju, but when they went completely unanswered by the clan, they noticed a wave of determination that surrounded them. The blood of their greatest leader had been spilled, and they were out for vengeance. The Hokage made a short speech while sending the reinforcements off. Always this Will of Fire nonsense, Katsuro thought. 

Once all the formalities were complete, Katsuro turned to Fugaku. 

"I'll be taking lead until we arrive, if that's alright with you."

Fugaku simply nodded, much to the surprise of the Uchiha, who wanted their next clan leader to fight for leadership. But unlike them, Fugaku knew that even back then Katsuro was stronger than him. I wonder just how strong he is now - with his talent he's probably already at the level of an elite Jonin. Fugaku would find out just how wrong he was very soon.

The reinforcement battalion's journey to Amegakure went without interruption, but it was once they got within the country the Ame shinobi made themselves known. Amegakure, under Hanzo the Salamander's leadership, generally attacked everyone using harassment and guerilla tactics, combined with the knowledge of their own lands and experience from their assasination and mercenary work. Hanzo the Salamander, called the 'Demigod', was a formidable force, and if he acted, the Kage of each village would also be forced to act. His poison from the sac of a black salamander embedded in his body put Chiyo's poison to shame - he was a true one man army. At this point, Amegakure generally were only involved in smaller scale skirmishes, as they did not have the quantity or quality of shinobi or resources that the larger villages did, but the war being fought on their lands forced them to act as well. However, the size of Konoha's reinforcements were quite large; there were nearly 400 from the Senju, 300 from the Uchiha and 150 shinobi from everywhere else. The smaller squads of Ame shinobi therefore only targeted the scouts that Katsuro had sent ahead of the party, but unfortunately for them, although these scout groups contained sensor specialists like Hyuga or Aburame ninja, he also made sure to send a sufficient fighting force as well, including at least a Jonin and a Chunin who could, at the very least, buy time for help. This meant that despite the harassment tactics, Katsuro's battalion suffered no casualties and reached Konoha's main camp.

As they arrived, a meeting was already being held among those in command. Katsuro made his way to the main tent with Kaito and Fugaku in tow to report their arrival. As the flap opened and they stepped in, heads turned and voices died down. Katsuro, who was familiar with Orochimaru as a teammate of his girlfriend, checked in.

"Orochimaru, I have brought the reinforcements from the village." 

Orochimaru, who had already been expecting them, replied, "Katsuro, welcome," before adding solemnly, "I'm sorry about Nawaki."

Katsuroo's eyes flashed briefly with a deep anger and determination before composing himself, "It is fine, Orochimaru, it was not your fault. Those that need to pay will do so accordingly - Nawaki's funeral rites are due after all." 

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