Naruto: The Senju Patriarch

Chapter 27: Trust Me



Hearing this, Orochimaru nodded. He had some idea that Katsuro was quite strong, from what he had heard from Tsunade, and thought it was normal for him to want to avenge someone he considered his little brother. "Please take a seat then, Katsuro."

Fugaku had already moved to stand by his father, whispering and filling in with him on the details of their travel while Katsuro had spoken with Orochimaru. Kaito did the same, standing behind Katsuro. 

The situation was quite bad, worse than expected. It had been somewhat alleviated by the reinforcements, but Konoha had not been able to match Iwa in high or low class Shinobi battle power. Without the reinforcements, they would have been forced to call upon Kato Dan to switch battlefields, or hope the Suna front ended quickly. Nonetheless, the addition of the Senju and Uchiha clans particularly helped, adding a high quality of ninja from two of the world's most ancient clans. As they discussed the plans for the upcoming battle, it was agreed that Orochimaru and Tajima would continue to hold off the 4 Tails, and that Jiraiya would be helped by the Senju and Uchiha Jonin would deal with the 5 Tails. However, Katsuro interjected.

"I will deal with the 4 Tails, which will free up a large portion of our high end combat power to deal with the enemy Jonin and their commander." In another circumstance Katsuro may not have proposed such a plan which immediately thrust him at the forefront, perhaps instead he would have built his reputation and achievements on the battlefield first. But right now, he was fuelled only by vengeance.

Katsuro's remark was met with doubt, but this was not the politics of Danzo and Hiruzen - it was a war and everyone here was trying to achieve the same thing.

Uchiha Tajima spoke, "Boy, this is a Bijuu - its destructive power is unimaginable."

"I understand, Lord Tajima, however I ask that you trust me with this. It is raining here and I am quite proficient in Water Style Jutsu, and have Jutsu that can counter Bijuu. If you trust me, we can instantly flip this battlefield on its head."

Seeing that he had not convinced them yet Katsuro continued, "I understand that you cannot trust my capabilities yet - if it helps, I can lead some of the Senju's Jonin and elite Jonin to join me to add security. But we must take this opportunity. Iwa does not know our full capabilities right now. I suggest luring them to a full on confrontation and deal considerable damage."

The tent was surprised hearing this bold declaration - very few large scale confrontations had happened so far. It had mostly been smaller scale skirmishes within the forests.

The Hyuga clan patriarch replied, "Lord Katsuro, you might not know this as you are young, but such a full scale confrontation is very risky. It can lead to large catastrophic losses."

"I am aware of Lord Natsu, but this is precisely why I am suggesting it. I intend for us to win the confrontation. If I deal with the 4 Tails, and Orochimaru and Lord Tajima deal with the 5 Tails Jinchuriki, who is weaker anyways, this will leave Jiraiya and all of our Jonin, including the reinforcements. We can win the battle on 3 fronts, taking down the 4 Tails, 5 Tails and their high end combat power and commander all at once with Jiraiya being freed up."

Jiraiya, also familiar with Katsuro, said, "Hmmm, I like it. Katsuro's right: if I am freed up, me and my toads can close the gap in our numbers."

Orochimaru also voiced his support, "I will also trust Katsuro, I believe this is our opportunity to turn this front around. I am willing to take responsibility for the failure."

Orochimaru understood Katsuro was not the type of person to make arrogant remarks that would cost lives, so he was more than willing to believe him for the chance to fight back.

"Boy, how confident are you?" Tajima asked, looking into Katsuro's eyes.

"Completely. I will offer this room my head if I fail," he replied simply but with an assuredness nodding at Tajima.

Fugaku was inwardly shocked at Katsuro's claim, realising he might be way stronger than he would have ever conceived.

Tajima also nodded, "Hmmm, in that case we might as well go all the way. Let the boy take care of the 4 Tails himself. Water can counter Lava Style, and the extra Jonin will only press our advantage."

Katsuro was inwardly touched at the confidence the Uchiha had shown him, giving him another nod in gratitude. 

Seeing the support of such an experienced shinobi, everyone else agreed as well, still skeptical, but also anticipating the chance to fight back for real. 

The plan was set for the day after, and Katsuro met with Orochimaru during the evening. During their conversation, Orochimaru asked him a question that had been on his mind ever since his Genin's death.

"Katsuro, what do you think of the fragility of people, and the fragility of life?" 

Orochimaru had seen too much death recently. Too many he knew had died and his mind was distraught at his own helplessness and powerlessness.

"People are fragile, so fragile we die to anything. A single kunai or paper bomb leaves us dead, and our loved ones behind." Katsuro said with meaning, understanding Orochimaru asked this being prompted by Nawaki's death. Still in mourning, Katsuro gave him an answer.

"But, Orochimaru, wouldn't you say that same fragility is what gives us - shinobi, mothers, fathers, children, siblings, friends - everyone - the reason to live, to thrive and to push forward? Without that fragility, there would be no reason for people to do what they do. You're right, life is fragile. But, it's that fragility that makes our lives so special. That fragility gives us purpose - wouldn't you say?" 

Katusro looked deep into Orochimaru's eyes. He had heard some strange things surrounding the slender, pale man. However, he realised, at heart, Orochimaru was somewhat similar to himself. They had both experienced the strain, agony and deep thoughts experienced from the news and images of the deaths of people they were close to from a young age. They were both shinobi who had worked so hard, yet still were forced to undergo the pain of not being able to save everyone they wanted to save. 

"Hm, well, in that sense, I guess you're right, Katsuro," Orochimaru smiled at Katsuro, who returned the gesture. 

It seemed that they had both found a small part of the answer they longed for to the sorrow. 

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