Naruto: The Senju Patriarch

"Our situation has gotten worse again," Orochimaru began. "Although the Hokage is now making his way here, we have gotten information from the Anbu and Root that the Kazkage is deploying over a 1000 Shinobi and potentially the One Tails as well."

The room visibly grimaced as it seemed their situation was once again reversing. Orochimaru continued, "We've been in a bit of a stalemate thanks to Katsuro making sure Onoki is held back, even injuring him forcing him to act less, and it has been working in our favour - we are slowly regaining ground again. But this changes things, the Kazekage and the One Tails being deployed with such a large reinforcement means we could be overwhelmed on the Suna front. We will need to decide what to do."

Jiraiya spoke. "Isn't it simple? We just send some reinforcements there."

Katsuro replied, airing his thoughts. "No, it is more complicated than that. The Suna front will struggle against the Kazekage - he is the genius who created the Magnet Style based on the One Tails. If left alone, his iron sand is perfect for taking out Shinobi on large scales. It means a Kage class Shinobi, likely Master Sakumo, will have to deal with him. They will have the numbers advantage with their reinforcements and, with the Kazekage, will likely push for more direct conflicts. It is their most ideal strategy to play to their strengths, and this means Kato Dan will be fairly ineffective, especially in stopping a Shinobi of that level if I am understanding his Jutsu correctly. That means Lady Chiyo and Ebizo of the Puppeteer Corps and Rasa will be left to be dealt with. Rasa uses the same Jutsu as the Kazekage, no matter how immature he still is, he is still a threat. And that doesn't even mention the One Tails."

Hearing Katsuro's analysis, they quickly understood the gravity of the situation. Jiraiya spoke again with a slight frown, "doesn't this mean that we should reinforce even more?"

Uchiha Tajima had picked up on what the 2 geniuses were trying to explain, "Yes but we are in a delicate situation. We need to send a considerable amount of power to that front, but sending too much could leave us vulnerable here. With Onoki flying around, any losses here will be felt in blood. We need to find the sweet spot on who to send and how many shinobi but it seems almost impossible. With Sunagakure's full battlepower, we will have to send at least 2 S class Shinobi to match them, but that would be a loss we simply cannot sustain here."

Those who were more slow finally understood why the situation was so dire. Katsuro thought out loud, "Even if Tsunade can deal with Lady Chiyo and Kato Dan can hold Rasa, the One Tails would still be an issue…" 

"It seems the only way to assure the survival of both fronts without giving up on either one is to send me." 

Instantly waves of protest sounded, "No, we cannot! You're the only reason Onoki is unable to destroy all of us." 

Katsuro raised his hand and the room fell silent under his authority. "I understand, but this is the best course of action. I will be able to deal with the One Tails easily with my Fuinjutsu, and can probably handle Rasa, Lady Chiyo and Ebizo at the same time as they are right now. My speed is enough to be able to minimise all the threats without having to send a second Kage or S Rank level Shinobi," He said with seriousness.

While it sounded like arrogance, no one attempted to correct him - after all, they had witnessed his power. They had seen his horrifying Ninjutsu and his speed, which was the quickest Konoha had seen since the Second Hokage. 

"While it will leave Onoki somewhat free here, Lord Hokage should be able to contain him when he arrives. The timeline should work, Suna's reinforcements are being slowed down by their sheer number, I'll be able to arrive before they do."

As planned, the Hokage soon arrived with Danzo in tow. He took command from his student, with Danzo sitting beside him. Katsuro was not pleased to see Danzo, but understood his usefulness in times of war. Hiruzen was informed of the plan and agreed, despite his reluctance when realising Katsuro would gain more prestige. Even Danzo didn't make a fuss, seeing the respect Katsuro had within the camp. 

But Hiruzen brought up the matter of peace and the Jinchuriki. "I believe we should be able to use the Jinchuriki to broker peace with Onoki and end this war," he said self-righteously. While the Shinobi agreed, the way he put it didn't sit right with them.

Kaito, who had earned his seat among the leadership from his prowess as an Elite Jonin, spoke, "Yes!" He said with mock excitement, "Thanks to the Patriarch, we have the key to peace!"

Katsuro almost laughed out loud hearing this and seeing Hiruzen's expression visibly try to avoid cracking, and still seem lighthearted and positive. Even Uchiha Tajima's face had a small smile on it. 

The meeting continued with Third Hokage saying he would try his best to stop the war but assured everyone he would handle Onoki, and would lay his life down to do so if necessary, gaining him the respect of everyone, including Katsuro. The meeting concluded with the Jinchuriki being handed over to Danzo for 'questioning'. Katsuro prayed for Roshi, despite being the enemy. Luckily for him, Hiruzen had forbidden any lasting damage to ensure a peace deal could be broken. It was concluded that only 200 Senju would join Katsuro, since even with the reinforcements the quantity was not the issue on the Suna front. While he was somewhat hesitant due to Danzo's presence, he understood it was necessary and hoped that he would stay in line considering the time of war.

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