Naruto: The Senju Patriarch

 Dan extended his hand, to which Katsuro firmly grasped it. 

"No need for the 'Lord' - just call me Katsuro. Thanks for taking care of my wife for me," Katsuro said with a bright smile. 

Dan stiffened and replied somewhat rigidly, "It is no problem at all."

But the 'attack' had devastating effects on its actual intended target, and Dan was just caught in the crossfire. Tsunade's face went blank, but she visibly reddened, as if having a whole internal monologue and panic attack at the same time. 

"I've heard a lot about you as well, and your Spirit Transformation Jutsu. I hope you can tell me more about it, later." Katusuro, internally, put emphasis on the 'later' part. He suspected Dan had less than pure intentions, and while he wouldn't let it dictate him or even really show it, Katsuro was someone who got very jealous of his girlfriend, very easily.

Seeing Tsunade's reactions to his words, Katsuro smiled in triumph, satisfied, but Dan was having his own internal thoughts.

What is this? Tsunade had told me that the two were in a relationship, but I thought she forgot about him during the war after their fight! 

Dan and Tsunade had recently developed their friendship, to the point at which they sometimes stayed out late at night together, watching the stars above Sunagakure. Over time, his feelings had subtly grown for her - how could they not? She was a strong, beautiful Kunoichi who was single-handedly saving thousands of lives. He was only held back by the fact she seemed in love with the Senju Patriarch, but hoped the time and distance could deal with that. He was somewhat ashamed of himself for thinking that way, and hoping for other people's failure, but his feelings were just that strong. Seeing the interaction now, he couldn't help but feel envy. 

This surge of frustration, jealousy and anger led him to lash out a little.

"Katsuro, not to be offensive or anything, but don't you think you're being too carefree? None of us want to see anymore deaths, like Nawaki. Shouldn't you be preparing for the upcoming battle, I mean this is no joke, is all I'm saying." 

Dan immediately wished he could take back what he said, as he realised he came across as condescending and patronising, but he stood firm and looked ahead. He couldn't allow himself to be undermined by Katsuro, especially in front of Tsunade. He brought up Tsunade's brother as a way to get one over the Senju, but hadn't known, or accounted for, the fact Nawaki was as much a brother to Katsuro, as he was to Tsunade. 

Previously laughing and smiling, Katsuro's face darkened at the mention of Nawaki. This man really thought he was allowed to mention Nawaki's name like that? He looked to Tsunade, who also tensed up at the mention of her deceased brother's name, as she averted her gaze. 

For a moment, Katsuro was about to leap out of his seat and attack Dan, imagining turning his face into mush for that comment. But he managed to reel himself in, realising at the end of the day they were comrades (and it would be detrimental to the war effort to hurt him now). The more keen Shinobi noticed the brief killing intent that spiked from Katsuro, which disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared. Sakumo, hearing the words worried for the couple he saw as his own nephew and niece, and for a moment thought he would have to write a report explaining the death of Kato Dan.

Katsuro took a slight moment to admonish himself for almost losing control before speaking. 

"Dan, who said I thought this was a joke? You may not have meant to come across like that, but please, understand this- I'm the leader of the Senju. I'm willing to lay down my life for my people and my village if it comes to that. We've only just met, so I'm assuming that's why you accidentally said that. Also, don't bring up Nawaki like that, if you can," Katsuro continued glancing at Tsunade and pulled her close, "He was - is - like a brother to me. We're all just trying to move on, and protect our people. Don't you agree? We're all here as one force, one people, one cause." 

Dan understood now - Katsuro wasn't just powerful as a ninja, but also as a speaker. With a couple of sentences, the Senju had swayed the entire room into his favour. Not just that, Dan did realise, he may have overstepped his boundaries, seeing Tsunade visibly put off by the mention of Nawaki. He had said too much in an attempt to prove himself. 

"You're right. I'm sorry, Katsuro and Tsunade - I overstepped. I hope you can forgive me, I didn't mean to come across like that." Dan quickly nodded at her.

The serious shift in the mood also marked the shift away from playfulness. They were at war after all.

Sakumo quickly began to speak, hoping to avoid any further tensions rising.

"We have reports that the Kazekage has deployed to the battlefield." he said, looking around the room with seriousness. 

"For the sake of Katsuro and the Senju shinobi, I will relay our situation. The numerical advantage we earned over the war has now been erased, we currently have 4600 Shinobi capable of fighting, but Sunagakure will now have over 5000. This is not a large discrepancy, but do not forget their Puppeteer Corps, which effectively increase their numbers. Numbers aside, the Kazekage himself now deploying changes the battlefield, he is a true Kage level ninja - think of him somewhat as a very matured version of the Rasa we have been facing till now." 

The Jonin frowned at this - Rasa was already a handful as it was, and now a more experienced version? Sakumo nodded at the current Nara clan leader, Shikaro Nara, to continue.

"This leaves us with a few key individuals to deal with, namely the Kazekage, Chiyo and Ebizo, Rasa and their Jonin commander. The last 2 are only at elite Jonin level, but are threats nonetheless. The arrival of the Senju relieves us of some of this pressure, but we are unsure if the One Tails has also been deployed. They may be wary, since Katsuro is known to have captured Bijuu before, however it would also be a game changer. It is wise to continue our current guerilla warfare strategy, as it allows for Dan's Spirit Transformation Jutsu to be maximised, while also minimising the damage of the Magnet Style of the Kazekage, Rasa and even the One Tails. I would suggest folding Katsuro into this plan to act in a similar capacity to Sakumo. It is my understanding that your speed is as great, if not greater than the commander, so you will be perfect to also lead an Immediate Response Squad."

Katsuro was impressed with the strategy his master and Shikaro had come up with. It was perfect in their current situation, he only had one bit to add. 

"This information shouldn't spread, but during the skirmishes I am a part of, I'll be acting in a minimised capacity, feigning a lack of chakra that is believable. Suna doesn't have much information on me, and the Kazekage is known to be a genius. I believe it's best to have a card to play, just in case, so we can react to whatever plan they come up with. If my strength is underestimated, they're more likely to overplay their hand and deploy the One Tails as well."

Shikaro and Sakumo instantly showed favorability to the idea nodding in approval, alongside the other Jonin and clan leaders, who included the Aburame, Akimichi and Yamanaka clans, as well as a representative of the Sarutobi clan. Even this representative, and Kato Dan, with their slight negative feelings toward Katsuro, had to admit it was sound.

AN: If you would like to view up to 20 chapters ahead, and would also like to support me, please visit my P@TR30N, at pa tr eon.com / GhidorahWriter (remove the spaces). Thanks for reading and make sure ADD to your collection and VOTE with POWERSTONES! This is the bonus since we did hit 200 POWERSTONES before. The target is 50 for the next BONUS chapter!