Chapter 39
In the heart of the Senju clan camp, Batsuma, the leader of the Senju clan, found himself engrossed in a strategic meeting with his advisors. The tent, draped in the clan emblem, was filled with heated discussions about the current state of the battlefronts and the impending decisions that could turn the tide in his favor.
While the strategists deliberated, a tired shinobi burst into the store with urgent news. The atmosphere became tense as the shinobi proclaimed, "Clan leader, bad news." Batsuma, maintaining his composure, urged the shinobi to share the details. The messenger, visibly fatigued, reported: "The squad led by Shishio has just been defeated and they are retreating towards the camp as we speak."
A collective gasp filled the store and concern was reflected on the faces of those present. The clan leader, with a now much more sorrowful expression, ordered the shinobi to leave. The messenger nodded in recognition and quickly left the store.
Following discouraging news, a heated debate broke out among strategists, each proposing a different course of action. Amidst the cacophony, Batsuma's stern voice broke through, ordering silence. The strategists, respecting the authority of their leader, remained silent.
"I will go to the first battlefield and finish it quickly to gain an advantage," Batsuma stated. "While I'm away, you should take care of the situation on the fourth battlefield." The strategists, recognizing their leader's decision, nodded in unison. Batsuma left the tent, his steps determined as he headed towards the battlefield.
Outside the store, he met his eldest son, Hashirama, with concern etched on his face. "Father, I heard that the battalion where Kawarama was suffered a heavy defeat. Is this true?" Hashirama asked anxiously.
Batsuma, facing the harsh reality, confirmed: "If it is true, I will set off for the first battlefield to quickly end this battle." His gaze locked onto Hashirama's eyes, a silent understanding passing between father and son. "You, with a group of clan shinobi, will leave for the second battlefield to reinforce it."
The news of Kawarama's team's defeat hit Hashirama hard. Concern for his brother's safety gnawed at him, but duty called him. Resolutely, he nodded in acknowledgment and assured his father, "Leave it to me, father. I'll take care of this." Batsuma, with a firm nod, continued towards the first battlefield.
Hashirama, now tasked with reinforcing the second battlefield, headed in the direction of the shinobi who were preparing to leave. As he approached, a group of tired shinobi from the fourth squad entered the camp. Their solemn expressions foreshadowed the story of a battle gone wrong.
Hashirama's eyes scanned the group anxiously, searching for his brother among the survivors. The tension in the air dissipated when he saw Kawarama, along with his two friends, leaving the group. "Kawarama, this way!" Hashirama screamed, relief washing over him.
The brothers met in a strong hug. Concern was etched on Hashirama's face, he noted a wound on Kawarama's shoulder. "You're hurt, Kawarama. Are you okay?" Hashirama asked with genuine concern.
Kawarama, giving a tired smile, replied: "Yes, brother, it's just a scratch. Don't worry." Hashirama, relieved that his sister had survived the ordeal, couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Their meeting, however, was cut short when a Jonin approached Hashirama with a sense of urgency. "Hashirama, come. We're about to leave," the Jonin reported. Hashirama turned to Kawarama and said, "I'm leaving now. Go to the medical field and get that scratch checked." Kawarama, nodding understandingly, headed to the medical camp while Hashirama joined his group of Senju shinobi, ready to reinforce the second battlefield.
The Senju leader's decision rang in the air as Hashirama's group departed, leaving behind a camp filled with a mix of relief, worry, and determination to press forward despite setbacks.