Naruto: The Senju Patriarch

The situation changed rapidly, the Kazekage going missing had huge effects and not just on Suna. Konoha felt the ripples as Suna's outrage seemed to invoke another war. The Kazekage going missing, who was the main voice of reason in the village meant there was a power vacuum. One that was filled by Lady Chiyo and Rasa as the few remaining powerhouses in the village. Rasa was the leader in name, but Lady Chiyo largely held the power. When combined, her thirst for vengeance against Konoha and the White Fang and Rasa's arrogance thinking of himself as far stronger than he was, meant Suna was using this as an excuse to fight another war.

Of course, it was incredibly convenient that the man who had last fought and injured the Kazekage so brutally was also known to be the only Shinobi in the world who could teleport, thus making him a plausible and likely suspect to assassinate another Kage. The preparations to transfer power in Konoha were halted when Suna used exactly that as an excuse threatening a war. Rumours from Suna spread to Konoha that the Wind Emperor had assassinated the Kazekage, and in the village they were spread in such a way that people who once saw Katsuro as their future leader and hero began to sway when learning he was causing a war. The methods seemed somewhat similar to what had happened not too long ago, but this time by a person who did not want to lose the power they had. Another difference was that with his new sense of responsibility for the village, Katsuro could not afford to waste time or manpower investigating it for proof despite knowing clearly who was behind it.

Even though he was not Hokage, his resolve remained, and he quickly began preparations. He shifted his clans into a war state, focussing on producing and amassing supplies and ninja tools. The Hokage was moving slower than what would be expected, clearly wanting the rumours and blame on Katsuro to be absorbed by the village before the next meeting to ensure his own power. Little did he know, Katsuro, unlike him, was not one to have petty power squabbles in the middle of an incoming war.

He directly made his way to the Hokage's office, not waiting for any kind of permission. It wasn't like anyone could stop him.

The Hokage sat at his desk, and since Katsuro had made no effort to hide his presence he wasn't all that surprised seeing the doors swing open. Seeing this now, he felt a wave of glee, assuming that Katsuro was angry at the blame falling on him. He knew by now that Katsuro would not show that on his face even if he felt that way, but his firm and calm words made him strongly doubt he cared at all.

"Hiruzen, call for a meeting, war is upon us. It looks like the other great villages are eager to jump in, especially Kumo."

The lack of address clearly showed the respect Katsuro had for the Hokage, irking him slightly. But he played a sly move in return.

"Lord Senju, I need to know. Do you have a hand in killing the Kazekage and bringing war to this village? If you did, you would have endangered countless lives for no reason - a disastrous act for someone who is to be Hokage." Hiruzen was doing his classic move. Pretending he didn't know better to ask stupid questions and imply what he wanted with a serious tone covering his smugness. The phrasing meant he was not directly accusing Katsuro, but was also clear to anyone listening he was.

But he didn't realise even that with just that, he overplayed his hand.

Katsuro's arm swung down somewhat slowly, grabbing Hiruzen by his shoulder. The move had no malice for now, but had still caught the Hokage off guard who had thought Katsuro would not be reckless and worsen his position since he wanted to be Hokage. He had thought Katsuro would act like him, but he couldn't be more wrong. Katsuro was someone who did as he liked.

As Katsuro grabbed his shoulder, immediately a squad of Anbu body flickered inside the room surrounding him on all sides. But he ignored them and spoke with a fake smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Sarutobi. This is a serious matter, it isn't time to play your political games. Call the meeting."

For a moment after, everything stilled as the nerves of the Anbu grew. Their duty compelled them to act, but standing before the man dressed in Senju robes, they felt the depth of a bottomless abyss. Sweat dripped down their brows, and they grew relieved when Katsuro seemed to be letting go. But then, suddenly he tightened his grip, riling his chakra as he spoke imposingly.

"Sarutobi, Danzo was very good at playing with rumours wasn't he? Seems you are too. Let's hope you don't lose your arm like he did." As Katsuro delivered the words, the pressure increased with the desk and floorboards creaking and cracking, and his grip tightened until a faint but audible crack was heard in the Professor's shoulder. To his credit, he barely changed expressions, looking fairly composed despite the situation. But his eyes betrayed his fear.

Soon, Katsuro released his grip and put back on the fake smile as if what had just happened was but a dream. "Call for the meeting." He said cheerily, before teleporting away.

The Anbu breathed a sigh of relief as the pressure and its source disappeared, but the aura radiating from Hiruzen made them realise they were not in the clear. Their failure to act ensured their lives, but it also meant their employer and Hokage was incredibly angry. Despite this, if they could go back in time, it was certain the same choice would be made again.

—

Soon the war council was convened. All the clan heads, and Shinobi holding important positions were present. As everyone sat down and waited for the Hokage to start the meeting, instead it was Katsuro. While somewhat surprising, it also felt natural.

"As everyone knows by now, a war seems to be upon us. The great villages seem to be gearing for another war. Kumogakure and Kirigakure did not participate in the last one and have gathered their strength eager to gain this time around. Suna is hell bent on revenge, and I assume all of you can see the Kazekage is merely an excuse for them to launch their battle. Of course, Onoki and Iwa will not sit out, they have bad blood with both us and Kumo and will undoubtedly make a move too. This war will be on a scale we have never seen before." He said solemnly.

The information settled in those present, but a Sarutobi clan member interjected nervously. "Lord Senju, you say it doesn't matter but the prime suspect for the Kazekage going missing is you."

Murmurs rose throughout the room as Katsuro's eyes briefly flashed to the Hokage. Clearly, this time he had chosen to avoid provoking him instead sending a sacrificial lamb.

Katsuro looked around calmly, silencing the room. "I can assure you all that I did not do such a thing. But it doesn't matter if I did. What would you do? I am the strongest person in this village, and likely the world. I could do whatever I wanted, and there's nothing anyone could say about it. But no, I am here before all of you, trying to figure plan how we can win this war, with the least losses. Like all of you, I care for this village. For my people, family and friends. I would not give it up for no reason. We are in this together, and we will win this war."

With his mini speech, Katsuro instantly flipped the direction the meeting was heading in. People's faces changed as they resonated with his words, soon breaking out into small cheers started by his most loyal people which spread. They understood his strength and his character and his words reminded them, dispelling what doubt they might've had.

"We do not know what happened to the Kazekage and frankly, it doesn't matter. But this war will break out, if not today, then tomorrow. Look at the heroes of the last war, and those who are only beginning to shine. Konoha is strong, we will fight all the great villages if we have to and we will come out victorious."

As cheers resounded once more, like the other day someone burst into the room. The urgency was evident, and silence returned as everyone looked over him just bursting in.

"Sunagakure has declared war on Konoha."

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