Naruto, all the ninja women love me, and Konoha depends on me.

Chapter 010: First Battle

The autumn sunlight spills into the valley.

As winter approaches, the clear sunlight brings a refreshing smile to people's faces.

The members of the Senju clan, about to set out, stand at the entrance of their clan's territory.

The Senju clan is one of the prominent clans of the Naka River, residing to the east of the river. Their strategic location and unparalleled strength have established them as a major ninja clan. Their territory lies at the confluence of rivers throughout the Land of Fire, nestled between mountains and water, making it an impregnable fortress.

They are deeply feared by the Uchiha clan, another prominent clan.

Whenever a lord hires the Senju clan, their enemies inevitably hire the Uchiha clan to counter them.

And now, the Senju clan faces precisely such a situation.

Originally, the Senju clan was in conflict with the Hagoromo clan, but the Hagoromo clan was no match for the Senju. Their backers then paid to hire the Uchiha clan, uniting the two clans against the Senju.

Senju Butsuma, clad in armor, leads the group. He glances subtly at his second son, Senju Tobirama, beside him.

Senju Tobirama nods expressionlessly at his father.

Without further words, Butsuma gestures for them to set off.

The fully prepared clan members embark on a new journey.

In Tobirama's hand is a letter left by Senju Wakama. The content of the letter is simple.

In the letter, Wakama states that to avoid his mentally unstable sister, he has taken their younger brother, Itama, and left ahead of time, promising to meet them on the battlefield.

This seemingly reckless act enrages their father, Butsuma, but there is nothing he can do.

Butsuma does not mention this matter in front of the clan members, fearing it would affect morale.

Who knows if Wakama and Itama are deserting?

Only Senju Wakama knows the truth he had no choice. Itama is unlikely to wake up anytime soon, and Wakama himself cannot appear in public, or his sister, who controls birds, might strike at any moment.

Zetsu had said that their sister would not stop Hashirama and Tobirama from going to the battlefield, but she would definitely stop Wakama and Itama.

So be it.

This is for the best...

At this moment, Senju Wakama is already in stealth mode, lurking in the forest.

"Wakama, take this opportunity to use the techniques I taught you on the battlefield. I don't recommend facing enemies head-on."

Zetsu's voice echoes in Wakama is ears.

"Don't worry, Zetsu."

Since meeting Zetsu, Wakama has gained an edge, becoming significantly stronger in a short time.

As a young boy, learning so many strange techniques should have filled him with pride.

But Wakama has a sister who is both divine and deranged.

Every time he learns something new, his rising confidence is swiftly crushed by his sister's terrifying strength.

In Wakama is eyes, if he cannot withstand his sister's judgment, he is not strong enough. He needs to train harder; he is still not powerful enough!

Moreover, since meeting Zetsu,

Zetsu's advice has always been the best course of action.

So, staying low and surviving is the way to go. Wakama must always move in stealth.

Zetsu says to avoid those who are too powerful.

Zetsu also says to sneak up and backstab when there's an opportunity.

Before the battlefield clashes begin, Wakama has already stealthily scouted the area three times.

Not only has the Senju clan sent young teenagers to the battlefield, but the Hagoromo and Uchiha clans have done the same.

Following Zetsu's advice, Wakama avoids provoking the Uchiha clan and instead quietly lures the Hagoromo clan.

Of course, in his initial probes, Wakama avoids the adults of the Hagoromo clan, targeting the impatient children of the opposing family instead.

During his stealth mission,

Wakama notices that among the naive children, there are always one or two who are cannon fodder.

And Wakama successfully catches one.

The child wears Hagoromo clan armor, looking like a kid playing dress-up in adult clothes.

This child had left the group to relieve himself while the adults were lying in ambush.

After the child separates from the group, Wakama uses the "Deft Hands Technique" to reverse-pickpocket a prepared sedative pill into the young ninja's mouth.

The child, clearly untrained in poison resistance, looks confused upon tasting something strange, then collapses.

Wakama can't help but admire his sister's high-quality sedatives. He should exchange more medicine with her in the future.

Thinking this, Wakama acts swiftly. Before the adults notice, he drags the drugged boy into the bushes, moving further away until they reach a safe distance.

Just as Wakama pulls out his sister's specially crafted white ceramic blade to finish off the unfortunate Hagoromo boy,

he hesitates.

When practicing the "Backstab Technique" on wooden stakes, Wakama never hesitated.

But now, faced with killing a breathing child not much younger than himself, he falters.

This is Wakama is first battle, and he realizes he cannot kill so easily.

Hesitation on the battlefield puts one in danger.

Even though he knows this, Wakama cannot bring himself to do it.

This is a living person, a child as naive as himself.

What have the children done wrong?

His sister, Tsukiyo, once said that at their age, they are innocent, unaware of why they were born or why they must fight.

Adults simply bring children into the world and force cruel destinies upon them.

Who asks if the children want to be born into a brutal ninja family?

Who considers if the children want to follow adults to the battlefield to die?

No one...

In the eyes of adults, only the surviving descendants are their children.

Those who don't survive are inferior, better off dead and reincarnated.

Even their breath is seen as a gift from the adults.

Seeing Wakama is hesitation, Zetsu whispers, "Wakama, don't blame yourself. This is normal... Let me teach you. Do as I say. It's gentle, no bloodshed. It might make you feel better."

Wakama nods without hesitation.

In an instant, Wakama feels his hands darken under Zetsu's control.

During his time learning from Zetsu, Wakama has grown accustomed to Zetsu occasionally taking over his body to teach him various techniques and skills.

This time is no exception.

For Wakama, this is just another demonstration by his "teacher."

However...

Zetsu controls Wakama is body, maintaining the "Stealth" state, and deftly approaches the unconscious Hagoromo boy.

Then, the nimble hands rise.

Wakama watches wide-eyed as his hands, like when he picks fresh nightshade berries for his sister, suddenly reach toward the unconscious boy.

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