Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto

"Is Third Mizukage so strong? Why hasn't he been able to kill one elder in so long?" Nawaki said, his words devoid of any attempt at subtlety.

The Jonin from the Sarutobi Clan, who had come seeking assistance, stared at Nawaki, his expression a mix of disbelief and shock, his eyes nearly bulging out of his sockets.

Meanwhile, those gathered around Sakumo and Nara Shikaku wore peculiar expressions.

Nawaki, aware of their scrutiny, remained unruffled. Instead, he met their gazes with a defiant glare and remarked, "What are you staring at? I hope they die. Surely you're not that naive."

The Sarutobi team stood in stunned silence.

The members of the Sarutobi Clan questioned their intelligence. When did the Senju family start to act in such a dangerous manner towards the Hokage and his advisors? Even if they didn't have concrete information about the reason for the hostility, they could sense something amiss.

Yet, Senju Nawaki openly displayed his hostility towards the Elders council, unafraid of potential retaliation.

Hiruzen was known for his patience, but the others trod around the elders more cautiously.

"Nawaki," Tatsuya interjected calmly, "that's enough."

With those two words, Nawaki fell silent. His expression, however, was still tainted with disgust and resentment.

Tatsuya found himself at a loss for words. Since the onset of the Third Ninja World War, Nawaki's disdain for the elders had become increasingly apparent, especially after learning of Tatsuya's plan to appoint Tsunade as the Fourth Hokage.

It seemed Nawaki believed the elders were already living on borrowed time, regardless of their actions.

"Apologies, but the situation is even more dire than it was six months ago. I can't spare anyone for reinforcement," Tatsuya explained, maintaining a polite smile.

The members of the Sarutobi team exchanged incredulous glances, feeling insulted. Did Tatsuya truly think they hadn't done their investigation?

It had been nearly a month since the last battle here. Sending reinforcements to the south would be manageable. How could he claim they couldn't spare anyone in such circumstances?

"Master Tatsuya, we were instructed by Lord Hokage. It's not easy for us to return without fulfilling our mission," the Jonin said, bitterness lacing his words.

Tatsuya sighed, expressing his frustration. Who would've guessed that the Hokage could endure for half a year? Was it their tenacity or mere stubbornness? Or perhaps both?

"Do you doubt my Aniki's words? Have you forgotten who helped your master, Danzo, escape certain death?" Nawaki's voice rose, his disgust evident. The images of Hiruzen and Danzo flashed before his eyes, and he fought back nausea.

"You!" Several Sarutobi Clan ninjas instinctively reached for their weapons, their patience worn thin by Nawaki's audacity.

A glance at Tatsuya, who remained composed beside Nawaki, reminded them that this was not a battle they could win. They begrudgingly swallowed their anger, at least for now.

.....

Five days later,

Konoha Barracks were situated in the southern part of the Land of Fire.

"It'll take a year! That Hatake Tatsuya is just toying with us!"

Upon hearing the report from a Jōnin who had returned from the north requesting assistance, Utatane Koharu erupted in fury and curses. On the other hand, Hiruzen and Danzō appeared rather composed, having anticipated that Tatsuya wouldn't send troops.

"Is there any other news to relay?" Danzō inquired with a stern countenance.

The Jōnin, kneeling before the four of them, hesitated for a considerable time before finally gritting his teeth and saying, "Lord Hokage, Seju Nawaki conveyed that Lord Hokage, Lord Danzo, and the two advisors should...."

He paused and didn't dare say anymore, "I don't dare to say no more!"

Hiruzen's patience waned as he urged, "Go on."

"He said."Is Third Mizukage so strong? Why hasn't he been able to kill one elder in so long,'" The Jōnin repeated Nawaki's words verbatim, his scalp tingling with unease.

Instantly, the barely contained calm of Hiruzen and Danzō gave way to seething anger.

"Did he say this to your face?" Hiruzen inquired in a deep voice.

"Yes," the Jōnin admitted, bowing his head.

"Tatsuya and Tsunade support him, and I don't know how to respond."

Danzo added icily, "It's common knowledge that if he weren't Tobirama-sensei's grandson, we'd have dealt with him as well."

"Yes, who does he think he is? A Chūnin of mediocre talent!"

"After this war, we'll strip him of his Chūnin rank to remind him of who holds power in Konoha!"

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura chimed in, echoing the sentiment.

"Master Hokage, there's urgent news!" At that moment, a Chūnin from the Shiranui clan burst into the camp, his voice frantic. "Mist Shinobi, they've launched a surprise attack!"

Hiruzen frowned and exhaled a plume of smoke. "Is this little commotion worth the fuss? We have the upper hand in terms of strength, and we've spent half a year studying their tactics. Even if we can't defeat them, I'm confident we can thwart Mist Shinobi's advances."

"Master Hokage, this time, 6,000 Mist Shinobi have been dispatched!" the Shiranui Chūnin declared with a grim expression.

"What did you say? How many?" Hiruzen stood abruptly, and his pipe snapped in two, a testament to his shock. 

The other three leaders were equally taken aback.

Homura remarked, "What's happening? Wasn't Mist Shinobi's combat strength less than 3,000? Why has it suddenly doubled?"

Utatane Koharu added, "Could they have recruited forces from somewhere else?"

Danzo pondered, "In that case, their strength is on par with ours."

After half a year of fierce battles, Hiruzen commanded about less than 6,000 troops, which was their sole advantage. Now, that advantage had evaporated.

"Prepare for battle! Prepare to fight with everything you've got!" Hiruzen declared, his voice quivering. He knew that holding their ground this time would be an arduous task.

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