159 Calm Before The Storm

The village was mourning the deaths of many brave combattants. Among the death were the renowned shinobi of the Kamizuru clan. Kentaro was nowhere to be seen and this didn't bother anyone.

Kentaro had his own mourning to do and in private. The Tsuchikage's residence was empty of Shinobi and Anbu alike. Today Kentaro was in his private home in the Fujimoto residence for the first time in a very long while.

His hands covered his teary eyes, Kentaro sat on a little wooden stool next to Amaterasu who was sleeping on their bed. He was feeling extremely guilty for the death of Daitan and the Kamizuru which led to Amaterasu being in state of shock which led to her miscarriage.

While Kentaro was in deep thoughts, Fumiko stood silently near the door not daring to disturb her elder brother. She too was sad, Fumiko was supposed to become an aunt and take care of a little Kentaro look-alike.

"Leave them alone Fumiko." Fumiko immediately listened. She gently closed the door and followed behind Yuka. Yuka knew what it was to lose a son and time would never heal this pain, only acceptance would make someone feel better.

"Mother. I've never seen Kentaro so sad. I'm worried for him and Amaterasu." Yuka kept silent and walked to the Fujimoto residence's courtyard. There was a beautiful fountain and red flowers all around, four stone benches were around the fountain.

Yuka sat down and Fumiko followed suit. This recent event brought difficult and dark memories in her mind, she wanted to share them with her only and precious daughter.

"Long before you were born, I gave birth to my first son. I remember your father smiling since a very long time. His smile was precious since he didn't smile that much in the warring period." Fumiko listened carefully. She noticed Yuko's eyes having traces of both joy and sadness.

"We named him Katsuo. From his youngest age, your father trained Katsuo in the ways of the Shinobi. We noticed Katsuo's talent in every field be it Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and even Genjutsu." Yuko's faint smile slowly faded.

"A few years later, I gave birth to Kentaro. Your father was the most happiest man in the world, he had been blessed with two sons. Two sons would mean two more shinobi in the near future for the clan."

"I knew where things were going but I had no words in this matter. Your father slowly saw Katsuo as an adult in this warring period, but I knew deep down that Katsuo was but a twelve year old child in need of my hugs and attention." Yuko became tearful.

"In the battles opposing our clan with enemies, Katsuo was brutally killed. We had lost a son and Kentaro had lost his brother. Since this day regret gnawed your father's heart, he thought of outcomes had he done things differently. This is exactly what Kentaro is living right now. The only difference being that he didn't even have the privilege to see his child grow, talk or hug him." Yuko gently stood up and took a big breath.

"That's why we need to live him alone and let him find peace by himself. I'm sure he'll find a way to sooth his heart. In the meantime let's keep ourselves busy because I want to think of something else than my deceased grandchild." Fumiko nodded.

"You're right mother, let's keep ourselves busy." mother and daughter walked away from the courtyard hand in hand. A cat jumped over the courtyard's wall and landed on a beautiful red flower. Fumiko noticed it, it gave her a whole new perspective. Beautiful things can be easily broken, you must cherish what you have because things could go wrong anytime.

A fairly large group of shinobi made their way inside the village. All had come voluntarily with Mū to show him support. He who lost his family, he who lost his everything, Mū walked with his head up not showing any signs of sadness. Naturally, everyone knew that this was not the case.

"You took care of me like I was one of you. You treated me like a friend, a brother. I will never forget your names nor your faces, all of you will be forever in my heart." Mū payed his respects in front of the gravestones while burning incense sticks.

Mū walked through the streets thinking of what will happen next. Will Kentaro stay silent in front of the death of his child and the dead of Daitan. Mū had to know, he wanted to know how the man he pledged allegiance to would handle things.

The stone door of the Fujimoto residence was wide open. When Mū entered inside he saw Yuko and Fumiko making bracelets out of flowers. He greeted Yuko with a nod.

"Are you looking for my elder brother? I don't know if it's a good time to visit him, it would be better if you come back in a few days." taking Kentaro's state in mind, Fumiko said what was the most logical in her mind.

"I can understand his sorrow, I too don't feel so well. But we are in war and I have to address things of the greatest importance with Lord Tsuchikage. I'll allow myself to enter." Mū made his way inside and took the stairs up.

Everything was dark, at the end of the corrider a door was slightly open. When he was in front of the door Mū gently opened it. Amaterasu was sleeping on the bed, a wooden stool was next to it. There were no traces of Kentaro in the room.

"Even in times of sadness I can't seem to have my little moment. Is this a sort of curse as Tsuchikage?" Mū was startled to hear Kentaro's voice all of a sudden. He looked to his left. Kentaro was pouring hot tea in a cup, his back turned towards him.

Kentaro stopped pouring the tea in his cup. He slowly walked around the room while sipping on it. Mū had so much in his heart but couldn't seem to say anything in this ominous room. Kentaro stopped in front of Mū, their faces were very close to each other.

"I know what you've come to reclaim. You want revenge for the Kamizuru? I shall grant you that wish!" Kentaro grabbed Mū by the shoulders, his grip was very tight. Tears came out of Kentaro's eyes.

"You see what Tobirama has done? My wife is exhausted and in shock, my child is no more. Him and his brother are the cause of this. If I don't kill those two, I won't be able to find peace. Do you understand, Mū?" Kentaro's grip tightened with every second.

"First! I'll finish Suna once and for all, they must be punished for having sided with the enemy. After that..... I'll personally lead the army through the Land of Fire until we reach Konoha." Kentaro loosened his grip on Mū and sat back on the stool.

"Tomorrow, every battalion must be at the main camp. Relay the information. You may leave now." Mū quietly left the room.