Within the Senju Main Family compound, Tobirama sat in the seat reserved for the head of the family, watching the Senju take their places before him one by one. There were about fifty of them—the clan's remaining ninja, including several teenagers. They were all the combatants the Senju Clan had left. The rest were young children who knew nothing of the world.
The Senju Clan had been among the most populous clans in Konoha Ninja Village, yet now, with the war over, its losses had reduced it to this state. Tobirama already knew the facts, but seeing every ninja seated before him still made his heart ache, especially given what he was about to announce.
Tobirama glanced at Mito and her two daughters, seated to one side. As Hashirama's wife, Mito held an extremely high position within the Senju Clan, but at this important moment, she had chosen simply to watch from the sidelines.
Sensing Tobirama's gaze, Mito gave him a gentle nod. The message in her eyes was clear: Do as you see fit. After all, you are the Senju Clan Head now.
Tobirama had never been indecisive. It was simply that his decision carried such weight that he had hesitated for a moment. After Mito's silent encouragement, he drew a deep breath and swept away every trace of doubt.
"Everyone..." Tobirama began.
The others instinctively held their breath and focused on him. They knew he must have something important to announce; otherwise, he would not have summoned every ninja in the clan.
"First, I would like to express my gratitude to our clansmen who fought for the village and died on the battlefield. They were your blood relatives, your family, and your friends," Tobirama said slowly. "I am sure you grieve for their deaths. So do I."
A