Tetsuma's squad moved cautiously through the dense forest, approaching the battlefield. The sounds of distant shouting and explosions grew louder with each passing moment, signaling that the clash was still ongoing. Tetsuma signaled for his team to halt, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Stay low," he whispered, his instincts urging him to remain cautious. "We need to understand the situation before taking action."
Shikuro, the Nara, gave a subtle nod, his posture still and calm as he analyzed the situation. "We should observe before moving in. There's no telling what we're walking into."
Ryoku, the Hyuga, activated his Byakugan, his eyes glowing faintly as he began to search for any hidden threats. "I'll take a look. I can see from here."
Tetsuma, always the strategist, surveyed the area with a cold focus. "Let's move quietly and assess the situation. Keep your distance."
The squad moved through the forest with practiced stealth, finally reaching a vantage point where they could observe the battlefield without being detected. Below, two groups of shinobi were engaged in a vicious struggle. One group was unmistakably from Takigakure, led by Takamura. The other group, however, was composed of rogue shinobi, and their leader immediately caught Tetsuma's attention—Kakuzu.
Tetsuma's eyes narrowed. He had heard rumors about Kakuzu, a rogue shinobi from Takigakure, known for his power and his deep thirst for vengeance. The battle below confirmed everything Tetsuma had heard. Kakuzu was no mere mercenary—he was a force of nature.
Kakuzu was unleashing devastating attacks, his mastery of both Water Release and Earth Release wreaking havoc on the battlefield. He was a calm, calculated predator, focused solely on crushing his enemies.
Tetsuma observed carefully. Kakuzu's rage was unmistakable, but it wasn't driven by ideals. It was personal. The way he moved—his strikes, his relentless barrage of jutsu—spoke of a deep, unyielding hatred. It was clear that Kakuzu wasn't just fighting to win; he was fighting for revenge.
Takamura's forces were struggling to hold their ground against the overwhelming onslaught. Kakuzu was a formidable opponent, and Tetsuma could see that his power was pushing Takamura's team to the brink.
Tetsuma stayed silent, observing, his mind working through the implications of what he was seeing. He knew Kakuzu's abilities were legendary, and the rogue shinobi leader was a dangerous adversary. Yet, Tetsuma didn't feel the need to intervene. He would wait for the right moment. There was no rush.
Shikuro leaned in, his face solemn as he observed the chaos below. "Kakuzu... He's not just attacking for power. This is revenge."
Ryoku nodded, his Byakugan still activated, watching the battle unfold with keen interest. "He's ruthless. Takamura's team won't be able to last long against him. The guy's insane."
Kaji remained quiet, his presence felt but his focus entirely on the battlefield ahead.
Tetsuma held up his hand, signaling for them to wait. His gaze never wavered from the battle. He was waiting for Kakuzu to make a mistake, for an opening to reveal itself. But Kakuzu was too focused, too precise. There was no clear weakness. Not yet.
The rogue shinobi under Kakuzu's command fought with a fury of their own, and Tetsuma could see that Kakuzu's vengeance had become their driving force. Every strike was aimed with precision and malice, and the earth seemed to quake with each jutsu Kakuzu unleashed. His mastery of Water Dragon Jutsu and Earth Dragon Bullet tore through the battlefield, devastating everything in its path.
Tetsuma's mind raced. Kakuzu had no intention of surrendering, and the longer Takamura's team fought, the more likely they were to fall. But Tetsuma knew that if he rushed in now, he might tip the scales too early.
He wasn't going to be reckless.
"Wait," Tetsuma whispered to his team, still keeping his voice low. "We don't engage unless absolutely necessary. Let's see where this leads."
Shikuro nodded, understanding. "You're right. We can't waste energy on unnecessary risks."
Ryoku's Byakugan flared again as he scanned for movement. "Kakuzu is closing in on Takamura. This won't last long."
Tetsuma stayed calm. He knew the risks, but he was determined not to make a move until he saw the full picture. Takamura's forces were weakening, but so was Kakuzu's energy. The rogue shinobi leader wasn't invincible. His attacks were powerful, but even someone like Kakuzu had limits.
Tetsuma watched closely, his mind calculating every possible outcome. It wasn't the right time to intervene—not yet. He needed more information.
When that moment came, he would strike. But for now, he would continue watching.
This version maintains Tetsuma's strategic mindset and keeps Kaji silent, focusing on the team's observations and the careful approach to the situation.