The Ones Left Behind

Tetsuma stood in the Hokage's office, listening as Tobirama Senju made his decision.

"The peace talks will proceed in two weeks," the Hokage declared. "I have chosen Hiruzen, Danzo, Homura, Torifu and Koharu to accompany me."

Tetsuma narrowed his green eyes but remained silent. He already knew why he wasn't selected.

After all, he had led the massacre in the Land of Lightning.

A Decision Without Him

Danzo Shimura smirked slightly. "It's a wise decision, Lord Second. The Raikage would never negotiate in good faith if the man who slaughtered his people sat across from him."

Hiruzen gave Danzo a sharp glance but did not disagree.

Tetsuma clenched his fists. His two-month rampage in the Land of Lightning had devastated Kumogakure's forces. He had assassinated over a hundred enemy shinobi, including several elite jōnin and clan heads.

To the Raikage, Tetsuma wasn't a warrior—he was a demon.

Tobirama's voice broke the tense silence. "Tetsuma, you will not attend the talks. Your presence would only provoke them."

Tetsuma closed his eyes for a moment, then exhaled. "I understand, Lord Second."

Tetsuma remained standing in the Hokage's office as the others left, leaving only him and Tobirama Senju.

A heavy silence settled between them.

Tetsuma was used to orders. He had spent his entire life following them—on the battlefield, in the shadows, in blood-soaked lands where only the strong survived. But this time, he wasn't satisfied.

Not because he was being left out, but because he knew the dangers that lay ahead.

He took a step forward. "You don't trust them, do you?"

Tobirama leaned back slightly in his chair, crimson eyes sharp as ever. "I trust no one. Not completely."

Tetsuma let out a short breath. "Then you know this peace talk is a trap."

Tobirama's fingers tapped lightly on the desk. "Of course I do. The Second Raikage is not a fool. He wouldn't seek peace unless he saw no other choice. That makes him dangerous."

Tetsuma crossed his arms. "And yet you're still going."

Tobirama smirked slightly. "What choice do I have? The village needs peace. We have lost too much, Tetsuma. Even you must see that."

Tetsuma's jaw tightened. "I do. But I also know men like the Raikage. He'll smile in front of you and stab you the moment he sees an opportunity."

Tobirama gave him a long look before speaking again. "Which is why you will remain here."

Tetsuma's eyes narrowed. "You think I'd ruin the talks?"

Tobirama shook his head. "No. But your presence alone would provoke them. You led the slaughter in the Land of Lightning. They fear you, Tetsuma. The Raikage will never sit at a table with you."

Tetsuma exhaled sharply. "Then let me go in the shadows. If you won't take me, let me at least watch your back."

The Hokage studied him carefully.

For years, Tetsuma had been the sword of Konoha. Now, he wanted to be its shield.

Finally, Tobirama nodded. "I will allow you to monitor from the shadows, but you will not act unless I give the signal."

Tetsuma gave a small smirk. "Understood, Lord Second."

But deep inside, he knew.

If anything went wrong—he would act, whether he had permission or not.