The Cost of Peace

That night…

The army of Konoha, despite their various injuries, were in celebration. Finally, after almost 2 and a half, long, painful years, the war with Suna was over. They had successfully carried out their duty to their village and survived to tell the tale - but most of all, their victory meant the sacrifices and lives of their fallen comrades had all been worth it - the war was won, and Konoha had lived to survive another day. 

That being said, not everybody was celebrating. Still, even after the war against Suna had been won, many Konoha Shinobi had died from their injuries in the final battle, and their comrades, family and friends mourned their loss. Katsuro knew better than anyone that mere words of encouragement weren't enough to heal those wounds, but as their friends and family came to console them, he smiled. Loss was part of a Shinobi's life, yes, but that didn't mean they had to shoulder it alone. They will be okay.

Even in the medical tent, where Katsuro, Tsunade and the rest of the medical ninja were working overtime, Shinobi missing arms and legs didn't let their injuries stop them, singing songs and laughing and smiling - finally, it was over, and they could have a break - likely a short break, they knew, but a break nonetheless. The infectiously happy mood of their patients spread over to Tsunade and Katsuro, who were doing their best to remain focused and professional, but even they eventually succumbed, joining in with the songs as they continued to heal them.

After all the injured Shinobi were healed, the Senju duo made their way to Sakumo's tent, where a meeting was being held regarding the upcoming conversation between the Kazekage's faction and the Konoha's representatives - namely, them.

Entering the tent, Katsuro looked around, seeing many familiar, congratulatory and even grateful faces, but also noticing that some of the faces he had previously seen were no longer there. It's okay, he tried to reassure himself, they're probably just late. But even as he told himself that, that ugly, sinking feeling in the depth of his stomach told him it was untrue - no matter how strong of a Shinobi you were, you were still never invincible. Their sacrifice was worth it - Konoha lives on. He was growing numb to the deaths, and like the Shinobi before, started to accept it as their way of life. They shouldn't have to die, just for a pointless war…

"Good, you're here," Sakumo said. The older man was tired, but smiled, nonetheless. 

"Well done to you both, Katsuro and Tsunade - without you, this victory wouldn't have been possible." His words were met by approval and some applause from the surrounding Shinobi, and while Tsunade blushed and thanked the commander, Katsuro spoke up.

"Same goes to you too, Commander - without you leading us, this front would have been lost ago!"

As Sakumo smiled, applause and cheers from the room grew louder, voicing their agreement. He deserves it, Katsuro thought. He's an excellent leader, and an even better man. He would make a good Hokage. 

"Alright, alright, that's enough now," Sakumo said, a light blush adorning his cheeks. 

"Now, we have to discuss the matters of the armistice that we're going to sign." At his words, the Shinobi sobered up again.

"I move that we should demand war reparations," Shikaro began.

"I disagree - the Sand won't be able to pay all the cost of the war, and more than that, that would just increase tensions even more, wouldn't it?"

"We don't have to make them pay everything, but we should make sure that we're in a position-"

"Wait, but-"

"Let him finish!"

"No-"

The room descended into chaos, but with one clap from the White Fang, order was restored.

"Actually everyone, the Hokage has already given his orders. He wants us to sign a peace treaty - no reparations or anything else of the sort. Just peace." 

The room descended into chaos again, but this time the Shinobi voiced similar opinions. 

"What the hell is Lord Third thinking?!"

"The Sand would have destroyed us by now if we lost!"

"They killed my brother!"

"They chopped my son's foot off!"

"This is crazy!"

Sakumo made no move to try and quell the shouting and dissent, realising he shouldn't try to silence the shinobi for voicing their opinions, and silently waited for them to quieten down, which eventually, out of respect for the man that had led them into battle, they did.

"I understand your concerns, but the Hokage does have his reasons," he began.

"The Sand has also been crippled by war - it's not like they've been profiting while we've been losing. Reparations might just cause their village to tip into absolute poverty and desperation, and could just cause another war again. At the very least signing a ceasefire right now is the best possible course of action, it will allow us to focus solely on Iwagakure."

"Maybe you're right, Commander," Katsuro now said. I need to be careful with my words, he thought. I don't want to undermine Sensei's authority, but the Hokage needs to be put in his place.

"But couldn't the opposite also happen? What if they rebuild much faster because they don't have to pay reparations, and then they start a war for revenge? Or to make up for their losses in this war?"

The Shinobi at the meeting murmured their agreement, but made sure not to interrupt the interaction between student and teacher.

"Of course, Katsuro. There's risk - but isn't that the same with whatever choice we make, and everything else in life? We can't predict what the Sand will do, but we can control what we do. The Hokage believes that the best course of action for the village is to not demand reparations, and he is my leader, just as he is yours," he said, addressing the entire meeting. 

"He fought at the frontlines in the First Shinobi War, and is currently fighting the Tsuchikage in this war too. He wants the best for Konoha, so I trust his decisions. Don't you all too?" 

The Shinobi present murmured their agreement, not totally convinced. However, because of their loyalty to the Hokage and particularly the village and Sakumo himself, they didn't speak. 

"I trust your judgement, Lord Sakumo," one Shinobi - an Amikichi - said, and this time, voices of agreement grew louder.

"What about the One Tails?" Shikaro asked, echoing what Katsuro had been thinking. "Are we just going to hand the Jinchuriki over like it's nothing?"

"No - we'll demand fair payment for the One Tails. They paid 1 billion for it, but considering their economic situation, and the fact that in all honesty, the One Tails is pretty weak, we'll ask for 500 million." 

"In that case, I believe that we should initially negotiate for higher, maybe around 600 million, and let them negotiate to 500 million making it seem like we are conceding a certain amount - that's likely to reduce tensions further," Shikaro said.

Sakumo nodded in response, and continued with the meeting, detailing the procedure of how the armistice would be signed, while Katsuro smiled to himself. 

Sensei's definitely made a name for himself - these people don't agree with the Hokage, but they're going along with it basically because he asked them to. They're loyal to him. Maybe soon, I can replace the Hokage with Sensei… OW!

Tsunade had pinched him.

"What the hell was that for?" he hissed at her, rubbing his hurting forearm.

"You were grinning like an idiot," she hissed back, smirking.

He mock growled at her, and they both laughed quietly.

"Is something funny?" Their heads shot up, looking for the voice, expecting it to be Sakumo, but to their surprise, it was Shikaro. The man's normally laidback expression now smirked at them, as the rest of the meeting people snickered.

As Tsunade and Katsuro spluttered in surprise, Sakumo smiled, but quickly moved on.

While he continued to speak, however, he smiled. Maybe I'll become a godfather soon, he mused.

That night, the plan of action was finalised, and arrangements were made so that a neutral meeting place on the battlefield was set up for the Kazekage and Sakumo, and their entourages, to meet to sign the armistice. 

As Katsuro lay in bed that night, he thought to himself.

Tomorrow, it will be decided.

Peace, or war.

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