As dusk slowly fell, Tobirama noticed the weariness on Arima's face.
He realized that Arima had probably been up since the early hours without proper rest, and after enduring several intense battles, his body was reaching its limits.
Tobirama immediately ordered the ninja forces to withdraw to their forward base and signaled for Hiruzen to come carry Arima.
But just then, Koharu seized the perfect opportunity to get close to her beloved brother.
Without waiting for permission, she stepped forward and insisted on carrying Arima in her arms, pressing him gently against her soft chest, ignoring his protests.
Realizing he couldn't reject his sister's kindness, Arima reluctantly compromised and allowed her to carry him on her back instead.
Seeing that her little brother couldn't bring himself to refuse her outright, Koharu cheered inwardly, "Mission accomplished."
Having witnessed so many scenes of life and death on the front lines, Koharu often felt waves of exhaustion settle in her heart.
But now that her precious Arima had arrived, he was like a ray of sunshine, her source of joy.
Suddenly, the future seemed a lot brighter.
Arima, of course, had no idea what Koharu was thinking.
As she carried him on her back, he couldn't help but feel awkward, especially when he caught the amused smile tugging at Hiruzen's lips. Embarrassment flushed his cheeks.
With no other option, he obediently rested against her back, allowing himself to relax.
The warmth of her body and the soft, faint scent she carried gradually put him at ease. Before long, he had fallen into a deep sleep.
Arima was a cautious person. He could only sleep soundly when he felt truly safe, and for him, Koharu was undoubtedly someone he could trust.
Koharu, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing behind her, knew he was asleep. She began walking even more carefully, afraid of waking him from his dreams.
She thought of how gallantly Arima had carried himself on the battlefield, how confidently he had spoken in front of the Second Raikage.
A smile of pride appeared on her lips.
She understood the conviction that burned in Arima's heart, how he had tirelessly worked toward his ideals over the years.
Her admiration for him only deepened. And as he matured, he'd grown even more striking and charismatic. What girl doesn't have her springtime of youth?
When Arima finally woke, it was already midday the next day. He blinked in confusion before realizing he had slept for a day and a half.
The flap of his tent was suddenly pulled open. Turning to look, he saw it was Koharu coming to check on him. Fully refreshed, his mood lifted even more at the sight of her.
There wasn't much room to sit in the tent, so he quickly got up and cleared a space on the bed for her to rest.
Seeing how considerate and well-mannered Arima was, so different from the fearless warrior on the battlefield, only made Koharu find him more endearing. She chuckled softly.
Arima, unsure why she was laughing, simply joined in with a silly grin, looking a bit foolish.
Koharu tapped her finger gently against his forehead, teasing, "You little dummy."
Then she pulled out a basket filled with food. It wasn't a lavish meal, but it was carefully prepared and delicious, clearly made with heart.
Arima immediately recognized it was his sister's cooking. His heart warmed, touched by her thoughtfulness.
As he sat there dazed, Koharu flicked his forehead again, this time with a gentle pop. It didn't hurt, it felt more like playful affection.
Snapping out of it, Arima rubbed his forehead sheepishly and began to eat with gusto.
Watching him eat so innocently, Koharu felt an even stronger urge to pamper him.
That was the benefit of being the youngest.
All his senpais doted on him and gave way to him in everything. Arima had certainly reaped the rewards of being the baby of the group.
Once he'd eaten his fill, Koharu began tidying up the dishes and said, "Sensei wants to see you. It sounds like there's an important operation he needs to discuss."
Arima recalled Tobirama mentioning a counterattack plan yesterday that would require his cooperation. He nodded and said he'd head over soon.
Seeing that Arima had fully recovered, Koharu felt reassured.
She walked over, gently ruffled his hair like a puppy's, gave him a soft smile, and then quietly left the tent.
Arima was caught a bit off guard. Koharu had always been reserved and composed, when had she become so openly affectionate? He felt like he was lost in a fog.
After donning his combat armor and tidying the tent, Arima headed toward Tobirama's command tent.
Along the way, many people greeted him, some were even seasoned, well-known shinobi.
He had no idea why he had become so popular overnight. Still, with no time to delve into it, he simply returned each greeting politely.
The autumn wind carried a growing chill. It slipped through his armor and clothes, piercing his skin.
He shivered and thought, "If this stalemate drags on, moving troops will only become more difficult."
That thought made him even more curious about Tobirama's counterattack strategy.
When he arrived at the main command tent, most of the key military leaders were already present. As he entered, many turned to greet him warmly.
Arima still couldn't figure out why everyone was suddenly so enthusiastic.
Fortunately, Hiruzen quickly explained.
"You're probably wondering why everyone's being so friendly, right?" Hiruzen said.
"It's simple, you awakened the First Hokage's Wood Release. I'm sure you understand what that means."
Even the normally taciturn Danzo joined in, saying, "Hiruzen's right. Your prestige is soaring right now. And remember, strength is the ultimate currency in the shinobi world.
You used Wood Release to capture an elite squad nearly a hundred strong, then fought Kinkaku and Ginkaku alone. That's no small feat."
Hiruzen nodded in agreement and shrugged, clearly standing by Danzo's assessment.
At that moment, Koharu and the others joined the group, and for the first time since the war began, Tobirama's entire squad of seven was assembled at the front line.
Seeing that everyone was gathered, Tobirama's voice grew stern.
"Alright, settle down. It's time to begin our strategy meeting."
The group immediately quieted, ready for orders.
Tobirama looked at Arima.
"Arima, come here."
Arima stepped forward confidently, head held high, and stood beside Tobirama.
"As you all know," Tobirama continued, "aside from me, the only other person here who can use the Flying Thunder God Technique is Arima."
All eyes turned to him. Without hesitation, Arima nodded to confirm it.
Tobirama continued, "My strategy hinges on Arima's high mobility and his potential for decisive impact on the battlefield."
He walked over to a hand-drawn map, pointing at the current state of enemy and allied forces.
"Look here. Our front line was breached, and we had to retreat multiple times. We gave up some territory, but the situation is actually worse for Kumogakure. They have a fatal weakness."
Everyone studied the map, trying to deduce what he meant.
Arima spoke calmly, "Their battle line is stretched too thin. Their flanks can't support each other.
That's why they keep sending elite squads to raid our supply lines, to force us into defending logistics and to shrink their own line."
Tobirama nodded approvingly.
"Exactly. That's why we've been locked in this strange stalemate. I suspect they'll soon send their Jinchuriki to the front lines to break the deadlock."
He paused, then chuckled with satisfaction. "But yesterday's battle between Arima and the Kinkaku Force changed everything."
Everyone nodded. Koharu's eyes even sparkled as she looked at Arima, full of admiration.
Tobirama said, "Arima's arrival broke the deadlock. Our counterattack will target their vulnerable flanks."
Someone asked, "But Lord Second, our forces are fewer than Kumogakure's..."
Tobirama nodded. "True, but we have the advantage in high-level combat strength.
We'll split into three units. Hiruzen, Danzo, and Kagami will each lead a unit to attack their central defense."
The three stepped forward to accept the order.
Tobirama continued, "Koharu, Homura, and Torifu will lead a unit to assault their forward line."
Those named also stepped forward.
"The last unit will serve as mobile support, acting on Arima's orders."
He turned to Arima.
"I'll take care of Raikage. You'll coordinate with your teammates and strike from behind. When the time comes, use my brother's most devastating technique. Can you do it?"
Arima nodded solemnly. "I will execute it without fail."
Tobirama's gaze sharpened. "Then begin mobilizing immediately. The operation starts now."
"Yes, Lord second!"
Everyone responded in unison.
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