While Fukashi, Kagami, and the clan heads discussed strategy inside the command tent, Shinichi helped the other Uchiha set up camp. Since the incident in Uzushio, he decided to stay away from command tent.
Once the tents were raised and the fires lit, he wandered through the rows of supply crates and stacked scrolls, letting the cool night wind settle his thoughts.
"Yo! Shinichi!"
Shinichi turned.
"Sakumo?"
The silver‑haired youth donning light‑purple armor strode over, as it glinted under the moonlight. He waved his hand in greeting while the other rested casually on his hip.
They sat together on a wooden crate, sharing dry rations and the silence of soldiers who had seen too much for their age.
Sakumo broke the silence first.
"How have you been? How was Uzushio?"
Shinichi stared at the ration in his hand.
"… it was alright, just another war."
Sakumo blinked. "Another war?"
Shinichi lifted his gaze to the sky, to the sea of stars scattered across the deep blue night.
"Yeah… village is filled with silent war between the Hokage and our clan. And now the scale just became larger... between Konoha and other villages…"
Sakumo's eyes widened slightly. He lowered his head, staring at the half‑eaten ration.
"...Is it that serious?"
Shinichi exhaled softly.
"It is nothing. Just old men fighting over pride and politics. After all we are all ninjas of Konoha. There's no way Uchiha and Konoha will truly fall apart."
He took another bite into the ration stick.
"What about you Sakumo? How do you feel about war? How were your battles?"
Sakumo's expression darkened.
"It was alright at first… we started off with major victory. But when the Puppet corps and the Kazekage ambushed us… we lost many good men and friends. War is such a cruel thing…"
"Good men and friends… ." Shinichi murmured as he reminisced his past life and clenched his fist. "True bonds are forged through blood, sweat, and tears…"
"Huh?" Sakumo raised his brows at Shinichi's sudden outburst.
"Remember that true bonds are forged through blood, sweat, and tears. " Shinichi repeated quietly. "War is cruel, ruthless, and bloody, but within that darkness, there's also light."
Sakumo frowned in doubt.
"Are you saying that war is good, thing?"
"No. But, don't narrow your vision in what's apparent."
Shinichi shook his head softly as he explained.
"Comradery, courage, loyalty, and honor... war is time when some of the greatest and brightest emotions and actions emerge from humans. Old veterans sacrificing themselves for the young. Heroes rising from desperation. Strangers becoming comrades."
Shinichi turned to Sakumo.
"As long as humans live, conflict is inevitable. Don't drown in the deaths. Focus on the ones who survived and the ones who live in peace because of your sacrifice. If you stare too long into the darkness, it'll swallow you."
Shinichi took a pause as he closed his eyes to reminisce his past life.
He also once despaired at his fate of knowing only battle for his life, but even during such despairing time, he found light and warmth from his comrades and found the greatest bond he could ask for. There is an unspoken trust and comradery that naturally forms from entrusting your back to your comrade; trust that your comrade will cover your blind spots and vulnerabilities.
"Strive to grow stronger. Don't settle with your current accomplishments. Aim for the top."
Shinichi opened his eyes and reached his hands out towards the stars.
"There's nothing wrong with seeking power. Power is the physical phenomenon that makes things happen. Without their strength, Hashirama and Madara could never have ended Sengoku Era. Once you become strong enough... no one will dare to start a war with Konoha, just think simply like that."
Sakumo stared at him for a moment, then smiled.
"Of course, you are my best mentor after all."
Shinichi's lips curled slightly and he shook his head. He couldn't help but appreciate Sakumo's lightheartedness sometimes. Whether he meant it or was just trying to lighten the mood, it didn't matter. Sakumo was his comrade and friend.
They continued to exchange stories, ideas, and jutsus. until a familiar voice cut through the night.
"Captain Sakumo!"
Sakumo turned and Shinichi followed his gaze.
Kaya strode toward them with her green Senju armor cluttering and her ponytail swaying behind her. Beside her walked Keiko with a much more reserved and quieter steps. Her dark eyes turned warm as they landed on Shinichi.
Sakumo stood up a little too quickly.
"K‑Kaya? Keiko? You're done with patrol already?"
Kaya smirked.
"Of course. Unlike you, Captain, we don't spend our breaks brooding under the stars like some tragic hero."
Keiko giggled softly.
Shinichi raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but let his lips curl once more.
"Oh? Sakumo, enjoying the battlefield with two flowers at your side now?"
Sakumo froze on the spot, while Kaya and Keiko blinked in surprise.
"Sh‑Shinichi!" Sakumo sputtered as his face visibly reddened. "Don't say it like that!"
Kaya immediately stepped closer and looped her arm through Sakumo's left arm with a bold, triumphant grin.
"Well, I am his right‑hand woman."
Not wanting to be outdone, Keiko sat beside Shinichi, just close enough that their shoulders nearly touched, and offered him a strip of beef jerky, a rare luxury in war time.
"And I guess I'm his left‑hand support," she said nonchalantly.
Sakumo let out a helpless sigh as his soul visibly left his body.
Shinichi let out a quiet, genuine laughter that he hadn't felt since Uzushio.
"You see? Two flowers. One on each side. Truly enviable, Sakumo."
"Shinichi!" Sakumo hissed as he waved his hands haphazardly. "Stop making it sound like— like—"
Kaya leaned her head against Sakumo's shoulder.
"Like what, Captain? Hm?"
Keiko smiled at Shinichi.
"It's good to see you again, Shinichi‑kun. We heard about Uzushio… I'm glad you're safe."
Shinichi nodded as he accepted the jerky.
"You too, Keiko. I'm glad you're both well."
He took a bite off the jerky and threw a casual remark to tease Sakumo.
"So when's the wedding."
""...""
The group turned silent.
Shinichi turned his gaze and saw a rare moment of Kaya fanning herself in embarrassment as her face turned red and Sakumo... well, he was also choking on his own breath.
Shinichi's jaw dropped.
"So.... Since when did it start? During combat? like Hero saving the damsel in distress."
""....""
"No? Then since when? Just before war? the double date? the Chu—"
They nodded.
"What since the first double date at the restaurant?"
"NO. The third dinner..." Kaya exclaimed.
Sakumo scratched his head awkwardly.
"I only found out a month ago…" Keiko explained as Shinichi looked at her with betrayed expression.
"Oh. Wow. I sensed something, but didn't think you two were that decisive. I mean with how you act so flustered all the time, I thought it will take a bit longer."
Sakumo's brows twitched irritably for a moment, but he soon recovered his usual composure.
"Well... That's how it is Shinichi." He then crossed his arms and smirked. "At least I beat you in romance."
"Hah?" Shinichi made a face. "Is this supposed to be a competition?"
"Well. Let's just say, I won on this field of expertise."
Shinichi stood up and faced off against Sakumo while Kaya and Keiko huddled to together to enjoy the show.
"Is this a challenge?"
"Challenge? I already won."
"Hah! You never know until the end. You haven't married yet."
"Oh! You don't even have a partner. You stand no chance."
Shinichi shrugged casually.
"What do you mean? Keiko's always been by my side. That counts for something, doesn't it?"
The field went silent again.
Keiko's face turned crimson as steam practically rushed out from her ears. Kaya froze mid‑popcorn bite. And Sakumo choked on his own spit again.
Shinichi, realizing a beat too late what he'd just implied, paused mid‑chew.
"…Did I say something strange?"
Keiko shook her head quickly.
"N‑No! Not strange! Not strange at all!"
Kaya leaned forward with a wicked grin.
"Oh? 'Always by your side,' huh? Shinichi, that's practically a confession."
Shinichi frowned lightly.
"A confession? I was just stating a fact. Keiko's a reliable companion. That's all."
Keiko covered her face with both hands.
Sakumo groaned.
"Shinichi… you can't just say things like that with a straight face."
Shinichi tilted his head, genuinely confused.
"Why not? It's true."
Kaya burst into laughter as Keiko melted into a puddle of embarrassment. Sakumo looked like he wanted to bury himself in the sand. Shinichi took another bite of jerky, completely unaware of the emotional chaos he stirred up.
The four of them sat together on the crate, sharing rations under the night sky. As time passed the usual joyous mood returned.
Kaya teased Sakumo relentlessly. Sakumo tried but failed to maintain dignity. Keiko and Shinichi spoke quietly as they enjoyed the drama unfold before them.
The camp around them buzzed with distant chatter, but their little circle felt warm, safe almost like home.
For a moment, the war felt far away.
For a moment, they were just young shinobi sharing food and laughter under the stars.
Shinichi silently thought.
"This… this is what we fight to protect."