They had been traveling for five days, stopping each night to rest. During those breaks, Momonosuke took the opportunity to continue his training, always under Katahara's watchful eye. Each morning, Momo resumed his exercises while the rest of the group prepared lunch.
Katahara, gazing at the horizon, calmly remarked:
—We will soon reach our destination. It will be... interesting.
Dabi, walking beside him, responded with a note of concern in his voice:
—My lord... —he hesitated for a moment before continuing— Up until now, we haven't encountered a single person. We haven't even seen signs of life nearby. With our Haki, that shouldn't be possible.
Katahara, with a calm smile, replied:
—There's a simple explanation for that: war.
—War? —Dabi frowned—. That would explain why we haven't seen anyone. They're probably gathering their forces in one place.
Katahara nodded and gave the order to depart immediately. After several hours of travel, the landscape began to change, becoming denser and more somber. Finally, they stopped at what seemed to be the edge of a guarded territory.
—It seems we've arrived —Katahara said, carefully observing the surroundings—. From this point on, we are a wandering people, without a clan, victims of the Clan Wars Era.
Kuzan, curious and somewhat sarcastic, asked:
—So, what are we now, then?
—My bodyguards —Katahara responded calmly—. And Momonosuke is my adopted son.
Momo's eyes lit up upon hearing those words, a mixture of surprise and pride filling his face. They continued advancing until they sensed a faint chakra barrier, so subtle it would be imperceptible to most.
Upon reaching a large gate guarded by several chunin, one of them gave them a stern look:
—Who are you?
—I am Metsudo Katahara, leader of the Metsudo clan —Katahara replied with authority.
The chunin frowned.
—What is your purpose here?
Katahara adopted a more serious expression.
—Our clan was attacked. We are the only survivors. We seek temporary refuge before continuing our journey.
The chunin nodded and, after a brief silence, gestured to one of his companions:
—Inform the Hokage-sama. Ask him to come immediately.
It didn't take long before the Hokage himself appeared, accompanied by a small group of elite shinobi. It was Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage of Konoha, an imposing man whose presence radiated power and wisdom. His long dark hair flowed down his back, and his green tunic with gold accents waved in the wind.
—Greetings —Hashirama said, his voice deep but kind—. I am the Hokage of this village. What is happening here?
The chunin stepped forward and explained the situation:
—Hokage-sama, this is Metsudo Katahara, leader of the Metsudo clan. His clan suffered an attack, and now they are the only survivors. They seek temporary refuge in our village.
Hashirama nodded, understanding.
—I see the situation. You are in Konoha, and here you will be welcomed and protected for as long as you need.
—We appreciate your hospitality —Katahara said, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of respect.
However, Tobirama Senju, who had been watching from the shadows, drew his kunai with suspicion. His sharp, calculating gaze focused on Katahara and his group.
—Brother... —Tobirama said coldly—. We shouldn't let them in so easily.
Hashirama, remaining calm, placed a hand on Tobirama's shoulder.
—Put your weapon away. We cannot judge without knowing. We must be cautious, yes, but also just.
Tobirama didn't fully relent.
—They could be dangerous. We can't ignore the possibility of dark intentions behind all this.
Katahara calmly intervened.
—I understand your reservations, Tobirama-sama. Perhaps my appearance or that of my men seems unusual to you, but we have no ill intentions.
Hashirama smiled conciliatorily.
—We appreciate your honesty. We won't make hasty decisions. For now, we will assign you a place where you can rest.
Tobirama, though still distrustful, accepted his brother's decision.
—We will keep an eye on them —he murmured.
The group was escorted by several jōnin, including Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, who watched the newcomers closely. Danzo, in particular, had a cold and calculating expression, his hardened demeanor reflecting the severity of someone already seasoned in battle.
—So, you are Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, students of Tobirama Senju —Katahara commented, evaluating them with his gaze.
Hiruzen nodded respectfully.
—It's an honor to meet you, Katahara-sama.
Katahara smiled slightly.
—You have a bright future ahead of you, especially you, Danzo.
Danzo simply nodded, his eyes revealing more ambition than humility.
They finally arrived at a mansion near the Senju district, a quiet but heavily guarded place. Danzo was the first to speak:
—This will be your accommodation, Katahara-sama. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.
—Splendid... —Katahara murmured as he entered, followed by his group.
Once inside, Kuzan approached Dabi.
—There are several people surrounding the house. Tobirama among them —he whispered.
Dabi let out a dry laugh.
—If they had tried anything, this village would already be dust.
Katahara, sitting calmly on one of the mats in the room, intervened:
—For now, we will do nothing. We are here as visitors, for the time being. Socialize, enjoy the atmosphere.
Momo, who was settling in, looked at his master curiously.
—Aren't we training today, master?
For the first time that day, Katahara smiled at him.
—Tomorrow will be a long day. Rest. As for your companions, they can sleep in the adjoining rooms.