Amamiya Gen felt his head spin as the story sank in. It almost didn't seem real—the Ueshi clan had launched a surprise strike on the Amamiya station, and yet, the family had survived. Watching the smoke curl from the station, he had feared the worst. Then the clansmen recounted Raizen-san's daring rescue, and the truth hit him like a punch: the boy had saved them all. Even as an elite Jōnin, Gen felt a flicker of disbelief—and an urge to curse the heavens for testing him so cruelly.
"Raizen saved the family…" he muttered, a dry smile breaking through his tension. The child he had barely noticed at the start of the year had grown into the clan's hero overnight. Feeling the weight of responsibility again, Amamiya Gen led his remaining forces into the ruined station. News of his return had spread like wildfire, and the surviving clansmen poured out to greet him. Relief, cheers, and laughter rose from the crowd, mixing with the acrid scent of smoke.
Yesterday's sneak attack had left the clan desperate for a figure to rally around. Raizen had earned fame, yes—but prestige like a patriarch's comes from decades of leadership. Now that Gen had returned, the clan could breathe a little easier.
Once inside, Amamiya Gen called all the family ninjas together for a council. Sitting at the head of the room, he scanned the gathered faces until his eyes fell on Raizen.
"Raizen, you've done exceptionally well," the patriarch began, his voice loud enough to carry. The ninjas around the room turned to look at Raizen, a mixture of awe and curiosity in their eyes. Gen continued, "When Raizen first became a ninja, he served the Uchiha coalition on our behalf. Recently, he struck hard against the Ueshi clan and captured the Tiannan mine. Last night, he single-handedly crushed the Ueshi plot against our family. For these reasons, I am naming Raizen the young patriarch of the Amamiya clan. What say you?"
The room froze. Some had expected the meeting to focus on rebuilding the station or planning defenses—not crowning Raizen the young patriarch.
"I agree!" Amamiya Kiyomasa-san, loyal and steadfast, stood first. Two Jōnin who had fought alongside Raizen last night exchanged a glance before nodding and giving their consent. Three more Jōnin led the Chūnin in standing agreement, and even those who had only heard of Raizen's deeds had no objections. One victory can be shrugged off as luck—but three? Raizen had proven himself.
"Raizen, you will act as the young patriarch from this day forward. Your first and foremost duty is the welfare of the family!" Amamiya Gen said, eyes sharp.
"Yes!" Raizen replied immediately, both surprised and honored. Without skipping a beat, he added, "Now, let's plan the next battle!"
Gen nodded, then turned his gaze on the gathered ninjas. Debate flared immediately: some demanded a full strike to eliminate the Ueshi clan once and for all; others counseled patience, preferring smaller raids on the enemy's residence. The room buzzed with tension, strategies clashing like the clash of steel.
Gen's eyes narrowed. Timing was everything. As long as the Amamiya clan struck before the Ueshi forces could regroup, complete victory was possible. Hesitate, and the enemy would recover. He made the decision swiftly: the Amamiya clan would launch a final, decisive attack, wiping the Ueshi clan out completely while they still lay weakened.
Orders were given, preparations began, and the council dispersed. Raizen walked from the room, heart heavy but resolute. Standing amidst the ruined station, he sculpted a massive clay bird, sending it soaring into the sky, a brief moment of calm before the storm of the next battle.