Unholy Love | SasuSaku

The Peace Before

"Love will find a way through paths where wolves fear to prey."

Lord Byron, Don Juan

Sasuke's POV

The lanterns in the command tent crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across the assembled figures around the large wooden table. The air was thick with the smell of charred wood and burning oil. A map of the region lay splayed out on the table, marked with small tokens to signify the positions of the Uchiha forces and the enemy. It was a simple but effective layout, one that Lord Fugaku had studied countless times over the past few weeks.

Sasuke stood with his arms crossed, his eyes scanning the map, absorbing the details of tomorrow's battle. It would not be an easy fight -none of them were- but the terrain favoured them. And more importantly, they had a plan. His gaze shifted to his father, who stood at the head of the table, his face as stern and unreadable as ever.

Fugaku raised his hand, pointing to the southern flank where the enemy would likely attack. "Our main force will be here, by the ridge," he said in a low, steady voice. "I'll lead the charge with the vanguard. We'll need to keep them occupied while you," his gaze shifted to his sons, "position yourselves here, on the northern slope."

Sasuke nodded slightly. He had anticipated his father's decision to separate their troops. Fugaku always preferred leading the first strike himself, a trait Sasuke had both admired and questioned over the years. But tonight, there was no room for debate. The enemy forces outnumbered them, and a distraction was necessary if they were to win.

"I will lead my men along the ridge," Itachi said, his voice calm and measured as always. He leaned over the map, tracing a finger along the marked path they would take through the hills. His face was illuminated by the firelight, the soft orange glow outlining his strong jawline and the dark, calculating intensity in his eyes. Sasuke's older brother, ever the strategist. There was something about Itachi's unflappable demeanor that always made others listen, even their father.

"I'll be following close behind with my men. We'll be in position by dawn," said Sasuke.

Fugaku gave a short nod of approval before turning his attention to Kakashi, the most trusted of his captains.

"Once the northern position is secure, Kakashi will signal for the archers," Fugaku continued. "We'll draw the Senju forces into the valley where their numbers will mean nothing."

Kakashi, standing next to Sasuke, shifted his weight slightly and pushed up the edge of his cloak, revealing the weathered scabbard that housed his sword. His gray hair caught the dim light as he surveyed the map with his usual detached interest. He had always been more of a quiet observer than an outspoken commander, but his insight was unmatched.

"We'll need to move quickly once the signal is given," Kakashi said, his voice cool. "If we give them even a moment's hesitation, they'll regroup."

Standing with his hands behind his back was Shisui, Fugaku's nephew and one of his most competent warriors. "Leave the signal to me," he said with a slight grin. "I'll make sure it's loud and clear."

There was a faint glint in Shisui's eyes that reminded Sasuke of how different he was from the rest of them. While Itachi was all precision and quiet authority and Sasuke embraced the silent, cold focus of the warrior, Shisui had a certain playful arrogance. His lighthearted attitude belied the skill of one of the fiercest warriors Sasuke had ever known, but it was still something that made Sasuke uneasy at times. War was no place for jest.

Satisfied with the plan, Fugaku straightened, his hands resting on the edge of the table. "It's settled, then. We move at dawn. Stay sharp. One misstep, and we lose the battle." His eyes rested briefly on Sasuke before he turned away, signaling the end of the meeting.