The night wasn’t kind. Guarding the outer perimeter of the Uchiha compound meant silence, patience, meant listening for the smallest disturbance beyond the treeline. The Senju moved like disciplined storms.

By the time the horizon began to pale, I hadn’t closed my eyes once. I didn’t permit myself the luxury.

When I returned, the compound was already stirring to life. Smoke from early fires rose through the trees and steel rang against steel in the training grounds.

Madara was waiting. My brother did not ask whether I had slept. He did not need to. The shadows beneath my eyes were answer enough.

“You require rest.” he said after the first exchange of blows - a test of my resolve.

“I am functional.” The rasp ran off my lips like fire burning my lungs. Indeed, in dire necessity of futon and sleep and possibly a meal, my next parry sends me stumbling backwards a few paces

Madara’s gaze softens a fraction - after all, brotherly love is still…

“I shall be taking the south border patrol today. Your mission is to regenerate your strength, little brother.” his command is absolute and final, leaving me no choice but to incline my head and agree.