Looking at the people who had fought alongside him for so many years, it would be a lie to say that Indra wasn't moved.
But no matter how touched he felt, it wouldn't change the decision he had already made.
Since he couldn't bring himself to dismiss these loyal followers, Indra personally selected half of the combat force.
Twenty Super Kage-level warriors.
Thirty Kage-level experts.
Fifty Quasi-Kage-level fighters.
The remainder were all Jonin-level combatants.
Not a single Chunin or Genin was included.
Even so, this force of roughly five hundred warriors was no weaker than Ashura's army of five thousand.
Those twenty Super Kage-level experts alone were enough to rival thousands of ordinary fighters.
"Entire army, move out!"
With a grand wave of his hand, Indra led the elite force forward.
⸻
Half an hour later, Indra stood alone atop a high ridge with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant landscape.
For once, the usually proud leader seemed somewhat reflective.
Perhaps even Indra couldn't remain completely unmoved when preparing to fight his own brother.
"They're the best companions, aren't they?"
Isamu walked over and stood beside him.
Looking at the advancing army below, he felt only admiration.
He didn't look down on them because they were weaker than him.
Instead, he respected them deeply.
Back then, it had been companions who acknowledged and supported him that gave him the courage to continue moving forward.
He believed Indra was the same.
Without those who believed in him, perhaps he would never have persisted this far.
Hearing Isamu's words, Indra slowly came back to his senses.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"They're more than companions."
"Ever since I left the Ninja Sect, these people have followed me."
"For them to stay by my side for so many years means they truly trust me and believe in my ideals."
"And I have always trusted them in return."
"I don't treat them as subordinates."
"I treat them as family."
"They are my brothers and sisters."
"We are all fighting for the same dream."
Tian Qi, can you understand that feeling?"
"I can."
Isamu nodded.
"I also have family members who share my ideals."
Whether it was Zhan, the Great Elder, or the others who had fought beside him in the past, they were all family in his eyes.
Konoha had never given him that feeling.
"Then you should understand me better than most."
A trace of pride appeared in Indra's eyes.
"Many people call me a demon."
"They call me a god of slaughter."
"But they'll never understand."
"Those methods are only reserved for my enemies."
"I have never mistreated those who follow me."
"I've never judged them based on strength."
"It is because of these people that I have been able to stand against the Ninja Sect's tens of thousands with only a thousand followers."
"And it is because of them that I, Indra, am invincible!"
As he spoke, he spread his arms.
His entire body radiated confidence.
⸻
Isamu couldn't help feeling emotional.
So in the end, it was still the power of companionship.
No matter how stubborn Indra was, he genuinely cared about the people around him.
And honestly, if Indra had relied only on his overwhelming strength and domineering personality, he could never have earned the loyalty of so many powerful warriors.
Perhaps if he always maintained this attitude toward his followers, he truly could have brought peace to the world.
At least, Isamu could understand why so many people willingly followed him.
⸻
"Why are you here?"
Indra suddenly frowned.
"I told you to stay in the clan grounds."
He had spotted Karura standing not far away.
"Big Brother, don't bother trying to convince me."
"I'm definitely coming."
Karura replied immediately.
At the same time, she felt slightly nervous.
If Indra ever discovered that this entire conflict had indirectly started because of her, he might actually skin her alive.
After all, if she hadn't encouraged Isamu and Indra to fight, none of these events would have happened.
Seeing her stubborn attitude, Indra sighed inwardly.
Though he was secretly pleased, he kept a straight face.
"Have you thought this through?"
"Your brother Mandala came with Ashura's forces."
"What will you do if he chooses you as his opponent?"
"Ah…"
Karura's expression froze instantly.
Among all her brothers, the one she feared most was Mandala.
Ever since childhood, he had spoiled her endlessly.
He had practically raised her like a daughter.
The thought of actually fighting him left her completely flustered.
The woman who possessed terrifying Chakra suddenly looked like a helpless little girl.
⸻
"It's fine."
Isamu suddenly spoke.
"I'll stop Mandala for you."
Karura's eyes immediately lit up.
"Really?"
"Of course."
Isamu nodded.
"Although Indra only wants me to watch, there's no way I can sit still while everyone else is fighting."
"Besides, sparring with a descendant of Hamura sounds interesting."
For Karura, this was perfect.
Not only would Isamu prevent Mandala from targeting her, but he also wouldn't interfere with the battle between her two brothers.
It was the ideal outcome.
Without thinking, she grabbed Isamu's arm excitedly.
"That's great!"
Then she suddenly realized what she was doing.
Her face instantly turned red.
She quickly released his arm and stepped back.
"Th-Thank you."
"Besides my brothers…"
"You're the person who has treated me the best."
"Don't worry."
"I won't let you fight alone."
After saying that, she lowered her head and hurried away.
Leaving Isamu completely stunned.
⸻
"Hahahaha!"
Indra suddenly burst into laughter.
"Tian Qi, I didn't expect you to be so chivalrous."
"But you're underestimating Karura."
"She's probably angry because you looked down on her strength."
Isamu rolled his eyes.
This guy truly was hopeless.
How could anyone possibly interpret that reaction as anger?
He already had dozens of children, yet he still couldn't understand something that obvious.
How exactly had his late wives fallen for him?
It was honestly a mystery.
People often say that when Heaven opens one door, it closes another.
Looking at Indra, Isamu finally understood what that meant.
He had always considered himself rather slow when it came to romance.
Yet compared to Indra, he suddenly felt like an expert.
When it came to power and battle, Indra was unquestionably a king.
But when it came to matters of the heart…
He was an absolute idiot.