They admit that Takashi's medical skills are decent, but what about other aspects? Why are they so eager to send Tsunade to the frontlines? What's their real motivation?
It's not just because of Tsunade's medical expertise or her proficiency in mixing medicinal concoctions. The real goal is to make use of Shimura Danzo.
Whether it's the Third Hokage, Koharu Utatane, or Homura Mitokado, none of them want the Hokage faction to split into two groups.
They wouldn't dare personally dismantle Tsunade's faction, but leaving it untouched also leaves them frustrated. So they decided to use Shimura Danzo as their knife.
As soon as Tsunade leaves the village, they can bring Danzo out and start making their moves.
When Tsunade eventually reacts, they can blame it all on Danzo.
When it comes to taking the fall, Danzo is quite experienced.
However, their plan failed even before it started.
Tsunade didn't take the bait—she even made her stance crystal clear.
The Third Hokage frowned and said, "If Tsunade is confident, that means Hyuga Takashi has what it takes to hold the fort at the camp. You all know Nara Shikashin's command capabilities as well. It's just unfortunate about Danzo…"
The three of them fell silent.
Finally, Homura Mitokado said quietly, "We'll wait for the right moment."
They could target others in the open or in secret, but not Tsunade. Her position was too special—pulling tricks against her could drive her straight to the Daimyo's palace.
And the Daimyo would openly side with Tsunade.
It was like trying to bite a porcupine and finding no angle of attack.
Not biting left them bitter, hurting their interests.
But biting would just fill their mouths with spines, without necessarily regaining any benefits.
It was frustrating.
Back home, Tsunade immediately sought out Takashi.
Takashi had fully become the chief advisor of their household.
"Just keep the situation steady. As long as you stay in the village and ensure Shimura Danzo remains in prison, there's no need to worry. Even if the war goes poorly, you won't be blamed," Takashi reassured Tsunade, urging her not to overthink things.
Tsunade looked worried. "I'm not afraid of the old men stirring trouble. I'm more afraid of the war ending in defeat."
The situation in the Land of Rain was too chaotic—Konoha, Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Amegakure… once things ignited, it'd be a huge free-for-all, with each side attacking another.
"There may be heavy losses, but Konoha won't lose the war. Trust me."
In the original storyline, Konoha seemed victorious in the war at the Land of Rain, but in reality, they had lost. This was why Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya resented their titles as the Three Legendary Sannin.
Konoha hadn't truly won the war—it was Hanzo of the Salamander who chose to surrender.
And they, as the losers, had become village heroes, glorified as the Three Sannin by the people.
Takashi raised a clenched fist. "I also won't accept defeat."
Seeing Takashi's unwavering confidence, Tsunade could only say:
"Alright then, I'll leave the Land of Rain to you. I'll stay in the village, and as long as I'm here, no one can let Shimura Danzo out."
If they dared, she would tear them apart!
Let's see who gets hurt worse.
The Third Hokage cherished his reputation; otherwise, he wouldn't keep Danzo around despite everything.
Cherishing his image meant he didn't want any questions from the Daimyo, so Tsunade had the confidence to make such claims.
"That's right. Keep up that fierce energy. I like a woman who's bold and unrestrained."
Takashi laughed heartily and gave Tsunade's cheek a pinch.
Tsunade slapped his hand away irritably.
Konoha hoped Sunagakure would show restraint, but Sunagakure seemed to have no such intentions. Instead, they were sending more troops to the Land of Rain. Though the numbers weren't large, it clearly signaled their stance.
Their position was clear—Sunagakure wasn't backing down.
Konoha had no choice but to respond in kind.
This indicated that the war was indeed inevitable.
While Konoha cursed Sunagakure for escalating, they continued to send reinforcements, never stopping their village-wide mobilization.
"Honestly, I just got back from the border camp. I really don't want to head to the Land of Rain again right now."
In a small tavern, Takashi was with Tsunade and the others, drinking and complaining a bit.
Tsunade would stay in the village, but Orochimaru and Jiraiya couldn't escape. They had to join Takashi and the reinforcements heading to the Land of Rain.
So, before setting off, they gathered for a meal, with Tsunade bringing Takashi along.
Takashi and Orochimaru weren't particularly close, but they could have conversations. Jiraiya, being his usual sociable self, quickly got acquainted.
However, once Tsunade took Takashi's arm, Jiraiya grew noticeably quieter.
Listening to Takashi's complaints, Orochimaru smiled faintly and said, "I still have many experiments on hold, but unfortunately, those will have to wait."
He had just bought a puppet from Takashi, and the related experiments hadn't even begun when the call for war came. If Takashi was reluctant to leave the village, Orochimaru felt the same.
"I've got it better than you two," Takashi grinned. "I'm a medical ninja—I'll just stay in the camp, treating injuries and preparing potions. I won't be out there fighting like you two."
"Perhaps we could collaborate a bit." Orochimaru seemed quite interested in Takashi's work.
Jiraiya sat to the side, not feeling too great.
"Why are you so quiet today?" Tsunade poured Jiraiya a drink, noticing his unusual mood.
Usually the most talkative, he seemed out of sorts today. It wasn't like him.
"What are you talking about?"
Though he felt uneasy, Jiraiya couldn't admit it. He downed the drink in one gulp and muttered, "I just didn't want to interrupt their conversation, that's all."
"Alright then."
Seeing that Jiraiya wasn't in the mood to join in, Tsunade didn't push it.
After the gathering, Takashi and Tsunade left together.
Jiraiya continued drinking alone, while Orochimaru looked at him with disdain, clicking his tongue in annoyance:
"Some things need to be said aloud. If you never speak up, you'll never have a chance."
Orochimaru knew all too well about Jiraiya's feelings for Tsunade. He had liked her for as long as he could remember.
Unfortunately, Jiraiya's way of showing affection was hard to bear, and growing up together meant Tsunade saw him as more of a sibling than a romantic interest.
"What's the point? I've figured it out—Tsunade just likes the handsome ones!"
"…"
Orochimaru's smile faded.
"Idiot!"
He couldn't remember the last time he had called Jiraiya that. He had thought adulthood might bring some sense, but apparently not.
"Just go die somewhere," Orochimaru thought. "With your antics, it'd be a miracle if Tsunade ever fell for you."
Suppressing the urge to kick Jiraiya, Orochimaru left with a scowl.
Leaving Jiraiya alone in the tavern, drowning his sorrows.
After leaving the tavern, Takashi went shopping for materials and components, feeling they would soon come in handy.
As for Jiraiya, Takashi didn't ask, and Tsunade wouldn't bring it up either.
She knew Jiraiya liked her—he always had. But she just couldn't feel anything romantic toward him, let alone fall in love.
Why?
Maybe it was because they were too familiar. They had grown up together as classmates, partners, teammates—after over a decade, she was too used to the way things were. There was no way to shift that into a romantic relationship.
Knowing all this, Tsunade wouldn't bring it up, because doing so would just make everything awkward for everyone involved.
Takashi had prepared for the journey to the Land of Rain. Kushina, Nawaki, and his young apprentice, little blondie, also knew about it.
"Takashi, didn't you just return from the border camp? Why do you have to go to the battlefield again?"
Kushina clung to Takashi's arm, pouting in dismay.