"Don't waste your time. Don't do it for nothing. In the end, you'll just lose face," Nara Shikako muttered as he shook his head, pushing aside these chaotic thoughts and returning to his tasks.
Meanwhile, Shinki contemplated his next move. If the Third Hokage wanted to elevate Hatake Sakumo, why not help him push things further?
With a sly grin, Shinki quickly wrote down his plan, attached the scroll to a puppet crow's leg, and sent it off.
Nara Shikako, noticing Shinki's barely suppressed smile, thought, *This kid is up to no good,* but dismissed the thought. He wasn't part of the Third Hokage's faction, so why should he care?
The news about Sakumo's feats spread like wildfire. Even Tsunade, busy at the front lines, caught wind of it. It was evident there was a hand behind this, but she had no time to dig into it. She trusted Shinki to handle such matters.
Lady Chiyo had unleashed a new poison that was wreaking havoc on Konoha's forces, and Tsunade was consumed with developing an antidote. Village affairs were now Shinki's to oversee.
That evening, as Tsunade prepared for rest, an intelligence officer hurried over, handing her the scroll and puppet crow that had come from the village. Due to the heavy security in the war camp, all communication from summons had to be cleared by the intelligence department before delivery.
"Lady Tsunade, this came from the village," said the officer, presenting the scroll.
"Thank you," Tsunade said, taking it and unlocking the code. She read the message and glanced at the puppet crow, knowing it would find its way back to its master.
"Support Hatake Sakumo?" she whispered, puzzled.
The Third Hokage had pushed Sakumo's heroism to overshadow Shinki, so why was Shinki requesting her to write a letter to the daimyo praising Sakumo and nominating him for a reward?
Holding the scroll in thought, Tsunade grabbed the puppet crow, now slightly irritated. "Shinki, what are you scheming?"
The crow's blue eyes lit up, and Shinki's voice echoed from it. "Hmm? Didn't you say to avoid using puppet communication unless absolutely necessary?"
"What time is it, and you're talking about this?" Tsunade's temper flared. If Shinki had been in front of her, she would've struck him.
Usually, direct puppet communication was avoided to prevent provoking the Third Hokage and his advisors. But unusual times called for unusual measures.
"Why do you want me to praise Sakumo? It's obvious that someone's behind this push, probably the old man. Why ask me to write to the daimyo?"
"Because Sakumo-senpai is a hero, and heroes deserve recognition. Don't worry; it won't create problems between us. The higher they elevate him, the more uncomfortable it will be for those behind the scenes."
Is that so? Tsunade trusted Shinki's judgment.
"If it won't affect you or Sakumo, then fine. I'll write the letter and praise him to the daimyo."
The puppet crow dimmed, reverting to its normal state. Tsunade drafted the letter, opened the window, and sent the crow on its way before ordering a messenger to deliver the letter to the daimyo's mansion. Whatever repercussions this letter might have, she didn't have the luxury of time to ponder them.
At dinner, Nawaki's excitement was palpable. "Sakumo-senpai is amazing! Everyone says he's a hero of the village. I want to be like him when I grow up."
The little yellow-haired boy kicked Nawaki under the table to make him stop.
Before Nawaki could react, Kushina, with her hands on her hips, scolded him. "Brother Nawaki, Shinki is also a hero of the village, okay? The leaders of the Sand Village aren't as strong as demigods!"
Nawaki protested, "Shinki is awesome, but Sakumo-senpai is amazing too! That's what everyone says."
Kushina pouted. "I don't care. Shinki is better than any senior!"
"You're being unreasonable!" Nawaki retorted.
"I don't care! Watch out or I'll beat you up!" Kushina raised a small fist, ready to fight.
With her newfound strength and the stabilized Nine-Tails seal, Kushina was formidable. Nawaki knew better than to push her.
*Why do you always threaten with your fists?* Nawaki grumbled inwardly but chose not to argue further.
"Hmph, don't use your fists if you're brave!" Nawaki challenged.
"Fine! Who's afraid of who?" Kushina replied.
"Come on, then!"
After dinner, Shinki lounged on the sofa, watching the playful bickering between the two. He couldn't help but find it amusing. Although younger than Nawaki, Kushina's fighting spirit was unmatched. The boy's face turned red as she outmaneuvered him with words, proudly placing her hands on her hips in victory.
"Teacher, thank you for dinner," said the yellow-haired boy, walking over with sincere gratitude.
"Thank me? For what?" Shinki chuckled. "You're alone at home. One more set of chopsticks isn't a big deal. No need for thanks. If you really want to show appreciation, train hard and become stronger. Oh, and take this."
Shinki tossed a small, stuffed wallet to the boy. Feeling the weight, the boy's eyes misted over, and he shook his head, refusing, "Teacher, I can't accept this."
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 290 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
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