Forget it. I can't bring myself to hit this girl, so I'll let her stab me in the heart for now. I'll deal with her when she grows up.
Tsunade sighed, conceding to Kushina's emotions.
---
Walking into the crowd as the team departed the village, Shinki greeted Nara Shikako.
"Hello," Shikako responded politely, though there was an odd look in his eyes.
Shinki was used to it by now. *Look all you want. It's not the first time you've thought of me this way. Yes, Hyuga Shinki is just a so-called 'pretty boy,' and I'm fine with that.*
"I hope we can work well together."
Nara Shikako was the designated combat commander, while Shinki oversaw medical operations at the camp. Their cooperation would be essential—one ensuring battlefield strategy, the other the medical welfare of the troops. It also helped that they were aligned within the same faction.
"I wouldn't call it cooperation; we're all working for the village's good," Shinki said with a smile.
Nara Shikako nodded in agreement. Talking about "cooperation" felt too formal. Their first meeting left Shikako relieved; Shinki wasn't difficult to get along with, and any worries about him being overly proud due to his association with Tsunade dissipated.
Managing the medical head of the camp wasn't easy for a commander. Orders could only go so far; mutual respect was essential.
Shikako's concerns weren't baseless. If Shinki had been difficult, conflicts would arise. Although the Ino-Shika-Cho clan stood by Tsunade, Shinki was closer to her than they were. Pillow talk wasn't just influential among lovers; alliances were often sealed with a word.
Shinki was open to cooperation, which put Shikako at ease.
After exchanging pleasantries, Shinki quickly found Orochimaru and Jiraiya. He found the strategic subtleties of people like Shikako tiring.
When talking to someone from the Nara clan, you could almost hear the gears turning in their head before they spoke.
---
After a few days, Jiraiya seemed more himself. His affection for Tsunade wouldn't affect his responsibilities or the village's needs.
Spotting Shinki, Jiraiya spoke first. "I heard about your arrangement for Nawaki. It's wise. It's too risky for him to follow me onto the battlefield. It's best for him to stay at the camp."
"Speaking of that, becoming Nawaki's teacher is something I have to thank you for, Shinki," Jiraiya added, grinning.
"..."
*Great, Jiraiya, you've just managed to offend two people with one sentence.* Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, staring daggers at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya coughed, realizing his blunder. "I didn't mean it like that, Orochimaru. I'm just, uh... happy. Yeah, happy."
Tsunade had discussed Nawaki's mentorship with them, and Orochimaru had agreed to let Jiraiya take over. While Orochimaru didn't care about these matters, Jiraiya's loose tongue made it worse.
*Let that be a lesson,* Shinki thought, trying not to laugh out loud.
"What do you mean, 'I put in a good word'? Tsunade made the decision," Shinki said, giving Jiraiya a knowing look.
Orochimaru shook his head at Jiraiya's antics and turned to Shinki. "I think your puppets could be a secret weapon on the battlefield. The resources there can be put to good use."
Puppets required one essential component: materials. And battlefields had an abundance of that, in the form of enemy bodies. If Shinki could push past any discomfort and utilize these resources, he could create formidable battlefield tools.
"It depends on the situation," Shinki admitted. "I don't enjoy handling corpses, but if it's necessary, I'll do it."
He wasn't squeamish, but he also had his limits. Using enemy corpses to make puppets felt morally ambiguous, but on the battlefield, practicality came first.
"If you're open to it, I can supply you with plenty of material," Orochimaru offered with a sly smile.
It was clear Orochimaru had planned this out. He was a man who left no stone unturned in his pursuits.
Shinki's eyes lit up with an idea. "Why don't you help me assemble the puppets, and I'll finish the process?"
Orochimaru, who had no qualms working with corpses, would likely agree to handle the first stages of puppet creation.
"Deal. But I'd like a share of the puppets. Don't worry, I won't ask for much," Orochimaru replied.
"Done!" Shinki agreed quickly. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
As Shinki and Orochimaru finalized their agreement, Jiraiya looked on, bewildered.
"Wait, Shinki, aren't you supposed to be a medical ninja? And Orochimaru, when did you start caring about puppets?" Jiraiya asked, confused.
Shinki looked at the disheveled Jiraiya, his clothes worn and emanating a musty scent. He raised an eyebrow. "Heh~"
"Heh~" Orochimaru echoed, giving Jiraiya a smirk.
Jiraiya blinked. "What's that supposed to mean? Come on, don't be like that. I know I misspoke."
Shinki and Orochimaru shared a knowing look, leaving Jiraiya scratching his head.
"Just tell me! Stop leaving me in suspense," Jiraiya pleaded.
Orochimaru only continued to grin, unmoved by Jiraiya's frustration.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 150 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss