When the injured were taken to Konoha Hospital, the conscious Ninja reported the battlefield situation to Tsunade. She could only offer words of comfort and apply medicine to suppress the Ibuse toxin, temporarily saving their lives. Taking a blood sample of the toxin to the laboratory, she began her research.
However, the Ibuse toxin was complex, and even Hanzō himself had been affected by it. Developing an antidote would take significant time, and for now, Tsunade could only use other medicines to stabilize the injured and prevent their conditions from worsening.
As Tsunade worked tirelessly, the Hatake Clan remained peaceful, unaware of the defeat. Kawakaze, Sakumo, and Duy sat together, enjoying tea. Nayuki held Kakashi and listened from the side. Meanwhile, Onimaru, ever the devoted father, began teaching the white puppy how to interact with humans. Nawaki and Minato, taking a rare break, played with the two dogs. Despite their strength, their teenage years still held moments of innocence.
"We're leaving tomorrow," Sakumo said, sipping his tea, addressing Nayuki.
"I've already packed your things," Nayuki replied, glancing at Kakashi. "You'll be the only one to keep Mom company in the days to come."
"I wonder if the front is still fighting," Kawakaze said, trying to gauge the situation on the battlefield, unaware that Orochimaru had already returned, defeated.
"Maybe they've already reached the heart of the Land of Rain," Duy remarked with an optimistic smile, his experience from the last war making him underestimate Amegakure's strength.
"Haha, that would be great," Sakumo said, laughing heartily in agreement.
Before Kawakaze could caution against being too optimistic, the butler entered, leading Orochimaru into the dojo.
"Kawakaze," Orochimaru called, nodding to Sakumo and Duy.
"Orochimaru, why have you returned?" Kawakaze asked, a sense of unease growing in his chest. Victory couldn't have come this quickly.
"Heh, I only brought eleven people back to the village," Orochimaru replied with a self-deprecating smile as Nayuki rose to offer him her seat, a gesture of respect.
"Thank you," Orochimaru said, his voice calmer, though his snake-like eyes had only just begun to regain their luster.
"How could this be?" Sakumo's expression darkened, his tone urgent.
Kawakaze silently poured tea for Orochimaru, knowing there was nothing he could say to improve the situation. It had to be Hanzō's doing—without his involvement, even a loss wouldn't have been this devastating under Orochimaru's command.
Duy remained solemn and quiet, waiting for Orochimaru to continue. Looking at Kawakaze, Orochimaru noticed the genuine concern in his eyes, a sign that Kawakaze truly valued their friendship.
Orochimaru took a sip of tea before continuing slowly.
"The day after we received the supplies, I led the majority of the troops to the hinterlands of the Land of Rain," he began.
"We fought the Amegakure Ninja under Hanzō of the Salamander."
"We suffered a crushing defeat. His Summoning Beast was too strong. With a single breath of poisonous mist, it killed and injured most of our men."
Orochimaru summarized the dire situation in three concise sentences.
"Hanzō of the Salamander's strength is largely concentrated in his Summoning Beast, which is especially powerful in battle," Kawakaze remarked, analyzing Hanzō's abilities. Without Ibuse, Hanzō would likely only reach Kage-level strength.
"You're right," Orochimaru agreed, though he added, "But the Summoning Beast is still part of Hanzō's strength, and that can't be overlooked."
"So, what's the Third Hokage's plan now?" Sakumo asked, sharp enough to realize Orochimaru must have stopped by the Hokage Building before arriving here.
"Sensei didn't give me a clear answer," Orochimaru replied. "But this battle will definitely happen—it's only a matter of time." He knew his teacher too well; even in his weakened state, the Third Hokage couldn't afford to leave this loss unanswered. His reputation and the village's standing demanded retaliation.
"Get ready," Kawakaze said, sensing the same. "I feel the Third Hokage will send someone soon, whether to reclaim his honor or to satisfy the martial faction's ambitions within the Daimyō's court."
"I will avenge everyone," Duy declared, his voice steady but filled with passion. Though he had become a father, his fiery resolve remained unchanged.
...
The group continued discussing the somber topic of war, with even Nawaki and Minato eventually wandering over to listen.
By evening, Orochimaru was invited to stay for dinner by Kawakaze. Tsunade, visibly exhausted, also arrived at the Hatake Clan house. The only solace for their worries was Baijiu, and that night, Orochimaru ended up drunk.
After settling Orochimaru, Kawakaze found a moment alone with Tsunade. Neither of them had drunk much.
"I'm afraid you'll have to go to war this time as well," Kawakaze said softly, his gaze tender under the moonlight. On the stone table in the dojo lay fruits, melons, and yogurt.
"I should go," Tsunade replied, her fatigue evident on her face. "At least I can save more people." The weight of dealing with Hanzō's poison was clearly wearing on her.
"I believe in you," Kawakaze said, gently putting an arm around her shoulders, allowing her to lean against him.
"Sensei bears responsibility for this defeat. He's grown old," Tsunade murmured, revealing a rare moment of vulnerability. "After the war, I think it's time for him to let go of his burden."
It was the first time Tsunade had openly shared her ambitions with Kawakaze. He didn't attribute this to his playful encouragement but rather to her own growing conviction.
"I'll always support you," Kawakaze assured her.
"Mm," Tsunade responded softly, closing her eyes and savoring the warmth of his presence. The two stayed silently leaning on each other until late into the night.
The next morning, the Third Hokage called another Jōnin meeting in the Warfare Operations Conference Room. This time, he arrived early, waiting for everyone to assemble.
He began by recounting the crushing defeat under Orochimaru's leadership. Orochimaru, sitting among the attendees, remained calm and unaffected by the attention his failure had drawn.
The Third Hokage then announced the next battle plan. Tsunade and Orochimaru would lead the main force, with Jiraiya providing support. Having returned to Konoha a few months earlier, Jiraiya was now ready to rejoin his teammates. Once the Daimyō's supplies were dispatched, the forces would move toward the border of the Land of Rain.
The meeting was short and to the point. After delegating combat duties, the Third Hokage departed with his advisors.
As the Jōnin lingered, the room filled with murmurs.
"Hanzō of the Salamander lives up to his reputation."
"Orochimaru's not as special as they say."
"This time, I'll make a name for myself in battle."
The murmurs of the Jōnin filled the room, and many of their comments reached the ears of Kawakaze and the others. Kawakaze and Orochimaru exchanged knowing smiles before leaving the meeting room together.
Wars aren't decided by words, after all.
As they stepped outside, Kawakaze greeted Jiraiya warmly. "Hello, Jiraiya. I'm Kawakaze Hatake."
Despite Jiraiya's infamous reputation, Kawakaze had a favorable impression of him. Beyond his perverted tendencies, Jiraiya was a kind, dependable individual with immense strength.
Kawakaze couldn't help but think: Without Tsunade , maybe I can help Jiraiya find a replacement—an iron hand, an aluminum hand, or even a titanium alloy hand will do.