"I'm just guessing too. We'll know when the time comes."
Kawakaze didn't explicitly say he had a hunch that the person would definitely come out and cause trouble. This was a significant variable for the figure lurking in the shadows. Since it was out of his control, that person would undoubtedly try to destroy or extinguish it in its infancy.
"I understand."
Sakumo Hatake nodded, though it wasn't clear if he truly grasped the meaning. He pointed as if to affirm the thought. Having familiarized himself with Konoha's power structures to avoid clan conflicts, Sakumo could guess who Kawakaze was referring to. However, it was sensitive information, and he refrained from mentioning the name outright.
"I know too," Tsunade chimed in, unwilling to be left out. Despite her words, she was brimming with curiosity but managed to suppress it. After Tobirama Senju had ordered the Senju Clan to integrate into the village, Hiruzen Sarutobi took extra care to shield her from village disputes, offering her a kind of protective indulgence. Without his protection, Tsunade wouldn't have the carefree life she enjoyed now—dealing with the Uchiha alone would be enough to drive her to drink.
"Haha, then we'll just wait for the fish to bite the bait."
"If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move," Kawakaze laughed heartily, confident that everyone understood the plan.
After finishing lunch, Tsunade left with Kawakaze in tow, her mind swirling with questions. Kawakaze, unaffected by her barrage of curiosity, casually bragged about mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique, which only heightened her intrigue. Her thoughts raced with theories about the mysterious individual he had mentioned.
In the afternoon, Nawaki resumed his training at the Hatake Clan. Orochimaru, preoccupied and yet to begin his experiments, had no time to guide his prized disciple. Kawakaze, however, had his own suspicions. As a strong contender for the Hokage position, Orochimaru was likely consumed by preparations for the impending war.
After arranging Nawaki's training schedule, Kawakaze left the Hatake Clan and made his way to the weapons workshop. The place was bustling with activity, with piles of ninja gear being prepared.
At the forging room, Rōtetsu, shirtless as always, was hard at work. Seeing Kawakaze, he immediately stopped and approached, assuming he had come to collect Sakumo's new weapon.
"Young master, the sword isn't ready yet. It'll take at least three more days."
The heat in the workshop was oppressive. Kawakaze wiped sweat from his brow, flicked his fingers, and explained the purpose of his visit.
"I'm not here for Big Brother's weapon," Kawakaze replied. "I need you to forge some senbon for me."
"What are your requirements?" Rōtetsu asked. He knew ordinary senbon could be obtained at the front desk, so Kawakaze must have a specific need.
"Lighter and faster," Kawakaze answered. The senbon didn't need to be lethal; they were merely carriers for the Flying Thunder God Technique. What mattered was portability and quick deployment.
"Got it. Reduce the weight and drag—sacrificing lethality is acceptable, correct?" Rōtetsu summarized efficiently.
"Exactly. Deliver it to my home once it's done."
Rōtetsu, ever professional, set a timeline. "It'll be ready within a week."
Dealing with capable individuals was always refreshing. Kawakaze left with confidence that the task was in capable hands. Rōtetsu, mindful of his obligations to the two young masters, vowed to approach the job with utmost care.
"Okay, then I'll go first."
After explaining his requirements, Kawakaze didn't linger in the sweltering forge. The oppressive heat made staying any longer unbearable.
When he returned home, Nawaki was still diligently practicing basic Kenjutsu. His movements were steady and methodical, without any rash demands for advanced techniques. Kawakaze observed quietly, nodding in approval. This steady attitude… the same one that led to his death in World War II. Such a waste.
As Nawaki's future brother-in-law, Kawakaze felt a deep sense of responsibility to help him avoid that grim destiny.
Another day passed. Nawaki excused himself before dinner, politely saying goodbye to Kawakaze and leaving. That night, they didn't exchange another word.
After finishing his nightly routine, Kawakaze settled into a chair, lost in thought. A small line of drool formed at the corner of his mouth as he stared into space, daydreaming. One could only wonder what kind of delicious "white rabbit" was running through his mind this time.
...
Early the next morning, Tsunade brought Nawaki to the Hatake Clan again. As soon as Nawaki saw Kawakaze, he beamed and pulled a still-warm document from his chest.
"Kawakaze, the land grant has been approved!"
Kawakaze, taken aback by the speed of the approval, reached out and accepted the document. "I thought I'd have to wait a few more days."
He unfolded it to find all the details neatly laid out: 6,000 tsubo of land, priced at 120 million ryo.
At the bottom was Hiruzen Sarutobi's handwritten signature, and the land's location was conveniently close to the Konoha Military Police Force. In theory, the document was already valid, but Kawakaze knew that Tsunade's influence had expedited the process. Still, he figured it was safer to wait until the funds were fully secured.
Kawakaze frowned slightly as he examined the address. He couldn't help but feel the Third Hokage had some ulterior motive.
"Isn't there any other land?" he asked.
"Ah, I chose this location," Tsunade replied. "I looked at the map, but the other plots were either too small or too far away. After considering everything, this land seemed the most suitable. Sensei also reminded me, 'The Senju Clan has already been disbanded, so what else could the Uchiha Clan still hold against you?'"
Tsunade's words made Kawakaze sigh. This woman really overestimates the Uchiha's tolerance. Even with the Senju Clan disbanded, the blood feud and bond of fate between the two clans ran too deep to be erased by logic or circumstance.
Still, the location was undeniably ideal. Refusing it out of fear would only tarnish the Hatake Clan's reputation. "If that's the case, then this plot of land will do," Kawakaze said. "But I need a few days."
The 120 million ryo price tag was fair, and Kawakaze was relieved to see that the Third Hokage hadn't taken advantage of the Hatake Clan. His funds, however, weren't quite ready yet.
"I still have more than 10 million in private funds…" Tsunade interjected, assuming Kawakaze was struggling with the cost. She offered her savings without hesitation—money she had painstakingly set aside from her gambling ventures.
"No need," Kawakaze said with a smile, waving her off. "I just didn't expect this to happen so quickly. The funds will be ready in two days. This approval document is enough for now."
Still, Kawakaze was touched by her offer. He knew how quickly Tsunade's gambling losses could drain that savings, making her gesture all the more significant. This spendthrift woman isn't entirely hopeless after all.
"Are you sure you don't need it?" Tsunade pressed. This was her entire fortune, and she had made a big decision to offer it.
"Since you're so sincere," Kawakaze said slyly, leaning in closer, "why don't I just take it?"
His smirk widened as he caught sight of Tsunade's slightly conflicted expression. Ignoring Nawaki, who stood off to the side gaping in disbelief, Kawakaze let his features sharpen into a teasing grin.
Nawaki's eyes seemed ready to pop out of his head.
Heh. Men.
If I can't beat him, I'll just flatter him instead.
"You said you didn't need it," Tsunade retorted, noticing the mischievous glint in Kawakaze's eyes. She instinctively stepped back, wrapping her arms protectively around her chest, her face tinged with a faint blush.
"Haha, keep it for yourself," Kawakaze replied with mock magnanimity. "If you lose it all, you can always come to me for more."
He wore his self-proclaimed "nouveau riche" persona shamelessly, grinning like he owned the village.
"Who wants your money?" Tsunade shot back, her voice softening on the last part. "It's not the right time yet."
The final words were so quiet that Kawakaze almost didn't catch them.