"I've heard that the Konoha Military Police Force has been carrying out some secret operations recently," Danzo said with a sly smile. "Building a hospital in this area might not be the wisest decision."
The Uchiha Clan Head caught the insinuation immediately.
"Indeed, Lord Danzo, your sources are quite impressive. To know even such classified information…"
The two seasoned schemers exchanged knowing smiles before raising their teacups for a sip.
"Very well. I'll cooperate with you," the Clan Head said smoothly, his tone measured. "Here's to a successful partnership."
"A successful partnership," Danzo echoed.
The Uchiha Clan Head personally escorted Danzo to the entrance, his demeanor warm and cordial, as if they were old friends parting on good terms.
"Take care."
"Thank you."
With the pleasantries exchanged, Danzo and his Root operatives vanished into the moonlit shadows.
As soon as they were gone, the Clan Head's expression darkened, his earlier smile replaced by a steely glare.
"Hmph, Danzo is truly insufferable." He clenched his fist. "It's time to act."
"Understood, Clan Head," Fugaku said, bowing respectfully behind him.
"Uncle…"
"Hm?"
Fugaku hesitated, clearly lacking the foresight of his uncle.
"Where have we actually been conducting these so-called secret operations?"
"You need to think more critically," the Clan Head replied sharply, jabbing his nephew's temple with his index finger. "This is nothing but a ruse. If there's a stir and the Third Hokage questions us, this excuse will give us cover. Do you think the Senju will let us off so easily?"
"I understand, Uncle," Fugaku said, nodding reluctantly. His movements were stiff, his pride stung by yet another stern reprimand.
Inwardly, Fugaku's resentment toward Kawakaze Hatake simmered anew. If not for him, perhaps I wouldn't be in this position, he thought bitterly.
"And what about this so-called cooperation with Root?"
Danzo's name twisted the Clan Head's expression into one of disgust.
"He doesn't deserve to use the Uchiha as a pawn," the Clan Head said coldly. "Find a pretext to have the Root take the lead. Let them bear the brunt of whatever chaos follows."
With a shake of his head, the Clan Head turned and walked away, his patience with Fugaku wearing thin. This nephew of mine… still too green. Let's hope he can hold on long enough to grow into his potential.
Under the pale moonlight, Fugaku Uchiha's eyes glimmered with quiet determination.
If I ever encounter Kawakaze, I'll retreat immediately, he resolved. As long as I survive, there will always be a chance to rise again.
...
The Hatake Clan's compound was peaceful through the night. Without making any particular arrangements, Kawakaze still managed to sleep soundly and eat heartily.
Morning brought another feast to the dining room. For Tsunade's sake, Kawakaze had elevated the family's dining standards to an entirely new level.
Even Sakumo couldn't help but notice. Privately, he grumbled to his wife, "Raising a younger brother like this is worse than raising Onimaru. He doesn't care about the family at all!"
Nayuki, ever teasing, replied, "Tsunade can carry on the family line, but all you can do is sulk."
That sharp remark left Sakumo speechless.
"Tsunade, the funds have been arranged," Kawakaze said casually, turning to her. "You can hand them over to the Third Hokage."
He seemed utterly unconcerned about the money, even reaching out to wipe a bit of milk off Tsunade's lips.
Tsunade, blushing slightly, intercepted him with a napkin, refusing to let him have his way.
"Am I going alone?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Do you need an escort?" Kawakaze replied nonchalantly, clearly misunderstanding her concern.
Tsunade was thinking about the sheer amount of money involved—carrying such a sum alone didn't sit right with her. Meanwhile, Kawakaze's thought was simple: Who would dare rob Tsunade in Konoha?
"No, I can manage," she finally said. "Let's head over after breakfast."
Instead of answering, Kawakaze passed her another stick of fried dough, which she reluctantly accepted.
Sitting nearby, Nawaki watched his brother-in-law's attentive behavior and couldn't hide his disdain. If there were an official ninja title for "Simp," Kawakaze would claim it without question.
"Big Brother, I still haven't finished sharpening my sword," Nawaki muttered.
"No rush. You can stick to the wooden sword for now," Kawakaze replied easily. "A real sword isn't useful until you've got the reach to wield it properly. Just wait until you grow taller."
"That's right," Tsunade chimed in, backing Kawakaze. "Listen to him—it's for your own good."
Her agreement left Nawaki with no choice but to swallow his retort. He glared at them both but remained silent, taking another bite of his steamed bun in frustration.
Watching Nawaki's pitiful attempt to vent his frustration, Kawakaze's heart softened.
"Nawaki," he said, "I still have the wooden sword I used to practice with as a kid. Your sister-in-law can fetch it for you later."
The sword had been long forgotten until Nayuki, after marrying into the family, stumbled upon it and kept it as a memento.
Nawaki's eyes lit up. "Big Brother, you're the best!"
He dropped his bun, grinning ear to ear with excitement. A sword once wielded by Kawakaze! That's leagues better than an ordinary wooden blade!
Nayuki couldn't resist teasing the boy. "That was Kawakaze's prized possession when he was your age. You'd better take good care of it."
"I will!" Nawaki promised earnestly, his face full of gratitude. He gave Kawakaze a look that seemed to say, You're not just a brother-in-law—you're family for life.
Seeing Nawaki's sincerity, Kawakaze chuckled heartily and waved his hand dismissively.
"It's just a wooden sword. No need to make a fuss about it."
...
After the meal, Nawaki followed Nayuki on their quest to find the sword. Meanwhile, Kawakaze accompanied Tsunade to withdraw money. Sakumo went to the dojo alone, his short sword already delivered and waiting for him.
After navigating through several intricate mechanisms, Kawakaze and Tsunade arrived at the Hatake Clan's treasury. The moment Tsunade stepped inside, she was taken aback by the sheer opulence. Only then did she truly grasp the extent of Kawakaze's wealth.
The treasury was filled with treasures—antiques, luxury goods, and enough wealth to gamble away for lifetimes. Kawakaze strode confidently to a chest, flipping it open to reveal a neat stack of banknotes.
"This is 120 million—take it," he said, gesturing toward the chest.
Tsunade was still in awe, her gaze sweeping over priceless artifacts and glittering goods.
"Do you like it? Help yourself," Kawakaze offered casually, his tone full of indulgence.
Noticing that Tsunade still hadn't responded, Kawakaze moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders in a deliberate gesture.
"It will all be yours in the future," he murmured, his voice soft as he leaned close to her ear. The faint, comforting scent of milk lingered in the air as his words sank in.
A sharp scream broke the moment.
"Ah—!"
Before Kawakaze could react, Tsunade seized him in a flash and threw him over her shoulder. He landed with a loud thud on the unforgiving floor of the warehouse.
"Hmph!" Tsunade huffed, dusting her hands off as she glared down at him.
"Don't think you can take advantage of me just because you're good-looking."
Tsunade's face flushed a deep red, her heart pounding in her chest. Without a second thought, she grabbed the box brimming with silver notes and bolted out of the warehouse, not daring to look back.
Kawakaze groaned as he got up, his face bruised from the encounter. He scanned the room, but Tsunade was nowhere to be seen.
"This monstrous strength… just you wait…" he muttered through gritted teeth, rubbing his sore back.
Leaving the warehouse, Kawakaze made his way toward the dojo at a leisurely pace.
By now, Nawaki had already obtained the sword. Though it was a bit long for him, it was no longer an issue. The difference in size only reminded him that Kawakaze had been taller than him when they were kids.
Swinging the sword filled Nawaki with energy, and his focus had reached a level far beyond what he'd shown with the wooden sword. However, his practice came to an abrupt halt when he noticed Kawakaze approaching.
"Big Brother, my sister just ran past really fast!" Nawaki called out, his tone curious. "I tried calling her, but she ignored me."
"Ahem." Kawakaze cleared his throat, carefully maintaining his composure. There was no way he'd admit to what had just happened.
"She's in a hurry to deliver money to the Third Hokage," he lied smoothly. "Get back to practicing your stances."
Nawaki nodded and returned to his training, brandishing his new sword with enthusiasm. Kawakaze watched from a distance, a calculating glint in his eyes.
The sword's aura truly was extraordinary, more refined and powerful than the ancestral weapon. As Nawaki practiced, Kawakaze couldn't help but let a faint, wicked smile tug at his lips.
Reaching out, he took the Eight-Sided Han Sword and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique. In an instant, he appeared directly in front of Sakumo, who was training nearby.
Their eyes met, and without a word, the two men launched into combat.
Sakumo's new weapon proved formidable, superior to the ancestral short sword in both craftsmanship and durability. Though still at a disadvantage against Kawakaze, the sword held its own against the fearsome sharpness of the Eight-Sided Han Sword.
Kawakaze, however, no longer held back. The Flying Thunder God Technique activated repeatedly, and in the blink of an eye, he appeared behind Sakumo.
The Eight-Sided Han Sword rested lightly against Sakumo's neck, its sharp edge gleaming ominously.
"Big Brother, do you want to learn this technique?" Kawakaze asked, a triumphant smirk on his face.
"Yes," Sakumo answered without hesitation. The thought of not learning such a powerful ninjutsu was inconceivable.
"Good," Kawakaze said with a sly grin. "Then call me Big Brother."
He sheathed his sword and laughed maniacally, tilting his head back in exaggerated victory.
Sakumo's expression darkened, a black line forming across his forehead. He reached out and delivered a sharp flick to Kawakaze's forehead.
"I've been calling you Big Brother for years," he muttered. "Would it kill you to just act like it for once?"
Before Sakumo could scold him further, Kawakaze slipped away.
Nearby, Nayuki had been sneaking up on Onimaru, but the sight of the scene was too much for her. She collapsed, laughing uncontrollably.