Shinku was very attentive to his wife, generously paying for three months of postpartum care in one go. Tsunade was so thrilled that she nearly broke the threshold of his hospital room. A big client indeed.
Shinku was diligent, checking in daily and offering kind words. However, what Tsunade didn't realize was that Shinku had only one child, making this a one-time gesture.
"Kawakaze, I heard from Counselor Koharu that the supplies from the Daimyō are nearly at the border of the Land of Rain," Tsunade said as she held the cute Kurenai, in her arms, enjoying the sunlight by the window.
Kakashi squirmed in his cradle, voicing his discontent.
"Really? If the supplies don't arrive soon, Orochimaru might lose his patience," Kawakaze replied without much surprise. The pressure from the Hokage was effective against the Daimyō's delays.
"If they don't, the war on the frontlines will start again."
As a Jōnin, Shinku was aware of such matters, and knowing this caused no harm.
"Yes, I hope everything goes smoothly this time," Kawakaze said, his face darkening. The looming war was never pleasant.
"Don't worry too much. When you returned, there weren't any Amegakure ninja left on the frontlines," Tsunade said, attempting to reassure him.
"I'm afraid Hanzō has already retreated to the Land of Rain. If that's the case, this war will be even tougher," Kawakaze admitted. The idea of facing Hanzō was daunting; his battlefield poison and his summoning beast, Ibuse, were formidable.
In the past, even the Sannin barely survived against Hanzō. Had he not shown mercy, it was uncertain how many would have returned alive.
"The delays were unavoidable," Shinku said, sharing his own perspective from experience. His words were directed at the Third Hokage, though Kawakaze and Tsunade heard them as well.
"I'll take Kakashi home first. I may need to head back to the frontlines," Kawakaze said before standing, taking Kakashi, and vanishing with the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Kawakaze is as impatient as ever," Shinku commented, unfazed by the technique but sighing nonetheless.
"He gets it from his older brother," Tsunade remarked, having a deep understanding of Kawakaze's nature.
"I should get back to work too," Tsunade said as Kawakaze left. She handed Kurenai to her mother, bid farewell to the couple, and took her leave.
When Kawakaze returned home, he saw Sakumo chatting with Nayuki as they sat in the sun. Onimaru was happily playing with his white cub nearby. Nawaki and Minato were sparring, though their matches seemed to be losing their earlier intensity.
"Big Brother, the supplies are almost at the front line."
"Then we should get moving too."
Sakumo, who had been chatting and laughing moments earlier, turned serious. This shift was entirely within Kawakaze's expectations.
Shaking his head, Kawakaze handed Kakashi to Nayuki.
"You're really planning to leave without considering sister-in-law's feelings?" Kawakaze said, still wanting to spend a few more days with Tsunade. He had taken full advantage of his time in the office, though it seemed he wasn't treating little Kakashi as much more than a task to hand off.
"I'll notify Duy first. We can talk about this later."
Sakumo used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport to the gate—a skill he had learned from Kawakaze. If his Chakra reserves weren't limited, he would have gone straight to Duy's doorstep.
In the end, the three of them agreed to set off a week later, bringing the two young boys along for the journey.
...
Border town of the Land of Fire.
"Lord Orochimaru, the supplies have arrived."
A Konoha ninja reported the news to Orochimaru at his residence.
Bang.
Orochimaru slammed his teacup onto the low table before him.
"It's finally here. Pass the word: we will rest tonight and set off for the Land of Rain tomorrow."
As Kawakaze had said, Orochimaru's patience was wearing thin. If the supplies had not arrived soon, he might have truly lost his composure. After spending almost eight months in this border town, even his legendary patience had its limits.
"Yes!"
The Konoha ninja departed to carry out the order.
Early the next morning, Orochimaru set foot once again in the Land of Rain. Accompanied by a large Konoha army with sufficient supplies, they crossed the border without pause, heading directly toward the heart of the country.
Two days later, traces of Amegakure ninja were discovered. Orochimaru immediately ordered the troops to set up camp, construct defensive facilities, and rest.
While Konoha forces worked on fortifying their position, the Amegakure ninja swiftly passed the information to Hanzō.
"The Konoha ninja arrived quickly. As soon as their supplies came, they couldn't wait to march to their deaths," Hanzō remarked coldly.
His tone revealed complete confidence. Intelligence suggested that Konoha was already losing the upper hand in the conflict.
"If they want a head-on fight, I doubt they'll find another miracle worker like that old puppet master. Gather all the village's ninja and show Konoha that the Land of Rain is not a place they can invade at will."
Hanzō issued the order, and nearly 2,000 Amegakure ninja, led by him personally, advanced toward Orochimaru's position.
"Lord Orochimaru, a large group of Amegakure ninja led by Hanzō of the Salamander is advancing toward us from ten li away," a Konoha spy reported.
Hanzō had made no effort to hide his movements. A decisive victory in this battle would strengthen his forces' morale and reassert his dominance, which had not been shaken even during the Land of Wind campaign.
"Prepare to fight. Cut through them."
Orochimaru's cold eyes glinted, his tone as chilling as ever. Hanzō's appearance was unexpected, but retreat was not an option. Avoiding a fight would disgrace Konoha's forces—and Orochimaru would not allow that.
When the Konoha ninja prepared to fight, they faced the overwhelming numbers of Amegakure ninja with unwavering resolve. Without hesitation, they formed hand seals and unleashed their Ninjutsu.
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet."
"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet."
The Konoha ninja, skilled in both Fire and Earth Release, synchronized their efforts, fusing the techniques into a powerful Combination Ninjutsu: Earth Dragon Flame Flow. Massive earth dragons spewing fire surged toward the advancing Amegakure ninja.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet."
"Lightning Release."
From the opposing side, enormous water dragons crackling with lightning streaks retaliated, forming another Composite Ninjutsu: Thunder and Water Dragon Bullet.
This was the essence of Konoha's strength—the overwhelming synergy of Composite Ninjutsu, where the combined power far exceeded the sum of its parts.
"Summoning Technique."
Orochimaru made his move, summoning Manda. However, Manda was far smaller than the one known in later battles, bearing distinctive purple stripes and a four-cornered headband.
"Orochimaru, I'll gladly devour the ninja on the other side," Manda said arrogantly, his tone reflecting his strength—or lack thereof at this point in time.
"As long as you can eat them," Orochimaru replied coolly, his gaze fixed on the figure of Hanzō ahead, paying little attention to Manda.
"Very well."
Manda slithered forward, charging alongside the devastating Composite Ninjutsu. Behind him, the Konoha ninja surged ahead.
Hanzō observed Orochimaru with a sneer beneath his mask. Did they think only Konoha possessed a Summoning Beast?
"Summoning Technique."
A massive salamander, twice the size of Manda, materialized at Hanzō's feet, its body covered in menacing brown bumps.