"Well, I'm not really sure about that either." Kawakaze couldn't say for sure; he was just guessing based on the power of the Third Kazekage's final Ninjutsu.
"Then shut the hell up."
Sakumo threw the knife-polishing cloth onto the low table. His younger brother was still so unreliable.
"Oh well, even if he recovers, it won't matter."
"But his Magnet Release is indeed more troublesome," Kawakaze said, his tone turning serious. Iron weapons were essentially useless against Magnet Release.
"After all, he's the Kazekage of the Land of Wind. It's normal that he's difficult to deal with."
"How is Duy doing now?" Sakumo asked. Comparatively, he was more concerned about the physical condition of his best friend.
"He's basically recovered, and his movements are no longer a major concern. He'll join us in a few days," Kawakaze replied. He hadn't gone to the camp at the border, but that didn't stop Duy from sending a message to him.
"That's good." Sakumo didn't dwell on the Third Kazekage's injuries any longer.
With Duy's arrival, Konoha would have the upper hand in high-end combat power. Even if things were still too close to call now with Kawakaze on their side, Duy's presence could make a decisive difference.
"Have you missed sister-in-law and Kakashi?" Kawakaze shifted the conversation to ordinary matters, avoiding further details about the war. Those would be addressed in tomorrow's meeting.
"You're being ridiculous." Sakumo sheathed his short sword and placed it on the table, his expression softening.
"If we go back, I'm afraid Kakashi will start calling you 'Dad.'" Kawakaze grinned, determined to make Kakashi call him 'uncle' first.
"Don't even think about it. He's my son," Sakumo shot back, eyeing Kawakaze suspiciously, as if he were planning something.
"What are you talking about? Your son? He's my nephew!" Kawakaze wasn't about to let this slide, finding the idea amusing.
"Screw you," Sakumo said, picking up his short sword and feinting a slap at him. He was jealous of the close bond Kakashi shared with Kawakaze.
"With your temperament, how could you ever be a father? Kakashi's better off learning from me."
Kawakaze teased, and Sakumo had enough. He chased him straight out of the tent.
The Konoha ninjas patrolling outside glanced skyward, their eyes pointedly avoiding the commotion.
Handle your own business. We saw nothing.
Fortunately, Sakumo still had his pride. Without a word, he pointed his short sword directly at Kawakaze, ready to settle the matter.
"Ahem, it's getting late. I'm going back to rest," Kawakaze said, bidding his Big Brother goodnight as he headed toward his own tent.
"That brat… What can Kakashi even learn from you ?" Sakumo muttered under his breath before turning back and returning to his tent.
When Kawakaze entered his tent, he found the two young boys waiting for him.
"Have the supplies been arranged?"
"Yes, Sensei / Brother-in-law," they replied in unison.
Kawakaze had fully embraced his role as a hands-off boss, leaving the work to the two of them. He justified it as training, and the younglings, none the wiser, took their tasks seriously.
"Well done," Kawakaze said approvingly. He turned to Minato and added, "Minato, when we return, I'll teach you the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Minato's eyes lit up with excitement. Kawakaze had noticed his chakra had finally reached a sufficient level to begin learning the advanced technique.
"Really?" Minato asked eagerly, practically vibrating with anticipation. He had been waiting for this day.
"Really. Why would I lie to you?" Kawakaze replied with a smile, gently ruffling Minato's hair.
"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law!" Nawaki interrupted, his expression expectant. "What about me?"
Kawakaze smirked. "Even your sister hasn't learned it yet, you can ask her to teach you when she does. Sound fair?"
Nawaki pouted but couldn't argue. He certainly had enough chakra to attempt the technique, but Kawakaze wasn't sure about his talent. In the original timeline, Nawaki had died too young, leaving little information about his potential.
"Well, then I'll stick with practicing Water Release from my second grandfather," Nawaki muttered, feeling both determined and a little resigned. He wasn't as talented as his sister, but he wouldn't give up so easily. If nothing else, he could experiment with the Flying Thunder God Technique on his own once he mastered Water Release.
"Lord Tobirama's Water Release is incredibly powerful, so don't slack off," Kawakaze said seriously.
He was a man who might as well have had a contract with the sea itself.
Kawakaze's praise wasn't an exaggeration. Tobirama's mastery over Water Release was unparalleled, far beyond anyone else. Compared to him, the rest of the world's Water Release users were ranked second, third, or worse.
"Understood, brother-in-law," Nawaki replied, though he couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated. He still couldn't use large-scale Water Release techniques at will in harsh environments, and there was a long road ahead for him.
"It's fine. You two should head back and rest," Kawakaze said, offering a reassuring smile. "Keep up the good work. The war is far from over."
The two boys bowed respectfully and left.
That night was much better than sleeping in the open, and Kawakaze enjoyed a good night's rest.
The next morning, after a simple breakfast, they were summoned to a meeting by Tsunade.
Upon arriving at the meeting tent, they found Hayato Yamanaka and Sakumo already seated. Kawakaze and the others took their places, and soon all the Konoha ninja in charge had assembled.
"Hayato, do you have any important information?" Tsunade asked. It had become her habit to let Hayato speak first, and he had grown accustomed to the role.
"Three days ago, a Suna ninja returned to their camp, presumably the Third Kazekage," Hayato began. "The specific details are unclear, but it's suspected that he is injured."
The Konoha spies hadn't dared to delve deeper into the enemy camp, so the information was incomplete.
Tsunade nodded, understanding the limitations. "It's okay. We have nothing to fear now. After fighting the Suna ninja for the past few days, I'm sure everyone here is familiar with their combat methods."
Her expression hardened as she continued, "I'm planning to launch a general offensive soon. Sitting back and reacting is not the Konoha way. It's time for Sunagakure to learn the difference between us."
Tsunade's confidence was evident. Kawakaze's return had not only bolstered their combat strength but also provided her with a sense of assurance and resolve.
"Lady Tsunade, should we wait for Duy to return?" a Konoha Jōnin suggested cautiously. "Some of our wounded are still recovering."
Tsunade's presence had greatly reduced the casualties on Konoha's side, while the Suna forces had taken significant losses. This advantage would only grow if the conflict dragged on. It was another hidden benefit of Sakumo's earlier success in killing Chiyo.
"No," Kawakaze interjected, his tone firm. "We need to confirm the Third Kazekage's condition. If his injuries haven't healed, this is our best chance to attack."
He paused, meeting everyone's gaze. "The Third Kazekage is the key to this battle. If we eliminate him, there'll be no need to wait for Duy. The longer we hesitate, the more unpredictable the situation becomes. Remember, other major nations haven't made their moves yet."
"Lord Kawakaze is absolutely right," Hayato Yamanaka added. "Opportunities like this are rare. I support going to war."
"I support it too."
...
In the end, the majority supported Tsunade's opinion too, and the minority deferred to the consensus.
"Go prepare. Wait for my order," Tsunade commanded.
"Yes," the assembled ninja responded in unison before being dismissed. The meeting came to an end.
Meanwhile, morale was low among the Suna ninja. In their meeting room, the Third Kazekage, now recovered, sat in the main seat, his presence imposing.
"Kawakaze Hatake arrived at the Konoha camp last night," the intelligence officer reported. "The Konoha ninja are already preparing for battle."
The report was repeated to ensure everyone present understood the gravity of the situation.
"No need to say more," the Third Kazekage interrupted, his tone sharp and resolute. "Everyone, prepare for battle. This is the time for the survival of Sunagakure."
His gaze swept across the room, silencing any objections. "Even if we are to lose, I will die before any of you."
With that, the discussion was over, leaving no room for argument.