"This time, Lord Third has sent the best from each clan," Sakumo said solemnly as he sat down, discussing the reinforcements.
"Unfortunately, Orochimaru and Jiraiya haven't returned yet," Tsunade added, continuing to eat grapes. She felt a pang of homesickness for her two fellow students. They had grown up together, sharing fights and jokes, but their bond had always been strong.
"They've made their own choices. Once they master Senjutsu, they'll return," Kawakaze said. He suspected the two were weary of the war, especially since this wasn't yet a time of survival or death for Konoha.
"I hope they both succeed," Duy murmured as he watched two young kids practicing hard nearby. Perhaps it was because of his injury, but he suddenly felt more emotional, recalling his own younger days. Every corner of Konohagakure seemed to hold the sweat of his relentless training.
For a moment, Duy's eyes welled with tears. The others—Kawakaze and the rest—weren't sure if he was referring to Orochimaru and Jiraiya or the two young trainees.
...
"After they arrive, you will be in command."
"You need to be careful."
Sakumo's words served as a reminder to Tsunade. In combat, the more dangerous tasks often fell to certain groups. If any Clan's Ninja felt they were being treated as expendable, it could lead to disastrous consequences.
"Sensei, you've given me a difficult problem," Tsunade muttered, touching her forehead. Balancing the power dynamics among the Clans was a challenge she couldn't avoid.
"Don't worry too much. As long as we don't deliberately target anyone, I believe everyone understands the situation," Kawakaze said calmly. He didn't seem concerned, reasoning that most members of the Clans weren't capable fighters. He had already prepared himself to take on the role of the bad guy. Working in tandem with Tsunade, playing both roles of tough and understanding, could help her establish her authority.
"Don't underestimate them," Sakumo cautioned, feeling Kawakaze was too optimistic. He had seen enough Clan rivalries to know how dangerous they could be. It was this inability to navigate political intricacies that had ultimately led to his tragic end.
"Big Brother, once you leave the Land of Fire, the strongest person becomes the boss," Kawakaze said, raising his right hand and clenching his fist to emphasize his point. Anyone who dared to challenge him wouldn't meet a good fate.
"Forget it. Just go with the flow," Tsunade said after a moment of thought. She realized Kawakaze was right—outside the Land of Fire, anyone foolish enough to provoke him would quickly regret it.
"Don't forget your goal," Sakumo said with a helpless shake of his head. He didn't have a better solution, but he worried Kawakaze might go too far, tarnishing Tsunade's image. That could significantly hinder her chances of becoming Hokage.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
As soon as Kawakaze finished speaking, Sakumo's expression darkened.
You really don't care about your own family for the sake of your wife, do you? Sakumo thought bitterly.
Big Brother sure has a small frame of mind. If Tsunade becomes Hokage, Konoha might end up bearing the Hatake name in the future.
"Sakumo, I will handle it myself," Tsunade said, seemingly sensing Sakumo's displeasure. She assumed he was unhappy, though she couldn't have known it was jealousy—that even his own brother had never shown him such favor.
"Just listen to Kawakaze," Sakumo said with a forced smile. "Since he was little, he's always had lots of devilish ideas." He tried to mask his feelings, but his heart felt empty. His younger brother truly belonged to someone else now.
"I just went out and saw Minato's eyes flash!" Duy suddenly exclaimed, not realizing the information he'd overheard was meant only for core personnel. It seemed the future held great potential for Minato, whose status in Konoha would likely be high. Duy couldn't help but admire how such an unworldly character had fostered such persistence and skill.
"What?" Before Kawakaze could respond, Sakumo was beside himself with excitement. Had this brat Minato really mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique? After all his own practice, could Minato have surpassed him already?
Sakumo looked up and saw Minato standing about ten meters from a tree, his eyes closed as he concentrated. He had marked the tree in the courtyard, drawing upon what he had observed while watching Kawakaze and Sakumo train. It seemed so simple and easy for him to replicate.
Minato twisted slightly but remained in place, clearly sensing the power of time and space.
"He really did it," Sakumo muttered, his disbelief turning to astonishment. Seeing was believing. People can kill themselves with comparison, he thought bitterly before blurting out a curse.
"No wonder he's my disciple," Kawakaze said, grinning shamelessly as if the accomplishment was his own.
"What does this have to do with you?" Tsunade snapped, glaring coldly at him. She couldn't stand his smug expression.
"Why not? I'm the one who discovered his talent, aren't I?" Kawakaze replied, refusing to yield. Deep down, he knew he had only learned of Minato's potential from the original story.
Tsunade was speechless at his audacity. There's no reasoning with someone so shameless. She decided to simply watch Minato's next move.
Meanwhile, Nawaki remained unaware of the conversation. Focused on his sword practice, he occasionally glanced at the nearby scroll, fully engrossed in his training.
"Minato is amazing," Duy said, his tone carrying a hint of envy. He wished he could learn such techniques too, but his heart wasn't in it.
"I'll go take a look," Sakumo said, more enthusiastic than Kawakaze. Using the Body Flicker Technique, he appeared beside Minato in an instant.
"Uncle," Minato greeted, opening his eyes as Sakumo arrived.
"You little brat, you're something," Sakumo said.
"I feel like there's still something missing," Minato replied. He had sensed the power of time and space but couldn't understand why he still couldn't move through it.
"I'm here, aren't I? Your Sensei himself doesn't even know how he learned it, so he's just a useless idiot," Sakumo said, rubbing Minato's head. He felt an inexplicable satisfaction in belittling Kawakaze. At least your disciple still needs me to teach him.
"I was the same way. You—" Sakumo began sharing his experience, and Minato listened intently, absorbing every word.
"Got it? Try again," Sakumo said after explaining in detail.
"Okay." Minato nodded and closed his eyes once more.
The next moment, his figure disappeared from where he stood and reappeared by the tree.
"Sensei, I've learned it!" Minato shouted excitedly, jumping twice in place. His thoughts were consumed by the image of his Sensei.
"Ungrateful," Sakumo muttered, his hair nearly standing on end with anger. I've been teaching you all this time, and you don't even thank me first? Little brat, where are your manners? No wonder you're Kawakaze's top disciple—none of you have a conscience.
"Not bad. I knew you could do it. Keep up the good work," Kawakaze said casually, his usual unruffled demeanor returning. Minato's rapid progress impressed even him; it seemed as though the Flying Thunder God Technique was tailor-made for the boy.
"Yes, Sensei," Minato responded to Kawakaze before realizing he had overlooked someone important. He quickly ran over to Sakumo and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Uncle, for your guidance," he said earnestly.
"It's fine. Just practice more on your own in the future. If you have any questions, just ask me," Sakumo replied, not holding a grudge against Minato. His irritation was directed entirely at his younger brother.
"Hmph," Sakumo snorted as he returned to the pavilion, sitting down with a glare at Kawakaze.
Kawakaze looked confused. What did I do to upset Big Brother this time?