The wind blew gently across the vast desert, sending dust swirling in the air as the sand shifted with the breeze. Amidst the barren landscape, Kakuzu and Tobirama Senju stood, facing the wind. Tobirama's silver hair fluttered lightly, while Kakuzu's cloak made a soft rustling sound. The perfect activity for such a moment?
"Care for a smoke?"
Tobirama offered a cigarette, and Kakuzu accepted without hesitation. As the two of them shared a quiet moment, puffing out smoke, a sense of ease washed over them, and they became part of the unique scenery of this desert.
It had been almost three years since they last met, so it was clear their reunion wouldn't simply be about smoking.
Flicking the ash from his cigarette, Tobirama finally spoke.
"The Mizukage is your doing, isn't it?"
Kakuzu didn't answer immediately, merely taking a deep drag from his cigarette. It didn't matter whether he responded or not. By the time Tobirama asked the question, he already knew the answer.
Kakuzu's silence was expected. People as sharp as them didn't need too many words to communicate. Often, a glance or a gesture said more than enough.
Tobirama took another deep puff from his cigarette, the flame burning brighter with each inhale.
"You're really not planning on returning to Konoha, are you?"
This question carried a lot of weight. Kakuzu had spent a significant amount of time in Konoha—about five or six years—but Tobirama understood that Kakuzu wasn't the type to stay put. His position in Konoha had always been that of an unusual "commoner." A commoner who had killed the First Mizukage. Would such a person be content living a quiet life?
Kakuzu took another drag from his cigarette before tossing it away.
"What's the matter? Got some big move planned?"
Tobirama's question was never without reason. He always had a deeper meaning behind his words. He gave Kakuzu a meaningful glance before turning his gaze to the horizon.
"Do you think this will all end so easily?"
"Oh? Has your older brother gotten angry?" Kakuzu asked, his tone neutral.
Tobirama didn't respond directly. The foundation of the First Hokage's creation of Konoha was to protect more people. In the past, small skirmishes along the borders were manageable, with Tobirama's compassionate, peaceful heart absorbing the conflict. But this time, things were different. The death of Konoha's top fighting force couldn't be brushed off. For Konoha's sake, and for the Hyuga clan, the First Hokage would undoubtedly demand an explanation from Kumogakure.
Not to mention, if the First Hokage even slightly began to get serious, Kumogakure would probably find itself overwhelmed.
Was Kumogakure really going to pay such a heavy price?
Kakuzu glanced at Tobirama, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. His memories from his past life didn't clarify whether this event was part of the original timeline. But one thing was clear—determining the final outcome would depend on the will of the First Hokage. If he wasn't mistaken, Tobirama was likely on his way back from the Land of Wind right now.
After standing in the desert for a while longer, the two returned to the camp. They didn't disturb Hyuga Tennin, but instead headed to the medical tent in the rear.
As they arrived outside the tent, they overheard the sounds of two of Tobirama's disciples arguing.
"Danzo, get well soon, and then we'll have a sparring match!"
"Hmph! Hizashi, your indecisiveness will eventually make you regret it!"
The two disciples, though wounded, were still squabbling fiercely. Danzo had only suffered minor injuries, and aside from some lingering pain, he was otherwise fine. When the two saw Tobirama and Kakuzu enter, they immediately stopped bickering, straightening up.
"Tobirama-sensei, Lord Kakuzu."
Seeing the injuries on the two of them, Tobirama glanced at Kakuzu, who, unsurprisingly, had already heard about the injuries to his disciples. However, Tobirama didn't hold it against Kakuzu. He understood that with Kakuzu's abilities, eliminating his two disciples would have been a simple matter. A little setback for them would do them good. As for the rivalry between his disciples, Tobirama didn't interfere. This competitive environment was exactly what he wanted—to push his disciples to grow faster.
Tobirama then visited the beds of the others. When he checked on his final disciple, Uchiha Kagami, he couldn't help but notice a strange look in his eyes.
Over the next two days, Konoha's camp remained calm. Kumogakure had long since retreated, maintaining a tight defense several dozen miles away. Meanwhile, the high-ranking officials of Kumogakure were likely busy selecting the Second Raikage, while also stressing over how to handle the situation. How would the First Hokage react upon his return?
Meanwhile, Kakuzu's routine was simply to prepare some herbs for Hyuga Tennin. The Hyuga clan members had even come to thank him, expressing their gratitude. Kakuzu's herbs had truly helped; Hyuga Tennin had made remarkable progress and was in much better condition now.
Kakuzu merely nodded and said, "You're welcome." He knew that his herbs were just helping with qi and blood recovery. The real reason Hyuga Tennin's health had improved so much was simply due to his body's last surge of vitality.
When Kakuzu checked Hyuga Tennin's pulse one final time, he was certain the man wouldn't last until the next night. Fortunately, someone close to the Hyuga clan arrived that morning.
"Father!!"
Hyūga Ryūten hurriedly entered with his two younger brothers and several other Hyūga clan members. He immediately bowed his head to Hyūga Tennin, who was seated on the ground. In his final moments, it must be the greatest blessing for him to see his loved ones one last time. He gestured for Hyūga Ryūten and the others to rise.
Hyūga Ryūten wiped his tears, then turned to take the two infants, still wrapped in swaddling cloths, from the hands of the clan members standing behind.
"Father, I've got them," he said as he looked down at the two peacefully sleeping babies. Hyūga Tennin nodded with a smile.
"Good." He longed to hold his grandsons, but his strength had already left him. He needed to use his remaining time to settle the affairs of the family. His gaze returned to his eldest son, Hyūga Ryūten.
According to the ancient traditions of the Hyūga clan, it was Ryūten who would inherit the position of clan head. But Ryūten was still only in his early twenties, far too young and inexperienced for such a heavy responsibility. Tennin couldn't help but worry.
"Ryūten, how do you plan to lead our people?" he asked, his eyes flickering with concern as they briefly landed on his two younger children—one was only 18, the other just 16.
Ryūten wiped his tears once more and raised his head.
"Father, please rest assured. I will uphold the ancient traditions of the Hyūga clan and ensure that our family continues to grow and thrive."
A few minutes later, Kakuzu entered, carrying medicine. Though he knew the medicine would have little effect now, he still felt obligated to fulfill his duties as best as he could. However, the moment he stepped in, he immediately sensed that something was wrong. The Hyūga clan's situation was delicate, and as an outsider, it would be better for him to stay out of the way. He was about to leave, but just then, Ryūten's voice rang out.
"Kakuzu, please wait."
Kakuzu paused mid-step. What was going on? Wasn't Hyūga Tennin just passing on his final instructions? What did this have to do with him, an outsider? Still, Kakuzu turned to face him.
In that instant, Kakuzu caught a brief flash of disappointment in Tennin's eyes. Was it because of Ryūten, his successor? Was Tennin dissatisfied with him? Even so, it didn't concern Kakuzu. But if Hyūga Tennin had called him over, was it because he had seen something?
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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