Summer of Konoha Year 36.
Due to Hatake Sakumo's unethical actions, Sunagakure was enraged. The new Suna commander, Chiyo, launched frenzied attacks against Konoha.
Facing this situation, Konoha's commander, Dan, had no choice but to hold the line. No matter what, he could not afford to lose.
Moreover, Dan believed this war would not last long. Such reckless tactics would surely anger Suna's higher-ups. So...
Perhaps after this war, the former Flower of the Shinobi World would retire.
But...
He couldn't imitate such suicidal methods!
As a result, Konoha's forces found themselves restrained against Suna's assaults, especially with the Suna commander's poisons causing major headaches. The medical camp was now filled with shinobi, most not suffering from blade wounds but...
Poisoning!
The poison from Commander Chiyo was something no one in their camp could currently cure.
"We need to find a solution," Dan sighed as he looked at the medical camp crowded with Konoha shinobi. "If we don't find an antidote soon, things will get worse."
With so many already incapacitated, if Chiyo kept using her poison, Konoha would truly be finished!
If he, as the commander, lost this battle, how could he ever compete for the Hokage position?
There would only be one path left...
To die on the battlefield.
"Don't worry," Hatake Sakumo patted Dan's shoulder with a smile. "The Hokage just sent a hawk message. Reinforcements are coming to help."
"Once they arrive, Suna's poison won't be a problem anymore."
"Who? Advisor Utatane?" Dan's eyes lit up. "If it's Utatane Koharu-sama, we can definitely counter Suna's poison."
Though Utatane Koharu was a Konoha elder, she was also the current head of the Medical Division, with exceptional medical skills. She would surely find a way to neutralize Suna's poison.
"Not sure," Hatake Sakumo shrugged. "The message didn't specify, but it should work out."
That crazy woman...
How many times had he explained? He only stabbed once, killing her son and daughter-in-law. He did nothing else. Why couldn't she understand?
But the more he explained, the crazier she became, fighting like she had nothing left to lose.
"Ugh, what a headache!" Hatake Sakumo shook his head helplessly. "Just when things were about to end, this happens."
Who took the bodies?
Konoha...
Suna... Or was there a third party hiding here?
Thinking about it was exhausting!
"Listen, I'm heading to the Suna battlefield," Tsunade raised her fist threateningly. "You better not slack off, you pervy toad."
"If I find out, don't blame me for what happens next."
"Relax," Jiraiya flicked his silky white hair confidently, giving a thumbs-up. "With the Great Toad Sage here, nothing will go wrong."
However...
Bam!
Tsunade's fist smashed into Jiraiya's face, sending him flying. She then turned to Orochimaru and said flatly, "It's up to you now. Keep an eye on that idiot too. He's completely unreliable."
"I'll handle it," Orochimaru smiled slightly and nodded. "I'll keep that fool in check."
"Then I'm off." After hearing Orochimaru's words, Tsunade took a step forward but paused...
"I've forgiven you. Nawaki's death wasn't your fault."
"So..."
"You can drop that fake smile."
"It's disgusting!"
With that, Tsunade turned to the shinobi accompanying her and ordered, "Move out!"
"Yes, Tsunade-sama!" The Konoha shinobi responded respectfully, following behind her.
As for Orochimaru...
Hearing Tsunade's words, his lips curled into a genuine smile—one he hadn't shown in a long time. Watching her retreating figure, he murmured softly, "Thank you."
"Feeling better now?" Jiraiya punched Orochimaru lightly on the chest. "That fake smile was creepy."
"Just like a snake's grin!"
"Too sinister."
Then, with a nostalgic smile, he watched Tsunade leave. "Tsunade seems to be in a good mood today."
Lately, the atmosphere in their team had been weird.
Even the Great Toad Sage couldn't lighten the mood!
It was downright suffocating.
But now...
Things seemed to be improving.
Orochimaru gave Jiraiya a strange look. Did this idiot not realize why Tsunade was happy?
She was going to the Suna battlefield, after all!
"Has anyone ever told you you're an idiot?" Orochimaru sighed and shook his head, pitying Jiraiya. "Just like a toad."
"You're always saying that!" Jiraiya grumbled. "And don't say that in front of Gamabunta. The toads won't like it."
That's outright racism!!
You're insulting all the toads of Mount Myōboku.
"Idiot," Orochimaru said flatly before walking away.
This fool was hopeless. So...
He'd have to work harder for a while.
Would Tsunade's antidotes be enough?
Hanzō of the Salamander's poison was still troublesome.
But...
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Jiraiya yelled at Orochimaru's back. "Who's an idiot? I'm the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku!"
"A sage, understand? Just like the First Hokage back in the day."
He turned to glance in the direction where Tsunade had disappeared, then back at Orochimaru. "Even the old man probably can't beat me now."
But...
"Idiot."
Orochimaru didn't turn around, his back to Jiraiya as he muttered softly, "What an idiot."
Land of Whirlpools.
"Mikoto-nee," Konan sat beside Uchiha Mikoto with her meal tray. "Where's Grampa Madara? Why haven't we seen him lately?"
"Grampa Madara is very old," Mikoto replied gently. "So he hasn't been feeling well recently."
"I see," Konan chewed her spoon thoughtfully, then suddenly brightened. "How about we visit Grampa Madara after class?"
"Nagato, Yahiko, what do you think?"
"Wouldn't that disturb his rest?" Yahiko wondered. "Sick people need quiet."
"True," Konan nodded, pouting. "It'd be bad if we bothered him."
As for Nagato...
He stayed silent, continuing to eat. His opinion didn't matter—Konan would decide anyway.
Better to just focus on his meal.
Besides, for some reason—maybe a growth spurt?—his chakra reserves had increased lately. His appetite had grown too. Before, three bowls of rice were enough. Now he needed five, nearly double.
Annoying.
How much would he need to eat as an adult to feel full?
"You're visiting Grampa Madara?" Mokushukuma (implied Senju) walked over with his tray. "Count me in."
"Me too," Uchiha Iketo followed, glaring at Mokushukuma before saying coldly, "The Uchiha clan won't fall behind in anything."
"..."
The Frog Team stared at the two rivals in silence. The Mokushukuma (Senju) and Uchiha clans were really...
A mess!
No one even knew why they were feuding!
"You sure you want to go?" Konan frowned. "What if Grampa Madara makes you run laps again?"
He really doesn't like you two!
"Doesn't matter," Mokushukuma shrugged. "The Mokushukuma (Senju) clan fears no challenge. Besides, Grampa Madara's sick—he won't see if we skip. We can just sneak off."
"Hmph," Uchiha Iketo snorted. "The Uchiha clan doesn't cheat. We'll finish every lap."
"..."
This idiot.
Mokushukuma gave Iketo a deadpan look. Fine then...
The Senju wouldn't lose either!
But running dozens of laps for Grampa Madara was exhausting!
"Since you're all so concerned," Mikoto smiled warmly. "I'll take you after class."
Seeing so many kids care about him might help Grampa Madara move past his grief. Lady Mito was already gone—he shouldn't dwell on the past.
With so many students thinking of him, he'd surely be happy.
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