The main battlefield between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud was in the Land of Fields. In the original, Orochimaru built the Sound Village here after defecting, but now the area had become a battleground.
In fact, small countries around the Land of Fire survived only because Konoha kept them as buffer zones. If the war reached Konoha's doorstep, things were dire—as with the Battle of Kikyo Pass in the Third Great Ninja War.
Victory meant the war was ending. A loss could mean the end of Konoha itself.
Hiashi brought mostly Hyuga clan ninjas, but command still belonged to Tsunade. As the Sannin and senior to both Hiashi and Fugaku, it made sense.
But Tsunade was annoyed—she'd come to train her three students, not to command an army.
Natsume followed dutifully. It was his first trip far from home, and the new scenery was interesting—at first. After a while, it just got boring. Everyone was focused on marching, with little time for chat.
At night, the group made camp. Natsume shared a tent with Kabuto, sleeping in sleeping bags for mobility.
"Kabuto, how's your study of the Hashirama cell implantation I gave you?"
Over the past two years, Orochimaru's technology had improved, and he'd passed a copy to Natsume as agreed. Hashirama cells were valuable—even if Natsume didn't use them, they'd be great for his organization.
"Some of it's beyond me right now," Kabuto admitted. "But I've learned a lot. Give me a few more years and I'll master it."
Natsume was satisfied—most people couldn't even understand it, let alone learn. Kabuto's talent was exceptional, especially with Tsunade's guidance.
"I'm going to see sensei," Natsume said, remembering he hadn't said goodnight to Tsunade—a ritual they'd kept for nearly three years.
He left his bag and went to her tent. As a commander, Tsunade had her own tent. She was lying awake, debating whether to visit him. She realized her real issue wasn't with Hinata, but with Natsume himself.
"Are you asleep, sis?" Natsume called.
Tsunade sat up. "No, come in."
Natsume slipped into her bed, as usual. Tsunade belatedly realized—why was she letting him do this again?
"I just wanted to say goodnight," Natsume said, snuggling up. "I can't sleep unless I say it."
"Why are you still acting like a kid?" Tsunade asked.
"I am a kid—I'm not even ten yet!" Natsume said, head nestled in her chest.
"You should go to bed," Tsunade said, picking him up by the scruff of his neck. She didn't mind him getting close, but worried what others would think if they found out—she could handle rumors, but Natsume couldn't.
"Fine," Natsume left reluctantly. "Goodnight, sis."
"Goodnight," Tsunade replied, hiding her softness.
Back in his tent, Natsume realized what was bothering her—he'd grown up, and now Tsunade saw him more as a little brother than a romantic interest. He'd have to gradually change that if he wanted to win her over—it would take time.
…
The next morning, after breakfast, they set out again. Natsume found himself missing Tsunade's rice balls—was this Stockholm Syndrome? He shook his head. No way.
By noon, they arrived at Konoha's base camp in the Land of Fields. The current commander was Uchiha Fugaku. Hiruzen had sent him for several reasons: the Uchiha were powerful, and the mission would help clear their name after the Nine-Tails incident and soothe discontent from their relocation. In the originial, Hiruzen was old and wanted to avoid civil strife, hoping for peace even after learning of the coup plot from Itachi. In the end, Hiruzen lacked the ability to handle the Uchiha—unlike his teacher Tobirama, and with Danzo's interference, things only got worse. Arguably, if they'd done nothing, it might have been better.
Of course, the Uchiha had their own problems—pride, arrogance, extremism. Their survival owed much to their power.
Now, though, their strongest members had joined Konoha's side. The grim reaper's star was shining overhead.
Tsunade handed command to Fugaku, since she was just there to train her students. After lunch, her team gathered.
"I just accepted an A-rank mission. It'll be your first as a squad," she announced.
Natsume's mouth twitched—an A-rank mission right off the bat? Wasn't that a bit much?
Shizune and Kabuto, both obedient by nature, just nodded.
Tsunade grinned at Natsume, "What's wrong? Are you scared?" she teased.
"Of course not!" Natsume shot her a glare. How could she doubt him?
Tsunade was delighted, pinching his cheek, "Don't worry, I'll protect you if you get scared."
Shizune and Kabuto exchanged a look.
Their eyes said it all: Are we extra baggage here?
Natsume was clearly the favored student; they were just picked up along the way.