It took several people a lot of time to help Nawaki clean up his living space, as it was incredibly messy.
At the same time, Takeshi also learned that Orochimaru spent most of his time on the front lines, fighting enemies alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade.
Therefore, Nawaki mostly stayed in the logistics area and had no opportunity to go to the battlefield.
It was a good thing this was the case, otherwise, he probably wouldn't have survived until Takeshi arrived.
Afterward, the group had an impromptu picnic, which brought tears to Nawaki's eyes.
He hadn't had a proper meal in days, which was quite pitiful.
However, for the next few days, they received the same treatment as Nawaki, with no chance to go to the battlefield, staying in the camp the entire time.
In contrast, Tsunade was never seen resting back at the camp; she was essentially living on the front lines.
It had to be said, she was truly exhausted!
But there was no other way; Hanzo's specialty was utilizing the salamander's poison.
On a battlefield filled with poisonous mist, Medical Ninjas were the main force.
As the chief of the Medical Department, Tsunade had to bear the brunt of the responsibility.
As for them, at most, they helped transport heavy items and performed physically demanding tasks that weren't dangerous.
Takeshi, however, was a bit different. As Tsunade's disciple and having worked exceptionally well at Konoha Hospital, many of the Medical Ninjas here recognized him and knew he possessed superb Medical Ninjutsu.
Thus, he was pulled in to help treat the wounded and was equally swamped with work.
"Phew, I can finally rest for a bit."
Takeshi returned to his tent and sat down on a chair, exhausted.
"You brat, this is nothing. I'm a hundred times more tired than you!"
Tsunade had also, for once, returned to the camp to rest. She had collapsed onto the bed, her heavy burdens sprawling out with her.
"You really have it tough!"
After being jostled, Takeshi instinctively glanced at her fair, jade-like feet, a pair of feet with red nail polish coming into view.
"Hmph, now you know how hard your teacher works, don't you?"
Tsunade rolled over, and the center of gravity of the soft bed shifted instantly.
"Rice balls, Takeshi, here are your rice balls!"
Kushina skipped in. Although the conditions here weren't great, the little girl had a very happy day because everyone here was familiar to her.
"Oh, Kushina, you've got a man and forgotten your Big Sister Tsunade, have you?!"
Tsunade sat up from the bed and slapped her thigh hard, her fair, tender leg flesh jiggling.
"Uh…"
Kushina's gaze instinctively darted away, and she guiltily shoved the rice balls into Takeshi's arms.
"I just didn't know Big Sister Tsunade was back…"
"Alright, you're an adult, don't bicker with Kushina."
Takeshi broke a rice ball in half and handed it to Tsunade, saying, "Here, you get some too."
"That's more like it."
Tsunade took it and ate it without a care.
Actually, she just saw that the little girl's heart was almost stolen by Takeshi, so she wanted to tease Kushina on purpose and didn't really expect to get a rice ball.
But since Takeshi had shared it with her, there was no reason not to eat it, and she was genuinely hungry.
"Nasty Takeshi."
Kushina watched as the rice balls she made with her own hands were used by him to curry favor with another woman, and she muttered in dissatisfaction.
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
Takeshi tilted his head and looked over, puzzled.
"Hmph, nothing!"
Kushina crossed her arms, turning her head away haughtily.
Tsunade found the interaction between the two youngsters very amusing and couldn't help but laugh.
Just as a harmonious atmosphere filled the tent, an unexpected event occurred.
"Lady Tsunade, we are here by Hokage-sama's order to bring Kushina back to the Village."
Several people dressed as Konoha Ninja walked in.
"No, I don't want to go back!"
Kushina was so scared that she immediately hid behind Takeshi, resisting.
That old man really did find her after all.
Takeshi had long anticipated that Hiruzen Sarutobi would send people to pick up Kushina.
After all, in the eyes of these Konoha higher-ups, Kushina was a crucial strategic weapon for Konoha Village.
"I apologize, but as you heard, Kushina doesn't want to go back. Please report to Hokage-sama that I, Uchiha Takeshi, will protect Kushina, and he needn't worry."
Takeshi stood in front of Kushina.
The Ninja were stunned for a moment, and upon hearing 'Uchiha,' they became even more hesitant, pacing back and forth.
"You may return."
At this moment, Tsunade spoke up. She waved her hand and said, "Tell the old man that I will take good care of Kushina, and he needn't worry."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
After a moment of hesitation, the Ninja bowed and said.
Tsunade was, after all, the Third Hokage's disciple, so her words carried some weight.
"Wait."
Just as they were about to return to report, Takeshi again stepped forward to stop them, saying,
"Did Hokage-sama tell you how to handle the Sunagakure Ninja's surprise attack on the Land of Fire to kidnap Kushina?"
"This…"
The group immediately looked at each other, all falling silent.
Seeing their hesitant expressions, Takeshi smiled.
Sure enough, Hiruzen Sarutobi intended to remain silent and treat it as if nothing had happened.
"You can just tell the truth!"
Tsunade also noticed something was amiss and pressed them, frowning.
"Uh, Lady Tsunade…"
The leading middle-aged Ninja stepped forward and, after a moment of hesitation, said, "Hokage-sama said that the Village no longer has the spare strength to deal with other Villages, so he plans to…"
"Plans to what?"
"Plans to temporarily act as if nothing happened…"
Bang!
Upon hearing this, Tsunade was so enraged that she directly smashed the table in front of her with a punch. "So, you're telling us to tolerate it? They've already gone too far!"
"Please understand, Lady Tsunade. Konoha has invested a large number of troops in the Land of Rain battlefield. If we were to clash with Hidden Sand Village again at this time, Konoha would be attacked from both sides."
The middle-aged Ninja said after a moment of hesitation.
"Alright, I understand."
Tsunade rubbed her temples and said, "You may return."
Hearing this, the group didn't linger and quickly left.
"I'm sorry, Takeshi, you heard it. This matter with Kushina might have to be temporarily shelved."
"It's fine."
Takeshi shook his head and said, "Since it's Hokage-sama's order, we should naturally obey."
He had already anticipated this outcome.
He knew Hiruzen Sarutobi's temperament better than anyone.
Weak externally, strong internally.
Actually, what that Ninja said was quite true. Konoha had indeed expended too much energy on the Land of Rain battlefield and was not suitable for adding new battles.
However, he strongly disagreed with Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude towards this matter.
This incident was originally provoked by Hidden Sand Village; they were the first to stir up trouble.
You say you don't want a war; I can understand that.
But surely we can issue a public statement of condemnation, right?
The Five Great Nations had signed a peace treaty, and they had clearly violated it.
No matter how much friction occurred between Villages, there had never been an instance where a Village Kage went to battle.
You should know that Kumogakure was the most agitated; they had long wanted to fight someone but had always lacked a reasonable excuse.
If you issued that statement of condemnation, Kumogakure would absolutely rush in with their army in the name of justice to conquer them.
Even with Hanzo's righteous temperament, he might also disapprove and join in.
Wouldn't that immediately reduce the pressure?
Moreover, we are the victims; we are the reasonable party!
As Hokage, your Village people were attacked, and you don't even dare to make a sound. Is that acceptable?
Even if you swallow your anger now, in the original story, didn't Hidden Sand still declare war on Konoha?
So, this war was bound to happen sooner or later; it just depended on who started it first.
Rather than being passively beaten, it's better to strike first.
Sure enough, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still too weak.
For Kushina's future, the position of Hokage should be given to someone else.
Takeshi's gaze fell on Tsunade.
From the current comprehensive considerations, Tsunade was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
She not only had no prejudice against the Uchiha but was also not someone who would willingly suffer losses.
If the Village was bullied, she would never swallow her anger; she would act when necessary.
And most importantly, she was very good to Kushina.
This was the biggest bonus point.
At least it could ensure that after Tsunade took office, Kushina would not suffer unfair treatment.
It was just a pity that Tsunade had no interest in becoming Hokage.
However, that was not a problem.
If she wasn't willing, Takeshi would make her willing.
Tsunade was not Kushina; making decisions for her would not be breaking a vow.
Of course, he felt that if necessary, even killing Hiruzen Sarutobi was an option.
"Brat, why are you staring at me?"
Tsunade puffed out her chest, and her kimono swayed with it.
"Nothing, I just think you're very beautiful… Ah!"
Before he could finish speaking, Kushina directly stepped on his foot.
"Pervert!"