A/N: In previous chapters, I have realized I made a few errors. I called Jiraya a Sannin even though they don't even have the title yet. So no the Sannin haven't gotten the name yet
(Ken Tokitō POV - Konoha Year 38 - Battlefield)
I pant as the Sunagakure forces retreat, including Chiyo, and I am almost worried I would pass out right here.
If Chiyo decided not to retreat, I would be dead.
I wipe the sweat from my eyebrow and look around. I notice how Commander Orochimaru is heavily injured and is being tended by Tsunade-Hime.
I sigh in relief and allow myself to relax. This was only the first day, sure, but it was another day and another chance to get back to Kai and Masuyo.
(Ken Tokitō POV - 1 day later - New Konoha Base Camp)
I didn't know why, but the higher-ups have called me into the commander's tent. And though I was not proud to admit it, I was nervous.
'What could he want? Am I getting sent back home? Oh, please let me be sent back home' I sigh at the fantasy in my mind and smile.
I enter the tent silently, seeing Orochimaru and Tsunade-Hime, and I bow respectfully. "Commander Orochimaru…you asked for me?"
Both of them have a different posture. Tsunade was still as a statue, with fists clenched tight. I could understand why her brother's death must have affected her.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru has some bandages after the fight; fighting the Third Kazekage has taken a toll on him.
Orochimaru smiles, though I could tell it was not kindly. "Ken Tokitō, I am glad to see you up and ready from the battle. Do you know why you are here?"
I swallowed nervously. "No, Commander, I do not."
"Suna has entered you into their bingo book; they are calling you 'Kawarimi-no-Ken.' They've placed your head at 3 million Ryo as an A-ranked threat."
I blink in shock. Now, before the war, I would have been delighted, grinning and making jokes about how I would be bigger than Madara Uchiha someday. But I wasn't.
All that came was worry.
More enemies for me meant people going after my family instead of me. Masuyo could hold her own, even though she was retired; she was still strong, but if they somehow overpowered her…I shiver at the thought.
"We have informed you because of the threat; stronger people will seek to attack you. You need to be prepared, understood?" Tsunade spoke up
I nod from my bow, "Understood, Commander."
"Good, now, how about you explain that jutsu you used…"
(Ken Tokitō POV - Konoha Year 38 - Konoha Base Camp)
After the meeting, I realized I needed to get stronger, way stronger, if I wanted to protect my family.
Chiyo would hold a grudge, I knew that much. I didn't know if I could hold my own against the old hag, but surely I could hold my own to be able to retreat, right?
I sigh as shallow breathing overcame me. Then I clench my fists. If anyone dares to harm my family, I'll hunt them to the ends of the earth and make sure they never take another breath.
(Ken Tokitō POV - Konoha Year 38 - Jonin Meeting)
I have been participating in this war for a few months now, killing Ame Shinobi and Suna Shinobi every battle. I have been yearning for my family every day for this entire war.
Chiyo and I have battled on account of 3 times so far, the first battle when we first met.
The second battle was when we launched a sneak attack against the Sunagakure camp, where she was still recovering and making a new puppet, and I tried to kill her, but failed.
And the third, just a week ago, where she almost managed to poison me, but I switched positions with a Suna shinobi.
Pretty sure she hates me now.
And as of now, I was in a meeting for the Jonin in Konoha's base field, going over the fatalities of the latest battle and calling the Hokage for new troops.
I blink as Tsunade says brashly, "We need more medical nin! The troops are getting slaughtered out there! I can not keep healing everyone! I propose every four-man squad have a medical nin go with them."
Orochimaru blinks, "Tsunade, we can not risk resources on medical ninja who could die out in the battlefield, it would not be smart, we need all hands on deck, and for that deck we need a healer in base camp, more than 1."
It was silent for a moment before a man with blue hair spoke up, "I agree with Tsunade."
I recognized him, Kato Dan, the only shinobi in the village who can use the Spirit Transformation Technique; he was slightly known for it.
Orochimaru still didn't look convinced in the slightest. "And if those healers die? Then what? We have fewer healers and are done for."
I frown at the situation, then speak up, "Then why not experiment?" I don't usually speak up during the meetings, hence the surprised looks, but the risk would be worth it if it worked out.
"Make a team, with 1 healer, see how they would handle it. If it works, then that's great; if it doesn't, it barely affects the camp."
Orochimaru frowned, then sighed, "Alright, we will listen to Ken's idea, 1 test, if it does not work out." He looked directly at me, "It will be your fault."
I almost, keyword almost, though I really wanted to, rolled my eyes at him. But he had a point.
(After the meeting)
Tsunade approached me with Dan following behind her. She crossed her arms under her large assets.
"I have to thank you for standing up for me there, so thank you."
I nod at Tsunade, "It was no problem. If your idea works out, it will help Konoha hugely. Fewer casualties on the battlefield are a good thing. I should be going; I have a letter to write."
I left before she could get another word in, with dread curling in my stomach, 'Oh god, oh god, if Masuyo knew I was even talking to another woman, she would kill me, especially a senju.'
'Yup, it is decided, I shall never speak of this day again.'
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A/N: If any of you are getting tired of this mini-arc, it is ending in like 2 or 3 chapters.
The next chapter will tell us what Kai been up to all of these months. So yay.
Anyways, this chapter was kicking my ass to write, lol, so I hope you enjoy.
200 powerstones for an extra chapter