Chapter 14: One Hundred Million Ryo
"I'm just guessing too. We'll know when the time comes."
Kawakaze didn't explicitly say he had a hunch that the person would definitely come out and cause trouble. This was a significant variable for the figure lurking in the shadows. Since it was out of his control, that person would undoubtedly try to destroy or extinguish it in its infancy.
"I understand."
Sakumo Hatake nodded, though it wasn't clear if he truly grasped the meaning. He pointed as if to affirm the thought. Having familiarized himself with Konoha's power structures to avoid clan conflicts, Sakumo could guess who Kawakaze was referring to. However, it was sensitive information, and he refrained from mentioning the name outright.
"I know too," Tsunade chimed in, unwilling to be left out. Despite her words, she was brimming with curiosity but managed to suppress it. After Tobirama Senju had ordered the Senju Clan to integrate into the village, Hiruzen Sarutobi took extra care to shield her from village disputes, offering her a kind of protective indulgence. Without his protection, Tsunade wouldn't have the carefree life she enjoyed now—dealing with the Uchiha alone would be enough to drive her to drink.
"Haha, then we'll just wait for the fish to bite the bait."
"If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move," Kawakaze laughed heartily, confident that everyone understood the plan.
After finishing lunch, Tsunade left with Kawakaze in tow, her mind swirling with questions. Kawakaze, unaffected by her barrage of curiosity, casually bragged about mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique, which only heightened her intrigue. Her thoughts raced with theories about the mysterious individual he had mentioned.
In the afternoon, Nawaki resumed his training at the Hatake Clan. Orochimaru, preoccupied and yet to begin his experiments, had no time to guide his prized disciple. Kawakaze, however, had his own suspicions. As a strong contender for the Hokage position, Orochimaru was likely consumed by preparations for the impending war.
After arranging Nawaki's training schedule, Kawakaze left the Hatake Clan and made his way to the weapons workshop. The place was bustling with activity, with piles of ninja gear being prepared.
At the forging room, Rōtetsu, shirtless as always, was hard at work. Seeing Kawakaze, he immediately stopped and approached, assuming he had come to collect Sakumo's new weapon.