Chapter 55: Return to Konoha
Kawakaze, this camp is no longer of any use," Orochimaru declared, surveying the ruins of the warehouse before turning to Kawakaze. "I will lead the troops to evacuate and head to a town in the Land of Fire to settle down temporarily. We'll find another campsite once the supplies arrive."
His tone was cold and detached, reflecting his unshakable mental fortitude—far beyond Yamaru's. With the camp exposed and supplies depleted, leading a large group aimlessly into the wilderness was not an option.
"For now, there's nothing else we can do." Kawakaze nodded in agreement; staying was futile. The only concern now was how soon the supplies would arrive.
"I wonder, who will you send back to Konoha?"
"You," Orochimaru replied with a faint smile.
"Me?" Kawakaze blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly. Still, the opportunity to return to Konoha and see Tsunade after more than a month apart was appealing.
"Yes, Kawakaze, you're swift and can deliver the news quickly. Besides," Orochimaru added with a sly smile, "I'm sure you miss Tsunade, don't you?"
"Haha, then I won't refuse," Kawakaze replied with a grin. "I'll set off immediately."
"Be careful on the road," Orochimaru said before turning away to organize the troops' evacuation to the town.
Kawakaze entrusted the two younger ones to Sakumo and Duy for safekeeping. If it were Jiraiya, Kawakaze wouldn't have felt as assured. Without delay, he began his journey back to Konoha. Thankfully, his foresight in carving Flying Thunder God Technique markers along the way allowed him to cover the distance in a single day.
Standing before the gates of Konohagakure once again, Kawakaze felt as if he had returned from another world. Perhaps every warrior longs for peace after leaving the battlefield. Ringing the gates, the two gatekeepers quickly verified his identity and let him in with respectful nods.