Chapter 177: Departure
Early the next morning, Kawakaze woke from his sleep. Tsunade was still resting soundly in his arms, clearly exhausted from the night before. Kawakaze smiled softly and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Without waking her, he got up quietly, washed, and made his way to the dining hall. It was still early, and only Sakumo was there, waiting for him.
"Big Brother," Kawakaze greeted, understanding that Sakumo, who didn't normally rise this early, had made a special effort to send him off.
"Well, I'll eat with you," Sakumo said, gesturing for Kawakaze to sit next to him.
Instead of taking the main seat, Sakumo sat across from Kawakaze, the two facing each other.
"I won't say much else, just be careful," Sakumo advised, knowing well the strength of Kumogakure and the formidable reputation of the Third Raikage. The title of "Strongest Raikage" was not given lightly.
"Don't worry. If I can't beat them, I can always run away, can't I?" Kawakaze replied with a bright smile. He had no intention of running but said this to reassure Sakumo.
"Hm," Sakumo nodded, continuing to eat the cake in his hands.
It was rare for the brothers not to bicker, and the atmosphere between them gradually grew quiet.
...
"Big Brother, I'm leaving," Kawakaze said as he finished his meal and stood to bid farewell to Sakumo.