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The main battlefield between Konoha and Kumogakure was in the Land of Rice Fields.
In the original story, after Orochimaru's defection, he established Otogakure in this country, which gained considerable fame.
But now, it had been reduced to a tragic warzone between the two great shinobi villages.
In truth, the small nations surrounding the Land of Fire remained unannexed precisely because Konoha used them as buffer zones.
When war broke out, they became the battlegrounds.
If fighting ever reached Konoha's doorstep, it meant the situation was dire.
For example, during the Third Shinobi World War, the Battle of Kikyōzan had taken place right outside the village gates.
That victory had marked the war's conclusion.
Had they lost, present-day Konoha might have been devastated—or might not even exist anymore.
Hyūga Hiashi's squad contained the most Hyūga clansmen.
Yet command was still given to Tsunade.
Hyūga Hiashi, head of the Hyūga clan, was of the same generation as Uchiha Fugaku, leader of the Uchiha.
But Tsunade was their senior—not to mention one of the Legendary Sannin. By both status and common sense, she was the natural choice for commander.
Still, it annoyed her.
Her purpose in joining this war was to train her three disciples, yet somehow she'd ended up with command responsibilities.
Sasame obediently followed along on the march.
This was his first time traveling far from home, and the unfamiliar scenery was interesting at first.
But after a while, it just became monotonous.
Everyone was focused on marching—there wasn't even anyone to talk to.
At night, the group stopped to make camp.
Sasame was assigned to share a tent with Yakushi Kabuto.
For mobility's sake, they used sleeping bags.
"Kabuto, how's your progress with the Hashirama Cell transplantation technique I gave you?"
Over the past two-plus years, Orochimaru's research had advanced significantly.
Per their original agreement, he'd provided Sasame with a copy.
Hashirama's cells were incredibly useful.
Even if Sasame never needed them himself, they'd be perfect for his future organization's members.
"Some aspects... remain beyond my current level. They're quite difficult."
Kabuto shook his head, frowning. "But I've learned much. Given a few more years, I should fully master it."
Sasame was satisfied.
Most people wouldn't even comprehend the research, let alone replicate it.
Only someone as prodigious as Kabuto could manage.
That, plus Tsunade's guidance.
Much medical knowledge overlapped, after all.
"I'm going to check on Sensei."
Sasame had planned to sleep, but then remembered—he hadn't yet done their nightly goodnight ritual with Tsunade.
He crawled from his sleeping bag and headed to the adjacent tent.
As commander, Tsunade had her own quarters.
She wasn't asleep yet, mentally debating whether to visit Sasame.
For nearly three years now, she'd always bid him goodnight before bed.
But then she recalled Hyūga Hinata from that morning, and an inexplicable tightness formed in her chest.
Tsunade froze for several seconds, then sighed.
Honestly... you're regressing. Getting worked up over a little girl.
Deep down, she knew it wasn't about Hinata—it was about Sasame.
"Sis, you asleep?"
Tsunade's eyes snapped open. She sat up, spotting a familiar silhouette outside.
After a pause, she said, "No. Come in."
Sasame entered and, out of habit, slipped right under her covers.
After two years, this routine felt natural to both of them.
Only then did Tsunade realize what she'd permitted.
She opened her mouth, then closed it.
Why did I break my own rule?
"I came to say goodnight."
Sasame happily nuzzled against her. "Can't sleep without it."
"You're still acting like a child."
Tsunade looked down at him, bemused.
"I am a child."
Sasame tilted his head up, resting it between her ample curves without shame. "I'm not even ten yet."
"You should get to bed."
Tsunade sighed, grabbing the scruff of his neck like a misbehaving kitten.
She didn't mind his liberties, but some instinct warned this path led to trouble.
They weren't at home now. If anyone noticed, it could cause problems.
Rumors wouldn't bother her—but Sasame didn't deserve that.
"Fine."
Reluctantly, Sasame left the warm futon. "Goodnight, Sis."
"Goodnight."
Tsunade kept her voice steady, resisting his pout.
Back in his own tent, Sasame sensed her hesitation.
He could guess the reason.
Mostly, it was because he'd grown—no longer the little boy she'd first taken in.
And currently, Tsunade saw him as a younger brother, not a romantic prospect.
I'll need to gradually shift that, Sasame mused.
Otherwise, he might never win her over.
After loving her across two lifetimes, he wasn't about to let her slip away.
Who could rival his dedication?
Next Morning
After breakfast, they resumed marching.
For once, Sasame hadn't eaten Tsunade's onigiri, and strangely, he missed them.
Wait—is this Stockholm Syndrome?!
He shook his head violently. Nope. Not falling for that.
By noon, they reached Konoha's main camp in the Land of Rice Fields.
The current commander was Uchiha Fugaku.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had sent him to the front for several reasons.
First, the Uchiha were formidable warriors.
Second, it helped dispel suspicions from the Nine-Tails incident while channeling the clan's resentment over their forced relocation.
Hiruzen, now elderly, wanted no more internal Konoha conflicts—he needed the Uchiha compliant.
In the original story, even after receiving Uchiha Itachi's coup report, he'd still sought peaceful resolution.
The truth?
Hiruzen simply lacked his teacher Tobirama's capability to handle the Uchiha.
Add in Danzō's interference, and the pair became Konoha's very own "Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix"—making every situation worse.
Frankly, doing nothing might have yielded better results.
Of course, the Uchiha weren't blameless either.
Arrogant, prideful, radical, and dismissive of others.
Their temperament survived solely due to their formidable power.
But now, their two strongest members had joined Konoha's ranks.
The death star loomed overhead.
Upon meeting Fugaku, Tsunade immediately transferred command to him.
Changing leaders mid-battle was risky, but she had students to train.
After lunch, Team Tsunade assembled.
"I've accepted an A-rank mission as your team's first assignment."
Sasame's eye twitched. Starting with A-rank? Isn't that excessive?
Shizune and Kabuto, ever obedient, simply nodded.
Tsunade smirked at Sasame. "What? Scared?"
Her tone was teasing.
"Of course not!"
Sasame glared. Woman, what's your problem? Doubting me now?
Tsunade grinned wider, pinching his cheek. "It's fine if you are. I'll protect you~"
Shizune and Kabuto exchanged a glance.
The same thought passed between them:
Are we... just third wheels here? (Tragic.)
Sasame was the golden child. They were just the afterthoughts.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 70 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.