When Kawaki left the laboratory, he was alone.
Actually, it would be more accurate to say he had been kicked out.
Tsunade and Orochimaru had already fully immersed themselves in their research. He was just getting in the way there.
In the end, he was literally shoved and chased out of the lab by the two of them.
"Retire the donkey after the grinding's done."
"Pfft, burn the boat after reaching shore."
Kawaki muttered nonstop as he walked out of the hospital.
"This place doesn't want me? There's always somewhere that will!"
"In this vast Konoha, can't Kawaki-sama find a place to stay?"
Convinced it couldn't possibly go that far, he refused to believe his beloved older brother would actually drive him away.
Thinking thus, he set off toward Anbu HQ.
Before he even arrived, an Anbu spotted him and reported to Sakumo.
"Sakumo-sama, Kawaki-sama is on his way here."
The Anbu officer half-knelt before Sakumo, not daring to raise his head.
"Tell him I'm not here."
"If he had something important, he wouldn't need you to report for him."
Sakumo waved his hand dismissively—he knew his younger brother too well.
That kid only wandered over when he was bored. Whenever he had business, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Yes, sir."
The Anbu accepted the order and withdrew, though the expression beneath his mask was pained.
You gods can fight all you want, but us mortals—stuck in the crossfire again.
Biting the bullet, he stepped forward to block Kawaki.
"Kawaki-sama."
He didn't dare say another word—only greeted him respectfully.
"Mm, is my older brother around?"
Kawaki stopped casually, the smile on his face appearing genuine.
"Sakumo-sama has gone out on official duties."
Following Sakumo's instructions, the Anbu answered smoothly.
"Is that so? Then I'll just wait inside for him."
Unsuspecting, Kawaki lifted his foot and kept walking inward.
"Kawaki-sama~"
"What now? Any other issues?"
Although Kawaki still wore a smile, the Anbu had no idea how to respond.
"No… no issue at all. Please proceed."
After holding back for so long, he could only let him pass.
In Konoha, someone might exist who could stop Kawaki Hatake, but he definitely wasn't one of them.
"Oh."
Kawaki turned his head and continued forward, strolling through Anbu like wandering through his own courtyard.
"Hmm? Aren't you supposed to be out?"
Just entering the office, Kawaki immediately saw Sakumo seated and handling administrative work.
"Just got back."
"You have business with me?"
Sakumo wasn't surprised at all—knowing full well that if Kawaki was determined to enter, not even a low-ranking Anbu could stop him.
"Heh~ Look at that high-and-mighty act."
"You mean I can't visit unless I have something important?"
Kawaki rolled his eyes—again.
After closing the door, he poured himself a glass of water and sat on the sofa.
Sakumo ignored him completely—as if Kawaki weren't even there.
"Hey, could you at least acknowledge your little brother?"
He drank almost the whole cup while Sakumo didn't even glance up once.
Frustrated by the silent treatment, Kawaki spoke again.
"Either speak your piece or get out."
"I'm busy."
Sakumo paused his work and glanced helplessly at Kawaki.
This guy must be incredibly bored.
"My wife said she wants another kid today."
"What do you think?"
Kawaki was clearly just trying to make small talk. Trying to talk about this with his stick-in-the-mud older brother? Of course it'd go nowhere.
"If you're that bored, go to the training field and help me train my men."
"The door's over there."
Sakumo pinched the bridge of his nose, suppressing his frustration.
"Fine, Sakumo Hatake."
"I finally figured you out."
Getting the cold shoulder after offering a warm greeting, Kawaki stormed off in anger.
*Bang!*
The heavy office doors slammed shut behind him, and Kawaki left much faster than when he arrived.
"That brat~"
Sakumo felt both amused and annoyed—the expression on his face was priceless no matter who looked at it.
The esteemed head of Anbu, yet only his younger brother could provoke such a reaction from him.
"What a disgrace!"
"How did you end up like this?"
Leaving Anbu headquarters, Kawaki sighed heavily.
He truly realized now—sometimes being too free isn't actually a good thing.
"Forget it! If adults don't like me, kids still will!"
Kawaki had an idea. He bought some toys and snacks on the street and headed straight for the Senju compound.
Before even entering the gate, he heard children crying from inside.
"What's going on? Who made our little Hanami upset?"
Pushing the door open forcefully, Kawaki's voice rang out through the entire Senju compound.
"Uncle! Uncle!"
Sure enough, the child didn't disappoint Kawaki. Little Hanami wobbled toward him on her short legs, tears streaming down her face, rushing as fast as she could.
"There, there. Don't cry."
"Uncle's here to protect you."
Kawaki squatted down just in time as Hanami threw herself into his arms.
Her small hands couldn't quite wrap around his neck, so they simply rested on his shoulders.
Her whole face pressed into Kawaki's chest, only a wild mop of red hair visible.
"Lord Kawaki, Miss Hanami wanted to find Lady Misaki."
"She started crying when I didn't let her go."
The nanny stood before Kawaki, visibly uneasy.
"It's fine. It's normal for kids to miss their mothers."
"You can handle other tasks. I'll take care of Hanami."
Kawaki picked up Hanami while dismissing the babysitter.
This caretaker was arranged by Tsunade, so safety wasn't an issue at all.
Besides, he wasn't the type to be overly demanding either—it's naturally not an easy job watching over a child.
"Finished crying?"
"Look what I've got here?"
Kawaki shook the bag of toys and snacks slightly beside her.
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"Done crying."
"Thank you, uncle."
Little Hanami lifted her head. Seeing treats and toys immediately brought a beam of delight to her face.
She smooched Kawaki right on the cheek, melting his heart completely.
At that moment, he felt exactly what Orochimaru had gone through.
"Do you still want to look for Mama?"
Wiping away Hanami's tears, Kawaki gently touched her round, squishy little cheeks.
Now able to walk and talk, Hanami already bore a strong resemblance to Misaki in facial features.
A real beauty in the making!
"Nope!"
"I want that snack."
Hanami shook her head, pointing her tiny finger at the bag.
"No problem."
As Kawaki fed Hanami and teased her, she laughed so hard she snorted.
The sense of worth he lost among adults—he found it all back through this little girl.
"Want to go out and explore?"
After feeding Hanami a bunch of snacks, Kawaki set everything down in the living room and decided to take her out for some fun.
He wasn't worried about losing her.
"Yay! Yay!"
Little Hanami clapped her hands—her joy was unmistakable.
"Off we go."
Without needing to say goodbye to anyone, Kawaki scooped up Hanami and left the Senju estate.
They went shopping and snacking along the way until Hanami's little tummy was plump and full.
"Uncle, Hanami can't eat anymore."
Hanami covered her mouth—it was truly impossible to squeeze in another bite.
"Haha~ Then Uncle will finish it."
Kawaki ate whatever was left, then put Hanami down so she could walk by herself.
She clung tightly to one of his fingers, swinging it back and forth—she just wouldn't let go.
Not until sunset did Kawaki finally bring Hanami back to the Senju estate.
After all, she was still just a child—Hanami had already dozed off, resting her head on Kawaki's shoulder.
"Thanks for taking care of her, brother-in-law."
"Sister Tsunade and Orochimaru-sensei are still working late at the lab."
Misaki took Hanami from him while updating Kawaki on Tsunade's schedule.
"Two mad scientists~"
Kawaki chuckled and shook his head.
He could imagine that even after Tsunade stepped down, she'd probably still spend most of her time in the lab.
"Well, you've got to thank yourself for bringing those cool toys."
Misaki teased Kawaki gently as she stroked her daughter's head.
"Haha~ My bad, my bad."
"You can go put Hanami to sleep now. I'll head back."
Caught up in Little Hanami's cheerfulness, Kawaki was feeling great.
"Alright, see you later, brother-in-law."
Misaki watched Kawaki leave, then turned her gaze toward the northwest—that was where Nawaki was.
...
"Why haven't they been eliminated again?"
"Each time it's just barely missed—are you really trying?"
Ōnoki was furious—he'd even gotten slightly injured holding off the Third Raikage.
Right now, one arm hung in a sling, bloodstains marred his clothes, making him look thoroughly bedraggled.
"What exactly are you implying?"
"Do you think I'm doing this on purpose?"
"Do you really think I made the long journey from Konoha with my team just to let those Cloud ninja brothers escape?"
"Are you saying our fallen comrades weren't real?"
Nawaki's voice grew colder and louder with each word.
He stared down at Ōnoki's eyes, standing his ground firmly and unyieldingly.
In a moment like this, he absolutely wouldn't back down.
Besides, he hadn't come here to take orders from Ōnoki—he wasn't going to stand for this crap.
Nowadays, with increasing casualties among Iwagakure ninja, Ōnoki increasingly relied on him.
Today during the battle against the Cloud ninja, Nawaki had once again pulled his punches.
The AB combo escaped again before Ōnoki's very eyes.
This led to the confrontation between Tsuchikage and Nawaki you just witnessed.
"Lord Nawaki, Lord Tsuchikage didn't mean it that way."
"It's just under those circumstances, there was no reason for the AB combo to escape."
"He's just hot-headed right now. Wait until he cools down before talking to him."
An Iwa high-ranking ninja awkwardly persuaded Nawaki out of the tent, though inwardly he too was puzzled.
It was true that Leaf ninja had traveled far to help, and it was also true their comrades had died on the battlefield.
Yet, Nawaki intentionally going easy seemed equally undeniable.
"Hmph~ You're blaming me now?"
"Why didn't he kill the Third Raikage then?"
Nawaki's voice could still clearly be heard where Ōnoki was sitting inside the tent from outside.
Only after hearing something shatter inside did Nawaki leave, flicking his sleeve.
"There's nothing more for us to talk about."
Ōnoki wished he could fight Nawaki in a deadly duel—he was livid beyond measure.
"Please calm down."
"Given our current situation, we can't do without the Konoha shinobi."
Nakano Daisuke stepped forward to persuade Ōnoki, though it was truly a helpless move.
If the Konoha ninjas withdrew, Iwagakure would be doomed without a doubt.
Once Iwagakure suffered total defeat, the Land of Earth would fall straight into the Cloud Ninja's hands.
"Yeah, Tsuchikage-sama, this isn't the time to investigate things."
More high-ranking Iwa ninjas chimed in, further frustrating and suffocating Ōnoki.
After all, he himself had invited those Konoha ninjas—it felt like lifting a boulder only to drop it on his own foot.
His weakness exposed and exploited, he had no choice but to bite his tongue and endure every insult.
"Huff~"
Ōnoki closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, finally calming himself down.
"You guys get out. Let me be alone."
After dismissing everyone present, Ōnoki slumped into his chair, hesitating.
Nawaki returned to the Konoha ninja gathering place, showing no trace of anger anymore.
"Uncle, what's going on now?"
The moment he entered the tent, Ginji sneaked in behind him.
"You sly little brat."
"My act was too obvious."
Nawaki helplessly shrugged his shoulders—he hadn't expected those two to be so weak.
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He hadn't even tried seriously, yet the AB combo was already down.
Had he not held back earlier, today would have ended with the Cloud Ninjas handing over the Land of Earth as a gift.
"Hahaha~ I knew there'd be such a day."
Ginji laughed heartily, completely unfazed.
"You thick-skinned brat."
Nawaki flicked Ginji's forehead with his finger.
"Come on, you were criticizing me earlier too."
"You missed your finishing blow perfectly, accidentally breaking their restraints instead."
"Don't expect them to believe you—they wouldn't, and neither would I."
"That wasn't just holding back—that was openly helping the enemy."
Ginji rubbed his forehead, looking amused.
"Well, what else could I do?"
"Blame it on your dad's idiotic mission."
Nawaki pushed all the blame away—never admitting fault himself.
Their weakness was their problem, and the absurdity of Kawaki's mission? Also not my fault.
"Hahaha~ Actually, it doesn't matter much."
"Even if they suspect us, they wouldn't dare cause us trouble."
"We hold the initiative now—we just need to wait for your dad's message."
Though still young, Ginji had a sharp strategic mind.
No doubt his time in the Advanced Class at the Ninja Academy paid off.
"You're always clever."
"Listen up, issue orders that future battles must prioritize self-preservation."
Thinking it over, Nawaki gave an unusual command.
"You mean Iwagakure might try to deliberately drain our forces?"
Ginji picked up on it instantly, even though Iwagakure wouldn't dare go against Konoha ninjas directly.
But they could set a trap for the Konoha ninjas on the battlefield.
"We can't rule out that possibility."
"If they insist on holding back their strength, then sorry, I won't play this game anymore."
"Then we'll see who gets more anxious—them or us."
Nawaki suddenly let out a cold laugh, which actually made Ginji feel quite uncomfortable.
"Fine, got it."
Ginji nodded in agreement.
"If there's nothing else, get lost. Just seeing you irritates me."
Nawaki ruffled Ginji's silver hair, releasing his frustration.
"If you've got guts, stop messing with my head and go pick on someone else."
Ginji swatted Nawaki's hand away, clearly annoyed.
"What if I really don't dare? Think I'm bluffing?"
Hearing this, Nawaki got even more irritated and ruffled Ginji's hair harder.
"I'm leaving, I'm leaving."
Outmatched, Ginji left hurriedly with his hair completely messed up.
"Damn brat~"
Nawaki chuckled as he scolded him, shaking his hand in disgust before directly flopping onto the bed.
"Big brother Ginji, why is your hair so messy?"
After leaving, Ginji headed straight for where his companions gathered, and Aoi Tsuki immediately rushed over to fix his hair.
"It's all because of my uncle again. So annoying."
Grumbling a bit, Ginji quietly watched Aoi Tsuki work.
Once his hairstyle was almost restored, Aoi Tsuki clapped her hands in satisfaction.
Clearly, she didn't mind at all, and unintentionally, her jade-green little snake already coiled around Ginji's neck.
"Aww, isn't it adorable?"
Ginji flinched slightly and removed the jade necklace from his neck.
Seeing how nonchalant he was, Naruto's eyes widened in alarm.
He'd witnessed what happened to Cloud Ninjas bitten by Little Qing—those deaths were gruesome.
"Ahh~"
Ginji pretended to toss Qing toward Kinoto, who shrieked like her soul was flying out.
"Don't look at me—I'm scared too."
Shisui quietly took a step back. Even though he saw it every day, he still couldn't shake his fear of this unkillable snake.
"No taste at all. Little Qing is so cute."
Aoi Tsuki glanced at the other companions with a look of pure disdain.
"Little Qing doesn't bite people. It understands human feelings."
As soon as Ginji said that, the three of them wore shocked expressions.
Have you even heard yourself? Those Cloud Ninjas poisoned to death would probably come back to life from anger hearing that.
Did they ask for it? Why else would they shove themselves into Little Qing's mouth?
"Anyway, forget this topic."
"There's something I need you guys to handle."
Ginji knew from their reactions that explanations wouldn't work. People are different—that's all.
After tucking Qing inside his shirt, Ginji signaled for his companions to gather closer, quietly relaying Nawaki's orders to them.
"No problem."
"Right away."
"Okay."
The five split up and made sure each Konoha ninja received the order clearly.
...
"Nawaki says he's been compromised."
Tsunade lay in Kawaki's arms, one pale, shapely thigh draped over his body.
Her face still carried the glow of passion from their intimate moment, making her even more alluring.
"He sent a message to Orochimaru."
Kawaki wasn't particularly surprised. The current AB duo was nowhere near the level seen in the original storyline.
"Yeah, Orochimaru told me earlier this afternoon."
Tsunade didn't pay much attention to the news either, which was exactly what Kawaki had expected.
Whether it was Minato or Nawaki now, neither of them could be easily provoked by the AB pair.
It was only a matter of time before they revealed their weakness if pushed too hard.
"Then I guess it's about time we proceed with our next plan."
"Let the ninja world fall into chaos first."
Kawaki patted Tsunade's arm, smiling like a mastermind behind the scenes.
"Mm, I'll follow your lead."
Tsunade snuggled against Kawaki's chest and comfortably closed her eyes.
"What do you mean, 'I'll follow your lead'?"
"You're the Hokage now, remember?"
Kawaki teased with a smirk, raising his hand and playfully patting her chest, causing a soft ripple beneath his palm.
"I've had enough of that job."
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"Whoever wants it can take it."
Tsunade didn't even open her eyes as she pressed Kawaki's hand against her chest, refusing to let go.
"Let me ask you something."
"Hmm?"
"Between Nawaki and Minato, who do you favor more?"
Kawaki settled down, finally turning serious even while lying in bed.
"Hand and palm are both flesh."
"It wouldn't be good if I showed preference toward either one."
Tsunade slightly opened her eyes lazily, glancing at Kawaki.
One was her own younger brother, and the other was the first disciple of her late husband.
Deep down, she felt it didn't really matter who became the next Hokage.
"Nawaki has wanted to become Hokage since he was a child."
"But he's kind of naive. He's missing something."
Kawaki didn't hold back when talking about Nawaki.
"Mm."
"Without you, he'd never have a chance at competing for Hokage."
Tsunade agreed with Kawaki. She saw it clearly too.
"Minato is too optimistic. I worry he won't be able to command respect internally."
"Truth is, they're still too young."
"The most suitable candidates are actually from our generation."
"Whether it's my older brother, Jiraiya, or Orochimaru, any of them would be more qualified than these two kids right now."
Kawaki made sense. While Nawaki and Minato already had sufficient strength, they still had a long way to go in terms of strategy.
"You left yourself out."
Tsunade pinched Kawaki's hand lightly.
"Such an important responsibility? No way, not me."
Kawaki waved his hands frantically. If he wanted the position, he wouldn't have pushed Tsunade to take over.
"That's just an excuse. You're just being lazy."
"You don't want to do it, but do you think anyone else does?"
"In the end, it's just that the older generation doesn't want to work hard, so they're forced to choose among the younger ones."
Tsunade shot Kawaki an annoyed glare. Even now, she couldn't understand how she'd gotten mixed up in Kawaki's schemes.
Given another chance, she'd rather die than accept Kawaki's offer to become Hokage again.
After being busy in the lab for several days, she finally rediscovered her sense of purpose.
"Hehe~"
"Now I think both Nawaki and Minato are doing great."
"Everything needs time, right?"
Kawaki quickly changed the subject, as if he hadn't been the one criticizing them moments ago.
"Don't worry, with us standing behind them, both Nawaki and Minato will keep their positions secure."
"Once they've fully matured, we can retire and live out our golden years in peace."
Tsunade had a more open heart than Kawaki and fewer worries.
Hadn't she also taken her time walking through life? Even now, there were still things she relied on Kawaki for.
No one could call her an exceptional Hokage. But there was no denying the fact that Konoha had grown significantly during her term.
"You're right, my love."
"We won't interfere anymore. Let's see how capable they are."
"Whoever gets chosen deserves it."
Kawaki set aside all his worries. It would be better to let fate decide who becomes the next Hokage.
After all, by then, peace would already have settled over the Ninja World—at the very least, the Hokage would no longer face external threats.
"Yeah, that's settled."
"Time for sleep."
Tsunade yawned, clearly exhausted.
"Sleep."
Kawaki snuggled down a bit more, holding Tsunade in his arms as they peacefully drifted off.
Sleep after a fierce battle always felt sweeter. The couple slept deeply until dawn painted the sky.
In the morning, Kawaki accompanied Tsunade to the Hokage's office as usual for a brief moment before leaving under Shouta's resentful gaze.
Upon arriving at the lab, Tsunade and Orochimaru resumed their research while he settled onto the sofa outside.
He produced a Katsuyu clone from somewhere—it was no bigger than a palm—and it rested calmly in his hand.
"Please connect with Yahiko."
As soon as Kawaki initiated the link, the other side responded instantly.
The scene changed, revealing Yahiko and Konan's faces.
There was also a departing back view—it must have been Kakuzu.
"Teacher."
Both Yahiko and Konan showed happy smiles.
"How have you both been lately?"
"Have you contacted Nagato?"
Kawaki started with casual family talk; this was the chatting style engraved into his genes.
"Pretty good."
"Nagato and Senior Minato keep putting on performances every few days, and Yahiko and I almost die laughing."
She hadn't mentioned it yet, but once it came up, Konan couldn't stop laughing.
Especially remembering how Rōshi and Kitsuchi had been completely fooled, she couldn't help feeling naturally superior.
"They've performed enough already."
"It's time you got moving."
Kawaki got serious. Both Yahiko and Konan immediately straightened up.
"All forces are ready, awaiting your command, Teacher."
It was obvious Yahiko had been eagerly awaiting this day—the excitement in his eyes simply wouldn't hide itself.
"Good."
"Your next mission will be taking control of all the surrounding small countries."
"If the Land of Wind doesn't act, don't bother with them."
"If any unexpected situations arise, report to me immediately."
With every plan firmly fixed in Kawaki's mind, his commands were crisp and precise.
"Understood."
"Mission will be completed successfully."
Though they spoke differently, Yahiko and Konan shared the same resolve.
"Maintain strict discipline over your subordinates—avoid involving ordinary civilians."
"Don't kill those who surrender, and no war profiteering."
"Our goal isn't massacre or looting."
"Every action we take serves a single goal."
"That is achieving peace throughout the Ninja World."
"The necessary killings cannot be avoided, but the future of the Ninja World will surely bring stability."
Kawaki wasn't a perfectionist, nor did he have a merciful heart.
Once everything settled down, he might be labeled a schemer—or even worse, a butcher—but he didn't care.
Unification isn't just a cultural obsession in China—it's a sacred belief.
Having enough strength yet choosing isolation only earns mockery as a Jiangdong Jieru (cowardly elite).
History will judge my deeds—my merits and misdeeds!
"I've got it all."
Yahiko nodded gravely.
"So when should we start, Teacher?" Konan blinked innocently, looking utterly adorable.
"Within the next two or three days. You two can make your own arrangements."
"If the Cloud Ninjas raise any questions, stand firm."
"The Land of Earth has been stuck in prolonged conflict—this reason alone is more than sufficient."
"For now, they'll only be able to voice concerns—they're too tied up otherwise."
What Kawaki meant was for the Akatsuki to act without restraint.
"Understood."
Yahiko took careful note of every word Kawaki had said.
"The teacher's wife is busy inside. That's enough for today."
"We'll continue next time."
Kawaki redirected Katsuyu's shared vision into the lab, where Tsunade and Orochimaru were huddled, whispering intently.
"Goodbye, Teacher! Please send our greetings to the teacher's wife."
As Yahiko and Konan waved farewell, the visual connection from Katsuyu abruptly ended.
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