Meanwhile, within the Hidden Mist, Fuguki had already returned. Mei Terumī, however, had been summoned by Elder Gensui.
The moment she stepped into the chamber, she knew something was wrong. Besides Gensui, a host of elite jōnin were present, their faces grim.
"Mei," Gensui said slowly, "tell us what happened during the negotiations with Konoha."
Suppressing her doubts, Mei recounted the talks. In truth, there hadn't been much beyond endless bickering.
"So it really was Mizukage-sama's order…" Gensui murmured after hearing how Fuguki had suddenly ended the meeting.
"What happened?" Mei asked, unsettled.
"Mizukage-sama has declared war on Konoha," Gensui replied with a weary sigh.
"What?!" Mei's eyes widened. "Why would he do that? What reason could he possibly have to declare war?"
"We'd like to know as well," said Ao, seated beside Gensui. His tone was grim. "With our current strength, we can't possibly overpower Konoha."
Ao—the veteran known as the Byakugan Killer—carried his own proof of that war. During the last great war, he had torn the eye from a Hyūga's skull. To this day, his Byakugan remains the only known one to fall into foreign hands.
"Did no one try to dissuade him?" Mei pressed, frowning.
"He wouldn't listen," Gensui admitted, shaking his head. "He ignored every word and stubbornly chose war."
The elders were the Mizukage's equals in status, second only in power—yet even they could not sway him.
"I compromised," Gensui said finally, voice heavy. "Ao will command this war. You all must hold Konoha back on the front lines… while we search for the true reason behind Mizukage-sama's decision."
—
Kitazawa arrived at the back of Kurenai's house.
The training ground was scarred with deep craters—each one the mark of her monstrous strength.
"Why are you home so late today?" Kurenai paused her drills, wiped sweat from her brow, and asked.
"There was a last-minute Jonin meeting."
He quickly explained the situation.
"What?" Kurenai stepped closer, eyes flashing. "Then I want to go too!"
"It'll be dangerous," Kitazawa warned, his expression hesitant.
"My strength has improved a lot. I won't drag you down!" she said firmly, fists clenched.
Her determined look made him relent at last. Dangerous as it was, the battlefield was also the best training ground.
"When do we leave?" she asked, her tone calm but her gaze serious. She wasn't careless—she knew exactly what the battlefield meant. She'd survived the Third Ninja War. In terms of experience, she even surpassed him.
"I'm not sure yet. We'll wait for Lady Tsunade's orders. Likely within two days."
Kurenai's eyes lit up. "Lady Tsunade's leading the unit? Then Konoha's victory is certain!"
Tsunade's prestige in the village was unmatched. To most shinobi, she was the pillar of confidence—Kurenai included.
"Mhm." Kitazawa smiled faintly, patting her head. "After lunch, let's go buy ninja tools and explosive tags."
On the battlefield, such supplies were consumed faster than chakra itself. Missions allowed rest. War didn't. Having enough weapons and tags could mean survival.
Kitazawa had saved plenty of money but rarely spent it. This time, he finally would.
By sunset, Kitazawa and Kurenai returned with bags stuffed full: explosive tags, kunai, shuriken, and preserved food supplies.
"You cook," Kitazawa said suddenly, then added, "I'll go ask Lady Tsunade about the situation."
"Alright." Kurenai nodded and went to the kitchen.
Kitazawa crossed next door and knocked.
"Good evening, Kitazawa," Shizune greeted, opening the door.
"Shizune-senpai," he said respectfully as she let him in.
Inside, Tsunade was slumped over a table, asleep amid a mountain of documents. War wasn't only about soldiers—it was intelligence, sensory units, medics, logistics… and all of it fell on her shoulders as commander.
"Give her a moment," Shizune whispered. "She's been working since she returned from the Hokage Building."
Kitazawa nodded and sat carefully nearby. His eyes lingered for an instant on her slightly loosened clothes, revealing the faintest glimpse—enough to make him quickly look away and pick up a document instead.
It was intel on Mist Jonin: names, relationships, and preferred jutsu. Some were detailed, others barely noted. Clearly, the level of information depended on their notoriety.
At last, Tsunade stirred, her eyelashes fluttering open. She yawned, sat up, and blinked at him.
"Tsu—" Kitazawa began, but froze as a light kick tapped his leg.
He blinked. What was that supposed to mean?
"It's because of you that I'm drowning in work," Tsunade grumbled, glaring at him.
"…Is there anything I can do to help?" Kitazawa offered quickly. He knew he bore some responsibility for the current mess.
"I'm hungry. Make me something," Tsunade said abruptly after staring at him for a few seconds.
Kitazawa was momentarily stunned. "Then… I'll cook."
He stood and headed toward the kitchen. Tsunade's gaze followed him until he disappeared. Then, slowly, she turned back to her papers—but her thoughts drifted.
She hadn't planned any of this. She had only returned to the village for money. Yet somehow, one step at a time, she was walking down the path of Hokage.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune said a little later, emerging from the kitchen. "Why did you make Kitazawa cook? He's a guest."
"Why not? He's your junior," Tsunade replied lazily.
"…Are you planning to take him as a student?" Shizune asked in surprise.
"Mm." Tsunade was quiet for a couple of seconds before answering.
It was only natural at this point. Even Danzō had casually called Kitazawa her student at the Jonin meeting. For her not to acknowledge it would be unreasonable.
"It seems I'll finally have a proper junior... no, his strength has already surpassed mine."
Shizune's smile faltered. The thought left her with little joy.
"His talent is greater than yours," Tsunade said lazily, stretching as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "It's only natural he'd surpass you."
"That may be true, but as his senpai, the pressure feels real." Shizune exhaled softly, the weight settling in her chest.
"You'll get used to it," Tsunade replied with a small chuckle.
"When do you plan on telling him?" Shizune asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"After the war ends," Tsunade murmured, narrowing her eyes. "I have a feeling he'll make a name for himself out there."
"Kitazawa already has the strength. He just needs the right opportunity," Shizune agreed.
Tsunade gave a slow nod. But in truth, there was another reason she hadn't voiced. With her hemophobia, many tasks would inevitably fall to Kitazawa. In time, his presence would only grow stronger—perhaps even rivaling that of Minato Namikaze.
And that, to Tsunade, was a relief. Kitazawa could shoulder the burdens she didn't want. Even if she became Hokage, she could slack off, knowing he was there to steady things. After two years, she could simply vanish without a trace.
The truth was clear—whether she admitted it or not, she was destined to be Hokage. Unless she abandoned her post as front-line commander and walked away from Konoha altogether. But that… she couldn't do.
So she'd let fate take its course.
"Go call Kurenai for dinner," Tsunade said, pulling herself from her thoughts.
"Right." Shizune, cradling Tonton, nodded and slipped away.
Though Kurenai had already cooked, she couldn't refuse Tsunade's invitation. Her own meal would have to wait until tomorrow.
Half an hour later, six people sat gathered around a long table.
"Rina, you and Karin will stay in Konoha," Tsunade instructed firmly. "If Danzo tries to stir trouble, go to the Old Man for support."
"Understood," Rina Uzumaki replied quickly. She knew her limits—she'd be no help on the battlefield. It was better to remain behind and protect Karin.
"As for you two," Tsunade's gaze shifted to Kitazawa and Kurenai, "you'll be with the General Staff, under my command. I'll assign missions as they come."
The battlefield was treacherous, but the safest place was always near the commander. Deep inside Konoha's stronghold, the defenses were thickest.
"Prepare yourselves in the next two days. We'll depart once the Hidden Mist makes their move," Tsunade said, lifting her chopsticks. "Now, let's eat."
Later, back home—
"It's lucky Lady Tsunade is with us," Kurenai sighed as she slipped off her sandals, sinking into the carpet. "If it were just us heading to the frontlines, it would be far too dangerous."
"It's no less dangerous beside her," Kitazawa warned, stepping up to embrace her from behind. "Don't let your guard down."
"I know." Kurenai leaned into him briefly before nudging his hip with hers. "While we have time, I plan to train."
"So diligent?" Kitazawa raised a brow, amused.
"I don't have the talent you do," Kurenai shot back with a soft snort.
"What are you working on? I'll join." He gave her hip a playful pat.
"No need." Kurenai shook her head. "You should focus on your own training. I know you've been working on that regeneration jutsu."
"Fair enough." Kitazawa bent down, brushing his lips against her neck.
Kurenai shivered, images she tried to suppress flickering in her mind. She wouldn't let herself become the "bad woman" he teased her about. So she slipped outside to train, leaving Kitazawa to his studies.
At his desk, Kitazawa unrolled his notes. His Earth Release training was still incomplete—he needed to master four jutsus before the semester's end, barely a month away. Still, he preferred to leave that to the battlefield. With his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he could copy enemy jutsu directly.
Though the Mist favored Water Release, Earth jutsu weren't uncommon among them. And Water Release was also one of his long-term goals. In fact, all five releases were.
If only the Sharingan could mimic kekkei genkai… it would save him years.
Kitazawa shook the thought away and bent over his notes again. His work on medical ninjutsu for limb regeneration was finally taking shape. At this pace, he could master it within two or three months.
Time slipped by unnoticed until a knock came at the door.
"I've run a hot bath for you," Kurenai's voice called softly. She stepped in, the fresh scent of soap trailing with her. "Go shower."
"Wait for me," Kitazawa said, his tone carrying more than one implication.
"I won't let you fool around!" Kurenai's cheeks flushed as she spat back in mock annoyance.
Kitazawa only chuckled and headed toward the bath.
Left alone, Kurenai sat on the bed, taking a deep, steadying breath. Despite their closeness, every night still felt new—her heart thudding with both nerves and excitement, anticipation fluttering in her chest.
Time passed slowly.
Kurenai Kurenai, lost in concentration, suddenly looked up.
"Where do you want to start?"
The door closed softly behind him. Kitazawa walked forward, his presence filling the space.
Kurenai met his gaze, her heartbeat quickening. Flustered, she turned her head aside, refusing to meet his eyes directly—yet the next moment, she deliberately let her robe slip, baring one delicate shoulder.
"Your skin… whiter than snow," Kitazawa whispered, leaning close to her ear.
A soft hum escaped Kurenai's lips, betraying her shyness.
His lips traced a path down her neck, sending shivers through her. Her body weakened beneath the warmth of his touch, and instinctively, she clutched at his head, holding him close.
Kitazawa's world narrowed to the pale heat of her skin and the taste of her lips, parted ever so slightly. Her long legs shifted, pressing against him. He didn't speak—only kissed her, again and again.
"Ki… Kitazawa…" Kurenai's breath hitched, her chest tightening with an unfamiliar heat. Her face flushed crimson.
He lifted his head at last, eyes half-lidded, before wrapping his arms around her waist. With a smooth motion, he reversed their positions, settling her on top.
Kurenai blinked down at him, his smile brimming with encouragement.
With a soft sigh, she pressed her palm against his abdomen, giving in to resignation.
The night faded wordlessly into dawn.
The next day, with their supplies already bought, Kitazawa and Kurenai trained quietly while waiting for Tsunade's orders.
By afternoon, Shizune appeared.
"Shizune-senpai," Kitazawa called, leaping down from a tree. Kurenai continued her training nearby while he worked on his medical ninjutsu for limb regeneration.
"Lady Tsunade wants you at the main gate immediately," Shizune said briskly. "You're to lead the supply transport team. She'll depart with the main force tomorrow."
"Understood." Kitazawa arched a brow but accepted without hesitation.
"There's no time for long explanations. The details are in this scroll." Shizune handed him the sealed document.
"Got it." Kitazawa tucked it away. "We'll depart now."
Shizune gave a curt nod before turning on her heel.
Soon, Kitazawa gathered Kabuto and two others, then set out with Kurenai for the village gates. By the time they arrived, a crowd of ninja had already assembled.
Among them stood two familiar figures—Aburame Shibi and Shiranui Genma.
Shibi, clan head of the Aburame and father to Shino, was a seasoned Jonin. Genma, once Fourth Hokage Minato's guard, was a sharp-eyed Special Jonin.
"Kitazawa-sama." Shibi stepped forward respectfully.
Kitazawa blinked in surprise. "I don't deserve that title. Just call me Kitazawa."
"In wartime, formalities matter," Shibi explained calmly. "You are our captain now. It's only proper."
Behind him, Genma couldn't hide his daze. Just last year, Kitazawa had been calling him "Senpai." Now, in the blink of an eye, Genma was serving under him.
Life was strange.
But even Genma couldn't deny Kitazawa's rapid rise—his strength was undeniable. After all, he had slain Kurosuki Raiga, one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.
Watching Kitazawa converse easily with Shibi, Kurenai felt as though she were in a dream. She had witnessed his growth firsthand, but only now did the reality of his status hit her.
He had already risen beyond her reach.
Fortunately, she had chosen early—and chosen well. A faint smile touched her lips at the thought, warmth blooming in her chest.
"Enough talk," Kitazawa finally declared. "Let's move out."
The convoy set off, carriages laden with food, medicine, and ninja tools.
Storage scrolls were too costly for such bulk, and the sheer volume of supplies made horse-drawn transport the only option—unless urgency demanded otherwise.
As the caravan creaked forward, Kitazawa found himself musing. In Boruto's time, they'll have lightning trains. How convenient that would be now.
The Aburame clan provided vigilance, their kikaichu scanning constantly for hostile chakra.
Kitazawa unrolled the scroll from Shizune. The intelligence was grim—just this morning, the Mist had mobilized. Four thousand shinobi, led by Ao and Suikazan Fuguki, were marching forth.
An all-out offensive.
Any ordinary Mizukage would never risk such recklessness. But this Mizukage… Yagura, a puppet of Obito, had no hesitation. If not for Gensui's lingering influence, the Mist might have sent even more.
Kitazawa closed the scroll with a heavy sigh. Four thousand shinobi were daunting enough—especially with the advantage of sea terrain and the dreaded Hidden Mist jutsu.
As expected, Yagura himself would not march. That complicated Kitazawa's mission.
By the second evening, the caravan was overtaken by Tsunade's main force. Together, the troops halted to make camp.
Kitazawa slipped into Tsunade's tent.
"You've worked hard, Kitazawa," Tsunade greeted from where she lounged on a carpet.
"It wasn't difficult. We didn't even encounter an enemy along the way." Kitazawa sat across from her, his gaze brushing the contours revealed by her loosely draped robes.
Her voice snapped him back. "I just received word—the vanguard was ambushed. Heavy losses." She pressed her temples. "The Mist's Hidden Mist Jutsu is far too effective for surprise attacks."
Kitazawa's expression hardened. "A poor start will cripple morale."
"You're right." Tsunade sat up and unfurled a map.
Three crimson marks stood out.
"These are the Mist's strongholds. If we can crush even one, we'll turn the tide."
[Mission Triggered: Secure Konoha's first victory.]
[Reward: Lightning Release — Lightning Blade]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa exhaled slowly. Three missions in as many days. Truly… war is an opportunity.