Kitazawa arrived at the back of Kurenai's house. The ground was uneven, riddled with craters caused by her Chakra Enhanced strength training.
"Why are you home so late today?" Kurenai stopped, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and asked.
"There was a Jonin meeting at the last minute." Kitazawa briefly explained the situation.
"What?" Kurenai quickly walked up to him, her expression firm. "I want to go too!"
"It will be very dangerous." Kitazawa hesitated.
"My strength has improved a lot now. I won't hold you back!" Kurenai clenched her fists.
Kitazawa looked at her determined expression and finally agreed. Although the battlefield was dangerous, it was also the best place for training.
"When do we depart?" Kurenai asked seriously.
Though she spoke lightly, she did not underestimate what awaited them. After all, she had fought in the Third Ninja World War. In terms of battlefield experience, she was even more seasoned than Kitazawa.
"I don't know yet. We'll wait for Lady Tsunade's notice—it should be within the next two days," Kitazawa replied.
"Lady Tsunade is leading the team?" Kurenai's eyes brightened. "Then it's definitely a victory for our Konoha!"
Tsunade held immense prestige in the village, and countless shinobi placed their trust in her. Kurenai was no exception.
"Mm." Kitazawa patted her head. "After lunch, we'll go buy ninja tools and explosive tags."
On the battlefield, those two things were consumed the most. Unlike missions, the battlefield often gave little time to rest.
Having enough tools and explosive tags could save chakra when needed. Kitazawa had been saving money for a long time, rarely spending it—this time, he finally had a reason.
As the sun set, Kitazawa and Kurenai returned home, carrying bags filled with purchases. Besides tools and tags, they had also stocked up on preserved food.
"You go cook," Kitazawa suddenly said. "I'll go ask Lady Tsunade about the situation."
"Mm." Kurenai nodded and headed to the kitchen.
Kitazawa walked next door and knocked.
"Good evening, Kitazawa." Shizune opened the door.
"Senior Sister Shizune." Kitazawa followed her inside and immediately saw Tsunade asleep at the table, documents piled high in front of her.
Even in war, battles weren't everything. There were intelligence units, sensory units, medical corps, logistics—an entire machine that Tsunade, as front-line commander, was responsible for.
"You'll have to wait," Shizune whispered. "She's been working ever since she came back from the Hokage Building."
"Mm." Kitazawa nodded and quietly sat.
His eyes flickered briefly toward Tsunade's slightly disheveled clothes—just a glimpse, but enough to be distracting. He quickly looked away and picked up one of the documents on the table.
It was intelligence on the Jonin of Hidden Mist Village, listing names, relationships, and their specialized ninjutsu. Some entries were detailed, others only briefly mentioned. Kitazawa guessed the details varied with fame.
Moments later, Tsunade's eyelashes trembled as she stirred awake. She sat up groggily, yawning, then blinked in surprise when she noticed Kitazawa.
"Tsu—" Kitazawa began, but before he could finish, he felt a sudden kick. Looking down instinctively, he saw Tsunade's jade-like bare foot. He blinked in confusion.
What was that supposed to mean?
"It's because of you that I'm so busy," Tsunade muttered irritably.
"Is there anything I can help with?" Kitazawa asked at once. He did, after all, bear some responsibility for the situation.
"I'm hungry. I want to eat." Tsunade's glare softened into something else entirely.
"Then I'll cook now." Kitazawa was briefly stunned, then stood up and headed for the kitchen.
Tsunade's gaze lingered on him until he disappeared from sight. Then she turned back to the documents, a faint daze settling over her.
How had she ended up here? She had only returned to the village for money. Yet somehow, events had spiraled, pushing her toward the path of becoming Hokage.
"Lady Tsunade." Shizune walked out moments later, looking helpless. "Why did you let Kitazawa cook? He's a guest."
"Why can't he cook?" Tsunade replied casually. "Anyway, he's your junior brother."
"Are you planning to take him as a student?" Shizune asked, startled.
"Mm." Tsunade paused for two seconds before answering.
Things had already gone this far—it would be unreasonable not to. Even at the Jonin meeting, Danzo had referred to Kitazawa as her student.
"So I'm finally going to have a proper junior… no, his strength already surpasses mine." Shizune's smile froze, leaving her oddly unsettled.
"His talent is greater than yours," Tsunade said matter-of-factly. "It's natural for him to surpass you."
"That may be true, but as his senior, I still feel the pressure." Shizune sighed.
"You'll get used to it." Tsunade chuckled.
"When do you plan to tell him?" Shizune asked curiously.
"After the war ends." Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "I have a premonition he'll become famous in this war."
"Kitazawa's strength is already enough. He just needs the right opportunity," Shizune agreed.
Tsunade nodded but kept another thought to herself. Because of her hemophobia, many tasks would inevitably fall on Kitazawa. His presence on the battlefield would only grow stronger.
Perhaps… he could become the next Minato Namikaze.
And Tsunade thought—that would be a good thing.
Kitazawa would share her burden, and she could happily slack off.
Even if she became Hokage in the future, it would be the same. She could run away at light speed after two years.
In fact, at this point, Tsunade also understood that the next Hokage had to be her. Unless she immediately resigned as front-line commander and left Konoha.
But she… couldn't do it.
Since she couldn't do it, she could only let nature take its course. When that time came, there would be no other way.
"Go call Kurenai over for dinner." Tsunade came back to her senses and spoke.
"I'll go now." Shizune, holding Tonton, turned and left.
Although Kurenai had already cooked, she couldn't refuse Tsunade's invitation, so she could only save her food for tomorrow.
Half an hour later, six people gathered around a large table.
"Rina, you and Karin will stay in Konoha," Tsunade instructed. "If Danzo causes trouble, go find the Third Hokage for help."
"Okay." Rina Uzumaki immediately replied.
She was self-aware and knew she wouldn't be much help on the battlefield, so it was better to stay home and look after Karin.
"Kitazawa, and Kurenai, you two will be assigned to the General Staff and stay with me," Tsunade said, glancing at Kitazawa. "I will assign you tasks as needed."
The battlefield was undoubtedly dangerous. But if there was anywhere relatively safe, it would be by the commander's side.
After all, it was located in the deepest part of Konoha's position, with the tightest defenses.
"Get ready in these two days; we'll depart once the Hidden Mist Village makes a move." Tsunade picked up her chopsticks. "Let's eat."
After dinner, Kitazawa and Kurenai returned home.
"It's a good thing Lady Tsunade is here. Otherwise, if we went to the battlefield, it would definitely be extremely dangerous," Kurenai said as she took off her shoes, her fair, tender bare feet stepping on the carpet.
"It's just as dangerous by Lady Tsunade's side," Kitazawa replied, walking forward and hugging her from behind. "Don't let your guard down."
"I know." Kurenai twisted her waist, bumped him with her hip, and said, "While there's still time, I plan to cultivate first."
"So diligent?" Kitazawa asked, somewhat surprised.
"I don't have such good talent as you," Kurenai snorted lightly.
"What are you practicing? I'll join you," Kitazawa said, patting her hip twice.
"No need," Kurenai refused. "You go do your own thing."
She knew Kitazawa had recently been researching Medical Ninjutsu for limb regeneration.
"Alright then." Kitazawa lowered his head and bit her fair, tender neck.
Kurenai's body trembled slightly. Disorderly images flashed in her mind, but she ultimately held back.
Kurenai went outside, while Kitazawa returned to his room.
He had originally planned to practise Earth Release, because he still had a mission to learn four Earth Release Ninjutsu. And it had to be within the third semester, with only one month left before the deadline.
But Kitazawa intended to leave the pressure to the Hidden Mist Ninja.
The battlefield situation was complex; he could completely activate his Three-Tomoe Sharingan to copy the enemy's Ninjutsu.
Although the Hidden Mist Ninja primarily used Water Release, they also had Earth Release techniques.
Of course, Water Release was also his goal. More precisely, all Five Releases were his goal.
Unfortunately, the Three-Tomoe Sharingan couldn't copy Bloodline Limits; otherwise, it would save a lot of time.
Kitazawa sat at the desk and took out paper and a pen. After such a long period of research, his Medical Ninjutsu for limb regeneration was finally showing results. He felt he could master it in two or three months.
After an unknown amount of time, a knock sounded.
"I've run a hot bath for you; go take a shower." Kurenai walked in.
She had just showered, and the scent of shower gel wafted over.
"Wait for me," Kitazawa said with a suggestive tone as he put down his paper and pen.
"I won't let you mess around!" Kurenai's face flushed slightly, and she spat out in annoyance.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile and went to the bathroom.
Kurenai took a deep breath, sat on the bed, and waited with both apprehension and nervousness.
Although they already knew each other intimately, every night was a brand-new experience for her, making her look forward to it immensely.
Time slowly passed.
Kurenai, highly focused, subconsciously looked up.
"Where do you want to start?" Kitazawa closed the door and walked up to her.
Kurenai met his gaze, her heart flustered. She subconsciously turned her head, not daring to look at him. But the next second, she deliberately exposed her delicate shoulder.
"Your skin is whiter than snow." Kitazawa lowered his head, leaned close to her ear, and praised.
Kurenai hummed softly in response.
Kitazawa kissed down her neck.
Kurenai's body went soft, a tingling sensation spreading through her. She instinctively leaned back, hugging Kitazawa's head tightly.
Kitazawa felt as if only a field of white remained before his eyes.
Kurenai's red lips were slightly parted, her long legs resting against his body.
Kitazawa said nothing, only kissed her incessantly.
"Ki… Kitazawa." Kurenai felt an unusual sensation in her chest, her face burning.
Kitazawa lifted his head. He wrapped his arms around Kurenai's waist and, with a slight effort, lifted her up, switching their positions.
Kurenai sat astride, looking down at him. Kitazawa didn't speak—he just smiled, his eyes filled with encouragement.
Kurenai pouted. Again with this.
Couldn't a big man be more proactive? Clearly, his physical fitness was much stronger than hers.
In resignation, Kurenai's small hand pressed against his abdomen.
The night passed without a word.
---
It was the next day.
Kitazawa and Kurenai had already bought various Ninja tools yesterday, so today they were cultivating while waiting for Tsunade's mission.
In the afternoon, Shizune appeared before them.
"Senior Sister Shizune." Kitazawa leaped down from a tree.
Kurenai was cultivating, while he was researching the Medical Ninjutsu for limb regeneration.
"Lady Tsunade wants you to go to the Konoha Village main gate now," Shizune said directly. "You are to lead the supply transport team ahead, and she will depart with the main force tomorrow."
"Alright." Kitazawa raised an eyebrow and agreed.
"Because time is tight, I won't say much more to you. For the specific details, look at this scroll." Shizune handed him a scroll.
"Understood." Kitazawa took the scroll and said, "We'll depart now."
Shizune nodded and turned to leave.
Kitazawa called Kabuto and the other two, and with Kurenai, arrived at the Konoha Village main gate.
At this time, many Ninja were already waiting.
He also recognized the two leading Ninja—Aburame Shibi and Genma Shiranui. The former was the head of the Aburame Clan, a Jonin, and Shino Aburame's father.
The latter was a former guard of Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, now a Special Jonin.
"Lord Kitazawa." Shibi came forward to greet him.
"I don't deserve it; just call me Kitazawa." Kitazawa was stunned by the address and quickly shook his head.
"During wartime, one should use titles," Shibi explained. "You are our captain now, so you should be called Lord."
Shiranui Genma, behind him, felt a sense of daze. Just last year, Kitazawa was calling him "Senior," but in the blink of an eye, he had become Kitazawa's subordinate.
Life truly was unpredictable.
But he also knew that Kitazawa's current status was not only due to Tsunade's connections but also his strength. Especially recently, he had just killed Kurosuki Raiga of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Kurenai, watching Kitazawa chatting and laughing with Shibi Aburame, also felt as if she were dreaming.
Before, she had a clear understanding of Kitazawa's strength improvement. Now, she was experiencing his status.
Unbeknownst to her, Kitazawa had already become someone she couldn't hope to reach.
Fortunately, she had a discerning eye. She had secured Kitazawa very early on.
Kurenai's lips curved upwards at the thought, feeling very happy.
"Enough small talk, let's depart now." After some pleasantries, Kitazawa gave the order.
A group of people transported the supplies toward the southeastern border of the Land of Fire. The supplies mainly consisted of food, medicine, and Ninja tools.
As for transportation, it was by horse-drawn carriage. Firstly, because summoning storage scrolls was too expensive. Secondly, because there were too many supplies.
Unless it was an extremely urgent situation, horse-drawn carriages were used for transport.
Kitazawa remembered that in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, a type of lightning train similar to a regular train appeared. That would make things much more convenient.
The group traveled in silence.
The Aburame Clan was responsible for vigilance; they had Kikaichu that could detect any Ninja approaching the supply transport team in time.
Kitazawa took out the scroll given by Shizune. The contents of the scroll were the recent movements of the Hidden Mist Village.
Just this morning, with Ao as commander and Suikazan Fuguki as vice-commander, four thousand Hidden Mist Ninja had already set off. The number of Ninjas could be considered an all-out mobilization.
If it were a normal Mizukage, he naturally wouldn't be so bold. But this Mizukage had already been controlled by Obito.
If it weren't for the advice of Gensui and others, the Hidden Mist Village could have sent even more Ninja.
Kitazawa closed the scroll.
The situation was quite severe. Four thousand Hidden Mist Ninja standing still for Konoha Village to kill would still take a long time.
Not to mention fighting by the sea, where they held a geographical advantage, which was very suitable for their Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu.
As Kitazawa expected, Fourth Mizukage Yagura Karatachi did not go to the battlefield. It would be more troublesome for him to complete his mission.
The group departed from Konoha Village, heading straight for the southeastern border of the Land of Fire.
A Ninja's normal pace would take about a day. But because they were in horse-drawn carriages, they were slower, and by the evening of the second day, they had been caught up by the main force led by Tsunade.
The two forces merged, and because it was night, they set up camp on the spot to rest.
"Lady Tsunade." Kitazawa found Tsunade's tent.
"You've worked hard, Kitazawa." Tsunade lay on the carpet; seeing him, she waved to him.
"It wasn't hard; the journey was smooth, and we didn't even encounter a single enemy."
Kitazawa sat cross-legged in front of her.
From his perspective, Tsunade's clothes angled to the sides, and her silhouette appeared very elastic.
"I just received intelligence that the vanguard unit was ambushed and suffered significant losses." Tsunade rubbed her temples and said, "The Hidden Mist's Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu is truly convenient for sneak attacks."
"What are Lady Tsunade's thoughts?" Kitazawa asked in a deep voice. "An unfavorable start will definitely affect our morale."
"You're right." Tsunade sat up and took out a map. "This is a map of the island that the Hyuga Clan spent a lot of manpower drawing over the past two days."
There were three red dots on the map.
"These three islands are the strongholds of the Hidden Mist's vanguard unit," Tsunade explained. "As long as we eliminate one of these strongholds, we can turn the tide."
[Current Mission: Achieve victory for Konoha Village in the first battle.]
[Mission Reward: Lightning Release: Super Vibrato Lightning Blades.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa, looking at the suddenly triggered mission, couldn't help but sigh that war indeed presented many opportunities.
He had triggered three missions in just three days.