If they took the first step toward conflict, then whatever followed was simply the price they had to pay.
And because she understood Namikaze Kirito's intentions perfectly, the Cloud Shinobi standing before her absolutely could not be allowed to remain.
Blood mist scattered across the air and when it settled, only three figures of Namikaze Kirito remained standing.
Seeing Konan's swift and decisive action, Namikaze Kirito nodded in satisfaction.
A subordinate that sharp was truly the least troublesome kind.
The three of them turned around and continued walking toward Konoha.
Konoha Village
Namikaze Minato was reading through the document in front of him.
It contained the new identities for Uzumaki Nagato and Konan—officially registered as Konoha shinobi and newly assigned to the Anbu.
Just a few days earlier, when Namikaze Kirito brought the two into the village…
No one had been more excited than Jiraiya.
Seeing his two students again made something inside him feel restored—as if a part of him long lost had finally returned.
When he heard what had happened to Yahiko, Jiraiya shed tears openly.
He pushed all missions aside, abandoned his work, and simply spent every day talking with his students.
He couldn't wait to fill in the missing years between them.
The second happiest person was Uzumaki Kushina.
As everyone knew, the Uzumaki clan had long been wiped out. Now, counting herself, plus Karin from Gensokyo, and the newcomer Uzumaki Nagato…
If the lineage continued properly…
It was only a matter of time before the Uzumaki clan reappeared in the world's spotlight.
Namikaze Minato was also delighted. After all, the Rinnegan was now a powerful force supporting the village.
And at present, Namikaze Kirito's ambitions were well known among Konoha's official leadership.
Naturally, the stronger the village became, the better.
Recently, Namikaze Kirito had become quite serious, taking his three Sand shinobi brats and starting to carry out official missions.
None of the missions were A- or B-rank—simple work, handled at a relaxed pace.
Yet the three attacked him whenever they had spare time.
The assassination attempts of these three little brats meant nothing to him. He didn't even lose a single hair.
When it came to Temari's little weaknesses… he had gotten more than familiar with them.
Temari, whose face was constantly red these days, was repeatedly questioned by Kankuro, because neither he nor Gaara had any idea what was going on.
They thought their sister had been injured.
But Temari always hesitated and refused to say anything, leaving Kankuro completely confused.
In the Senju clan compound, the place had practically become Namikaze Kirito's personal resting area.
Shizune and Tsunade returned late every day due to their workload in the Medical Department.
After completing his missions, Tsunade's large bed became Namikaze Kirito's napping spot.
"I'm back."
"Tsunade" entered the room holding a glass of water, carefully glancing at Namikaze Kirito on the bed.
But she didn't know that Transformation Jutsu was completely useless on Namikaze Kirito.
With Observation Haki, he could perceive a person's presence instantly. Besides—
if it were the real Tsunade, would she enter politely?
She'd have kicked the door open.
Would she bring him water? What a joke.
But Namikaze Kirito didn't expose the impostor.
He wanted to see what his supposed student was planning.
"You must be tired today. Have a glass of water and rest."
"Tsunade" offered the cup, her gaze slightly averted.
Seeing her expression, Namikaze Kirito's eyes held a trace of amusement.
Then...
with a startled yelp from her—
he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her onto the bed.
"The water can wait. What I want to drink… is you."
"Y-you you—Namikaze Kirito! What are you trying to do?!"
"Tsunade" panicked, face reddening as he leaned far too close.
"What am I doing?"
Namikaze Kirito tilted his head innocently.
"Did you forget what we agreed on yesterday?"
"Yesterday? W-what did we say yesterday?!"
"You forgot? Are you an impersonator?"
A dangerous glint flashed in Kirito's eyes.
Hearing that, "Tsunade" stiffened, then quickly forced a reply.
"N-no… of course I didn't forget!"
"I was just busy! If you remind me… I'll definitely remember! Really!"
"Is that so?"
Once she nodded, Kirito leaned close to her ear and whispered with a smirk.
The moment the words reached her—
"Tsunade" froze, her entire face turning bright red.
W-what kind of outrageous, indecent request was THAT?!
Temari had originally thought Kirito and Tsunade were dating.
So she had transformed into Tsunade, poisoned the cup, and planned to trick him into drinking it.
Who would've thought…
their "relationship" was this impure?!
They had such an insane agreement?!
Absolutely not! She had to stop this!
But he clearly hadn't figured it out yet—what should she do?
"H-how about… you drink the water first? Before we… continue?"
Temari—completely inexperienced and burning with embarrassment—forced the words out.
"I'm not thirsty. Just leave it. I'll drink it after we finish."
And just as Kirito was about to move again, Temari hurriedly stopped him.
She was so close to succeeding, she couldn't give up now—but letting that happen was impossible.
"D-don't… don't move!"
"What's wrong?" Kirito asked with feigned confusion.
"I… I can't!"
"I see. If you can't, then it can't be helped. But…"
Temari had just begun to relax—
when his next words stabbed her heart again.
"I have two options. Choose one."
He leaned close to whisper again.
The more she listened, the more Temari wished she could bury herself underground like an ostrich.
Why not just reveal the truth? She'd get beaten, sure—
but that was better than THIS.
But then Kirito continued:
"How about… I drink that glass of water later?"
Temari froze.
Then, after a deep breath, she made a decision.
(Victory is right in front of me… I can't retreat!)
Forget the second option. She'd commit to the first.
Temari removed her shoes.
Nightfall
Temari had dispelled the Transformation Jutsu completely and left the Senju compound with a face full of resentment.
As she walked, she grumbled under her breath.
If one looked closely, her soft red lips were now even redder.
"Damn it! Liar! Bastard!"
"He definitely knew it was me! He did it on purpose!"
"'Options'? That first option didn't work at all!"
She returned to the place the three siblings were staying.
Under Kankuro's suspicious stare, Temari immediately started washing her feet and rinsing her mouth.
On the other side—
Namikaze Minato, still in the Hokage's office, received a letter from the Hidden Cloud.
It stated that a delegation of envoys would arrive in Konoha tomorrow and hoped for a proper welcome.
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