"Well, Captain, get some rest." Uchiha Yan tugged on Uchiha Huo’s sleeve, pulling him away just as he was about to say more. They stepped out of the tent together.
"See? You still don’t believe me! How could something that everyone in the camp saw be fake?"
Saitama, who was just about to go out and wash up, heard Uchiha Huo complaining to his brother outside. He rubbed his forehead in frustration.
I’m still just a kid! I swear, I’m going to blow the heads off those gossiping shinobi...
Saitama mentally pictured the group of ninja who’d been nearby earlier when he walked off with Shizune. He resolved to have a little "chat" with them later.
---
Meanwhile...
The Hidden Mist had deployed heavy forces along the border with the Land of Bears, and Konoha was preparing for a full-scale confrontation.
Among all the great ninja villages, it was Konoha that held the deepest foundation. Despite fighting on multiple fronts—against several of the other major villages—Konoha still held the upper hand.
The battles between Konoha and Kirigakure had used the borderlands as their staging ground. Over the past two months, there had been over a hundred skirmishes, with casualties on both sides. Mist held the advantage in numbers, but Konoha’s shinobi demonstrated superior skill and coordination. The tide of battle shifted back and forth daily—an endless exchange of blows, ambushes, and reprisals.
One day, Mist launched a surprise attack. The next, Konoha retaliated with an assault of their own. It was a deadly tug-of-war.
---
Inside the command tent...
"Lady Tsunade! This is intelligence from Lord Hokage—please review it!" A chunin courier held out a scroll reverently.
Tsunade sat composed behind her desk, focused and steady. Shizune stood attentively behind her, glancing curiously at the scroll as Tsunade took it.
"You’re dismissed," Tsunade said with a wave. She set the scroll down and formed a quick seal. "Kai."
A puff of chakra smoke dispersed, and the sealing tag on the scroll faded. The word seal vanished.
"Shizune," Tsunade called, not bothering to look up.
"Oh!"
It wasn’t that Tsunade objected to Shizune seeing the report—she was her trusted assistant and disciple, after all. It was just that Shizune’s neck-craning, tiptoeing antics made her look like a curious thief.
After skimming the scroll, Tsunade’s eyes narrowed slightly, deep in thought.
"Take a look," she said, handing the scroll back.
"Okay." Shizune took the scroll and read quickly. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"The war with Sunagakure... it’s over?"
Shizune blinked, stunned. After spending so long on the frontlines, the news felt sudden—almost unreal.
"It’s all there," Tsunade said calmly. "In the final battle at Kikyo Pass, Konoha crushed the last of Suna’s resistance. It was a difficult campaign, but we won."
There was a hint of pride in her voice, though her tone remained professional.
"Call a meeting with all division leaders. We need to share this news—and boost morale."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!"
Shizune placed the scroll carefully on the desk and turned to leave.
Tsunade didn’t mean for Shizune to personally fetch every commander. She only had to tell the guards outside, who would then relay the message.
"Right," Shizune muttered, pushing aside the tent flap and stepping out.
Maybe I’ll check on Saitama while I’m at it... It’s on the way, she reasoned, diverting her path toward the Uchiha section of camp.
---
Tsunade waited a moment, then glanced toward the empty flap, now gently swaying in the breeze. A flicker of knowing amusement crossed her face.
I swear... As soon as Shizune disappears, she’s either with Saitama or on her way to find him. I’ve raised a lovesick puppy.
She returned her attention to the intelligence scroll.
Tch. Maybe I need to assign Saitama a few more missions. He’s clearly too free these days.
---
At Saitama’s tent...
"Ah? Captain Saitama’s not back yet?" Shizune stood in front of the tent with a slightly disappointed expression.
Uchiha Mori (Pomori) stood guard. "No, not yet."
"Oh... Well, Lady Tsunade’s ordered a commander’s meeting. Please inform him once he returns."
"I’ll take care of it," Mori replied with a smirk. "No need for you to come back."
He could tell at a glance that Shizune hadn’t come just to deliver a message. Still, he bowed respectfully.
"I’ll head back, then." Shizune gave a quick nod and turned to leave, walking slower than she had on the way there.
"Heh... just like me a few years ago," Mori chuckled, watching her retreat.
---
"Captain, there’s a group of shinobi from the Aburame Clan approaching." Uchiha Yan raised a hand, pointing westward.
"I see them," Saitama replied, his gaze steady.
The approaching Konoha squad moved with precision. In moments, they’d crossed the short distance to Saitama’s team.
The leading shinobi was familiar.
"It’s been a while, Saitama," Aburame Shibi greeted, his voice calm behind his high collar.
"Long time no see, Shibi-san. Where are you coming from?"
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