C8

The war between Konoha and the Land of Rain had ended just over a day ago. Konoha's legendary Sannin—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—had recently engaged in a fierce battle with Hanzo the Salamander, leader of Amegakure. In the aftermath, while Orochimaru and Tsunade prepared to return to Konoha, Jiraiya made a surprising decision: he chose to stay behind in the war-torn Land of Rain to care for a group of orphans he had just met.

"This guy Jiraiya chose to stay in the Land of Rain. Can't he see what the situation is now?" Tsunade complained as they made their way back to the Konoha camp. "We've just fought Hanzo, the war is barely over, and he's going to stay behind to care for a few kids? What if Rain Shinobi sees this as provocation? We could reignite the war, and then what? What if Konoha sees this as desertion? He could be labeled a traitor!"

Orochimaru, walking beside her, remained indifferent. "Don't look to me for help. I'll speak on his behalf to Sarutobi-sensei when we get back, but that's it. If he wants to throw his future away for a few orphans, let him." He shrugged, showing little concern for Jiraiya's decision. To Orochimaru, Jiraiya's actions were an unnecessary risk, and he had no intention of defending his comrade's decision beyond a few words.

Tsunade sighed, realizing she wouldn't get much sympathy from Orochimaru. "Fine. Let him explain himself to Sarutobi-sensei when he returns."

As they continued their journey, Tsunade slowed her pace to walk alongside Kain Pent, the merchant they had encountered. She had been intrigued by the medicines Kain had shown them, wondering about their effectiveness. These medicines seemed years ahead of anything Konoha could produce, particularly for battlefield injuries.

Kain, a non-shinobi, had been cautious throughout their interactions, keen to avoid suspicion or conflict. Despite his wariness, he had willingly shared knowledge with Tsunade, explaining how his medicines could be used for emergency treatment, even by non-medical ninjas. Kain also provided detailed information about basic battlefield first aid techniques that could be employed by ordinary ninjas. His explanations impressed Tsunade, who saw great potential in applying such knowledge across Konoha's forces.

The deeper they delved into the discussion, the more Tsunade's respect for Kain grew. Though he was not a medical ninja, his understanding of battlefield medicine and first aid techniques was advanced. This knowledge could save countless lives, especially when combined with the medicine he offered for trade.

"You've got some impressive knowledge," Tsunade praised, her tone lightening. "Your name is a bit strange, but I have to admit, your medical skills are nothing to scoff at."

Kain chuckled softly, "It's just a deeper understanding of this specific field. After all, I do need to know how to sell these medicines."

As they approached the Konoha camp, Tsunade reflected on Kain's knowledge and the potential it had to revolutionize how they approached battlefield care. The idea of training more ninjas in first aid, coupled with Kain's supplies, could be a game changer. It was much more feasible than training more medical ninjas, a process that required rare talent and extensive time. Kain's knowledge, in contrast, was simple but effective.

When they finally arrived at the camp, the guards at the entrance scrutinized the trio as a matter of routine. Kain, although under Tsunade and Orochimaru's protection, was still subject to inspection due to the ongoing war. After the security check, they allowed him to pass, though with some wariness.

Tsunade led Kain to a tent, explaining, "This is where I rest. You can stay here for now while I take care of the arrangements. Don't worry, no one will trouble you here." Before leaving, she ensured a Hyuga clan ninja was stationed outside the tent to keep an eye on Kain. This served both to protect Kain from curious or aggressive shinobi and to ensure he didn't stray into areas he shouldn't.

As cautious as Kain had been throughout the journey, Tsunade knew he was no threat. Despite his insistence that he would leave if he sensed danger, Kain had been thoroughly checked. The sensors and Hyuga guards had confirmed that he had no chakra or signs of any ninja training. His claims of being an ordinary person seemed legitimate.

Tsunade headed to the conference tent where the war council was held. She was the last to arrive, greeted immediately by Konoha's war commander in the Land of Rain, Shimura Danzō. His sharp tone caught her off guard. "Tsunade, why didn't Jiraiya come back with you? And who is this person you brought back? We're still at war, and you brought a stranger into the camp?"

Tsunade didn't flinch at Danzō's words. She had long grown tired of his abrasive nature. "I've already reported Jiraiya's decision to Teacher Sarutobi. As for the person I brought back, we'll discuss that in due time."

Danzō's annoyance was evident, but he was powerless to act against Tsunade directly. Not only was she one of Konoha's greatest assets in battle, but her ties to the Senju clan and her recent battlefield success gave her a level of protection that even Danzō had to respect. Additionally, her grandmother, Lady Mito, was still alive, making any direct confrontation unwise.

"Hmph, fine," Danzō grunted, shifting the topic. "Let's focus on the war effort."

The meeting shifted to updates on the battlefield. The Rain Village forces had retreated, exhausted and unable to continue fighting due to their strained logistics. Only Sand Shinobi remained a significant threat, but Konoha was pushing them back.

Once the general discussion of the war ended, Danzō turned his attention back to Tsunade, along with the rest of the gathered commanders. They were all curious about the medicines and supplies she had brought back.

Tsunade wasted no time. She retrieved the samples Kain had given her and laid them out on the table. "His name is Kain Pent. He's a merchant from a distant land, lost in the Land of Rain. These are the medicines he's selling."

Everyone in the tent examined the products closely. As they read the labels and descriptions, the atmosphere grew more serious. The potential of these medicines to revolutionize battlefield treatment was clear to all. Even Danzō, who had been skeptical, seemed intrigued.

In the end, Tsunade's decision to bring Kain to the camp was vindicated. His medicines could save countless lives, and the knowledge he offered would help strengthen Konoha's forces. As discussions continued, it became clear that Kain's contribution would play a vital role in the future of the ongoing war.