### Chapter 183

Shinki and Tsunade walked side by side, their conversation casual but tinged with the seriousness of war.

**"It's still the same,"** Tsunade said with a frown. **"A full-scale war like this won't end in a day or two. Unless something drastic happens, it could drag on for a year or more."**

She glanced at the figure slung over Shinki's shoulder. **"By the way, who's this?"**

Shinki adjusted the unconscious person in his grasp, lifting her slightly to reveal her face. **"Pakura,"** he said. **"The Scorch Release prodigy from the Sand Village. You've probably heard of her."**

Tsunade's eyes widened in recognition. **"Scorch Release Pakura?"** she repeated. **"The intelligence reports say she's strong—a real thorn in our side. How did you manage to catch her?"**

As Pakura began to stir, Shinki calmly pulled out some tools to bind her securely. Her Scorch Release was notorious for its destructive power, especially in wooden structures like those in the Konoha camp. Once satisfied that she was restrained, he explained.

**"Ran into her in the River Country,"** Shinki said. **"She was on some kind of mission. Took a bit of effort—I had to sacrifice a puppet, but I got her."**

Tsunade raised an eyebrow as Shinki recounted the encounter. Pakura had used her Scorch Release to attack one of his puppets, which resulted in an explosion that incapacitated her. 

Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle. **"Poor girl. Talk about bad luck. If she hadn't been so hasty, she wouldn't have triggered the explosion."**

---

As they entered the camp, Tsunade suddenly grabbed Shinki's arm, dragging him toward her quarters.

**"What's the rush?"** Shinki asked, confused but keeping pace.

**"Food!"** Tsunade declared, throwing open the door to reveal a massive venison leg, nearly as tall as a person. She placed it on the table with a flourish. **"I've been living on rations. It's time for some real food. Barbecue this for me!"**

Shinki stared at the oversized leg of meat, exasperated. **"You dragged me here for this? Seriously?"** He wiped the sweat off his brow. **"You're telling me you can't find someone else to help with this in such a big camp?"**

Tsunade crossed her arms, her expression serious. **"Orochimaru could do it, but he spends all day handling corpses. I'm not eating anything he grills. As for anyone else, I don't want to bother them unnecessarily."**

Her reasoning was sound. With her rank and privileges, she could easily request a personal chef, but Tsunade prided herself on not abusing her authority for trivial matters.

Shinki sighed. **"Fine."**

He began preparing the meat, expertly skinning and cleaning the leg while Tsunade fetched firewood. Despite her usual commanding demeanor, she seemed genuinely content to assist with menial tasks, a rare glimpse of her more grounded side.

As the fire roared to life, Tsunade sighed, watching the flames. **"When I leave, focus on the medical department. Analyze poisons, develop antidotes, but don't overburden yourself. Leave the rest to others."**

Shinki nodded, appreciating her understanding. **"That works for me. I've been taking it easy back in the village. If you made me run around like you do, I'd probably collapse."**

He began marinating the venison, the rich aroma wafting through the air as the meat started to sizzle on the grill. Tsunade's eyes gleamed with anticipation as the oil began to seep out, her stomach growling audibly.

To distract herself, she changed the subject. **"So, your mission is done. What about those two old coots?"**

Shinki smirked, glancing northward. **"They're in a bit of a pickle. Being hunted by the Third Kazekage, last I checked."**

Tsunade choked on her drink. **"What?! Are you serious?"**

**"My puppet's been tracking them,"** Shinki said nonchalantly, shrugging. **"They've lost most of their team. Barely ten are left alive, and that's after paying a heavy price to escape into Bear Country."**

He detailed how Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Hamura had managed to hold their ground initially, but the Third Kazekage's arrival had turned the tide. Their losses were significant, and their retreat was anything but dignified.

Tsunade shook her head. **"That's what happens when you overreach."**

---

As they spoke, Orochimaru entered the scene, his presence as unsettling as ever. **"Who's being hunted?"** he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Shinki merely smiled, choosing not to answer. Orochimaru's golden eyes flickered with interest, but he didn't press further, his attention shifting to the aroma of sizzling venison.

The campfire crackled, and the night continued, each of them finding fleeting moments of normalcy amidst the chaos of war.

>>>>>

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