Chapter 128: Two Types of Games

"He's so cool," Yuto nudged Kakashi beside him, "The ceremonial robes."

Kakashi, still sleepy, looked ahead. Under the watchful eyes of many shinobi from the Fire and Lightning countries, Hiruzen Sarutobi and A stood at the center of attention. Both were dressed in their formal attire as the Hokage and Raikage, forming an alliance.

The white robes with red patterns gleamed in the sunlight. Kakashi nodded, sighing, "They do look good. I heard that when the village was first founded, the Hokage's formal attire was designed by the Uzumaki clan – cloak, hat, boots..."

"Your voice sounds lifeless, Kakashi."

"Too many things to handle after sensei's rest, Yuto. You seem energetic despite being busier."

"I have the Yin Seal and medical ninjutsu."

Yuto and Kakashi chatted casually.

It was the twentieth day after Konoha rescued A. The Raikage kept his promise and formed an alliance with Konoha to face challenges together.

Though treaties between countries can't last forever, A wasn't likely to break his word immediately. At least until Jiraiya fully recovered from his injuries.

In the eastern front of the Fire Country, only Kirigakure and Kumogakure were fighting each other, with Konoha leaving a suitable defense force to protect the line.

In the western front, Konoha focused most of its power, with top and elite shinobi stationed there, including Tsunade. The intense battles among the Fire, Wind, and Earth countries never ceased.

With Minato Namikaze recovering from his injuries, many responsibilities fell on Yuto. Although there were two other deputy commanders, Minato clearly trusted him more, having him temporarily take over his duties. The relationship between them was well known.

He had to manage Minato's recovery and many other tasks, pulling Kakashi along as extra help.

—Without the Flying Thunder God Technique, many operational plans needed to be more meticulous, requiring more mental effort.

The alliance ceremony was completed without a hitch. After Hiruzen gave some final instructions to Yuto, he returned to the village.

The main force was then led by Yuto, crossing the northern part of the Fire Country to the battlefield in the Land of Rain.

"It's nice not having to worry about the Land of Hot Water," Kakashi said, looking relaxed with his hands behind his head. "Even with Konoha's strength, fighting on two fronts is tough. Having a reliable ally to hold off Kirigakure is great. In exchange, we just need to provide a safe supply line."

"A safe supply line?" Yuto glanced at him, "Along the mountain road in the Land of Hot Water?"

"Yeah."

"I buried two tons of explosive tags under it last night."

"!!!" Kakashi's eyes widened, fully awake. He looked around nervously, whispering, "Are you crazy? We just formed an alliance with Kumogakure. If the Hokage finds out..."

"It was the Hokage who instructed me. Few in the village are better with explosive tags than me. I saw you were too tired last night, so I didn't call you."

"…"

"Kakashi," Yuto put an arm around Kakashi's shoulder, speaking softly, "This is the game of the adults."

Here we go again, Kakashi thought, covering his head.

Yuto was about to start saying those profound adult things again...

"Kakashi," Yuto patted his forehead protector with the Konoha symbol, continuing, "A, as a man, is a loyal brother and friend. You, I, and the Hokage can see that."

"But once someone bears the title of Kage, they can't act freely anymore. The Raikage will always prioritize the Land of Lightning and Kumogakure. The same goes for the Hokage."

"A debt of life-saving is hard to repay, but the village's interests are paramount. For Kumogakure, A can sacrifice himself or betray the alliance."

"The alliance formed today might last a year at most."

"When Konoha regains the ability to fight on two fronts, when Jiraiya fully recovers, and when we get through this crisis, the alliance will be over."

"The Raikage's life is worth a year."

"Konoha and Kumogakure both understand this and remain silent out of tacit agreement."

"We preemptively prepared the supply line as a precaution. I guess they will also have their contingencies."

"Why so silent, Kakashi?"

"Just feeling that simple killing is truly blissful," Kakashi said, smiling bitterly.

"Not spelling it out, going with the flow, operating in the gray areas, Kakashi, this is the game of the adults."

…

After some time of traveling, Yuto led the troops back to the Land of Rain.

At the Konoha camp entrance, Minato Namikaze smiled and waved at him.

"Yuto, great work."

"Minato-senpai," Yuto activated his Byakugan, raising his eyebrows, "You recovered quickly, you're almost fully healed."

"Yes, the situation is critical. I can't stay idle any longer. From today, I'll return to my duties. Yuto, thank you for your hard work. You can rest for two days."

"Alright," Yuto checked Minato's body, nodding, "As shinobi, long periods of immobility aren't good for recovery. Minato-senpai, just avoid clashing head-on with high-level opponents like Onoki."

"Haha, don't worry. Who can stop me if I need to retreat..."

After chatting with Minato, Yuto returned to his quarters, lying on the bed and exhaling deeply.

Finally, some rest to handle his own matters.

Thinking this, he drifted off to sleep.

He didn't know how much time passed when he woke up again, finding it dark outside.

"So hungry," he mumbled, rubbing his stomach. Instead of calling subordinates for food, he left his office and went to the field hospital.

In the largest room, a blonde woman looked up from her desk at her approaching student.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm hungry."

"If you're hungry, eat. Why come to the field hospital?" Tsunade chuckled, "Drink saline?"

"The camp food isn't good. I want the hospital's special supply."

"You're the vice commander and my disciple. Just say the word, and the logistics team will make extra for you."

"That's not good. Others might think the Lone Lion only thinks about food... Sensei, you haven't eaten either, right? Why don't you get two servings and share one with me?"

"No way around you," the blonde woman felt like she was coaxing a child, not angry, just amused.

She stood up, stretching, and tied her blonde hair into a high ponytail with a leather strap, ready to leave.

But she noticed her student hadn't moved from the door.

"Move aside," Tsunade glared at him.

"Yes, sensei," Yuto replied respectfully.

Then he stepped aside, standing close to the door frame.

—He moved but didn't move completely.

The door was just so wide. Standing by the door frame, Yuto left only about twenty centimeters of space.

"Sensei, I'm hungry, so my mind is a bit slow," Yuto said. They were standing face to face, their eyes on each other. Abruptly, Yuto took a few steps and opened the door, revealing the empty corridor.

"Always thinking about food," Tsunade narrowed her eyes, then coldly snorted, "Tonight, extra medical ninjutsu practice and write a twenty-thousand-word essay on liver repair."

"Yes, I will do as you say."

After leaving the room, she looked back at the closed door and touched her chest, feeling her heart beating wildly.

Shaking her head, she headed to the logistics department for food.

Yuto stayed at the desk, starting his essay.

Soon, Tsunade returned with food. The two ate happily, discussing medical knowledge and battlefield experiences.

Neither spelled it out, refused, or mentioned it afterward. Everything was buried in that brief moment of connection.

This, too, was the game of the adults.

(End of Chapter)