Chapter 62

Nawaki and Minato Namikaze couldn't understand why Shinki was being sent to the front lines so soon. Given his circumstances, it didn't seem necessary.

"Silly girl, it's because the village needs me. If the war hadn't escalated, I would have stayed in the village. As a ninja, it's only right to fight when the village is under threat," Shinki said with a smile, gently pinching Kushina's nose.

The deeper, darker plans and calculations could be managed by Shinki and Tsunade. Kushina and others didn't need to be involved or burdened by these before they were fully prepared for it.

"But I don't want you to leave," Kushina said, tears shimmering in her wide eyes.

"I don't want to leave you either, but this is my duty. Remember what I told you?"

"Yeah." Kushina sniffled and nodded firmly.

Tsunade handed her a tissue, exasperated. The girl's attachment to Shinki was enough to make her a bit jealous.

Shinki comforted Kushina, then turned to Nawaki. "Nawaki, if war intensifies, your class might graduate early, and the training period will be cut short. Jiraiya will be on the battlefield, so you won't be able to study under him."

"Huh?" Nawaki's eyes widened. "What will I do then? I can't just stay in the village forever. I want to become Hokage so I can protect everyone."

The golden-haired Minato glanced at Nawaki. They shared the same dream—to become Hokage and protect the village.

"It's more important that you learn to protect yourself," Tsunade said, smacking her brother on the head. Nawaki grimaced, rubbing the sore spot but kept quiet.

The prospect of Nawaki's early graduation was concerning. Becoming Jiraiya's student meant following him into battle.

Konoha wouldn't send fresh Genin to the front lines unless things were dire. Shinki shared Tsunade's concerns; he didn't want Nawaki heading into battle too early, especially given the grim fate of young ninjas in war.

"The village won't send new Genin into battle unless it's absolutely necessary. But if that happens, let him come to the camp and assist me," Shinki suggested.

In theory, it was unlikely new recruits would be deployed. But wars were unpredictable, and if losses mounted, every available ninja would be called to defend the village. In that case, Nawaki would be safest in the camp, helping with medical tasks.

"I'll handle it when the time comes," Tsunade agreed. Better to have Nawaki in the camp than on the battlefield. The experience would help him grow without putting him in excessive danger.

With Shinki present, Nawaki's safety would be assured.

"Minato, focus on your studies. Once you graduate, I'll teach you personally. If you need anything while I'm gone, Tsunade will help," Shinki told his student.

"Yes, teacher," Minato replied obediently. Unlike Nawaki, he wasn't one to rebel.

As for Nawaki, Tsunade's discipline was a swift slap away. Any complaints would be swiftly handled. If he dared to demand going to the front, she would make sure he thought twice.

Tsunade's way of instilling "virtue" was legendary, especially to Nawaki, who had felt it countless times. Her fists carried a power he wouldn't soon forget.

The Salamander Hanzo's scheme worked, pushing Konoha and Sand Village to send troops into the Land of Rain. But his plan came at a cost—the Rain Country was now embroiled in chaos.

Sand Village sent reinforcements, so Konoha did the same. Rock Village, not wanting to fall behind, also deployed troops.

As Konoha and Sand Village set up war camps in the Rain Country, Rock Village followed suit, determined not to lag behind either rival.

The involvement of the three major ninja villages turned the Rain Country into a free-for-all. Skirmishes erupted whenever opposing forces encountered each other, and even the Rain Village wasn't spared. If Rain Village ninjas were sighted, they were attacked indiscriminately unless they fled.

As the situation in the Rain Country spiraled, Shinki, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the second wave of reinforcements headed out.

"Listen to Tsunade, eat properly, don't starve, and don't lock yourself in your room, okay?" Kushina clung to Shinki's arm, tears streaming down her face.

Shinki knelt and spoke softly to the distressed girl. "I'll be back safe, I promise."

Kushina sobbed, her voice trembling. "I'll be good, but you must stay safe."

Shinki smiled, making a pinky promise with her. "I swear I'll come back in one piece."

Kushina wiped her face, not caring if her tears and snot stained her clothes. "Pinky promise."

"Always."

After sealing the promise, Shinki lifted her and handed her to Tsunade. If he didn't, Kushina might never let him go.

After a final wave goodbye, Shinki joined the formation and departed.

The longer he lingered, the harder it would be for Kushina.

"Waah, Tsunade, I miss Shinki already," Kushina cried, clinging to Tsunade.

Tsunade found herself at a loss. She was never good at comforting others, especially young girls.

If it were Nawaki, a couple of smacks would solve it, but with Kushina? That wouldn't do.

"Grow up fast, and then you can go with him next time."

"Really?"

"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"

"Two months ago, you said you didn't have money for food…"

"..."

This girl, I'm trying to comfort you, and you stab me in the heart?

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Up to Chapter 150 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)

Gimme power stonesssss