Chapter 235

"Really, why would you burden yourself with studying alongside Tsunade? You are already plenty exceptional. Besides, doesn't your clan have its own secret techniques?"

"Lady Tsunade is very skilled; isn't it perfectly normal to want to learn from her? Plus, I mastered the clan's secret techniques a long time ago. Broadening my own capabilities is also very normal."

Within the camp, Kaito and Yaneko walked side by side, engaging in casual chit-chat.

Though countless ninjas within the Leaf Village camp were bustling about, consolidating, and receiving task instructions before setting out in organized teams, all these matters were of no concern to Kaito, whether as an injured person or as one of the Leaf's higher-ups.

Actually, whether it was Yaneko or Kaito, or even Shisui who, unwilling to play gooseberry, had gone to check on the younger generation of the clan, they were all very well-adapted and familiar with the current environment.

Kaito and Shisui had both participated in everything towards the end of the war, and Yaneko, after graduation and teaming up, had often visited the stronghold for supplies because of missions.

Therefore, everything within the current stronghold truly evoked quite a few memories for them.

Especially for Yaneko, who even now remembered the incident when she and Kaito first went on a mission and encountered a patrol team from the Hidden Sand Village.

The situation at that time was indeed very dangerous, but nevertheless, they completed the mission, and every one of them came back safely.

Initially, Yaneko was rather resigned about having a Uchiha as a teammate; after all, who in the whole Leaf Village didn't know what the Uchihas were like?

But from the first mission, she realized that Kaito was really different from others, and as they continued to carry out missions together, she had fully accepted Kaito in her heart.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have consistently and discreetly provided Kaito with some news about the Uchihas in the village.

Even though her own uncle later also started providing information to the Uchihas, she knew that he did it considering her relationship with Kaito.

Moreover, she also knew the reason why Kaito worried about her studying with Tsunade.

After all, aside from Tsunade's peerless medical skills and terrifying strength, her other traits seemed to be flaws without exception.

Like her alcoholism and chronic gambling, for instance. But how could Yaneko possibly learn those things?

Seeing Kaito, somewhat at a loss for words, Yaneko lazily smiled.

"Alright, we don't need to discuss this issue any further. I know what I am doing and also know how to do it. You don't need to worry.

We've known each other for so many years; don't you know what kind of person I am yet?"

"Alright, alright, it's concern as a friend, after all, regardless of how one puts it, Division Chief Tsunade really has some nasty habits."

Kaito spread his hands, expressing his helplessness, because in his view, apart from her innate abilities and being physically attractive, Tsunade really had nothing but bad habits.

"Well, your concern is appreciated."

Yaneko smiled indifferently, then stretched languidly, basking in the sunlight.

"Although we're at war, I must say the climate in the Land of Grass is really quite pleasant.

But war is war, and it's unclear how well those youngsters are adapting."

"Speaking of which, I still don't know which youngsters have come."

Kaito was somewhat curious upon hearing Yaneko's words; he was not quite sure which youngsters had arrived, with the only certainty being that Sasuke and Karin had.

"You really don't care at all, do you?"

Yaneko gave Kaito a look, then slowly spoke while pondering.

"A lot of people from our clan came, and that foolish little brother of mine was also brought over by our father.

Similarly, many from the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans have come, including those youngsters who are the same age as my brother.

Beyond that, the younger generation from the Hyuga, Aburame, and Inuzuka clans have also come, though some of them are quite happy, and others not so much.

But most who came are from your Uchiha clan, after all, I heard from that kid Shikamaru, it was proposed by your clan's former chief.

Oh right, Naruto also came along and is currently teamed up with that Uchiha youngster named Sasuke.

Besides these clans, many smaller clans have also sent their young ones over, but they're smart about it; these youngsters are teamed up with our Seven Great Houses.

This way, they can also be assured of their children's safety since all of our seven clans have sent protectors."

"There are so many people who came?"

Kaito was utterly astonished upon receiving this news, initially assuming it would be nice if the Seven Great Houses sent some of their younger members.

The most inconceivable part was that Jiraiya would actually let Naruto come along – wasn't this a joke?

Naruto is the son of Minato Namikaze, and he holds an even more special status, that of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!

Just how resolute must Jiraiya have been to make the decision to bring this youngster along?

It must be understood that war is never a joking matter. Even with protection, a slight mishap – just one Kunai – could claim your life! The current Senju Nawaki is the grandson of Senju Tobirama, and even with a powerful man like Orochimaru watching over him, what happened?

Due to sheer misfortune, the lad stepped on a trap, setting off an explosive tag, and was blown to bits right in front of Orochimaru.

Of course, Kaito had heard many conspiracy theories before crossing over, such as the idea that this incident was orchestrated by the Third Hokage and others, coordinating with Orochimaru and Danzō.

But Kaito thought the probability of such a thing was quite low. Although the Third Hokage and Danzō were quite despicable, Orochimaru wasn't really that base.

Given the current situation, it seems like all of Konoha's future Twelve Ninja Guardians, except for Lee, Tenten, and Sakura (whose chance to form Team 7 is unknown), have gathered.

All the others have essentially arrived.

As for members of other smaller clans, Kaito's level of concern was quite low, as his attention had been thoroughly captured by the young Naruto.

"It's truly unbelievable that Jiraiya would bring Naruto along."

Kaito furrowed his brows, then finally spoke.

"Where did that kid go? I seem to remember not seeing him in the camp. Also, who's his leading teacher?"

"His team leader is Kakashi, with whom I assume you're not unfamiliar."

Yaneko seemed to anticipate the change in Kaito's expression, but she still maintained a lazy demeanor, demonstrating that she was indeed quite relaxed around him.

"As for their current whereabouts, they should be on a mission, I think. Actually, not just them - Shikamaru and others will also be departing.

After all, it's your obtained intelligence; now is a rare lull, after all."

Although Sasuke often posed with his words, he knew his own heart was pounding wildly.

For him, it was also his first time slaying an enemy, and such a feeling was actually quite unbearable, especially witnessing a vibrant life vanish before his very eyes.

But deep inside, he didn't have much regret, because the moment that guy was about to finish off Naruto, he felt his own heart convulsing.

//

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