Chapter 41

Even though Shinki claimed he could still treat patients despite being unable to see, many were understandably doubtful. He empathized with their concerns. After all, who wouldn't be apprehensive about a doctor who couldn't see? This was a typical reaction, and unless Shinki demonstrated his skills while blind, skepticism would remain. Unfortunately, the chance never came. The border camp was calm during non-war periods, with only minor conflicts and no major battles. Without fights, there were no wounded. Anyone injured without a fight or by stepping on a trap would be ridiculed.

Despite Hanzo's ambitions, he wasn't foolish. He avoided unnecessary conflicts with Konoha, maintaining a peaceful border, and Konoha's ninjas refrained from crossing into the Land of Rain. The Rain Village's shinobi similarly avoided entering the Land of Fire.

Tsunade regularly sent news and intelligence to the camp using puppet crows. This kept Shinki informed about the developments in the ninja world. The Sand Village's provocations continued, though they were largely for show, like an annoying fly that wouldn't leave.

More importantly, there was news about Kushina. Uzumaki Mito's health had deteriorated significantly since last year, which was bad news for Konoha. This meant that the transfer of the Nine-Tails had to be discussed.

The process of transferring the Nine-Tails couldn't wait until Mito passed away; it had to be done while she was still alive so she could help suppress its power. Without her, the chances of Kushina surviving the transfer were slim, and if the Jinchūriki died, the tailed beast would break free. Konoha's ability to recapture it was uncertain.

Without Hashirama Senju or Madara Uchiha's power, even Tobirama Senju would have struggled against the Nine-Tails, let alone the Third Hokage and his peers. If the Nine-Tails broke free, it would wreak havoc. Konoha had no one capable of using the Flying Thunder God Technique to move the Tailed Beast Bomb. An explosion in the village would be catastrophic, comparable to a nuclear bomb in its devastation, though without radiation.

The damage caused by the Nine-Tails during the infamous attack on Konoha, even after the beast was diverted by Minato, was substantial. If a similar event occurred now, Konoha would face enormous casualties.

Despite his flaws, the Third Hokage was wise enough to recognize his limitations. He knew that if the Nine-Tails escaped, the village was helpless. With Uzumaki Mito too old to battle effectively, the safe transfer of the Nine-Tails became Konoha's top priority, surpassing even the provocations of the Sand Village.

The tailed beast transfer signified the imminent death of Uzumaki Mito. Tsunade had mentally prepared herself, but both Nawaki and Kushina would struggle with the news.

"I hope everything goes smoothly," Shinki muttered as he destroyed the scroll Tsunade had sent. From his post at the border, there was little he could do but pray for a successful transfer. Even if he were in the village, the F4—Konoha's ruling group—would never let him intervene. To them, Shinki was only half-trusted.

"Kushina, are you okay? You seem down," Nawaki said, noticing the somber atmosphere at home. Tsunade hadn't been to work, staying by her grandmother's side constantly. Kushina, too, seemed devoid of her usual cheer.

Tsunade smacked Nawaki on the head. "Don't be nosy, Nawaki. When you visit the daimyo's mansion, you need to behave. Understand? No mischief."

This was Mito's wish—to send Nawaki away so he wouldn't have to witness the tailed beast transfer. He would return after it was over and learn the truth then.

"I know, but you don't have to be so harsh," Nawaki muttered, sulking. He didn't want to visit the daimyo, but with Mito unable to leave the village and Tsunade preoccupied, he had no choice.

Tsunade's glare silenced him, and he resumed eating quietly. He'd learn the real reason for Kushina's sadness after he returned.

"Jiraiya will accompany you to the daimyo's mansion," Tsunade added, softening her tone. Though Jiraiya was unreliable in minor matters, he could be trusted when it truly counted. Tsunade felt reassured entrusting Nawaki to him.

The downside? Jiraiya's penchant for peeking at women bathing. His bad habits had already rubbed off on Nawaki, to her frustration. Once, Nawaki had innocent eyes; now, he was following in Jiraiya's troublesome footsteps. She could only hope he wouldn't grow up as reckless.

"Really?" Nawaki's eyes lit up, and he almost knocked over his chopsticks.

"Yes, really. But if you act up, you're done," Tsunade warned, exasperated.

"I promise I'll be good! No mischief at all," Nawaki swore, his eager face only adding to Tsunade's worry. If he blindly followed Jiraiya, trouble was inevitable.

They were both wild at heart, which was a recipe for disaster. However, Nawaki's status meant that only the daimyo could discipline him, which would only embolden his behavior.

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