Chapter 30

"Is he dead? Hokage-sama's eldest son..."

Hearing the conversation between the brothers, Choza's plump face was dripping with cold sweat.

The person who died on the mission with Tatsuya was Sarutobi Shinnosuke who was also the "Son of Hokage-sama".

This was enough to indicate that he, along with the other prominent clans, formed an impression of Sarutobi Shinnosuke solely based on his Father's reputation, not his talent as a ninja.

Unlike Senju Tobirama, people would refer to him as "The Second Hokage," rather than "[The Younger Brother of the God of Ninja]."

The strength of Shinnosuke wasn't mediocre, but there were quite a few candidates who could replace him. So, it wasn't surprising that a Jonin of his level died during the war. But if the identity in question was that of the Hokage's son, the meaning changed completely.

"It's a cycle of causality."

Inoichi spoke with emotion, "In the last mission to assassinate the Second Kazekage, Sakumo failed the mission in order to save Shinnosuke. He was then accused of being the reason the mission failed."

"And this time, Tatsuya chose not to save him and successfully completed the task. I don't know what Hokage-sama will feel if he learns about this."

Perhaps Yamanaka's Secret Ninjutsu was related to the mind, Yin attribute, and the spiritual side of Chakra, and Inoichi's character was also more delicate and loved to Gossip.

Sakumo was accused of saving his comrades. Tatsuya completed the mission after witnessing his comrades' deaths. Which of the brothers' actions was the right one? It wasn't easy to say.

But one thing was certain: Everyone was entitled to criticize Sakumo, but Sarutobi Shinnosuke was not to be offended.

What did it mean when someone saved you? Where is your pride and Honour? This was why he disliked this person. Too self-centered.

"Was he really killed by the Second Kazekage?"

Nara Shikaku, the brains of the trio, suddenly spoke up.

"Hmm?"

"Hmm?"

Both Choza and Inoichi turned their heads in confusion, looking at Shikaku with puzzled expressions.

Choza furrowed his brow and asked, "What are you talking about, Shika?"

Inoichi caught on a bit quicker, sensing Shikaku's line of thought. He said with a hint of apprehension:

"Shikaku, you don't think..."

"Shh!"

Shikaku raised his index finger to the side of his eye, signaling Yamanaka to stop.

Inoichi managed to regain his composure, but his voice still trembled slightly. His gaze shifted towards Jiraiya, who was still conversing with Tsunade and Orochimaru, and he said, "Since Jiraiya-Sama participated in the mission with Tatsuya... he might know some insider information..."

"No."

Shikaku coldly interrupted his friend's plan before he could finish speaking, his lips pressed tightly.

"Sometimes, knowing too much can shorten your life."

After uttering this sentence, Shikaku grabbed the two of them and left without looking back. As for their earlier speculation, it would likely remain buried and forgotten in their hearts.

...

...

During dinner that night

Orochimaru, frontlines' commander-in-chief, issued an order.

Any ninja who was injured or had family casualties could return to Konoha early.

Only a small number of individuals were left behind to guard the border and engage in negotiations with the Kingdom of Wind.

In truth, Orochimaru's words were unnecessary; Tsunade had been eager to leave this eerie place for a while now.

Though she hadn't been on the battlefield since the previous year, she had made significant contributions to Konoha in the initial stages. Furthermore, in the later stages, she had pulled countless Konoha shinobi back from the brink of death.

Tsunade was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable outcomes of this Second Ninja War.

To be honest, if Tsunade had been in Konoha during the time when the original series elected the Fourth Hokage, there would likely have been no Namikaze Minato.

"Huh? Kato Dan is dead!"

Orochimaru had barely finished announcing that the wounded and those with family changes could return to Konoha when Tatsuya's astonished exclamation drew everyone's attention.

Orochimaru's eyes twitched involuntarily as he looked at Tatsuya and Tsunade, who were sitting together.

When would these two ever finish their conversation?

"Lower your voice! Idiot!"

Noticing that everyone's attention was now directed at them, Tsunade roughly squeezed Tatsuya's shoulder and explained, "On the fourth day after you and Sarutobi Shinnosuke left, Konoha clashed with Sand shinobi once again. According to Orochimaru, Kato Dan died at the hands of a ninja who used strange black iron sand."

Black iron sand?

The Third Kazekage?

Tatsuya mused, stroking his chin.

In the original storyline, Kato Dan seemed to have been killed. Most likely, it had been by Rock shinobi using explosive-style techniques.

Though, it could also have been a detonation tag. Such things were commonplace in the ninja world.

However, Tatsuya felt a twinge of discomfort at Kato Dan's death in such a manner. It didn't quite fit the pattern.

The role of such a rival figure...

Wasn't he supposed to be defeated by Tatsuya himself? How could he die so unceremoniously? Suddenly, Tatsuya had the thought, "You fell before I could even take action."

"What are you doing? That expression is so strange." Observing Tatsuya's perplexed expression, Tsunade nudged him with her elbow.

"It's fine; he would've died sooner or later anyway. His strength wouldn't have made a difference."

Tatsuya's callous words sent shivers down the spines of those around them.

While from Tatsuya's perspective, he might truly wish for Kato Dan's early demise, there was no need to vocalize it so openly, right?

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