Chapter 128

Chapter 128

Returning to the hot spring inn, Haneda continued relaxing in the soothing water. He had to admit, the hot springs in the Land of Hot Water were truly comforting; no wonder Tsunade kept visiting.

Asuma, who had brought back some food from outside, saw Haneda reclining contentedly and couldn't help asking, "Big bro Haneda, are we heading back tomorrow or staying a bit longer?"

"We'll wait three days. If Tsunade doesn't come to find us, we'll leave on the fourth day," Haneda said lazily.

The war between Konoha and Sunagakure had been raging for a month, intensifying with every passing day. It was about time they returned. Leaving Sakumo to manage things in the Land of Rivers left Haneda uneasy. He couldn't shake the feeling that something might happen; Madara and Black Zetsu wouldn't let go of any chance to target him or those around him, especially with Sasori of the Red Sand lurking in the shadows.

Seeing Haneda's confidence in giving a three-day deadline, Asuma remembered how Tsunade had been totally disarmed by Haneda's persuasion. Back then, she was definitely moved by his words, and now, she was probably struggling with an inner decision. Asuma thought, "As expected of big bro Haneda; he really does see things ahead!"

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out from outside the door.

"Uchiha brat! You made me compensate the shopkeeper several thousand ryo! Come out and pay up!"

"And you, you old man's brat! Daring to insult me—get out here and apologize!"

With a loud kick, Tsunade broke open the door, only to slam it shut as soon as she caught sight of Haneda's bare upper body.

…?

Haneda looked at the door in confusion.

Realizing what had happened, he quickly dried himself off with a towel and put on his clothes. As he approached the door, Asuma opened it, revealing Tsunade, Shizune, and the little pig Tonton in Shizune's arms.

"Just as I thought, an inherently wicked Uchiha brat, with no decorum around ladies," Tsunade scolded as soon as the door opened.

She certainly wasn't about to admit that she'd come over to vent her frustration after Haneda had rattled her earlier.

Haneda shot back, "Hey, hey, hey! Kurenai is staying in another room, not here with me and Asuma. This place only has men."

"And you, Lady Tsunade, barged in without asking the host's permission. Very rude," he said with a smirk.

"Oh-ho! The brat dares to talk back now, huh?"

Tsunade raised her fist menacingly, and Haneda immediately bowed in apology, "My apologies, Lady Tsunade. Totally my fault!"

Haneda wasn't being cowardly; he was respecting his elder. He had once seen Jiraiya get his ribs broken by her, only for her to heal him, then hit him again. It was clear that a skilled medical ninja like Tsunade knew how to use just enough force to cause pain without serious harm—and then heal the injuries to repeat the process.

Pleased with Haneda's respectful attitude, Tsunade nodded approvingly. She entered the room, picked a random spot to sit, and glanced at the bath he had just enjoyed.

"Not bad, brat. Pretty luxurious accommodations," she remarked.

"It's alright," Haneda responded casually, turning his gaze toward Shizune. As Tsunade's longtime companion, Shizune surely understood what was on her mind now. Haneda noticed a hint of awkwardness in her expression and took it as a sign that his plan had succeeded.

At this point, Asuma eagerly asked, "Lady Tsunade, have you reconsidered and decided to go back with big bro Haneda?"

Hearing this, Tsunade nearly spat out her tea. She glanced at Asuma, thinking, "No wonder the old man sighs whenever he mentions this son of his. Couldn't he have been a little more tactful? At least try to spare my feelings!"

Shizune tactfully answered on her behalf, "Lady Tsunade has recently been thinking about Lord Orochimaru and plans to accompany you to the Land of Rain."

"Right, exactly!" Tsunade said, giving Shizune an approving look.

Seeing them act in sync, Haneda barely suppressed a laugh. He didn't believe for a second that Tsunade actually wanted to see the current Orochimaru.

Asuma caught on as well, thinking, "As expected of big bro Haneda, seeing things so clearly! Three days, and she showed up on the first!"

He felt as if he was witnessing a historic moment that would determine the course of the war between Konoha and Sunagakure: Tsunade's return to the village!

Asuma teased, "Big bro Haneda planned to leave on the fourth day, so Lady Tsunade would have to wait a bit longer."

"What?! Haneda, you really are an inherently wicked Uchiha brat, just like my granduncle said! The battlefront is so intense, and you're thinking about hot springs and vacations?"

Tsunade grabbed Haneda by the collar, pulling him close. "Let's go! Now! Immediately!"

Haneda couldn't resist asking, "Lady Tsunade, are you really that eager to see Orochimaru?"

Blushing, Tsunade replied with a straight face, "Of course! He's been my comrade for over ten years and a friend for decades!"

…

Due to Tsunade's insistence, Haneda and the others left that very night, crossing the entire Land of Fire to reach the Land of Rivers. By the time they arrived at the main camp where Commander Sakumo was stationed, five days had passed.

The campsite, now dotted with patches of soot from past battles, looked different than it had before Haneda left. Somber and silent, most people sat alone in corners, tending to their wounds. Only the sound of rustling leaves and occasional cries broke the stillness.

When word spread that Haneda's team had returned with Tsunade, Commander Sakumo and Deputy Commander, the Nara clan head, were elated! Sakumo had intended for Haneda's group to avoid the heaviest fighting, never expecting Haneda would actually manage to bring Tsunade back. The Nara clan head had considered the odds of Haneda convincing her almost negligible. But against all expectations, Haneda had succeeded where neither Jiraiya nor the Hokage could.

Tsunade's arrival was indeed invigorating news, a much-needed morale booster for the increasingly numb battlefield. Sakumo and the Nara clan head quickly decided to spread the news of her return, knowing it would lift Konoha's spirits while striking fear into Sunagakure.

During the Second Great Ninja War, Chiyo's poisons had been repeatedly neutralized by Tsunade's medical expertise. No matter what new toxins Chiyo created, Tsunade found ways to counteract them, making Sunagakure's poisons worthless in her presence. And now, Konoha's medical challenges on the battlefield would finally be addressed, as Tsunade's summoning of the slug Katsuyu could treat hundreds of soldiers at once.

Her arrival would unquestionably change the course of the war. Even the enemy forces would have to admit as much. And as the one who had brought her back, Haneda's name was spread throughout the command center, marking him as the hero who'd brought back Konoha's hope.