By the time Yahiko and the others arrived at the Hatake Clan compound for dinner, they looked a little worn out from their day.
Yahiko and Konan, having spent the entire time on the move, carried some exhaustion in their expressions, but their smiles remained as bright as ever.
Nagato and Nonō entered a moment later, catching up with Yahiko and Konan, who had paused to wait for them.
"Nonō, I feel like there's something different about you," Konan said, her sharp instincts picking up on a subtle change.
There was a new charm about Nonō, a certain glow that hadn't been there before.
"What are you talking about?"
"I don't know what you mean."
Nonō's face instantly flushed red, and her grip on Nagato's hand tightened involuntarily.
"Really?"
Konan frowned, unable to put her thoughts into words, but still feeling like something was off.
"There's nothing different."
"Hurry up and go inside, or Sensei and the others will get impatient waiting for us."
Nonō tugged Nagato along, hoping to escape Konan's questioning.
...
"This is all your fault."
"You just had to do it so many times."
Once they had put a bit of distance between themselves and the others, Nonō took the opportunity to direct her frustration at Nagato.
Getting caught wasn't the issue—at worst, Yahiko and Konan would tease her a little.
But still, she couldn't help feeling embarrassed.
"Blame me if you want… just blame me."
"I'm sorry."
Nagato, knowing full well that he was guilty, could only endure the pressure of her grip on his hand.
But honestly, he couldn't help it. Once he had tasted the forbidden fruit, it was only natural to want more.
And considering how carried away they had gotten—especially since both of them were medical-nin—it was hardly surprising that it had happened again.
"You're not allowed to tell anyone."
"If you do, you'll regret it."
Nonō shot him a threatening look, only relaxing once Nagato nodded in agreement.
...
"Didn't you notice something?"
Konan, still not letting go of the thought, watched as Nagato and Nonō walked ahead.
She didn't like not knowing—this nagging feeling was like a thorn stuck in her skin, impossible to ignore.
Turning to Yahiko, she asked, "You don't think she seems different?"
"She looks the same as always to me," Yahiko replied, utterly clueless.
"You're overthinking it. Come on, let's go."
He didn't dwell on it, instead grabbing Konan's hand and pulling her along.
...
Since Nonō deliberately kept her distance from Konan, the latter didn't get another chance to bring it up.
By the time they all sat down in the dining hall, the moment had passed.
"What's with you guys?"
"You're grown adults, and you're still chasing each other around?"
Kawakaze gave them a puzzled look as they practically burst into the room.
"Haha~"
"It's nothing. We were just in a hurry to eat," Nagato said, brushing it off casually.
Kawakaze didn't think much of it.
No matter how strong or old his disciples became, in his eyes, they were still just kids.
Even if they started brawling in the middle of the dining hall, he'd probably just make a passing comment and move on.
"Act proper. You're all people of status now," Sakumo added, completely serious—despite the fact that he and Kawakaze had their own fair share of public squabbles.
"Understood, Uncle," Yahiko and the others responded in unison.
Yet even as they settled in, Konan's gaze kept drifting back to Nonō, her curiosity far from satisfied.
The way she stared made Nonō feel antsy, as if she was being scrutinized under a microscope.
Watching the exchange, Tsunade's eyes lingered on Nonō and Nagato for a few moments before a knowing smile tugged at her lips.
Looks like the kids have grown up.
Then, her gaze shifted to Yahiko and Konan, and she let out a sigh, shaking her head in disappointment.
These two are still as pure as blank sheets of paper. Who knows when they'll finally figure things out?
"The food is ready."
"Let's eat."
Nayuki served Sakumo a portion first before signaling for everyone to start.
With the delicious meal in front of her, Konan finally stopped focusing on Nonō.
"Sensei, since we're fighting on two fronts this time, how should we divide our forces between the Land of Wind and the Land of Lightning?"
With their departure set for tomorrow, Yahiko only now remembered to ask about the finer details.
Then again, their confidence was so high that they never even considered the possibility of losing.
"We're not handling that."
"You'll be in charge of the troops—just discuss it among yourselves."
Kawakaze took a completely hands-off approach, while Tsunade remained silent.
"I think..."
"The Land of Wind doesn't need too many troops. The Suna shinobi already have a psychological shadow when it comes to Konoha."
"As long as you send two people strong enough to keep things under control, that should be enough."
"The real focus should be on the Land of Lightning."
"The Third Raikage is no joke, plus they have the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki."
"You guys better be on your toes."
Sakumo was the only one to give serious advice, proving himself to be a reliable elder.
"I completely agree, Uncle."
"The Land of Wind will be an easy victory, but the Land of Lightning will take some effort."
Yahiko nodded, as that was exactly what he had in mind as well.
"As long as you know what you're doing."
Sakumo smiled in approval.
"Nawaki, Minato."
"How are you two dividing things up?"
Nagato joined the discussion now that they were talking strategy.
"I'm going to the Land of Lightning," both Nawaki and Minato said at the same time.
Neither had any interest in the Land of Wind—they both wanted the tougher battlefield.
"Haha~"
"Why don't you two fight for it? The winner gets to go."
Kawakaze instantly saw through them and had no issue fanning the flames.
A classic case of an elder who enjoyed watching drama unfold.
"Fine, let's fight."
Despite usually getting along, Nawaki and Minato weren't willing to budge on something like this.
"Stop, stop."
"What's the point of fighting over this?"
"You think breaking furniture is free?"
"We'll draw lots."
Before the two could even stand up, Tsunade put an immediate stop to it.
Her word wasn't a suggestion—it was a decision.
Two folded slips of paper were placed in front of them.
Nawaki and Minato each picked one up but just sat there, staring at each other, neither wanting to be the first to look.
They both knew that just by seeing the other's reaction, they'd know the outcome.
"Enough stalling—open them at the same time."
Tsunade lost her patience and stepped in again.
Everyone else watched the scene with amusement, clearly enjoying the show.
Family games like this had their own charm.
"Hahaha~"
"I got the Land of Lightning!"
"I'll leave the Land of Wind to you, Nawaki. I trust you can handle it."
Minato smirked like he had just won the lottery, even giving Nawaki a few pats on the shoulder.
"Smug bastard."
Annoyed, Nawaki tossed his slip of paper aside and angrily chomped down on a piece of pork to make himself feel better.
"Alright, then it's settled."
"Nawaki, you'll go to the Land of Wind with Kakuzu."
"Kakuzu probably doesn't want to see Minato anyway."
"Minato, you'll head to the Land of Lightning with the rest."
Kawakaze knew what was on Kakuzu's mind and had no interest in making things worse for him.
"Understood, Sensei."
Yahiko and the others nodded, and just like that, a major war strategy was casually decided over dinner.
"I want to go."
"I want to go too."
As soon as Kakashi spoke, Ginji immediately followed suit.
"You two really are brothers in sync, huh?"
Kawakaze chuckled, amused by their enthusiasm.
"Doesn't matter where I go. I'm fine with anything."
"Same here."
Ginji was practically Kakashi's echo, not even stopping to think about it.
"What do you think?"
Kawakaze turned to Tsunade, knowing full well that Sakumo would be all for Kakashi joining.
In Sakumo's eyes, it was only natural for a man to go to war—especially someone from the distinguished Hatake Clan.
"If these two go, a whole group will want to follow."
"I'm not getting involved in this mess."
Tsunade waved a hand dismissively, rejecting Kawakaze's attempt to discuss it with her.
"Alright, then here's the deal."
"If anyone wants to join, have their parents sign a permission form."
"No signature, no battlefield."
After all, not every parent wanted their child to go to war. Kawakaze was at least considerate enough to give families a choice.
"That's fine with me."
Kakashi's eyes lit up.
This was no problem at all.
At the Academy, he and his friends were bored out of their minds.
Honestly, forget a signature—they could probably convince their parents with a blood oath if necessary.
"I've got no issue either."
Ginji followed suit, completely unfazed.
Most of their friends were children of Konoha's high-ranking officials, all raised with a strong sense of duty.
Besides, with Nawaki and Minato leading them, there was nothing to worry about.