Time goes by constantly; two months will pass in the blink of an eye.
Under the recommendation of the Third Hokage, Chao Yanqian successfully became Tsunade's disciple. During daily training, Chao Yanqian not only developed exceptional skills in medical ninjutsu but also learned Tsunade's Chakra Enhanced Strength, which greatly improved his power.
It's just that the current Tsunade hasn't developed the Yin Seal, so it can't be used to store chakra. Based on Chao Yanqian's current chakra reserves, the Chakra Enhanced Strength can only be used three times. If forced to use it a fourth time, chakra overexertion or even collapse is likely.
Fortunately, Chao Yanqian is now ten years old. In a few years, as his body matures, his chakra reserves will significantly increase. But for now, the Chakra Enhanced Strength can only be used as a trump card, not recklessly.
During the period when Chao Yanqian was training in seclusion, battle reports from the frontlines returned to Konoha like snowflakes. The outcome of the war was not only a concern of Konoha's leadership but also a hot topic among villagers.
As Konoha's commander in this war, Orochimaru demonstrated outstanding leadership and tactical skill. Under Orochimaru's command, although the war with Sunagakure was grueling, Konoha maintained the upper hand overall.
Just a month ago, Konoha and Suna had a small-scale skirmish. Thousands of ninjas clashed fiercely in the Land of Rivers.
Under Orochimaru's leadership, Konoha repelled Suna's forces but suffered heavy losses.
Fortunately, with Orochimaru's help, Chao Yanqian was able to avoid the conflict.
In terms of individual strength, Suna's ninjas were generally tougher due to their harsh desert environment, which developed their resilience—something Konoha ninjas couldn't match.
However, Konoha had its own unparalleled advantages.
The Fire Daimyō spared no effort in supporting Konoha, giving it abundant resources. With such wealth, Konoha could nurture a constant stream of shinobi, far outnumbering those of other villages.
Moreover, under Tsunade's leadership, Konoha's medical capabilities were far superior to those of the other villages. As a result, its casualty rate was significantly lower than that of Sunagakure.
There was also a crucial factor: Konoha was founded by the two most powerful shinobi in history—Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara. From the beginning, Konoha attracted many powerful clans, making its ninjutsu heritage unmatched by any other village.
Because of this, Konoha became known as the cradle of geniuses. In every generation, a shinobi capable of shaking the ninja world emerged from Konoha.
During this era, the Sannin and the Konoha White Fang were dominant figures. Although Konoha concealed news of White Fang's death, his name alone was enough to strike fear across the ninja world.
For Konoha, the biggest threat from Suna wasn't the resilience of its shinobi—but their puppet corps and the deadly poisons they employed.
After suffering another minor defeat, Chiyo and her younger brother Ebizō were forced to personally come to the frontlines to lead Suna's forces against Konoha.
Chiyo's arrival meant Tsunade had to appear on the battlefield.
In all of Konoha, only Tsunade could counter Chiyo's poison techniques. Without Tsunade, even if Konoha managed to win, the cost in lives would be devastating.
And Chiyo's arrival also signaled that the decisive battle between Konoha and Sunagakure was drawing near.
Konoha Hospital.
Boom!
Asuka Tsunami, who was practicing medical ninjutsu, looked up as the door to the room was suddenly thrown open. With a wry smile, she turned to the intruder and said, "Sister Tsunade, who's in such a rush? Did something happen?"
"Get ready. We're heading to the Suna battlefield," Tsunade said solemnly.
Asuka instinctively sensed the change in Tsunade. Despite her hemophobia and the trauma of losing loved ones, Tsunade still cared deeply for Konoha. As the war escalated, she longed to return to the battlefield and protect her home.
"So soon?" Chao Yanqian frowned and asked.
Logically, with Orochimaru on the front lines, the war should have held off for at least another month.
"According to the latest intel, Iwagakure and Kirigakure have begun mobilizing their shinobi in secret. The old man wants to recall Jiraiya," Tsunade explained.
"Iwagakure and Kirigakure?"
"Don't tell me… they plan to attack Konoha too?" Chao Yanqian asked heavily.
Konoha was already locked in an intense battle with Sunagakure. If the other two villages joined in, Konoha would be forced into a three-front war. That was extremely bad news.
And if Iwagakure and Kirigakure entered the fray, Kumogakure would likely seize the opportunity as well. If Konoha were surrounded by the Four Great Ninja Villages, its current strength wouldn't be enough—it would be at risk of destruction.
Although in the original story, Konoha managed to hold its ground in the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars, who could say history wouldn't change?
Ōnoki of Iwagakure and the Third Raikage of Kumogakure were among the strongest shinobi of their time. Especially Ōnoki—his Dust Release could obliterate virtually anyone. At this stage, perhaps only the Third Hokage could stand against him.
"Could Iwagakure and Kirigakure still be at odds?" Chao Yanqian suddenly wondered aloud. "Didn't the Second Tsuchikage and Second Mizukage die together in the Second Great Ninja War? Maybe there's still tension between the two?"
"How do you know about that?" Tsunade asked, turning a sharp gaze on Chao Yanqian.
Crap! I let it slip…
The Ninja Academy teaches basic ninja history, but something like that isn't in the textbooks.
"It was Lord Orochimaru," Chao Yanqian said quickly, throwing Orochimaru under the bus. "He mentioned it while we were at the camp. He brought it up during a conversation."
"So you're that close with Orochimaru?" Tsunade said with a soft snort.
"Orochimaru-sama creeps me out. He's the one who approached me, but I don't like him," Chao Yanqian said earnestly—this part was definitely true.
"Oh? You dare talk like that about Orochimaru?" Tsunade's mood lifted slightly as she heard Chao Yanqian's blunt remark. She patted his head and said, "Don't get too close to him. That guy's too shady—don't let him rub off on you."
"Got it," Chao Yanqian nodded. "Lord Orochimaru is definitely a bit... gloomy."