In the Hokage's Conference Hall of Konoha.
Tanzō slammed the table forcefully, causing the tea in the cup to splash and form ripples.
"Amegakure is provoking Konoha's authority, and now Sunagakure wants to join in. Then, let's fight!"
At the far end of the long table, the man seated in the main chair frowned and said, "Tanzō, you're being too radical!"
The man, in his forties, sported a small beard and had a piercing look in his eyes. Judging from the white Kage robe he was wearing, it was evident that he was the current Hokage of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi, known as the Strongest Hokage.
"After the conflict with Amegakure, Konoha has already suffered severe losses. If we engage in war with Sunagakure now and fight on two fronts simultaneously, do you know how many people in Konoha will die?" Hiruzen persuaded earnestly.
Tanzō let out a sneer and pointed at Hiruzen's nose as he spoke, "It's not that I'm being over - zealous. You're simply too soft, Hiruzen!"
"Now, other villages are encroaching on Konoha's territory. If we don't chop off that hand, they'll think Konoha is a pushover! They'll think Konoha has declined to the extent that anyone can come and have a piece of the pie!"
Hiruzen fell silent and began puffing on his pipe. After a brief moment of silence, he looked at the two individuals seated on the opposite side.
"Koharu, Homura, what do you think?"
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado shared the same master with Hiruzen and Tanzō. They had all trained under Tobirama Senju in the past and were now influential figures with real authority in Konoha.
After exchanging glances, Homura adjusted his glasses and spoke in a deep tone.
"Hiruzen, regarding this matter, Koharu and I back Tanzō's stance. Backing down won't solve the problem. Only by demonstrating Konoha's might can we better safeguard the village."
"Sighing..." Hiruzen heaved a long sigh and then nodded as he spoke, "I understand. Since that's the case, let's do as you say."
After the four of them had a further discussion, Koharu and Homura took their leave, leaving only Tanzō and Hiruzen in the spacious conference hall.
Noticing Tanzō still present, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. "Tanzō, do you... have something else to say?"
"I..."
Tanzō looked at Hiruzen. All of a sudden, he spotted a few streaks of silver hair at the other man's temples and felt a twinge of sadness.
"It seems Hiruzen has endured a rough time these years... He'd better relinquish the Hokage position sooner and let me shoulder this responsibility on his behalf."
Tanzō slowly rose to his feet, walked over to Hiruzen's side, and patted him on the shoulder as the other man looked on in puzzlement, saying,
"We're all doing this for the sake of Konoha. We just have different approaches. Don't let what just happened bother you... old friend."
Hiruzen's body quivered slightly. He stared at Tanzō in astonishment, as if he were seeing this old friend for the very first time.
How many years... How many years have gone by...
Since their teacher passed away, Tanzō had never addressed him in a friendly manner, not even once!
But now...!!!
For a moment, Hiruzen was in a daze and even suspected he was dreaming.
Sensing Hiruzen's complicated look, Tanzō felt a strange feeling in his heart. "How strange. Why did I tell this guy all that just now?"
You know, he, the cold and heartless Tanzō, had just said those somewhat "warm" words. Thinking about it now, it was simply embarrassing.
"I still have something to do. I'll leave first," Tanzō said, feeling embarrassed. Then he left in a hurry.
Only Hiruzen was left standing there in a daze. His pipe had even dropped to the ground, and no one knew what he was thinking.
By the glittering lake.
Three kids were sitting on the shore, bare - footed and stepping on the slightly cool lake water, chatting animatedly.
"… That's about it!" Kaze finished telling the story in a vivid way about his and Minato's recent mission.
"Ah, it was so dangerous," Kushina exclaimed with her mouth wide open. Then she looked at the two of them with some worry. "Thank goodness you two came back safely. Otherwise…"
"Come on, with me around, there won't be any accidents!" Kaze put his arm around Minato beside him and said with a big smile. "I know you like Minato. I've taken good care of him for you."
Kushina's little face blushed instantly. She immediately raised her little fist and threatened, "Who… who likes him? Don't talk nonsense. Watch out or I'll beat you up, Databane!"
Minato also pushed Kaze's arm away and gave him a somewhat reproachful look. "Yeah, don't talk nonsense, Kaze."
Kaze rolled his eyes. He thought to himself, "Damn, I've watched you two kids grow up. How could I not know the little feelings between you?"
"So, are we going to war with Sunagakure too?"
Kushina asked this question just to change the subject. But after she said it, all three of them fell silent.
"Probably…"
Kaze sighed and then smiled again. He put his arms around the two beside him and said.
"But anyway, these are still far from us. What you two should do now is to practice hard and improve your strength. Try to stick it out with this young master until the end of time. Got it?!"
"Who wants to stick it out with you until the end of time? Who told you to be so touchy - feely, Databane? I'll beat you to death! Yah!"
"Ah~~! Minato~~ Save me~~!" Kaze's shrill scream startled a flock of birds.
The setting sun, the layered clouds, the flying birds and the teenagers playing by the lake together painted a peaceful and serene picture… as long as you ignored someone's scream.
The Shimura clan lived in the middle of Konoha. As one of the most prosperous clans in Konoha, they occupied the best location in the village.
To the west of the center of the village, outside a villa belonging to the Shimura clan.
Yukino took off her shoes on the earthen floor. She walked bare - footed gently through the entrance hall and knelt in the elegantly decorated room. Her tight - fitting kimono showed a perfect curve.
In front of Yukino stood a screen painted with mountains and rivers. Through the soft light, one could faintly see the vague figure sitting behind it.
"I heard that you had a chance to achieve our goal in this mission, yet you... Why?"
A voice faintly came from behind the screen, almost inaudible, but with a questioning tone.
Yukino's expression remained unchanged. She lowered her eyelids and whispered in reply, "There were so many onlookers. In that situation, I shouldn't have made a 'blunder'. You know that."
"..."
The voice behind the screen fell silent for a long time. Then, in a soft tone, it said, "You make a good point. I was too impatient."
"We still have plenty of time. Next time, I'll find a way to create a suitable opportunity for you. You must make sure there are no mistakes then."
Yukino lowered her head and gently replied, "Yes, I understand."
The figure behind the screen was still a bit worried and went on to murmur, "You must clearly tell the difference between your cousin and your brother, and figure out who is closer to you by blood."
Yukino buried her head even lower, and a strange glint flashed in her beautiful eyes. "Yes, Yukino understands."