"Kawafuu-kun, you guessed right."
"The Rain-nin have shrunk their range again. They have no intention of facing us head-on."
"There are eyes watching from outside. At most, we can only set some traps."
"We absolutely don't intend to provoke them."
"It seems that unless we make the first move, they won't make any move at all."
It was considered a small victory. Orochimaru was in a good mood and even brought several jugs of wine.
Inside the small earthen hut of the camp, he was drinking with Kawafuu and the others.
Only their two voices echoed inside the mud-brick room.
"Their goal is to hinder our advance," Kawafuu said.
"Not to defeat us."
"As long as we make it look like we're preparing for a large-scale assault," Kawafuu continued,"even if the Rain-nin suspect it's a trap, they'll have no choice but to act."
"Orochimaru-kun, you're quite meticulous."
"I think you intentionally left those two Rain-nin 'eyes' alive."
Kawafuu saw through Orochimaru's plan instantly—an open conspiracy.
The Rain-nin would be forced to act. A fierce battle was inevitable.
"It's just a small trick. Forgive me for mocking you, Kawafuu-san."Orochimaru, still in his twenties, couldn't resist drinking two more cups after being praised.
"War is about to break out. You two are not allowed to leave my sight."
Kawafuu emptied his cup along with Orochimaru, but still didn't forget to warn the two youngsters.
As long as they remained within his sensing range, Flying Thunder God would be enough to save their lives.
"Yes, Teacher (Big Brother)."
The two kids obediently ate the fruit Orochimaru brought and nodded to Kawafuu.
"Then I'll leave the task of guarding the perimeter to you."
Orochimaru spoke to Shuo Mao without hesitation. As the commander appointed by the Third Hokage, assigning duties placed no burden on him.
"That's fine," Shuo Mao replied.
He didn't say much, simply clinking his cup with Orochimaru's.
The more they drank, the more cheerful they became. Once talk of war ended, they shifted to family matters.
Between the few of them, relationships deepened quickly; their identities and strengths were well-matched, making the interaction comfortable.
"Kawafuu-kun, you took Tsunade away—Jiraiya is heartbroken."
"He should still be on his way back to Konoha from Mount Myōboku."
Orochimaru also enjoyed gossip.
"Haha, I'm not stealing your love interest."
"There are thousands of women in the world. When I have time, I'll find Jiraiya a suitable partner."
Kawafuu laughed. He believed his actions were open and aboveboard—he hadn't 'stolen' anyone, so there was nothing to hide.
"Orochimaru-kun, have you considered finding a wife yourself?"
"I'll be a father soon."
Even when drunk, Shuo Mao dared to ask anything.
Kawafuu shot his brother a look. "That's definitely you, big brother."
He then watched curiously to see Orochimaru's reaction.
"I haven't found anyone suitable."
Orochimaru showed no hint of embarrassment and clinked cups with Shuo Mao again.
Kawafuu believed Orochimaru was human like anyone else. In Boruto, he even raised a child, so clearly he wasn't naturally opposed to forming a family.
At least now, he still possessed normal emotions and desires.
"If the time comes and you find someone you like, I'll tie them up and deliver them to you myself."
Kawafuu joked as he and Orochimaru shared another drink.
"Very well. When the time comes, I'll ask Kawafuu-kun for help—don't you deny it."
A faint blush appeared on Orochimaru's pale face.
Perhaps even he didn't know why he got along so well with Kawafuu. Was it only because he had taken a sword from him?
"Even if the person comes from some tiny, remote village, I won't complain."
Seeing Kawafuu brag too much, Shuo Mao poured him another cup.
If he got drunk, he'd stop boasting.
Dai still couldn't fully blend into the atmosphere. First, the difference in status between them was huge; second, he was still learning the art of bragging so he wouldn't seem dull.
Eventually, they all drank too much. Nawaki carried Orochimaru back to his tent, while Kawafuu collapsed on the ground.
He was extremely quiet—not even bragging.
Shuo Mao finally felt satisfied. He dragged his younger brother onto the bed.
Looking at the drunken Kawafuu, he thought:This is the good brother I want—not that annoying little brat.
His next thought:I absolutely cannot let Kawafuu take care of that damned child.Otherwise, I'll lose at least ten years of my life.
With these ridiculous yet warm thoughts in his mind, he lay beside his brother and fell asleep.
Poor Dai lay on the floor—thankfully, sweet-natured Minato covered him with a blanket.
Minato then climbed onto the small bed beside him and fell asleep too.
The next day, the camp was chaotic but orderly, full of energy.
Konoha shinobi were collecting combat supplies—an image the Rain-nin spy watching from afar saw clearly.
He immediately sent someone back to report.
At a glance, it was obvious something major was brewing.
When Yamamaru received the report, anxiety surged.
He paced back and forth in the corridor.
A frontal assault would be like an egg hitting a rock.
But if they refused to fight, they would fail Hanzo's mission.
After much thought, their only hope was that Orochimaru intended to attack somewhere else—not the core region of the Rain Country.
"Keep monitoring them, and report Konoha's movements immediately."
After giving orders, Yamamaru sat down on his new chair and impatiently took off his mask.
Underneath, his face was full of worry.
If Konoha's target was the Rain Country's core, he would have no choice but to fight.
Orochimaru and Kawafuu discussed it and extended preparation time to a full week.
Every day, supplies were distributed—and every day, Rain-nin returned to report the same thing.
Yamamaru's emotions slowly began to unravel.
Slow slicing was the cruelest torture.
On the seventh day, upon hearing that Konoha was still preparing, he nearly went insane.
He wanted to storm into the Konoha camp and confront Orochimaru face-to-face:
"Where exactly are you planning to attack!? Give me a clear answer!"
That night, Kawafuu and Orochimaru were alone together in Orochimaru's tent.
Fine tea brewed on the low table before them as they sat facing each other.
"Orochimaru-kun, I think the time has come."
"Tomorrow, we'll see results."
A brilliant smile lit Kawafuu's face. He was very satisfied with their strategy.
It had undoubtedly inflicted immense psychological suffering on Yamamaru.
"Indeed. After seven days of this torment, I believe the Rain-nin leader is on the verge of mental collapse."
"Any foolish impulse might erupt."
The cold smile on Orochimaru's face looked beautiful once one got used to it; Kawafuu no longer felt chills.
"If everything goes well, our feint can become a real attack."
"What do you think, Orochimaru-kun?"
Kawafuu now enjoyed the feeling of commanding armies and designing strategies.
He lifted his cup—tea fragrance lingering on his lips.
"I fully agree with Kawafuu's view."
The two shared a knowing smile. There was no better partner in the world.
The next day, Konoha shinobi gathered in the camp.
Enough people were left to guard the food and remaining supplies; everyone else marched to battle.
Their destination: the central region of Amegakure.Move out!
Orochimaru gave the order, and the shinobi streamed out of the camp.
He deliberately glanced northward, hoping the Rain-nin he had spent so much time pushing into action would not disappoint him.
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All the fanfiction is 30-chapter ahead but this "Naruto: Tsunade the Fugitive Healer" is 30 chapters ahead there