A few days later, Kawamine and his group entered the Land of Grass.
The terrain here was very different from that of the Land of Waterfall. There were few waterfalls, but the grasslands stretched endlessly in every direction—truly living up to the name "Country of Grass."
Kawamine remembered that the Land of Grass had no particularly powerful ninja. They survived by reselling intelligence from the major nations.
They also frequently captured ninja from other countries and forced them to reveal their techniques—an act that seriously infringed upon the interests of the great powers.
As a result, in the original storyline, the country was nearly destroyed by the Kaguya clan. Karin's mother was even used as a living medical tool during the war and eventually died after being exploited to death.
The Shikotsumyaku of the Kaguya clan was an extremely powerful kekkei genkai—one that could evolve to a level capable of killing even those struck by the Ash Bones.
Otherwise, Orochimaru would never have chosen Kimimaro as his first reincarnation vessel. Unfortunately, Kimimaro died young due to a blood disease.
Kawamine speculated that if the power of the Six Paths were combined with the Shikotsumyaku, it might evolve into the All-Killing Ash Bones.
But he had no time to seek out the Kaguya clan right now.
Still, if the opportunity ever arose, he would never give up such an ability. Being struck by that technique was considered a guaranteed death sentence.
Those pierced would turn to ashes along with their bones. Their bodies would collapse from the wound, the destruction spreading rapidly throughout their entire form.
"I think we've arrived, but the main force hasn't yet."
Kawamine estimated the timing and concluded that the main force would need another two or three days to arrive.
Most of their time had been spent traveling, which was why the capture of the Seven-Tails had gone so smoothly.
"Then let's wait in town," Tsunade said.
After sleeping outdoors for several days, her body was starting to feel uncomfortable.
"Sounds good. I want a big meal," Sheng Shu's voice came from behind them.
It was unbelievable—he had somehow caught the conversation from that distance.
"Sensei, I can do anything," Minato added quickly, suggesting that Naoki should take the lead instead, since he disliked competing for credit.
"Enough, you two brats," Kawamine laughed and scolded them lightly.
His gaze drifted upward with unmistakable desire, following Tsunade as she flew diagonally overhead.
He had been feeling increasingly pent-up lately.
What are you smiling about?
Kawamine snapped back to his senses only after Tsunade's wing smacked him across the face. He wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth.
"Nothing. I was just thinking about something tasty."
His eyes darted away awkwardly, a trace of guilt flickering within them.
"It'd better be," Tsunade said suspiciously.
She always felt this guy had ulterior motives—unfortunately, she couldn't read minds.
Otherwise, Kawamine would already have experienced her legendary iron fist.
"Ahem…"
"Anyway, don't overthink it."
"Let's speed up. We're almost at the border."
Kawamine found an excuse and rushed ahead. Tsunade flapped her wings and followed, but this was extremely difficult for the two kids.
I thought this was some sudden test from Sensei, Minato thought, pushing himself to the limit and chasing after them with everything he had.
From the Land of Grass into the Land of Fire, the border of the Land of Rain was already very close.
As expected, the main force had not yet arrived, and there were no markings left at the agreed meeting point.
Kawamine's group entered the same town that Orochimaru had passed through with his team earlier. It had not been affected by the war at all.
It was still bustling and prosperous, just as before.
The two kids were completely exhausted. To keep up with Kawamine's pace, they had nearly drained all their chakra.
"First, we eat. Then we soak in a hot spring and rest well tonight," Kawamine arranged the schedule.
The two kids responded with weak, half-hearted applause.
"Let's go," Tsunade said.
She hadn't had a proper meal in a long time and headed straight for the street filled with delicious aromas.
When they passed by a casino, she paused instinctively—only to be grabbed by the arm and dragged away by Kawamine.
"I didn't bring much money. There'll be another chance," he said quickly.
He was worried Tsunade would rush in. If she did, the four of them would be sleeping on the streets tonight.
Then why come to town at all?
"Just to take a look," Tsunade muttered weakly, still resisting slightly as she was dragged away.
It was as if she hadn't won in ages.
She had forgotten that she had never won.
The four of them entered a barbecue restaurant. Outside, the owner was grilling meat at a table, shouting loudly as he worked.
"Delicious barbecue! If it's not good, you don't pay!"
"Boss, bring us the meat and wine," Kawamine said as he led the way inside.
He didn't bother asking the price—he could afford it.
They sat down at an empty table.
Soon, plates of barbecue and grape wine were set before them. The owner thoughtfully brought drinks for the two children as well.
"So good!"
Sheng Shu ate meat and drank water in huge mouthfuls, looking utterly satisfied.
Minato, on the other hand, was calm and restrained. No wonder Kushina liked him. If he'd been paired with Nawaki, their clans probably wouldn't have approved.
"I could strangle you," Tsunade said, staring at her brother in speechless frustration.
What kind of brother was he, exactly?
"Eat, drink, enjoy," Kawamine laughed.
This was nothing worth worrying about. He had more important matters in mind.
"It doesn't hit as hard as before," Tsunade muttered.
Used to strong liquor, she found sake lacking—but she drank it anyway.
"That's fine. If you're not satisfied, have more."
"Boss, more wine."
Kawamine waved his hand, and the owner brought over several large jugs.
The two kids ate happily, while Kawamine did his best to keep pouring drinks for Tsunade.
But he had underestimated her alcohol tolerance.
It seemed that after becoming a jinchūriki, her capacity for alcohol had only increased.
Left with no other choice, Kawamine pulled a trick and excused himself to "sober up" in the restroom.
In the end, Tsunade was nearly drunk, loudly demanding more alcohol, her excitement obvious.
"Boss, I'll pay."
Seeing other members of Tsunade's group nearby, Kawamine retreated at just the right moment.
He wrapped an arm around Tsunade's waist and guided her out of the barbecue restaurant.
The two kids followed, burping and patting their bellies.
Then the four of them arrived at the most luxurious hot spring bathhouse in town.
"Boss, we need two private hot springs."
Kawamine booked two private rooms. Both were extremely secluded—and very expensive.
"You two go wash up," he said.
After sending the kids away, Tsunade—still flushed—leaned against Kawamine.
"I knew you were up to no good. This is just a hot spring. Let's go."
She took the initiative, grabbing Kawamine by the collar and dragging him into the private bath before letting go. Her steps were slightly unsteady as she walked toward the pool.
"Kawamine… you've been planning this for a long time, haven't you?"
Before the words even finished, Tsunade had already stripped naked, standing boldly before him.
"I—"
Kawamine's eyes widened. He swallowed twice.
This is the first time.Every time I invited someone to bathe together before, I got rejected.Misfortune really does come with blessings.
"It's not like you haven't seen it before," Tsunade scoffed.
She turned away, lowered herself into the hot spring, closed her eyes, and enjoyed the warmth.
The exhaustion of the past few days melted away.
Kawamine quickly undressed as well and entered the pool, carefully moving closer to her.
"Tsunade, let me give you a professional massage."
"Alright."
Drunk Tsunade was fearless—if anything, even bolder than usual.
At first, Kawamine massaged her properly.
Then… gradually, he became less professional.
"Mmm…"
"Let me see your wings," Kawamine whispered softly beside her ear, stepping behind her.
At once, a pair of butterfly wings spread from Tsunade's back.
"This is way too exciting."
Kawamine worked harder, no longer caring whether sober Tsunade would beat him half to death tomorrow.
He was willing to devote his entire life to the prosperity of the Hatake clan—
right up until the very end.
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