"Send someone back to the village and inform the Third Kazekage that we need supplies."
"Dispatch more scouts. I want to know immediately if Konoha makes any major moves."
"Finally, hold the defensive line and don't give the people of Konoha any opportunity."
"Dismissed."
Chiyo issued her orders in a hoarse voice, no longer as spirited as when she had first arrived. With a wave of her hand, she signaled everyone to leave.
"Sister…"
"You should leave too. I want to be alone for a while."
She also dismissed her older brother. Ebizō sighed, glanced at her a few times, and silently departed.
"Wuu…"
Once her brother had left, Chiyo could no longer hold back. She covered her face and burst into tears.
"Scorpion, Grandma is so sorry for you…"
After sending the younger ones away, Chiyo began to regret her decision to attack the Konoha camp.
But there was no medicine in the world that could cure regret. She swore vengeance in her heart.
As time passed, Tsunade received news that a massive shipment of supplies would arrive in two days.
The Third Kazekage was still arguing with the daimyo over material support. The Land of Wind had always been poor, and requesting large-scale supplies was tantamount to risking one's life.
On the frontlines, the Sand shinobi were barely surviving on what little food remained. Their situation was dire.
Dai led his team to systematically eliminate threats along the supply routes, leaving part of his force behind before returning to camp.
Naturally, Tsunade would not waste his top-tier combat strength in large-scale battles.
Kawakaze's camp was small and run by an Earth Release ninja. From the outside, it looked ordinary.
Inside, however, the furnishings were refined and cozy — so much so that the two kids decided to sleep on the floor as soon as they returned to their brother-in-law's (teacher's) home.
They even laid out their bedding themselves.
Kawakaze couldn't stay with Tsunade in the main camp, or those two would certainly be kicked out.
Tonight, everyone gathered at Kawakaze's place to drink, which also doubled as a small tactical meeting.
"The supplies arrive the day after tomorrow, so we can assign missions in advance."
Since they were all familiar with each other, Kawakaze didn't worry about stealing Tsunade's thunder and spoke directly.
"I'll keep my promise."
Dai chewed on meat, his target being wherever his finger pointed.
"What about us?"
Nawaki and Minato looked eagerly at Kawakaze.
"Just follow us."
Tsunade smacked both of them on the head. Though small, they were brave and eager.
The two kids rubbed their heads in pain and quickly retreated. They knew better than to offend this woman.
"Haha, you're still young. For now, just focus on strengthening yourselves."
Yūhi Kurenai smiled kindly. He was fond of the two boys, believing they would one day become pillars of Konoha.
"The central line has the strongest defenses. Who'll take it?"
Kawakaze remained focused on troop deployment.
"I will."
Sakumo took a sip of wine and accepted the difficult task.
"Good. Be careful."
Kawakaze trusted Sakumo the most — his judgment and adaptability made him perfect for the center.
The main objective wasn't the central line. Kawakaze and Tsunade were the core force, breaking through from the flanks.
"Then the other side goes to Dai."
Kawakaze assigned the main offensive forces, leaving little else to discuss.
"No problem."
Dai swallowed his meat and gave a thumbs-up.
"I'll stay behind and wait for your good news."
Yūhi Kurenai took a sip of wine. His genjutsu wasn't suited for large-scale warfare.
"After the battle, go home and hug your kids."
Kawakaze raised his cup, and everyone drank together.
"We have kids to hug — but when are you going to have one?"
Shihiro looked at Kawakaze teasingly. As they grew closer, even this stern man had learned to joke.
"Teacher, when will you give me a little brother or sister?"
"Yeah!"
The two kids jumped in again.
Nawaki sneaked a glance at Tsunade and subtly backed away.
He saw her cheeks flushing red.
"Why are you getting involved? Will you take care of the baby after it's born?"
Sure enough, Tsunade blushed, then immediately started scolding the two kids, while Minato awkwardly retreated to the side.
"I will take care of him, Auntie! Blood is thicker than water!"
Nawaki stretched his neck and shouted, only to shrink back under Tsunade's glare.
"If Kakashi had a sibling, that might be nice."
Sakumo's sudden comment stunned Tsunade.
"After we're married, let's have two children."
Kawakaze shamelessly wrapped an arm around Tsunade's shoulder.
"What do you think?"
"Let's talk about it after we get married!"
Tsunade quickly pulled away, revealing a shy, girlish expression that made everyone burst into laughter.
After eating and drinking, everyone gradually left.
The two kids carried leftovers outside and never came back, leaving only Kawakaze and Tsunade.
"Is Big Brother trying to encourage us to have kids?"
Tsunade sat on the bed, looking uncertainly at Kawakaze, who was still sitting cross-legged by the low table.
"Guess what?"
Kawakaze chuckled mischievously.
"I don't care."
Tsunade rolled her eyes. Ever since becoming a wife, she had grown increasingly charming.
"By the way, I want to ask you something."
Kawakaze sat beside her and lightly brushed his lips against her cheek — without going further.
He wasn't sure whether those two kids might suddenly come back.
"You said it."
Tsunade sensed this wasn't a serious question, but she listened anyway.
"Why aren't you pregnant yet?"
Kawakaze finally asked.
He had never taken any precautions, so he had wondered if his status as a time traveler might have affected fertility.
"I already took care of it."
Tsunade blushed again, embarrassed about pregnancy before marriage.
She had dealt with that easily.
"No problem, no problem!"
Kawakaze patted his chest, visibly relieved.
"What were you worried about?"
Tsunade asked irritably.
"Haha, nothing."
"Then… can you control whether it's a boy or girl?"
Kawakaze asked expectantly.
"No."
"Can you have twins?"
"No."
"Then can you—"
"No!"
"Why do you have so many questions?!"
Unable to tolerate it anymore, Tsunade kicked him off the bed.
"Collapse."
Kawakaze sat on the floor laughing.
But just then, Minato and Nawaki pushed the door open.
Minato entered first and immediately saw Kawakaze sprawled on the floor. He looked up at the sky, then backed out.
"What nice weather today."
"Good news, huh? It's about to rain."
Nawaki was squeezed aside, clearly unhappy.
He tried to force his way in, but Minato grabbed his arm and dragged him back.
"Big brother, too much curiosity leads to injury."
Seeing Kawakaze's dazed expression, Tsunade burst into laughter.
Soon after, Tsunade stepped out.
The two kids crawled out from hiding and entered the room.
"What did you two just see?"
"Nothing at all."
They shook their heads vigorously.
Kawakaze nodded in satisfaction.
Sharp-eyed — and eager to learn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For advanced chapter visit my patreon:
patreon.com/fatimasoomro123
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~