"Today's the last day, isn't it?"
Tsunade casually tossed Ōnoki's handwritten letter aside and looked at Kawakaze, who was lounging on the sofa.
"Yeah, the Uchiha are ready."
"We can depart at any time."
Kawakaze glanced down at his hands and responded absentmindedly.
He had never intended to give the Land of Earth any leeway—three days was just a pretext.
Even if they delivered all the promised resources within the deadline, Konoha would still find another excuse to send troops.
This war was inevitable.
Victory was the only outcome he would accept.
"So heartless."
"Ōnoki is still waiting for our response, you know."
Tsunade chuckled, teasing Kawakaze.
"Let him wait."
"He'll be waiting for Konoha's Uchiha army."
Kawakaze lifted his gaze, speaking the harshest words in the gentlest tone.
"If nothing unexpected happens, Ōnoki will definitely try to negotiate for peace."
"He doesn't want to fight, and he doesn't dare to."
Tsunade could already picture Ōnoki's expression when he saw Konoha's forces.
So you weren't just bluffing after all?
"If he begs for peace, does that mean we have to agree?"
"It won't be up to him anymore."
"Whether he wants to fight or not, he'll have no choice."
Kawakaze's tone was absolute. Ōnoki had no way out.
"So domineering. I like it."
Tsunade clapped her hands playfully, making Shōta think he was hallucinating.
He rubbed his eyes and looked again—definitely a hallucination.
No way the Hokage could act that soft.
But Kawakaze's reaction confused him even more.
"Oh, come on, we're not newlyweds. Don't start with that."
"Hahaha~"
Kawakaze laughed like a fool—he must have taken the wrong medicine today.
"Back to business."
"Can Fugaku handle this on his own?"
Tsunade still had some concerns. Iwagakure wasn't weak, after all.
Relying on Fugaku alone to deal with Ōnoki, Jinchūriki Rōshi, and Kitsuchi wouldn't be easy.
"One-on-one, I have complete confidence in Fugaku's strength."
"But you're right—Uchiha alone isn't enough."
"Who do you think should go with him?"
Kawakaze had already considered this but hadn't yet decided on the best candidate.
Konoha had too many strong fighters—choosing the right one was the problem.
"Nawaki and Minato would be ideal."
"But they just got back and should rest for a while."
"Orochimaru has been buried in his work—he'd probably live in the lab if he could."
"Jiraiya is busy too. My brother could go, but he'd probably overshadow Fugaku."
"How about Duy?"
Tsunade thought for a moment and remembered the often-overlooked jōnin instructor.
Spending his days wrangling genin and chasing stray cats was a waste of his talent.
"That works. I'll ask him."
"If he's willing, we'll go with that."
Kawakaze nodded, planning to consult Duy first.
If Duy refused, he wouldn't force him.
After all, Nawaki and Minato were always ready for action.
"Alright, then it's settled."
"Go talk to him—I have work to do."
With that, Tsunade started shooing him away without the slightest hint of courtesy.
"Hm."
Kawakaze stood up but then hesitated.
I never said I was leaving right away… Is this how you treat your husband?
"Can't I sit for a bit longer?"
He stopped in his tracks and asked sincerely.
"No. Watching you slack off annoys me."
Tsunade's response was even more straightforward—she didn't even look up.
"Pfft—"
Shōta, the only bystander, couldn't hold back his laughter.
Then, realizing Kawakaze's sharp gaze was on him, he quickly lowered his head.
Damn it, why is my sense of humor so weak?
"Fine."
"I'm leaving."
Nearly grinding his teeth, Kawakaze spat out the words and walked off without looking back.
...
After leaving the Hokage Building, Kawakaze wandered through the village until he found Might Duy.
Duy was leading three newly assigned genin on a simple mission—retrieving a lost key for a wealthy merchant.
"Why are you here?"
Seeing Kawakaze, Duy's eyes lit up.
He was beyond bored with these mundane tasks.
"I need to talk to you."
"Come, let's sit over there."
Kawakaze gestured toward a small tavern nearby, and Duy readily agreed.
Ordering a pot of sake and a few side dishes, the two settled in to talk.
"The village is sending Fugaku to the Land of Earth. You know about this, right?"
Kawakaze wasn't sure if Duy had been keeping up with the village's affairs.
After all, Duy was never the type to get involved in politics.
"I know."
Duy nodded. Though he was only a jōnin instructor, he was still a high-level combatant, and Konoha never kept vital information from him.
"Fugaku needs backup. Are you willing to go?"
Kawakaze got straight to the point.
"That's all? Of course."
Duy's eyes gleamed. It had been too long since he last had a proper fight.
"I knew you wouldn't let me down."
Kawakaze clinked his cup against Duy's, and they both downed their drinks in one go.
"To be honest, this mission isn't just about taking over the Land of Earth."
"The other goal is to help Fugaku get revenge."
"You know that Rōshi, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, was the one who killed the previous Uchiha clan head."
"I promised Fugaku he'd get his chance."
"This fight won't be easy for you."
"While Fugaku deals with Rōshi, you'll have to keep Ōnoki occupied."
"There may be others as well."
"Think you can handle it?"
Kawakaze wasn't trying to pressure Duy—he was simply stating the facts.
He knew exactly how strong Duy was.
With the Seventh Gate open, very few could stop him.
If he pushed to the Eighth Gate, even Ōnoki might not survive.
No matter how powerful Dust Release was, it wouldn't matter if it couldn't hit its target.
"What's youth without a few obstacles?!"
"Leave it to me!"
Duy showed no fear—only burning determination.
"Good."
"I trust you."
"But I still have to say this—your safety comes first."
"If you can't win, it's not a disgrace."
"Konoha has plenty of manpower."
Kawakaze meant every word.
If Duy and Fugaku couldn't handle the situation, he wouldn't hesitate to go all out and flatten the Land of Earth.
That wouldn't be his preferred outcome, but if it came to that, so be it.
"I have two sons waiting for me at home. I know my limits."
Duy's expression softened as he poured himself another drink.
After finishing the pot of sake, Kawakaze told Duy to make his preparations and then took his leave.
...
Instead of returning to the Hokage Building, he found himself heading toward the Uchiha Clan district.
Armored Uchiha warriors moved swiftly through the streets, preparing for battle.
Kawakaze greeted them as he walked, eventually stopping in front of Fugaku's home.
He stared at the closed door, lost in thought.
He still remembered his first time here, speaking with the previous Uchiha clan head.
But that man was gone now.