Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

The Land of Wind's border is centered along the middle line, with the main camp strategically positioned there. Looking up, all one could see were the identical sand-colored houses that made up the architecture of the region. Sunagakure's mastery in structural design was evident.

At an inn located in a relatively secluded area of the camp, Chiyo and Sunagakure's elite forces had gathered.

"According to intelligence, Konoha's ninja have already established a foothold in the Land of Rain," one of the scouts reported.

"The team is led by Tsunade, the Third Hokage's disciple and Konoha's best Medical-nin."

Chiyo's expression turned stern as she addressed the room.

"Do not use ordinary poisons. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Lady Chiyo," the group responded in unison.

Ebizō, seated nearby, added, "Sister, this time Hatake Kawakaze is also present. Though Hanzō of the Salamander fell in a four-man siege, Kawakaze was the main force behind his defeat. We must remain cautious."

Since Hanzō's death, Kawakaze's name had been added to the danger lists of nations far and wide. He was no longer known simply as the "Genius of the Hatake Clan" in Konoha.

"There's also Kawakaze Hatake's brother and that green leotard-wearing Might Duy," Chiyo's son chimed in, continuing the rundown of Konoha's forces.

Sakumo Hatake's reputation preceded him, but it would have irked him to be referred to as "Kawakaze Hatake's brother." Who are you looking down on, after all?

"Fortunately," Chiyo's daughter-in-law, a soft-spoken woman, interjected, "the reports from Konohagakure indicate that Orochimaru and Jiraiya won't be participating in this battle. That's some good news for us."

Chiyo listened before rising. "Be on your guard. Tonight, I will lead a night attack on the Konoha camp."

Her son and daughter-in-law nodded in agreement, unwilling to defy her orders.

"First, we'll test their strength, then devise a plan. Our objective is to stop Konoha's forces in the Land of Rain. We cannot let them set foot in the Land of Wind. Do you understand?"

Chiyo's voice rose, her tone sharp and resolute as she demanded obedience.

"Yes, Lady Chiyo."

"Return to your posts and defend the village. I'll call for you before we set out."

Chiyo waved her hand, dismissing the gathered group, leaving only her family behind.

"Sister, isn't this approach a bit reckless?"

Ebizō, one of the few who could question her, spoke cautiously. The bond between the siblings ran deep, forged by years of shared experience and mutual respect.

"Sigh, Konoha's strength is still greater than ours."

"If we don't fight to boost morale at the beginning, I'm afraid it'll be even more difficult later."

It was only then that Chiyo spoke her mind. She didn't want to take any risks if there was another way.

"Konoha has too many geniuses, and we are far behind in the younger generation."

Ebizō, as the intelligence expert of Sunagakure, knew all about the talents of various countries. However, no major nation had as many geniuses as Konoha. There simply weren't enough young people with the strength to catch up to the Kage-level.

"When Sasori grows up, he won't be weaker than anyone," Chiyo said, speaking of her precious grandson with tender eyes.

Even now, Sasori had already shown an amazing talent for Puppet Arts, and given time, Kage-level strength would be well within his grasp.

"It's all thanks to the good teachings of our dear mother."

Sasori's mother also smiled, her eyes unable to contain her pride and thoughts of her son.

"Haha, Sasori really is my precious treasure."

The family all laughed happily as they mentioned Sasori, dispelling some of the gloom of war.

Back at Konoha, the camp meeting continued.

"We must first ensure the safety of supplies and the route."

"We cannot let the same thing happen again."

Learning from the previous instance when Orochimaru's delay disrupted the battle, Tsunade took the supply lines very seriously this time. Not only did she assign Shinku Yūhi to guard them, but she also sent elite Jōnin to assist.

Even if there were any more human bombs, Shinku Genjutsu would be enough to control the enemy and avoid further losses.

"Don't worry. I've already asked Duy and his men to clear the route, so there shouldn't be any problems."

Sakumo also understood the importance of securing the supply route, and at that moment, Duy was already leading a patrol.

"That's good." Tsunade let out a sigh of relief and turned her attention to Kawakaze, as the battle plan had yet to be finalized.

"Big Brother, I want you to lead a team to raid the Suna's middle camp at night—first to scout their strength, and second to show our prowess. If they slip up, we'll launch a three-front attack." 

Kawakaze preferred blitz strategies, knowing that the longer the delay, the more detrimental it would be to Konoha's development.

This battle would be Tsunade's capital for the future.

"Good."

Sakumo, already proficient in assassinations and raids, knew this task was right up his alley. Without hesitation, he agreed. As for the risks, he was looking forward to having another go at Chiyo.

"Thank you, Sakumo. You can choose the personnel yourself." Tsunade looked at Sakumo and, without putting on the airs of a commander, gave him considerable flexibility. After all, not every ninja is suited for night operations.

"Not at all, it's all part of the job. Then I'll go and point the men." Sakumo gave a shallow smile and stood up to leave.

Tsunade then rearranged the camp's vigilance and defense tasks, and soon, only Kawakaze and she were left in the tent.

"How do you feel?" Kawakaze got up and moved to Tsunade's side.

"It's okay, just a bit stressful. I don't know how many people I can bring back after the fight."

"I now understand how Orochimaru feels every time he goes into battle. He really has suffered a lot."

Tsunade began to understand Orochimaru. In the past, she had thought he was gloomy and cold-blooded on the battlefield. Now she realized that this was all caused by the pressure of war and the weight of human life. Orochimaru wasn't born that way.

This time, he didn't have to lead the troops and had gone to Ryūchi Cave to train. She had never seen Orochimaru smile so brightly.

"Let's drink together when we get back." Kawakaze gently stroked Tsunade's head, and she tilted her head to lean on him.

"Where are Nawaki and Minato?" Tsunade suddenly remembered she had been so busy she'd forgotten about her younger brother.

"They went with Duy to inspect the supply routes. They won't be in any danger."

Kawakaze knew exactly where the two were.

"That's good. Are there any other omissions?"

Tsunade wasn't sure if she had missed anything and hoped Kawakaze could fill in any gaps.

"No, you've done a great job. Future Lord Hokage." Kawakaze smiled and leaned in to whisper in Tsunade's ear.

"Sensei won't give up his position easily."

Tsunade's heart was already set on that title, but she also knew it wouldn't come easily.

"I will give him a suitable opportunity. For now, all we have to do is win this war."

Kawakaze already had a preliminary plan in mind, but it would depend on how the war developed.

"Alright, I still need to study the Suna ninja poisons."

Tsunade moved out of Kawakaze's embrace. She had collected poisons from Suna ninjas she had defeated on the way. Although the collection wasn't comprehensive, she believed preparation was essential.

Maybe she could find a widely-used poison, which would help reduce Konoha's losses.

"I'll keep you company."

Kawakaze, however, overestimated himself. How could someone not even allowed into the research room hope to keep Tsunade company while she studied poisons?

"Thanks, but no." Tsunade stood, gave Kawakaze a pointed look, and left alone.

Kawakaze was left scratching his head awkwardly, wondering if he really was that much of a nuisance.