"Brother Sakumo, are we heading to the Sunagakure battlefield next?"
Curiosity gleamed in Yūske's eyes as he bluntly asked Hatake Sakumo.
"The news has probably already reached the Hokage Building. The camp is still waiting for the Hokage's arrangements. After all, we're holding so many Sunagakure prisoners here. A large-scale move wouldn't be convenient."
After a brief moment of thought, Hatake Sakumo decided there was nothing to hide and answered truthfully.
"Then... can you take me with you?"
A trace of anticipation showed in Yūske's eyes. He kept his gaze fixed on Hatake Sakumo and Nara Shikamaru, as though searching for an affirmative answer.
Hatake Sakumo fell silent for a moment, and Nara Shikamaru quickly took over. "That's not up to us, Yūske. You have to understand, you're not only a Konoha ninja—you're also the Third Hokage's disciple. Many of your missions are assigned directly by the Hokage."
Yūske's eyes dimmed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, as though he had accepted the fact.
"I understand."
He spoke softly, with a barely noticeable hint of disappointment in his voice. Still, he swiftly adjusted his emotions, because he knew that this outcome might have been expected all along.
Even so, he could not help asking. After all, there was always that sliver of hope in his heart. What if it came true?
Seeing that Yūske was fine, Hatake Sakumo and Nara Shikamaru left with ease of mind.
Yūske was the only one left in the room. He silently gazed at the moon outside the window, counting the stars one by one, as though counting the disappointment and helplessness in his heart.
Land of Earth front.
Konoha Camp.
"Lord Torifu, Lord Orochimaru, this is the latest battle report from the Land of Wind battlefield!" A ninja arrived like a gust of