"What are you planning to do about the Rain Country next?"
That was how conversations between adults went. As they chatted about family matters, they inevitably drifted toward international affairs. While exchanging drinks with Chiyo, Uchiha Gin abruptly asked what seemed like a rather private question.
"The Rain Country is an important ally of the Wind Country. At a time like this, of course we stand united against our enemies~"
Chiyo took a light sip of the slightly sweet fruit wine, her flushed face carrying an intoxicating smile.
"Ōnoki won't be easy to deal with."
Uchiha Gin shook his head and set down his empty cup. Chiyo tactfully refilled it for him, the smile on her lips growing even brighter.
"Is Gin-uncle worried about me?"
"Should I be worried about that three-foot runt instead?"
Uchiha Gin could not help rolling his eyes. If it had been the Fourth Leg Shadow, he would not have minded mediating the conflict between the two sides.
But Ōnoki? Forget it. That shorty needed a good beating. Did he even know how long Iwagakure's loans from the Wave Country Bank had been overdue? Once they got beaten badly this time, they would probably settle down and mine ores to repay their debts.
"Don't worry. The young people in the village can already stand on their own now."
Having received such an affirmative response, Chiyo felt sweeter than the wine in her cup. Her half-lidded beautiful eyes curved into lovely crescents.
"You mean that person?"
A black-haired Spiky Hair appeared in his mind, and Uchiha Gin nodded thoughtfully.
That brat's talent for Magnet Release was impressive, even somewhat stronger than Shamon's. Following a normal growth trajectory, his current strength should have been comparable to Hiruzen's. He could be considered a respectable fighting force.
"That's right. And