"For What Cause Do We Fight?" (Part 2)

At the end of December, Konoha was once again blanketed in white snow.

With the New Year approaching, the commercial district grew increasingly bustling, forcing the Uchiha Police Force to increase their workload.

Kushina, rarely granted permission to leave the barrier, hopped around beside Minato Namikaze, eager to browse every single shop they passed.

"They say Mikoto plans to have a child in two years. It seems she doesn't intend to continue her career as a ninja."

Inside a kimono shop, Kushina whispered about the gossip she had heard.

Minato Namikaze, standing nearby, felt that the girl was hinting at him in this setting. He scratched his head in embarrassment and subconsciously replied:

"That just means they're living very happily!"

"I actually quite like the life of a ninja. If only we could go on missions together..."

Longing for a life of freedom, Kushina grumbled softly to her sweetheart. Minato Namikaze knew he could hardly change her situation, so he could only offer a gentle, comforting response:

"That day will come! Ah, I think this red one would look great on you!"

"Really?..."

Knowing what it meant to exchange kimonos, Kushina acted shy. With the New Year coming, she wanted to take their relationship to the next level.

"Seriously? It's a rare holiday, why come here?"

"Kakashi, you always make your seniors go back to the Ninja Academy to repeat their studies. A lot of people at school are complaining about you."

Obito Uchiha's boisterous voice shattered the subtle atmosphere between the two. Kushina clenched her fists in annoyance, but a girl's gentle voice soon followed:

"Obito, I told you to keep your voice down!"

"My deepest apologies; he just didn't notice the surroundings."

Rin Nohara approached the pair and bowed slightly. The girl's understanding nature made Kushina smile again, and she stepped away from Minato to exclaim:

"What a lovely girl!"

Most of the couples in the shop smiled as well; everyone loved a polite and attentive girl.

Kakashi, dressed in a blue long-sleeved training suit, paid no attention to his surroundings, though he looked at Minato Namikaze with a solemn expression.

"Is that Kakashi? We met too briefly last time. The Hokage has been praising your talent lately."

"I hope I haven't caused any trouble for the village."

Hearing Minato Namikaze's words, Kakashi bowed slightly in response. The latter immediately flashed a sunny smile and wanted to continue the conversation, but Kushina returned to his side.

"See you next time!"

Pulled away, Minato waved briefly. After leaving the kimono shop, Kushina asked in a low voice:

"That was Kakashi? The kid who refused to be on your team recently?"

Minato Namikaze smiled with relief. He held no grudge for being rejected; instead, he gave a high affirmation:

"Don't think of him as just a child; Kakashi is already a Chunin."

"Even though he's young, he's already capable of leading a squad independently."

"The Hokage is troubled by the team-leading issue, but I think he's doing very well. Returning to the Ninja Academy isn't a bad thing."

"You know my techniques aren't really suited for squad combat. Don't be prejudiced against Kakashi."

In Kushina's heart, Minato Namikaze was an omnipotent, universally beloved genius ninja. When she heard he had been rejected recently, she had been furious.

"Honestly, he's just a pretentious little brat!"

As she grumbled, Kushina realized she was already holding Minato's hand, and for a moment, her mind went blank.

Both of them blushed, fingers interlaced. The kimono hadn't been gifted yet, but the result wasn't bad at all...

Inside the kimono shop, Obito Uchiha felt a pang of jealousy seeing Rin Nohara helping Kakashi choose clothes, so he deliberately changed the subject:

"Who were those 'tomato-and-egg' people just now? Are they some kind of big shots?"

"Genius Jonin who have mastered profound techniques! It's hard for an Uchiha dead-last to understand that kind of talent."

Kakashi replied with a calm expression, infuriating Obito until he started shouting. Eventually, the shopkeeper ushered the three of them to the door, with Rin Nohara apologizing repeatedly.

"Seriously, I wanted to pick one out for you!"

"Obito, it's rare for Kakashi to have free time, don't keep arguing."

Rin Nohara complained gently, though the second half of her sentence was ignored. Obito touched his head in embarrassment and stammered:

"A kimono picked by Rin for me? Actually, I..."

"Idiot!"

"Kakashi, it's all your fault that Rin didn't get to pick out clothes properly!"

Obito began attacking the expressionless Kakashi again. Seeing this, Rin Nohara laughed happily. She truly hoped there would be no war, and that they could just live on in friendship.

--

On the last day of December, Konoha Hospital also temporarily welcomed the holidays.

The genin of the Medical Corps bowed to Shu Furukawa in respect before waving their goodbyes.

Shu Furukawa had perfectly mastered medical ninjutsu such as the Mystical Palm Technique, Chakra Scalpel, Delicate Illness Extraction Technique, and Healing Technique.

Although he lacked some experience, as long as he continued to grow, there was a high probability that Shu Furukawa would become an outstanding medical ninja like Tsunade.

The "Peace-Life Faction" ninjas enjoyed their current lives, and the ninjas of the Medical Corps were one of its representatives; everyone had a decent salary, and the work was very safe.

No one here looked forward to war, and they were even disgusted by the current localized conflicts.

Although they did not have much of a say within the village, the ninjas of the Medical Corps all hoped that Tsunade could serve as Hokage, as everyone believed this was the future of the village.

"Is Master Tsunade still troubled by those matters?"

"This is just a way for the Medical Corps ninjas to show their affection."

Inside the office, Shu Furukawa, who had brought over hot tea, teased the frowning Tsunade with a smile. The latter shot him an annoyed glance, took the cup, and said helplessly:

"I understand everyone's intentions, but I am not suited for that position."

"The Old Man is not yet old enough to retire; there is absolutely no need to start arguing about these things now."

"Furthermore, we are facing the threat of war, so we should be united at a time like this."

Quarreling over the "Hokage" and advocating for war for the sake of profit—Shu Furukawa did not know what the situation was like in other ninja villages, but he imagined it would be no better than here.

"Master Tsunade is still worried about the war, aren't you? You haven't even started practicing the Strength of a Hundred Technique."

"If this continues, I might condense the Strength of a Hundred Seal before you do. If a war really breaks out, I will protect you."

Hearing Shu Furukawa's words, Tsunade simply reached out and flicked his forehead, then narrowed her eyes and rested her chin on her hand as she retorted:

"Don't think that practicing Sage Mode means you can surpass me!"

"No wonder Shizune even calls your name in her dreams..."

January 1st, Year 46 of Konoha, the first day of the New Year. Having risen early, Shu Furukawa was immersed in the refinement of sage chakra.

Katsuyu was working hard to sense the energy on his shoulder. Seeing Shu Furukawa open his eyes, she immediately said with delight:

"Lord Shu, the progress is very smooth!"

"I am certain that the natural energy is already remodeling your cells; this reminds me of Lord Tsunade's grandfather, Hashirama Senju."

"In the future, Lord Shu will also be able to apply sage chakra at the cellular level."

Shu Furukawa nodded. [Collection] changing his body was like acquiring a [Spirit Root]:

"Katsuyu, the war is my opportunity. I want to verify your chakra theory."

"..."