Reconnaissance

At this point, Mizuki had no especially good way to deal with it. If it had been any other problem, he could always have found a solution.

But matters concerning insight into the human heart were always difficult to weigh. Having devoted himself to studying the mind and soul for so long, Mizuki had become increasingly cautious in this regard—especially when it involved the family he cared about most.

"By now, all we can do is trust in Tsubaki's strength and luck."

Having trained under Mizuki for so long without ever slacking off, Tsubaki should be able to hold out for a while with her strength, so long as she did not encounter the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki or Madara Uchiha. If she activated Sage Mode in time, combined with the tremendous offensive power of her unknown Kekkei Genkai, she would practically enter an unstoppable, overpowered state.

It was just that, given Tsubaki's physical constitution, she would not be able to sustain it for long.

Fortunately, that brief window of time was enough for Mizuki to use the Flying Raijin Jutsu to assist her. As long as nothing unexpected happened, there should not be any major problems.

As for little Miyuki, with both her parents heading to the battlefield, Tsubaki's physical clone could help look after her.

Over the years, whenever Mizuki and Tsubaki were both occupied with work and missions, Tsubaki's physical clone had been able to help out considerably. She could even keep the flower shop running. It truly was hard on Tsubaki, controlling two bodies by herself.

Having gradually grown accustomed to this arrangement, little Miyuki had sensibly refrained from complaining too much. As war drew near, even the children of Konoha could feel the pressing tension emanating from the adults around them.

The clouds of war silently began