That evening, when Nawaki returned home, his older sister Tsunade was still in her room studying Medical Ninjutsu. Kushina Uzumaki, who lived with them, was still attending the Ninja Academy and had already gone to bed.
When Tsunade saw Nawaki come in, affection flickered in her eyes. Their parents had died young, and their grandmother had raised her.
As for Nawaki, Tsunade had watched him grow up little by little.
His optimism, passion, and refusal to admit defeat made him easy to love.
"Nawaki, is something going on today? You hardly ever come by."
Nawaki gave an embarrassed smile. "You've heard that my teacher is going to the Land of Rain on a mission, right, Sis?"
Tsunade looked surprised. "Who told you?"
"It's such a big deal that word's spread through the whole village. They say Danzo showed up in the Land of Rain, and the village is sending quite a few ninja this time."
Tsunade nodded. There was no hiding something like that.
"It's true. Orochimaru won't be in the village, but I can guide your training. Or I could ask Jiraiya to help you for a few days. Dan could, too."
"I don't want any of them guiding me. I'm going to become Hokage one day, but I haven't even been on a high-level mission yet.
"Which village leader in the Shinobi World didn't face brutal battles from a young age? I still haven't been on a single decent mission.
"I heard they'll be drawing quite a few people from the regular Ninja Corps for my teacher's mission to the Land of Rain. I want to go too."
Tsunade thought for a long while, then shook her head. "The number of people was decided in advance. They won't just add another ninja.
"Every squad has a strict roster.