Commander Sakamoto greeted them personally. After a brief exchange, Tsunade asked to be briefed on the latest developments at the front, especially any intelligence on Sunagakure's poisons.
They were led to the command tent. The Hatake Squad was also summoned to give its report, as one of the squads with the most outstanding recent achievements and the most experience fighting Sunagakure's new tactics.
Inside the tent, Tsunade listened carefully to Commander Sakamoto and Hatake Sakumo, occasionally interjecting to ask about key details. Every question cut straight to the heart of the matter, demonstrating her exceptional tactical acumen and absolute authority in the medical field.
When Sakumo mentioned the Flame Net tactic Shinji had developed and the changes it had prompted in Sunagakure's tactics, Tsunade gave Shinji an interested look. Her gaze was appraising, with a barely perceptible hint of approval. "Oh? Using sustained, area-wide flames to disrupt chakra threads? Clever thinking. You've got a good head on your shoulders, Uchiha brat."
Shinji bowed calmly. "You're too kind, Lady Tsunade. It was just a makeshift tactic to meet the circumstances."
As Sakumo described Hizashi's reconnaissance work with the Byakugan and Miwako's use of Monster Strength in battle, Tsunade's gaze lingered on Miwako a little longer. The corners of her mouth seemed to lift almost imperceptibly.
Once the briefing was over, everyone left the command tent. The atmosphere relaxed a little.
At that point, Yakushi Nonō stepped forward and approached Shinji, wearing a gentle, slightly nostalgic smile. "Shinji, it's been a long time."
Looking at the gentle young woman before him, Shinji recalled their days at the Ninja Academy.
Nonō had never particularly stood out in class, but she had been kind and hardworking, with an especially strong grasp of theory and herbal medicine.
He nodded, his tone softening. "It has, Nonō.