140 Chapter 140

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With Tsunade's hemophobia cured, she underwent a complete transformation.

Her once spirited and bold demeanor has made a comeback, shedding any facade she once had. In this state, Tsunade could be considered at her peak.

"Kyomu, pass me the hemostat."

On the operating table of the field hospital, Kyomu was assisting Tsunade. Without Shizune by her side or Rin, whom Kyomu had strongly recommended, still on her way, Tsunade was dissatisfied with the other medical ninjas.

Thus, Kyomu found himself at Tsunade's side, ready at her beck and call.

"Sister, you truly live up to the title of a medical sage," Kyomu admired, "If it were me, I doubt I could have saved him."

"Medical ninjutsu isn't something you can master overnight. It requires a wealth of experience."

After wiping the sweat from Tsunade's forehead with a towel, Kyomu nodded, "Sister, do you need a break?"

"There are three more surgeries to perform. We can't delay."

Kyomu followed Tsunade to the next surgery, unable to attend to other matters for the time being.

Thanks to Kakashi and Obito's assistance, everything post-battle was organized efficiently.

The wounded were properly taken care of, and the deceased comrades were respectfully handled.

After a brief mourning, the bodies were sealed in scroll seals to be transported back to the village for burial.

The sorrow quickly passed, replaced by a sense of accomplishment and hope for the future. Under Kyomu's leadership, this battle marked the least casualties on Konoha's side and showcased the Sand's greatest weakness.

If they continued on this path, most of the Konoha ninjas participating in the war could survive until the end.

Following this battle, Kyomu became the cornerstone for Konoha's ninjas in the battlefield, solidifying their loyalty towards him.

A commander who could bring them victory, survival, and honor—who wouldn't appreciate that?

Though Kyomu wasn't officially recognized as a commander yet, his proven track record spoke volumes. If anyone attempted to suppress him, the ninjas of Konoha wouldn't stand for it.

After another busy couple of hours, as the sun began to set, Kyomu and Tsunade stepped out of the field hospital together.

"Kyomu-sama, victorious!"

"Kyomu-sama, victorious!"

"Kyomu-sama, victorious!"

The eagerly waiting Konoha ninjas shouted with enthusiasm, a reaction that somewhat surprised Kyomu, yet it made sense.

Gaining people's hearts can sometimes be straightforward. As long as you genuinely care for others, bring significant benefits to them, and possess undeniable strength, you naturally become a leader among them.

Kyomu was exactly that.

Turning to look at Tsunade, he saw no jealousy in her eyes for the command he held. Instead, she understood this was the respect and authority Kyomu deserved.

She gently pushed him forward, nodding softly with an encouraging smile.

"My friends, I've fulfilled the promise I made to you before the battle!"

Kyomu didn't shy away from proclaiming, raising his right hand high, "Next time, and the time after that, no matter how many times it takes, I will lead you all to create miracles!"

"Kyomu-sama, victorious!"

As the cheers erupted once more, Kyomu opened his arms wide, closed his eyes, and fully immersed himself in the moment, basking in the adoration surrounding him.

After a while, he gestured for silence, "We can't drink alcohol on the battlefield, but celebrating is necessary. I'll arrange for the security measures, and I'm sure the Sand won't dare to mess with us now. So, everyone, let's celebrate our victory with a jubilant spirit!"

Having never really celebrated in the half year since the war started, as they had been under the pressure from the Sand, Konoha's ninjas were now in high spirits. The victory celebration, though sober, promised to be exceptionally lively.

"Prepare yourselves, everyone. Perhaps we can organize a bonfire celebration tonight."

As the Konoha ninjas left with smiles brimming on their faces, Kyomu decided it was time to also push his brothers a bit harder, and of course, himself as well.

"Kakashi, Obito," Kyomu called out to his direct subordinates from the First Ninja Squad, "We're still responsible for security. I'm sorry to have to do this to you all, but..."

"You just tell us what to do, no need for so many words," Kakashi interjected.

"Then I won't hold back," Kyomu replied with a slight smile. "You'll take the first half of the night watch. I'll take over in the latter half."

After briefly organizing the plan, he trusted Kakashi and Obito to handle the specifics, knowing they had grown significantly from the war and could manage on their own.

War indeed hastens growth, both for individuals and groups. Despite their young age, Kakashi and his team had matured enough to stand on their own.

Once everyone had left, Tsunade approached Kyomu, tapping him lightly on the shoulder.

"Kyomu, how does it feel to have such authority all of a sudden?"

"Feels like I'm suffocating," Kyomu confessed, letting go of his previously displayed confidence. "I can't bring everyone back home in the same condition they left, and it makes me feel..."

"That's war," Tsunade consoled. "It's good that you think this way. As long as you've done your best, no one will blame you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Tsunade-neesan, I understand."

Nodding in approval, Tsunade believed she hadn't misjudged him.

Kyomu's character, integrity, and strength were all top-notch. Entrusting Konoha's future to him was undoubtedly the best decision.

"Go and rest well. You haven't stopped since the battle began, and you have night duty later. Don't overexert yourself."

"Got it, Tsunade-neesan," Kyomu nodded, turning to leave. "You should rest early too."

"I will."

Acknowledging with a word, Tsunade turned back towards the field hospital, ready to get back to work. Keeping busy was the best way to keep one's mind from wandering.

What can't time erase?

...

It was night.

The celebration at the Konoha camp was lively, with bonfires reaching at least three meters high. The crowd was so large that people had to celebrate in groups divided by squad or several squads together.

Everyone's conversations revolved almost entirely around Kyomu. The Sand, once again relegated to being the backdrop, was occasionally brought up for a laugh.

In short, Kyomu's name had deeply embedded itself in everyone's hearts.

Contrastingly, the atmosphere among the Sand ninjas was more subdued.

"Elder Chiyo, should we attempt a surprise attack?"

"It's pointless," Chiyo shook her head. "Kyomu may be young, but he's cunning. We won't find any openings.

Moreover, Konoha's morale is high. Any attempt on our part would likely end in failure."

Chiyo had come to accept reality.

As long as Kyomu and his First Ninja Squad remained, the Sand had little chance of making significant progress on the battlefield.

Indeed, while Chiyo and the Fourth Kazekage might overpower Kyomu in a fair fight, who would engage in such a duel when lives were at stake?

Kyomu's brothers, each with notable strength, made it nearly impossible to concentrate forces for a successful ambush.

Especially with Tsunade's presence, she served as a trump card against any Sand plans to besiege Kyomu.

"Let everyone rest for a few days. We likely won't see action for a month or two," Chiyo directed. "When appropriate, we could organize some relaxation activities to reward everyone."

Turning, Chiyo departed, heading into the field hospital.

Gazing at the Fourth Kazekage, who had collapsed from chakra exhaustion, Chiyo felt a complex mix of emotions.

The Kazekage was commendable, but compared to Kyomu, there was a gap. Even if the Kazekage's current strength surpassed Kyomu's, the future remained uncertain.

Sitting quietly, Chiyo formulated a plan.

——

In the dead of night, Kyomu, accompanied by several Hyuga ninjas, relieved the First Ninja Squad of their night watch duties.

"Get some rest. It's likely we won't face any battles for the next month or two."

Kyomu's words sounded almost heavenly; nobody desires constant combat.

"But don't neglect your training. After this brief calm, we'll face even tougher challenges."

"Yes, Captain!"

As the squad departed, Kakashi, Obito, and Might Guy wished to stay and chat with Kyomu but were promptly sent away.

Everyone was exhausted. A good night's rest would allow for fresh conversations the next day.

Once alone, Kyomu leaned against Yoei planted in the ground, sitting in the open space near the camp, and gazed up at the moon.

"What are you thinking about?"

Tapped on the shoulder, Kyomu didn't need to look back to know Tsunade had arrived.

"Sister, you're not resting?"

"I couldn't sleep, so I came to talk to you," Tsunade said, wrapping an arm around Kyomu mysteriously. "I've got something nice to show you."

Intrigued, Kyomu watched as Tsunade reached into her robe, causing him a moment of panic.

That's not something a boy his age...

Clang, clang.

Tsunade pulled out a bottle of sake, presenting it before Kyomu as if revealing a treasure.

Kyomu felt an odd mix of emotions. "Sister, you're breaking the wartime rules."

"If you don't tell, and I don't tell, who would know?" Tsunade shrugged nonchalantly. "Besides, who would dare to say anything?"

Indeed, no one would dare to criticize Tsunade.

Gambling and drinking were Tsunade's two greatest passions. She had made quite the spectacle of herself when drunk.

"Would you like a drink?" she offered, producing a sake cup as if by magic. "Sake tastes wonderful, especially when you're happy."

"Uh... one cup might not be too bad."

Thump.

Unexpectedly, Tsunade delivered a swift thump to Kyomu's head.

"You really thought you could drink?" she glared at Kyomu. "Not even one cup!"

Recalling something, Tsunade leaned closer. "Did Jiraiya teach you anything else while you were on the battlefield with the Cloud?"

"Jiraiya?" Kyomu shook his head. "He didn't teach me any ninjutsu or anything like that."

"Not that!" Tsunade sighed, taking a sip of her sake. "I mean... other things about daily life."

Kyomu then understood what Tsunade was hinting at.

Jiraiya had one ultimate hobby throughout his life besides his research. Tsunade's inquiry clearly stemmed from concern that Kyomu might be influenced by Jiraiya's less savory habits.

"No, Jiraiya was very serious."

"That's good," Tsunade sighed in relief and continued to drink. "Anyway, stay away from Jiraiya in the future. He's not a serious person."

"I will, Tsunade-neesan."

Seeing Kyomu easily agree without further questioning reassured Tsunade, and she indulged in another cup of sake. Then, as she was pouring herself another drink, Kyomu offered her a frog leg.

This snack was always with him, mainly to deal with Ichikishimahime's whims. But it made a fitting accompaniment to Tsunade's sake.

Tsunade paused, then smiled as if she had been gifted a flower.

"You're thoughtful, little brother."

After she finished her drink, Tsunade poured another and opened up more.

"Thank you, Kyomu," she said earnestly. "You've healed a long-standing wound in my heart."

"There's no need..."

"There is," Tsunade insisted firmly. "This means a lot to me. You don't understand what hemophobia means to a medical ninja."

Kyomu understood all too well.

Tsunade's phobia had caused her to waste over a decade, at times being overshadowed by those less capable than herself.

"Everything will pass."

"Yes, everything will pass," Tsunade smiled resignedly, raising her cup to the moon. "After it passes, everything will get better."

After downing her drink, Tsunade's cheeks flushed, and her body was enveloped in the scent of alcohol. She drank hastily.

Leaning her head on Kyomu's shoulder, she mused, "Kyomu, what kind of person do you think I am?"

"A good person."

"Be more specific."

"A genuine and brave woman of exceptional character, broad-minded and thoughtful. The most beautiful woman in the ninja world is you, sister."

Tsunade chuckled, pleased with Kyomu's flattery. "Keep talking; you're good at this."

Kyomu continued to lavish praise on Tsunade, who laughed until her body shook with each compliment.

"Alright, enough. You're laying it on thick," Tsunade interrupted, her cheeks reddening further.

Sake can indeed intoxicate.

"Little brother, do you have someone you like?"

"I'm still young."

"I mean when you grow up."

"Who knows what the future holds?" Kyomu truly hadn't thought about it.

"Surely you have some idea?"

"Finding someone like you, sister, would be perfect." Kyomu had always had a preference for mature women.

Tsunade fell silent, and Kyomu did the same. They sat together, gazing at the sky, one enjoying her sake alone, the other contemplating his next steps.

Their earlier conversation seemed to fade into the background.

Actually, it was quite nice.

When Tsunade finished her drink, her cheeks were rosier, and the aroma of alcohol around her was more potent. Fortunately, one bottle wasn't enough to intoxicate her.

"I'll teach you the Mitotic Regeneration tomorrow."

"I want to learn other things too," Kyomu wasn't satisfied. "I want to learn all of your skills, sister."

"Then you'll have to make me happy first," Tsunade hugged Kyomu. "Let's see how comfortable you are as a pillow."

Kyomu had no objections as long as Tsunade was happy.

(End of Chapter)