53 Chapter 53

Originally, Kazuki wouldn't have personally targeted Danzo after stripping him of all his powers. However, he discovered the 'Wandering Nun' attempting to approach little Shikamaru, trying to access the Nara compound and unearth their secrets. This prompted Kazuki to reconsider, realizing that Danzo's survival posed a potential threat.

Approaching Danzo, Kazuki used his medical ninjutsu to examine him. The presence of Hashirama's cells within Danzo's body indicated a possibility of recovery, and given enough resources, he could recreate half of his body. Faced with the potential danger, Kazuki injected a purple-colored serum into Danzo's medical solution.

"Heh, with this, you will suffer for the rest of your life, you dog. Coming after my family was the worst mistake you could ever make. I will watch you suffer every day. You must beg others to kill you, but you will not be granted that mercy," Kazuki declared, vowing to make Danzo pay for targeting his family. Leaving without alerting anyone, Kazuki left Danzo to the effects of the vile liquid.

Although the leaf village had survived Kumo's treachery, there were still a few casualties on the leaf's end, especially the Shimura clan. If the vice leader of the Shimura clan had not confessed to Hiruzen about Danzo's plans, the entire Shimura clan would have been wiped out. The blast within the Shimura clan took out almost all the supporters of Danzo.

Subsequently, Kazuki headed towards the hospital's main office to meet his master, who had recently taken over as the head of the medical department. With the official commencement of the war, she had numerous tasks to organize before joining the frontlines.

In the wake of the recent developments in the Shinobi world, with the Fourth Shinobi War on the horizon, all major villages were on high alert, bracing for the impending storm. Kazuki sat patiently on the couch, Tonton in hand, while Shizune, handling documents with the finesse of a seasoned veteran, worked diligently.

"Kazuki, are you done with your preparations? We'll have to mobilize within a day or two. The Vanguard teams have already been deployed on all fronts. With the troops previously assigned, the teams should be able to hold the defense lines until the main army arrives. We are severely lacking personnel, so Sensei might consider some drastic measures," Tsunade inquired, absorbed in her file. Recognizing Kazuki's determination, she had requested that he be assigned directly under her for both strategic reasons and to ensure his safety on the battlefield.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Kazuki responded, "It's alright, Sensei. It's not just us lacking veteran Shinobi. Although Iwa has greater numbers, they lack quality. Kumo, despite retaining most of their power during the Third War, should have suffered a substantial loss during the recent Iwagakure attack. But what confuses me is how Iwagakure was able to move so stealthily. I feel like there is a third party pulling the strings, Sensei."

Sharing his insights on the Sannin's concerns, Kazuki emphasized the Leaf's strengths. Despite lacking a fully mature Jinchuriki, the village compensated with high-end combat power. Especially with the Uchiha clan integrating back into the village, they alone boasted close to thirty elite Jonins.

Tsunade, taking a moment from writing on the folder, continued, "Kazuki, Sensei has called for a war council meeting later in the morning. Why don't you follow me as my attendant? Your insights might be helpful. Go and meet up with the kids, and join me later at the Hokage building. I'm sure the kids are confused and worried. The Senju Elder asked me to inform you that your blade is ready. You should go and collect it before we leave for battle."

With that, Tsunade finished the report and picked up the next file handed over by Shizune. Before leaving, Kazuki handed Tsunade a folder containing detailed information about the Wandering Nun and her exploits. Unfurling a scroll, he released Nono Yakushi, who was still unconscious. Tsunade and Shizune raised their brows, observing Kazuki's casual handling of the situation. Shizune sent a glare towards her junior and quickly moved to check on the now-downed kunoichi's status. After confirming that everything was okay, Kazuki left to prepare for what lay ahead.

Kazuki confidently strode towards the Nara Clan compound to gather Shikamaru and Choji. His plan was to make a quick stop at the Senju Clan next, where Naruto and Tenten were waiting. The idea was simple: a meal to lift the spirits of the young ones.

As they regrouped, Tenten seamlessly integrated herself into the trio with her infectious charisma. Kazuki, determined to create a memorable moment before the impending battle, decided to take them to the relic shop owned by the old man. Perhaps luck would be on their side, and they could find something useful. However, fate had other plans, as the old man managed to swindle them once again, taking advantage of the kids' enthusiasm for a few more trinkets.

Undeterred, the group continued their stroll through the marketplace, observing the lingering weight of war in the eyes of the villagers. Despite the open shops, the impending conflict cast a shadow over the once lively place. Conversations about the upcoming war echoed through the air.

After their shopping adventure, Kazuki turned to the kids with a smile. "So, where would you like to go for our feast?"

Excitement lit up Tenten's eyes as she suggested, "Kazuki niisan, why don't we head to Yakiniku Kyu? I've been craving beef for ages!"

"No, we should go to the Nara restaurant," Choji chimed in, almost drooling at the thought of novel dishes he could savor. However, Naruto had other ideas and expressed his desire to go to Ichiraku for some delicious ramen.

Kazuki and little Shikamaru exchanged helpless looks as the three kids started a scuffle to decide where to eat. In the end, Kazuki let fate decide their choice and opted to pick lots, with little Tenten emerging as the winner.

The group then walked in the direction of Yakiniku Q. While Choji was initially disappointed, he soon let go of his loss when he laid eyes on the sizzling barbecue. Once they were seated at a low table with a grill, the group ordered the food they desired.

"Have as much as you guys want; today is a special treat," Kazuki announced, prompting cheers from all the kids except for little Shikamaru.

"Kazuki Niisan, is it really going to be war?" Shikamaru's words made the kids pause their excitement, even Choji toning down his eagerness.

"Shikamaru, you're spoiling the mood. Look at how your friends are reacting. As for your question, yes, we are at war." Kazuki couldn't help but comment on little Nara's question.

"So, is Kazuki Niisan going to the battlefield too? Will you be away for a long time?" It was little Tenten who followed up with her query. Kazuki sighed at how sensitive the kids were to the changing situation.

"Sigh, you kids shouldn't be worried about such things at your age. And Tenten, yes, I will be leaving to fight in the war, and I have no idea when I will be back. So, I thought it would be good to spend more time with you all before I leave."

"Big brother Kazuki, it's not like you are much older. You are only a few years older than us. Why don't you stay back with us?" Choji questioned, worry etched on his face. Despite his usual jovial demeanor, Choji had a high level of emotional intelligence for his age, and over the past years, just like Shikamaru, he had considered Kazuki as his elder brother.

Kazuki simply pointed to his forehead protector. "You see this? This means I am a Leaf Shinobi, and I have a duty to defend the village from our enemies. I may be young, but I can hold my ground in front of my enemies. And worry not; I will be with Sensei most of the time. You do know how strong my sensei is, right?" Kazuki added, reassuring the children that he would be under Tsunade's guidance to alleviate their concerns.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Naruto asked, "Will I be able to join the war? I am sure I am strong enough to punch a few enemy Shinobi," flexing his arms. Shikamaru's eyes instinctively widened as he had long deduced that Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, a detail Naruto had yet to share with his friends. Kazuki quickly glanced at Shikamaru, signaling that Naruto would not be allowed to join the war, and the young Nara calmed down.

"Haha, Naruto, if you go to the battlefield now, I'm sure the enemies will crush you with their pinkies," little Tenten teased Naruto. Now that they were staying in the same compound, they had grown close, and Tenten enjoyed playfully mocking Naruto as the elder one among the two.

"Well, let's not talk about something that doesn't concern you guys. Didn't we come here to have a feast? Let's start," Kazuki signaled the waiters to serve more food as the kids began to enjoy the barbecue. As the feast concluded, Choji couldn't help but let out a large burp, and the other kids followed his example, bursting into loud burps.

Meanwhile, Kazuki pulled out two storage scrolls, one for Naruto and one for Tenten, sliding the scrolls in front of them. "I have left detailed notes on your upcoming training, and I hope that neither of you slacks off while I am away. Especially you, Tenten, as the elder one among the two, you need to make sure that Naruto regularly trains and sticks to his schedule. I will also leave additional instructions with my aunt Yoshino.

If you guys need anything, you can approach her or Shikamaru. As for you two," Kazuki said, pointing at little Shikamaru and Choji, who were giving sheepish smiles, "I will leave your training instructions directly with Aunt. I know how both of you are."

After the hearty meal, Kazuki returned to the Nara compound to meet his aunt and share a conversation before he left for war.

"Kazuki, are you sure about this?" Yoshino held a medicinal dye, ready to temporarily change Kazuki's silver hair to black. Kazuki sat in front of her, preparing for the dye to be applied.

"Of course, Aunt Yoshino. Don't you think my silver hair would attract too much attention? And I am going to war, so I should try to eliminate such inconvenience," Kazuki replied, avoiding the fact that he didn't enjoy being called "Chibi Kakashi" every time he met Gai-sensei.

"Kazuki, you know that's not what I meant. I was asking if you were sure about participating in this war. I am sure if you say the word, Tsunade-sama will be happy to leave you back in the village while she goes to the frontlines." Yoshino expressed genuine concern for Kazuki's well-being. She believed six years old was too young to be on the battlefield, despite the joint efforts of Yoshino and Shikaku to convince Kazuki otherwise.

"Well, you know how strong I am. I will take care of myself, Auntie. I will be seven years old in a few months, and I remember younger ones being on the battlefield in the previous wars and during the Warring States period." Kazuki tried to convince his aunt, aware that she was still trying to find ways to prevent him from getting involved in the war.

"Those were different times, Kazuki. You know our village has yet to degenerate to a condition where they have to employ kids to fight on a battlefield," Yoshino countered. Despite her reservations, she quietly helped apply the dye to Kazuki's hair, turning his hair and brows black.

Later in the morning, in the Hokage building, a war council meeting was assembled, with representatives from all the clans that called Konoha home present. Even the representative of the Shimura clan attended the meeting. Hiruzen made a gesture, and the entire room fell silent. He motioned for Shikaku to speak.