"What are your opinions on Tsunade's proposal to include Medical-nin in the task force?"
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wore a serious expression, his low, commanding voice resonating through the Warfare Operations Conference Room.
A buzz of discussion erupted among the audience.
Kawakaze Hatake stood among the assembled Jōnin, his eyes gleaming as he watched the stage. He appeared to be in his early twenties, with silver hair, standing over 1.8 meters tall, and possessed strikingly handsome features.
As the murmurs of debate continued, eyes gradually turned toward Tsunade.
She stood gracefully in the front row, her commanding presence accentuated by her curvaceous figure and poised demeanor. In her early twenties, with two ponytails and soft yellow bangs framing her face, Tsunade seemed unfazed by the attention she attracted.
Kawakaze nudged his elder brother, Sakumo Hatake, who stood beside him, his gaze still fixed on Tsunade.
"Big Brother, Princess Tsunade is really stunning," he whispered.
Tsunade's Jōnin combat uniform slightly masked her proud figure, which made Kawakaze feel a tinge of regret.
"Can you be quiet?" Sakumo's cold eyes flickered toward his younger brother.
Unlike Kawakaze, Sakumo wasn't interested in such observations. As a married man, he had no patience for frivolity, and the proposal under discussion didn't concern him much either. With or without Medical-nin, the mission's completion remained his priority.
"You're so dull," Kawakaze muttered, accustomed to his brother's rigid demeanor. Sakumo had always been a reserved, stubborn man.
Kawakaze grew restless, watching the surrounding Ninjas continue debating the merits of Tsunade's proposal. He couldn't help but think the outcome was already determined; the proposal was bound to fail, given the looming tension of the Second Shinobi World War.
Still, he decided to seize the moment. Perhaps showing some support for Tsunade wouldn't hurt.
Raising his voice, he broke the chatter. "I think Tsunade's proposal is a good one. It can reduce casualties in the task force."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. Kawakaze's usual playful expression was replaced with sincerity.
"We've lost too many Konoha ninjas because they couldn't receive timely medical treatment for their injuries," he added firmly.
Sakumo glanced at his brother in surprise. The Hatake Clan had always refrained from engaging in such debates to avoid stirring clan politics. What had driven Kawakaze to openly support the Princess of the Senju Clan, potentially antagonizing the Uchiha Clan?
While puzzled, Sakumo didn't reprimand him. He respected his brother's intelligence and discernment.
Tsunade's gaze shifted toward Kawakaze, her expression softening into a grateful smile. She was well aware of his reputation—a Hatake prodigy who had achieved the rank of Jōnin before turning twelve. Though their paths had never crossed directly, his support was unexpected, especially before Jiraiya or Orochimaru had weighed in.
"I thank you, Kawakaze, for your recognition," Tsunade said warmly.
Kawakaze responded with a bright, cheerful smile. "You're thinking of everyone's safety. Naturally, I support you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi observed the scene quietly, noting the varied reactions from those assembled.
"I also agree with Tsunade's proposal," came Dan Katō's voice, tinged with regret. He had hesitated earlier, and Kawakaze had seized the chance to speak first, drawing attention away.
Tsunade nodded at Dan but didn't seem entirely moved as she was by Kawakaze's approach, maintaining her composed demeanor.
The debate resumed, with the Uchiha Clan opposing the motion and Senju-aligned supporters endorsing it. Neutral factions largely abstained, resulting in a close vote.
"Then that's it for now, Tsunade. We'll revisit your proposal at a later date," Hiruzen concluded, his tone neutral but satisfied with the session's outcome.
Though the postponement didn't signify disapproval, it allowed him time to gauge the room further. As her teacher, he assumed Tsunade would understand his approach.
"Yes, Sensei."
Tsunade hesitated, her brow furrowing. She opened her mouth as if to argue but ultimately deferred, giving only a curt response.
...
The uneven economic development among nations and the looming trend of another major war were the catalysts for convening this combat meeting. The possibility of war breaking out soon hung heavily in the air.
After the meeting, Sarutobi Hiruzen was the first to leave. The remaining Jōnin began dispersing in an orderly manner shortly afterward.
At the door, Sakumo noticed his younger brother lingering, seemingly deep in thought. Curious about his intentions, he was about to call out to him when he saw Tsunade emerge and engage his brother in conversation. Not far behind her stood Dan Katō, his expression dark and displeased.
"Although the proposal wasn't approved, I still want to thank you, Kawakaze," Tsunade said sincerely, her tone warm.
She expressed her gratitude again, clearly interested in forging a friendship with the handsome young man before her.
"It's nice to meet you. I usually enjoy a little drinking and gambling, let's hang out sometime." Kawakaze replied, his lips curling into a slight smile that caught the golden hues of the setting sun. Tsunade found it hard to look away. This man was undeniably charming, and his hobbies mirrored her own. Her heart stirred.
"Okay, Kawakaze, let's drink together when we get the chance," she responded enthusiastically.
"Then I'll take you seriously. Don't leave me standing outside your house when I visit," Kawakaze teased lightly, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Why, you're always welcome at my home," Tsunade replied quickly, waving her hands in reassurance. Her tone made it clear she wasn't just being polite—she genuinely wanted to make a connection.
As the two conversed animatedly, two figures watched from the shade of a nearby tree.
"It seems Tsunade has taken quite an interest in this Kawakaze Hatake," Orochimaru remarked in his usual cold tone. His pale face and snake-like eyes reflected his enigmatic aura.
"Jiraiya, it looks like you have one more rival for her affections," he added, his voice laced with mockery.
"As long as she's happy," Jiraiya replied, his tone tinged with resignation. He turned and walked away alone, his retreating figure carrying an air of quiet melancholy.
Orochimaru stood in silence for a moment before turning and leaving, his interest in the scene waning.
Tsunade and Kawakaze continued their conversation, the atmosphere growing increasingly lighthearted, with Tsunade even blushing faintly at times. After a while, they reluctantly parted ways.
Once Tsunade had disappeared from view, Kawakaze walked over to Sakumo, his expression faintly dissatisfied.
"Let's go, Big Brother," he said curtly.
It had been twenty-two years since Kawakaze found himself transmigrated into the world of Naruto. Even now, he hadn't entirely grasped how it had happened. His last memory from his previous life was writing a fanfic about the Naruto universe and getting lost in an especially thrilling scene. Then everything went dark. When he awoke, he was a newborn baby, crying helplessly in an unfamiliar world.
Transmigrating into the Naruto universe was one thing, but having an older brother with a propensity for suicidal tendencies? That was a cruel twist of fate. Still, Kawakaze couldn't deny that the heavens had blessed him in some ways.
The Hatake Clan, despite its exceptional swordsmanship, lacked any supernatural Kekkei Genkai, making survival in this perilous world far from guaranteed. To make matters worse, Kawakaze knew that the Second Shinobi World War would soon erupt in the Land of Rain. As a Jōnin of the Hatake Clan, he would undoubtedly be thrust into the thick of battle.
However, there was one thing that set him apart—his transmigration provided him with a small cheat. His cells exhibited extraordinary activity, granting him enhanced strength, speed, remarkable recovery abilities, and immense Chakra reserves. Thanks to this, Kawakaze's strength far surpassed that of his older brother Sakumo, contrary to what the rumors suggested about their similar abilities.