As the sun began its descent, Tsunade slowly turned around, the golden strands of her hair tinged with a faint red glow. Her gaze drifted towards the distant edge of the training ground, and a weary sigh escaped her lips. "That's enough for today. Your chakra's nearly depleted, so you should rest."
Itoshiki Furukawa silently followed her lead, his mind replaying the explosive techniques Tsunade had demonstrated, each detail imprinted in his mind like a permanent mark.
He walked to the nearby wooden bench, took the water bottle Tsunade offered, and tilted it back to drink deeply. The cool liquid soothed his dry throat, providing a much-needed refreshment.
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama," he said, setting the bottle down and offering a genuine smile. "Today's lesson has been invaluable."
Tsunade sat down beside him, crossing her legs and leaning back with a lazy stretch. A hint of pride and satisfaction laced her words as she replied, "You're welcome. Wouldn't want my prized disciple to get slaughtered on the battlefield, would I?"
Itoshiki Furukawa hesitated for a moment, then broached a more serious topic. "Speaking of the battlefield… I heard that Nawaki is going to the front lines in the Land of Rivers?"
The mention of her younger brother instantly wiped away Tsunade's relaxed demeanor. Her expression grew somber, and the faint worry in her eyes deepened. "Yes. He graduated, passed the Chunin Exam, and has been eager to go to the front lines to make a name for himself."
Itoshiki Furukawa's brow furrowed. "What's the situation like there now?"
Tsunade shook her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously tracing the contours of the water bottle. "Not good. The Sand Village's offensive is intensifying, and Orochimaru's already been sent to reinforce them."
Itoshiki Furukawa's heart skipped a beat. He recalled the tragic fate that befell Nawaki in the original timeline—he had died on the battlefield in the Land of Rivers. If he didn't intervene now, that same fate could repeat itself.
"Tsunade-sama," he said, carefully choosing his words, striving to sound casual despite the weight on his mind. "I think Nawaki might need more training before he faces the brutality of the front lines."
Tsunade turned her head, her piercing gaze locking with his, as though trying to read his thoughts. "Why bring this up now?"
"It's just… his practical combat experience is still lacking," Itoshiki Furukawa answered, carefully sidestepping any mention of her more sensitive emotions. "The front lines are unpredictable. For someone who's just earned his Chunin rank, the risks are too high. If my own abilities hadn't awakened like they did, I would've been dead out there, too."
Tsunade let out a soft sigh, a quiet resignation in her voice. "I know, but Nawaki is stubborn. He wants to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and uncle, to prove his strength."
Itoshiki Furukawa saw his chance and made a bold suggestion. "Then… let me go to the Land of Rivers as well. I can team up with Nawaki and look out for him on the battlefield."
Tsunade pondered the proposal for a moment before shaking her head. "You just came back from the battlefield in the Land of Rain. According to protocol, you're due for a six-month break. Besides, Orochimaru is already there, looking after him."
"I've rested enough," Itoshiki Furukawa countered, trying not to pressure Tsunade too much. "And I also want to test the new techniques I've been mastering in real combat."
Tsunade fell silent, her eyes distant as she mulled over his request. She knew how much Itoshiki Furukawa had grown, and while she worried about Nawaki's safety, she also understood that the battlefield was unforgiving. Having someone like Furukawa by Nawaki's side could make a difference.
Finally, Tsunade spoke, her voice carrying a reluctant compromise. "I'll speak to the Hokage about it. Maybe he'll approve a mission for you both, but don't get your hopes up. The final decision is still his."
Itoshiki Furukawa nodded, his resolve firm. "I'll protect him."
"Thank you…" Tsunade murmured, rising to her feet. She gently patted his shoulder, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and something deeper. "I just want him to come back safe. With you with him, I feel a little more at ease."
Together, they walked out of the training ground, their shadows stretching long in the warm afterglow of the setting sun.
Itoshiki Furukawa made a silent vow to himself: he would do everything in his power to change Nawaki's fate.
This was a decision made out of deep affection and responsibility. Itoshiki Furukawa was determined to protect the person he cherished—Tsunade—and ensure she would never again endure the devastating loss of a loved one. More than that, it was his way of repaying her kindness, a debt he could never truly repay but would always strive to honor.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn began to spill over the horizon, Furukawa stood outside the Hokage's office, the cool air biting at his skin. He inhaled deeply, calming the turmoil churning inside him, and tightened his grip on the application he had painstakingly prepared.
"Come in."
The familiar, steady voice of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, echoed from inside. Furukawa pushed the door open, his steps measured as he entered. The sight before him was one he had grown accustomed to—Hiruzen hunched over a mountain of paperwork, his face etched with concern, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Hokage-sama, my apologies for the intrusion," Furukawa said respectfully, offering a sharp salute.
Hiruzen looked up, his tired eyes softening as they landed on Furukawa. A faint smile tugged at his lips, but there was no mistaking the exhaustion in his gaze.
"Ishu... No, Furukawa. What brings you here?" Hiruzen asked, his voice betraying a rare moment of familiarity.
"I would like to request a mission, Hokage-sama," Furukawa said, getting straight to the point as he offered the application with both hands. "I wish to go to the front lines in the Land of Rivers."
Hiruzen took the document, scanning it with a critical eye. His expression darkened as he read, his brows knitting together in concern.
"You haven't been back from the battlefield in the Land of Rain for long," Hiruzen said, his tone cautious. "According to the regulations, you should be entitled to a six-month break before returning to active duty."
"I've had sufficient rest, Hokage-sama," Furukawa replied, his voice firm, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I feel the need to return to the field. There are techniques I have mastered recently—techniques that I wish to test in actual combat."
Hiruzen exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair as he lit his pipe, the curling smoke swirling in the dim light of the room. His gaze softened, but there was a note of wariness in his voice.
"You're an eager young man, Furukawa, but I must consider the village's needs first and foremost. Your ambitions are admirable, but the bigger picture is more important."
Furukawa stood tall, unwavering. "Hokage-sama, if I may request one more thing," he began, his voice calm but earnest. "I would like to take Senju Nawaki with me as my partner."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Hiruzen froze. The pipe in his hand wavered before being steadied. His gaze sharpened, narrowing in on Furukawa with an intensity that caught the young man's breath.
"Is this… Tsunade's decision?" Hiruzen asked, his tone measured but laced with a hidden curiosity.
"No, Hokage-sama," Furukawa answered plainly, his voice steady. "This is my personal request. Nawaki-kun is undoubtedly talented, but he lacks field experience. Under my guidance, I believe he will grow faster and become a stronger ninja."
Hiruzen fell silent, his eyes clouding with thought as the smoke from his pipe curled lazily toward the ceiling. For a long moment, he said nothing, his gaze unreadable.
"Nawaki does need experience," Hiruzen finally murmured, "but I have other plans in mind for him. There are more pressing matters that require your attention, Furukawa. I trust you know that."
Furukawa's heart sank, but he forced himself to remain composed. He could feel the weight of Hiruzen's words, and his resolve only grew firmer.
"I understand, Hokage-sama," Furukawa said quietly, his gaze steady. "Then, I will return and make further plans with Tsunade."
Hiruzen gave a small nod, his eyes softening with understanding. "Orochimaru is there, so I have no doubt you will be in capable hands. Do not worry."
With that, Furukawa bowed respectfully and left the office, the mission still unsettled but his determination unwavering. He would not give up on Tsunade's request. He would find another way, one that would protect her, and those she held dear, from further pain.
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