"I'm just guessing. We'll find out later."
Kawaki didn't elaborate. He had a hunch that someone would definitely stir things up.
Because this was a huge variable for the person in the shadows, something beyond their control. They would surely choose to destroy it or nip it in the bud.
"I got it."
Sakumo Hatake nodded as if he understood, but it was hard to tell if he really did.
To avoid family conflicts as much as possible, Sakumo was quite familiar with the forces in Konoha. He did manage to figure out who Kawaki was talking about.
He just kept it to himself and didn't directly mention the person's name.
"I know too."
Tsunade didn't want to seem inferior. She was just being stubborn. Even though she was extremely curious, she managed to suppress it.
After Tobirama Senju ordered the Senju clan to integrate into the village, Hiruzen Sarutobi also tried to keep her out of the village's strife, showing great care for her.
Without his protection, Tsunade definitely wouldn't be as carefree as she was now. Just dealing with the Uchiha clan alone would give her a headache.
"Haha, then let's just wait for the fish to take the bait."
"When the enemy doesn't move, we don't move either."
Kawaki laughed heartily, assuming everyone knew.
After lunch, Tsunade left with a head full of questions, accompanied by Kawaki.
She didn't show much surprise when Kawaki showed off that he had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique. She was completely intrigued by that person and was having a mental frenzy.
In the afternoon, Nawaki was still training at the Hatake family's place. Orochimaru hadn't started conducting his experiments yet, and no one knew what he was busy with. He didn't even have time to teach his favorite disciple.
But Kawaki had his own suspicions. As a top - candidate for the next Hokage, Orochimaru was probably extremely busy as the impending war approached.
After arranging Nawaki's training plan, Kawaki left the Hatake family and went to the weapon workshop.
The business was still booming, with plenty of ninjas around.
When he entered the forging room, Old Tie was still shirtless.
"Second Young Master, the sword for the First Young Master isn't finished yet. It will take at least three more days to finish."
Seeing Kawaki, he put down his work and handed it to his apprentice. He walked over quickly, thinking Kawaki had come to pick up Sakumo's new weapon.
"I'm not here to pick up Aniki's weapon."
"I need you to make some senbon for me."
This place was really sweltering. Kawaki wiped the sweat off his forehead and flicked it away, then stated his purpose.
"Do you have any special requirements?"
Old Tie was quite smart. Ordinary senbon could be found at the front desk, so Kawaki wouldn't have come to him directly.
"Make them lighter in weight and faster in speed."
Kawaki didn't expect the senbon to cause much damage. As long as they could serve as carriers for the Flying Thunder God Technique, be easy to carry, and be fast when launched, it would be enough.
"Then I'll have to do some research. Reduce the weight and minimize the resistance. You can sacrifice the lethality, right?"
Old Tie was very professional. He summed up Kawaki's needs precisely.
"Right. Deliver them to my place when they're done."
It was a pleasure to deal with smart people. You didn't have to waste too many words.
"I'll deliver them to your place within a week."
Old Tie set the time for a certain matter. He was still very concerned about the affairs of the two young masters. After all, they were his patrons (those who provide livelihood support). How could he be slack?
"Alright, then I'll take off first."
After finishing his casual instructions, Kawaki Hatake didn't want to stick around here any longer. After all, the temperature was way too high and it was super uncomfortable.
When he got home, Nawaki was still practicing basic swordsmanship in a proper, methodical way. He didn't aim too high and ask Kawaki Hatake to teach him more advanced stuff.
Kawaki Hatake nodded repeatedly as he watched. With this attitude, it was really messed up that Nawaki died in the Second Shinobi World War.
As Nawaki's future brother - in - law, Kawaki Hatake naturally had the obligation to help Nawaki dodge this tragic fate.
Another day went by. Nawaki didn't stay for dinner. He gave Kawaki Hatake a heads - up and split before mealtime.
The night passed quietly. After washing up, Kawaki Hatake had a sweet dream. The drool at the corner of his mouth was almost dripping.
I wonder what yummy stuff like White Rabbit - related treats he's dreaming about again.
～～～～～Dividing line～～～～～～
Early the next morning, Tsunade brought Nawaki to the Hatake family again.
As soon as she saw Kawaki Hatake, she happily pulled out a document still warm from her bosom.
"Kawaki - kun, the land's been approved!"
Kawaki Hatake didn't expect Third Hokage to be so on the ball. He reached out and grabbed the document.
"I thought I'd have to wait a few more days, dude."
Saying that, Kawaki Hatake opened the document. It clearly said there was a six - thousand - square - meter piece of land, priced at One Hundred Million Ryō (One billion in Japanese numerical system, here it refers to One Hundred Million as per the context).
At the very bottom was Hiruzen Sarutobi's signature, and the address was not far from the Konoha Police Force.
Theoretically, this document was already good to go. But Kawaki Hatake knew it was thanks to Tsunade's influence. It'd be safer to use it after the money was in the bag.
Kawaki Hatake frowned when he saw this address. He thought Third Hokage might've had some sneaky plans.
"Is there any other land available?"
"Oh, I picked this spot."
"I checked the map. Other places were either too tiny or way too far out."
"After looking around, this piece of land's the best fit."
"The teacher also gave me a heads - up."
"Our Senju clan's already disbanded. What can't the Uchiha clan just let go of?"
Hearing Tsunade's words, Kawaki Hatake sighed. This chick really overestimated the Uchiha clan's tolerance.
Even if the Senju clan were wiped out, there'd still be Uchihas hating them. This was a blood feud and a fateful thing.
But since this was the most suitable place, if Kawaki Hatake chickened out, it'd seem like he was scared of the Uchiha clan.
"Alright then, this piece of land it is."
"But I need a few days, though."
The land getting approved so fast took Kawaki Hatake by surprise. His funds weren't ready yet. One Hundred Million Ryō was a fair price. Third Hokage didn't try to rip off the Hatake family.
"I've got over ten million (less than twenty million) Ryō in my private stash..."
Tsunade thought Kawaki Hatake was short on cash and quickly offered her long - saved gambling money.
"Nah, I just didn't expect it to happen so soon."
"In two days, the money'll be there."
"Then this approval paper can be used."
Kawaki Hatake waved his hand with a grin. Tsunade's over ten million Ryō probably wouldn't last long with her gambling. He was really touched by her thoughtfulness.
This money - squandering chick ain't completely useless after all.
"Are you really sure you don't need it?"
Tsunade also made a big decision. This was all her savings.
"Since you're being so darn sincere..."
"
"Maybe I should just take it?"
Kawaki looked at Tsunade's somewhat conflicted expression and ignored Nawaki. With a mischievous smile, he stepped closer to her, towering over her, making the view of her cleavage even clearer.
Nawaki's eyes almost popped out as he stared at Aniki.
Oh, men! What a bunch.
If he weren't no match for him, he'd definitely say something to fit the situation.
"You said you didn't need it."
Tsunade noticed Kawaki's strange look in his eyes. She took a step back and tightened her white - rabbit - themed clothing, her face turning slightly red.
"Ha ha, keep it for yourself."
"Lose less. If you run out, come to me for more."
Kawaki didn't show any sign of embarrassment at being caught in the act. Instead, he took the opportunity to show off the tacky attitude of a newly - rich guy.
"Who wants your money."
"It's not appropriate now."
Tsunade's voice dropped significantly in the second sentence, so Kawaki didn't even catch it.