The encounter between Kaede and Tsunade was nothing more than a brief aside in the larger scope of the war, and the only person privy to its details was Shizune.
The previous annihilation of the Sand ninja's surprise attack force had already sealed the fate of the war's trajectory, making it inevitable.
The war continued to move steadily toward an all-out eruption.
After Kaede had spent several days "treating" Tsunade, Jiraiya finally completed the comprehensive battle plans and preparations.
...
Three days later.
Inside the central command tent at the Konoha camp.
Staring at the sand table map filled with small flags representing various units, Jiraiya placed a hand on the edge of the map, lifted his gaze, and swept it across the many elite Jōnin gathered in the tent.
"Alright, our full-scale counteroffensive officially begins tomorrow!"
"Next, the battle plan!"
"Jōnin Shikaku, Jōnin Inoichi... You will lead the first and second strike teams, flanking the enemy from the southern hills!"
Hearing Jiraiya's orders, Shikaku and Inoichi responded calmly.
Jiraiya then turned his gaze to the man standing next to him, Minato Namikaze, and said, "Minato, you will lead the fifth and sixth strike teams, flanking the enemy's right wing from the north!"
"understood."
Minato responded with his usual calm.
The arrival of the final battle was enough to stir anyone's emotions, but as an elite ninja with absolute confidence in his abilities, Jiraiya remained composed and calm, even on the eve of such a decisive confrontation.
"The third and fourth strike teams will follow me and attack head-on!"
Jiraiya continued to issue orders, "The medical unit will follow the main force at a safe distance, ready to treat the wounded at all times!"
"Yes."
The Jōnin in charge of the medical team responded.
Once the personnel assignments were mostly settled, Jiraiya turned his attention to Kaede, who stood not far away. "Kaede, you will act alongside my unit."
"Understood."
Kaede nodded calmly.
Currently, he held the position of a special Jōnin directly under Jiraiya, a unique presence even among the special Jōnin. Because of this, he was summoned to the high-level meeting of the front-line ninja.
Upon hearing Jiraiya's directive, many of the Jōnin in the tent couldn't help but glance at Kaede, some with a glimmer of surprise in their eyes.
Almost all those present were high-ranking members of the front-line camp. They were either elite Jōnin from Konoha or Jōnin in charge of sub-teams, all of whom had heard about Kaede's impressive achievements in the Grass and Rain countries. But they were also skeptical.
After all, Kaede was still very young. The battle in the Land of Grass was more understandable, there were strong figures like Orochimaru to distract the Rock ninjas. But the battle in Amegakure seemed a little too fantastical.
one person taking down nearly a hundred elite Sand ninja?!
It seemed like an absurd fairy tale!
Many of them suspected there was some kind of hidden conspiracy, perhaps Konoha had secretly deployed Kaede in collaboration with the Rain ninja, but the details were concealed, and only the story of Kaede fighting alone was released.
or perhaps Kaede had been working with the Anbu ninjas, which also seemed plausible. Anbu missions were often not recorded publicly but were instead kept secret.
"The student of Lord Orochimaru..."
Someone mumbled to themselves, staring at Kaede.
Those who had already reached the upper echelons of Konoha's power understood that it wouldn't be long before the Fourth Hokage was chosen. As for who would take the position, it was still uncertain, but there was no doubt that Orochimaru was one of the candidates.
Thinking about it that way, Kaede's astounding victories in both the Grass and Rain countries might carry deeper meaning, perhaps it was part of Orochimaru's plan to become the Fourth Hokage.
Shikaku Nara also cast a discerning glance at Kaede.
The selection of the Fourth Hokage wasn't simply a decision made by Sarutobi Hiruzen alone. The opinions of Konoha's various clans and elite Jōnin were also crucial. No matter the support rate, if the opposition was strong enough, it would be difficult for anyone to rise to the position.
If Kaede truly had the abilities reported, then he would definitely gain strong support. Even if his abilities were not as impressive as described, as long as he was competent, it would still be acceptable. But if his abilities were average at best, it would be seen as an insult.
All the ninjas present were part of Konoha's upper echelons, some even representing their clans.
Such an insult was simply intolerable.
"...Lastly, the seventh team and the intelligence department will stay behind at the camp."
Having finished assigning the final battle orders, Jiraiya's chakra surged, accompanied by an imposing presence. Taking a step forward, he declared, "That covers the general situation. Tomorrow's battle is in your hands!"
The many ninjas in the tent took a deep breath. They understood the importance of this battle. It would be the pivotal clash that could determine the course of the war. While it wouldn't necessarily end the conflict entirely, it would shape its future trajectory.
Just as the group was about to respond, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Don't leave me out, Jiraiya."
The voice caused Jiraiya, who had been exuding the authority of the legendary Sannin and the front-line commander, to pause. He looked toward the entrance of the tent in surprise.
At the entrance stood a figure with blonde hair, a diamond-shaped symbol on her forehead, and a faint smile on her face. It was none other than Tsunade, another of the Sannin.
"Tsunade? What are you doing here?"
Jiraiya asked, his expression filled with confusion.
Tsunade gave a thumbs-up, pointing to her own face, and with a confident tone said, "That no longer has much of an effect."
Jiraiya stared in shock for a few seconds before his face lit up with excitement. "That's great! With that, this battle is ours. Tsunade, you will join the main force!"
"Understood!"
Tsunade's voice rang out loudly in response.
After a brief pause, the surrounding ninjas' expressions brightened. With Tsunade, a powerful ninja, joining the battle, their chances of victory seemed even more assured!
While the others felt a surge of excitement, Kaede, standing nearby, twitched the corner of his mouth, casting a resigned glance at Tsunade. She, in turn, looked at him, her lips curving into a slight smirk.
As expected!
Kaede knew Tsunade's current condition all too well.
While her hemophobia had been alleviated after three days of psychological treatment, from severe to mild, there was still an impact. She wouldn't be able to fight at full capacity on the battlefield.
At best, she could see blood without freezing in fear, and she might be able to use some of her strength and chakra, but even reaching Jōnin-level combat prowess would be impressive!
It seemed like there was another Kage-level powerhouse joining, but in reality, it was rather ineffective.
"Alright, everyone, you can head back and prepare."
With Jiraiya's command, the ninjas in the tent began to leave. Soon, only Tsunade, who was not involved in the command, and Kaede remained.
Jiraiya smiled at Tsunade, approaching her, and said, "So, was it because you were worried I'd be alone on the battlefield that you finally overcame your hemophobia?"
Slap!
Tsunade, expressionless, slapped Jiraiya's face, halting his approach.
"Cut it out."
With a cold push, she shoved Jiraiya away, turning to look at Kaede. "I'm worried about Kaede's safety and wanted to see his performance firsthand."
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