Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 458: The Next Step in the Plan

"Nawaki said he got exposed."

Tsunade lay in Kawakaze's arms, one smooth, pale thigh draped over him. The lingering glow from their intimacy made her look even more alluring.

"He sent a letter to Orochimaru."

Kawakaze wasn't too surprised. The current AB duo was still far from the level they had in the original timeline.

"Yeah, Orochimaru told me this afternoon."

Tsunade didn't seem too concerned either; this was all within Kawakaze's expectations. Neither Minato nor Nawaki, in their current state, were people the AB duo could afford to provoke. Their cover being blown was only a matter of time.

"Then it's about time we move on to the next phase of our plan."

"Let's start by stirring up chaos in the ninja world."

Kawakaze patted Tsunade's arm, grinning like a mastermind pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

"Alright, I'll follow your lead."

Tsunade pressed closer against his chest, closing her eyes comfortably.

"What do you mean, 'follow my lead'?"

"You're the Hokage, remember?"

Kawakaze teased, raising his hand to give her a light pat, making the soft flesh beneath his touch ripple.

"I've had enough of that."

"Whoever wants to be Hokage can have it."

Without opening her eyes, Tsunade grabbed Kawakaze's hand and held it against her chest.

"Let me ask you something."

"Hm?"

"Between Nawaki and Minato, who do you think is more suited?"

Kawakaze settled in, sensing that the conversation had turned serious.

"They're both family."

"I can't pick sides."

Tsunade cracked her eyes open slightly and lazily glanced at Kawakaze. One was her younger brother, the other was her husband's most prized disciple. Deep down, she didn't really care who became the next Hokage.

"Nawaki has wanted to be Hokage since he was a kid."

"But he's a bit naïve—he's missing something."

Kawakaze didn't hold back, even in front of Tsunade.

"Mhm."

"If it weren't for you, he wouldn't even be in the running."

Tsunade agreed with Kawakaze's assessment. She had always seen things clearly.

"Minato is too optimistic. I'm afraid he won't be able to command enough authority."

"To be honest, they're both still too young."

"The best candidates are actually from our generation."

"My brother, Jiraiya, Orochimaru—any of them would be more suited than those two at this stage."

Kawakaze had a point. Nawaki and Minato had the strength, but they still lacked experience and the right mindset.

"You left yourself out."

Tsunade gave his hand a squeeze.

"I wouldn't dare take on such a responsibility."

Kawakaze waved his hands dismissively. If he'd wanted the role, he wouldn't have pushed Tsunade into it in the first place.

"Don't try to dress it up—you're just lazy."

"You think the others actually want the job?"

"In the end, it's just that the older generation doesn't want to put in the effort, so they're stuck picking from the younger ones."

Tsunade shot him an annoyed glare. She still couldn't understand how she'd let herself get roped into this mess with Kawakaze.

If she had another chance, she would never have agreed to take the Hokage position.

After spending a few days in the lab, she had finally found a new sense of purpose.

"Heh~"

"I think both Nawaki and Minato are fine choices now."

"Everything takes time."

Kawakaze smoothly changed his tune, as if he hadn't just been criticizing them moments ago.

"Don't worry, with us backing them, either of them will be able to hold that position firmly."

"Once they've fully matured, we can finally retire in peace."

Tsunade had a more relaxed perspective on things. She had made it this far with Kawakaze's support, after all.

She wouldn't call herself an outstanding Hokage, but no one could deny that Konoha had flourished under her leadership.

"My wife is right."

"We'll stay out of it and let them prove themselves."

"Whoever rises to the top will have earned it."

Kawakaze put aside his concerns. It was best to let things take their natural course. By then, the ninja world would already be at peace, and at least the Hokage wouldn't have external threats to worry about.

"Sounds good."

"Let's sleep."

Tsunade yawned, already exhausted.

"Sleep."

Kawakaze pulled her closer, holding her securely as they drifted off into a deep sleep.

After an intense night, rest came easily. The two of them slept soundly until morning.

As usual, Kawakaze accompanied Tsunade to the Hokage's office for a short while before leaving under Shōta's resentful gaze.

Once he arrived at the lab, Tsunade and Orochimaru got back to their research while he settled onto the sofa outside.

From somewhere, he pulled out a small slug clone, no larger than his palm, and let it rest in his hand.

"Get me in touch with Yahiko."

As soon as Kawakaze sent the request, the connection was established.

The scene shifted, revealing Yahiko and Konan's faces.

A departing figure could be seen in the background—most likely Kakuzu.

"Sensei."

Yahiko and Konan both smiled warmly.

"How have things been?"

"Have you been in contact with Nagato?"

Kawakaze started with some small talk—an ingrained habit of his.

"Everything's going well."

"Nagato and Senior Brother Minato put on an act every few days. Yahiko and I can barely hold back our laughter."

At the mention of it, Konan couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Especially when she thought about how Rōshi and Kitsuchi were completely in the dark—it gave her an innate sense of superiority.

"The act is almost over."

"It's time for you guys to make your move."

Kawakaze cut to the chase, and Yahiko and Konan immediately became serious.

"The team has been on standby, just waiting for your command, Sensei."

It was clear that Yahiko had been anticipating this moment for a long time. The excitement in his eyes was impossible to hide.

"Very well."

"Your next mission is to take control of all the surrounding small nations."

"Leave the Land of Wind alone unless they make a move."

"If anything unexpected happens, report to me immediately."

Since all the plans were in Kawakaze's head, his orders were precise and direct.

"Understood."

"We will complete the mission."

Though Yahiko and Konan spoke differently, their intent was the same.

"Keep your subordinates in check. Do not involve civilians."

"Spare those who surrender, and absolutely no war profiteering."

"Our goal is not slaughter, nor is it pillaging."

"There is only one reason we are doing this."

"To bring peace to the ninja world."

"Some killings will be inevitable, but the future of the ninja world will be stable."

Kawakaze was neither a perfectionist nor a saint.

Once everything was settled, he might be labeled a schemer or even a butcher, but he didn't care.

Unification wasn't just a deep-rooted ideal in Chinese culture—it was a belief.

To have power and yet remain passive was to invite mockery.

History would be the judge of his deeds.

"I've committed it all to memory."

Yahiko nodded solemnly.

"So, when do we begin, Sensei?"

Konan blinked, looking cute and innocent.

"In the next couple of days. You decide the timing."

"If Kumo questions your actions, stand firm."

"The Land of Earth has been locked in a prolonged, fruitless war. That alone is justification enough."

"They won't have the manpower to interfere anyway."

Kawakaze's message was clear—he wanted Akatsuki to act without restraint.

"Understood."

Yahiko firmly engraved Kawakaze's words in his mind.

"Your sensei is busy inside, so we'll stop here for now."

"We'll talk again next time."

Kawakaze shifted the slug's gaze toward the lab, where Tsunade and Orochimaru were huddled together, discussing something in hushed voices.

"Goodbye, Sensei. Give our regards to your wife."

Yahiko and Konan waved as the slug's shared vision abruptly cut off.