Fugaku noticed the strange tension between them and a sudden thought crossed his mind. Later, he would find that idea ridiculous and dismiss it.
Only after Tsunade's figure had completely vanished did Anya turn around and ask, "Clan Head, why haven't you returned to Konoha yet?"
Over these years, with occasional prison visits and the bond between Mikoto and Itachi, their relationship had improved significantly—they were now able to talk calmly and peacefully.
Sighing, Fugaku replied, "We suffered heavy losses in this war—many of our clansmen died. Some bodies have been recovered, but others are completely missing. These days, I've been searching hard, hoping to find some clues."
Hearing this, Anya couldn't help but feel a strange sensation inside—Fugaku had no idea that the very person behind his clansmen's disappearance was standing right before him.
Anya pretended to think for a moment before saying, "I think they might have been captured by the Tsuchikage. He might even come asking for ransom."
"No way," Fugaku immediately dismissed the idea, saying firmly, "The great Tsuchikage wouldn't sink so low."
Anya fanned the flames further: "This war nearly destroyed Iwagakure entirely. They dared even ally with Mist ninja and black-market mercenaries. What do you think the Tsuchikage wouldn't dare to do?"
Fugaku fell silent for a while, actually beginning to consider the possibility of what Anya had said. Were they really captured? Still, he had confidence in his clan members—if pushed to the edge, they'd rather destroy their own bloodline than let enemies benefit from it.
Seeing Fugaku deep in thought, Anya didn't interrupt and naturally picked up Itachi while asking, "Did you gain anything worthwhile from being on the battlefield this time?"
Itachi's eyes showed confusion as he asked, "Foster Father, what is the meaning of life?"
A child already thinking about philosophy! Even Anya hadn't figured that out yet, so she casually brushed it off saying, "Life's meaning? That's up to you to decide. I can't tell you—I mean, we're all born just to die someday."
"Is that true?" Hearing this, Itachi became even more puzzled, not even finding the candy in his mouth sweet anymore.
Worried the boy might overthink things too much, Anya quickly interjected, "Itachi, show me how your [Fireball Jutsu] has improved!"
"All right," responded Itachi. True to form, he quickly turned his focus back to the candy and swallowed it whole.
Compared to how Obito would later behave during the Chunin Exams, someone like Itachi at this age who still remembered to finish eating his candy first clearly showed how the difference between a last-place student and a prodigy could be obvious from childhood.
Soon, Itachi completed the hand seals needed for the Fireball Jutsu. A massive fireball no smaller than an adult's emerged from his mouth, prompting Anya to praise him: "Great job, Itachi! You're incredibly talented—you might even surpass me someday."
Unlike most kids who'd beam with joy at such praise, Itachi remained calm and simply stated, "Foster Father, I still haven't mastered the sword art you taught me last time."
Anya comforted him by saying, "Swordsmanship isn't like Ninjutsu—it takes years of steady practice and unwavering dedication. With your talent, if you keep striving forward, you'll definitely master it one day."
Itachi nodded. "I understand."
The Hidden Blade Technique was a defensive sword art developed by Anya during the three years he was imprisoned. However, this technique had become somewhat useless to his current abilities—it was unnecessary against weaker opponents and ineffective against stronger ones. Still, it suited Itachi perfectly. Anya had taught it to him during their last meeting, as a reward for calling him "foster father."
As for why he didn't teach him any offensive sword techniques—well, you know how it is.
Tsunade quickly gathered the remaining ninja together—the last group still on the battlefield, mostly uninjured or lightly wounded, tasked with recovering fallen comrades' bodies and searching for missing personnel.
Everyone responded promptly upon receiving orders, clearly aware that it was time to return home. The atmosphere among the crowd was filled with sorrow; some ninja even sobbed quietly because they hadn't found their teammates.
As commander, Tsunade was easily affected by this emotional weight. The defeat in battle had deeply shaken her confidence, plunging her into self-doubt. Eventually, all her unspoken words turned into a sigh, and she softly uttered four words: "Let's go home."
Anya closely observed her and clearly understood what she was feeling at that moment. Walking forward, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder beside her and comforted, "Don't dwell on it. We'll win next time."
"The future of warfare will only grow more complicated, and besides…" Tsunade glanced at Anya, her eyes brimming with complexity as she added, "Next time, someone else will take command. Promise me you'll stay safe during the war."
Tsunade knew deep down that after Konoha's heavy defeat this time, she would have to take responsibility. Although her status meant she wouldn't face real punishment, command authority would certainly be revoked. That was precisely why she kept urging Anya.
"Of course," Anya replied with a mischievous grin. "I'm not ready to die yet. I still haven't fulfilled a single promise I made to you."
At those words, Tsunade's face flushed red. Memories from last night raced through her mind, causing a sudden weakness in her body. If there hadn't been so many ninja around, she might have leaned into Anya's arms right then and there.
However, his next sentence immediately darkened her mood.
"I won't be returning with you this time—I need to go somewhere for a while."
"No way," Tsunade refused instantly without hesitation. "Out again? Why do you always insist on running off? Don't forget—we're still at war, even if there's a temporary ceasefire. Every nation is on high alert. It's too dangerous."
"It's really important," Anya said, lifting the Ninja Blade in his hand. "After fighting the Tsuchikage twice, I've noticed some weaknesses with my current weapon. I plan to head to the Land of the Blacksmiths to forge a custom blade better suited to me."
"Do you really have to go right now?" Tsunade's voice carried obvious reluctance.
That's when Anya realized something—he had never seen the strong-willed Tsunade acting clingy before. This wasn't good… After all, he was a proud man standing seven feet tall…
Well, fine—being flexible was a virtue too.
Putting on a warm smile, Anya quickly explained, "Don't worry, I'll come back soon. Besides, since we're in a ceasefire right now, if I don't go while I can, it might become even harder later."
Tsunade mulled it over for a moment before finally saying, "Alright."
Hearing her acceptance, Anya sighed in relief. Without hesitation, she summoned the Hawk Puppet and took off into the sky. However, when she glanced back and saw Tsunade's mildly resentful yet sorrowful gaze, a strange unease gripped her heart. Thinking for a moment, she gave her a flying kiss mid-air.
Despite the weight on her heart, Tsunade couldn't help but smile at the sight. She mock-scolded Anya with a grin and waved goodbye.
Anya waved back and flew toward the unknown horizon.
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