After Anbu announced the orders, they left the tent without another word.
Uchiha Kai and the other two finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Yes—
Even though they had already guessed the outcome, until things were officially settled, there was always that shadow of unease in their hearts.
Now that the Hokage himself had given the decree, the matter was sealed.
"Good. This is a good thing!"
"Anyway, I don't think the three of us will be reassigned anytime soon."
"Since fate brought us together, even if we go our separate ways later, tonight we drink until we drop!"
Saying that, he pulled out a storage scroll and summoned several jars of sake and a heap of side dishes.
Yes—he had prepared this in advance, before coming to the front lines.
If this hadn't been the war camp, he might have even started roasting meat right there.
He was, after all, a normal man.
Scheming a little for survival was only natural.
In a world this dark and chaotic, without some cunning, one was bound to die young.
This was the world of shinobi—not the flashy, idealistic world of pirates.
Now things were different.
They would no longer be in the same squad. That much was obvious—otherwise Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't have given such an order.
And if they weren't in the same squad, there'd be no conflicts of interest.
Add to that the bond formed through these recent days… while not enough to call them brothers-in-arms, it was still something.
As long as no one's personal interests were threatened, Kai was happy to make friends.
"Sounds good. Better than sitting idle," Nara Kazama chuckled. "Drink! No leaving sober!"
His eyes narrowed slightly. He thought for a moment, then realized Kai was right.
Normally, after such a brutal mission, squads were granted rest.
And during such downtime, the psychological pressure from days of living on the edge of death would weigh heavily.
What better way to relax than drinking together?
Besides—drinking was also the best way to deepen bonds.
Kudo Shin didn't say much, only smiled and agreed.
And so, the three of them sat around the table, cups clinking, chatting about everything under the sun.
Little by little, they let themselves loosen up.
Kudo Shin grew especially emotional. His gaze on Kai was complicated.
He knew very well—if not for Kai pulling him back, he would have been a corpse two days ago.
After a long silence, he downed a cup of sake and suddenly spoke:
"Uchiha Kai!
If not for you, I'd already be dead.
We're both smart men—I know you must've had your own reasons for saving me.
But that doesn't matter!
The truth is, you saved my life.
I'm just a civilian shinobi—my life isn't worth much.
But from today on, if you ever need me, send word, and I'll come."
Kai's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Shin's earnest expression.
But in truth, he didn't take it to heart.
First of all—
words spoken at a drinking table couldn't be taken too seriously.
Maybe Shin really did feel grateful right now, but once the alcohol wore off, if someone else threw him an olive branch, who's to say he wouldn't run straight into their arms?
Still, Kai wouldn't ruin the mood by pointing that out.
He simply laughed heartily, letting the matter slide.
About an hour later—
Kudo Shin, with the weakest tolerance, collapsed under the table.
Kai and Kazama helped him into bed, pulled a blanket over him, then returned to the table.
After a few more cups, Kazama finally spoke up.
"Kai.
Kudo Shin is actually worth recruiting.
He's just a civilian shinobi—the village doesn't value people like him.
A few basic jutsu would be enough to win his loyalty.
And he's survived at least two wars. His will and abilities aren't bad at all.
With proper guidance, he could definitely become a real asset."
"As for betrayal—I don't think that's a real worry. Make him show proof of loyalty, and there are plenty of ways to ensure he won't turn.
But the more important thing is his identity.
He's a civilian. If he grows into a true shinobi, he could hold immense influence among other civilian shinobi."
His reasoning was crisp and clear.
Even after drinking so much, his thoughts were sharp.
Kai, however, was dumbfounded.
What was this about?
He gave Kazama a strange look, then couldn't help saying:
"What's with you?
Sure, we've been through life and death together, so maybe we can call each other comrades-in-arms.
But come on. We both know the kind of people we are. Each of us has our own schemes.
Why are you suddenly making plans for me?
I don't see your motive.
Until I understand that, I'm not interested in hearing the rest."
Yes.
Every decision a person made came down to benefit.
And the two of them? They were nothing more than a makeshift squad thrown together by chance.
Why would Kazama be thinking so far ahead on his behalf?
Kazama gave a bitter smile.
"Don't laugh at me, Kai. You and I are alike," he said softly, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes.
"The Uchiha are a mess—I don't believe you haven't seen that.
Everything you've done so far has been cutting ties with them.
But here's the problem—
The village will never truly let you go. Your surname is Uchiha. That alone is a sin."
"Of course, I believe in your talent. Sooner or later, you'll become a powerhouse—strong enough that even Konoha won't dare provoke you.
But then what?
In this world, personal strength is important, yes. But it's not everything.
Look at the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. As mighty as he was—once he died, the Senju clan still faded into obscurity."
"That's why the best choice is to build your own power.
You can't live alone forever.
Right now you're young, and your mind is full of survival.
But once you're truly strong, you'll start thinking about family—marriage, children.
Can you protect them alone for a lifetime?
The only real option is to form your own force."
"My Nara clan may seem stable, but my personal status is… awkward. I have to think of my own future as well.
Even if I hide in the shadows my whole life, even if I grow strong—what good is it?
In Konoha, the Nara clan will never accept me. Nara Shikaku will never give me a chance."
"Now, I've found you.
After spending this time together, I've decided to gamble.
I'll bet on you rising above.
I'll bet that you'll have Hashirama's strength—
and Tobirama's cunning!"
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