Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 433: Playing the Part to the End

"Yes, Lord Minato."

Under the cover of their comrades, two Iwa-nin swiftly retreated from the battlefield, carrying Rōshi and Kitsuchi on their backs as they ran.

As they moved, they fumbled through their ninja pouches, pulling out the last of their military ration pills and stuffing them into the mouths of their unconscious leaders.

They couldn't imagine what would become of their squad if both Rōshi and Kitsuchi were to die here.

With anxious hearts, the two Iwa-nin disappeared into the distance.

But their concerns weren't on Minato's mind. Right now, he just wanted to find a place to catch up with his junior brother.

From the corner of his eye, he watched as their pursuers were intercepted, and a faint smile played at his lips.

"You're still standing around? Waiting to die?"

The five Nagatos stood opposite their senior brother, their voices ringing loud and clear, making sure to keep up the act.

"Defeat me first before talking big."

Their exchange was unmistakably audible on the battlefield. The moment Minato finished speaking, he vanished from sight.

"Shinra Tensei."

"Sage Art: Big Ball Rasengan."

"Flaming Arrow Warhead."

...

It was as if they were deliberately making a scene, their battle leaving the ground around them riddled with craters.

After an unknown number of exchanges, their figures drifted farther and farther from the battlefield.

Once they had disappeared from everyone's line of sight, Nonō let out a chuckle.

The Iwa-nin fighting her hesitated for a moment, confused by her reaction, only to have her hand pierce through his chest in the next instant.

"You know why I'm laughing? Because you were just standing there like an idiot."

With a flick of her hand, she rid herself of the blood and rushed toward another Iwa-nin.

Far from the battlefield, hidden high in the mountains, Minato and Nagato clapped each other on the back, grinning from ear to ear—genuine joy at reuniting after so long.

"Senior Brother, you really didn't hold back!"

As they pulled away, Nagato playfully punched Minato in the chest.

"My bad, I apologize."

"Honestly, I didn't expect those two to react so fast."

Minato scratched his head awkwardly as he took in Nagato's slightly disheveled state.

Luckily, Nagato was unharmed—otherwise, he would have felt guilty.

"Haha, I'm just messing with you."

"Those two are decent, but I've had enough time to figure out their moves."

"If they want to kill me, they'll have to wait for their next life."

With a flick of his hand, two stone stools rose from the ground. Nagato didn't even need hand seals for Earth Release of this level.

"So, how are things with Nonō?"

The moment he sat down, Minato leaned in with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Ahem—"

"We haven't gotten that far yet."

"But what about you, Senior Brother Minato? How are things with Sister Kushina?"

Nagato hadn't expected such a bold question right off the bat, so he quickly turned it around.

Though he and Nonō were already in a relationship, they hadn't yet reached the stage of full intimacy.

"It's about the same. Once the war's over, we're probably getting married."

Minato couldn't help but smile, the telltale sign of a man in love.

"That's great."

"Then I hope this war ends soon."

Nagato wasn't envious—after all, he had his own fiancée.

"It won't be that easy. Sensei has big plans this time."

"He wants to put an end to war in the shinobi world for good."

Minato's expression grew serious as he spoke of Kawakaze's ambitions.

"Sensei mentioned it to me before."

"I believe he can do it."

Nagato had unwavering faith in Kawakaze—the strongest man in the shinobi world.

"Me too."

The two brothers exchanged a knowing smile, their trust in Kawakaze unshaken.

"Nawaki went to support Ōnoki?"

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if he's found him yet."

"Kumo is going all in this time. It won't be easy over there."

"Don't underestimate Nawaki. He's a father now, after all."

While being a new dad didn't exactly equate to stronger combat ability, Nagato still chuckled at the remark.

After a brief pause, Minato continued.

"He also brought Ginji and the others along. He'll be extra careful."

"Sensei and my uncle are so reckless. I saw Kakashi and the others on the battlefield."

Nagato let out a small sigh and shook his head, as if forgetting that he himself had been thrown into war as a child.

Perhaps it was because of that experience that he understood—war was always a merciless grinder.

"Don't worry. These kids are stronger than we were."

"If they don't experience it now, they might never get the chance."

Minato wasn't exaggerating. Compared to when they were that age, Kakashi and Ginji were far stronger.

"You're right. If they don't go through it, they won't understand how hard peace is earned."

"They'll be the backbone of the shinobi world one day. It'd be odd if they never set foot on the battlefield."

Nagato chuckled, pushing his concerns aside. He trusted that their sensei had planned for everything.

"Speaking of which, you haven't met Nawaki's daughter yet, have you?"

Minato thought of the adorable little girl and briefly considered whether he and Nawaki might end up as in-laws.

"No, but I heard that Sensei's wife adores her."

Nagato leaned forward, clearly interested.

"She's got red hair like you—must've inherited Misaki's genes."

"She's bound to be something special."

It was obvious that little Karin was cherished by everyone, Minato included.

"Of course. The Uzumaki Clan is naturally gifted with immense chakra reserves."

Nagato spoke with pride, though he likely wasn't aware that her strength also stemmed from Senju blood.

"Alright, no need to show off. The Uzumaki Clan is the strongest, got it?"

Minato rolled his eyes, amused by how much his junior brother had opened up.

"Haha~"

"Her name's Karin Senju, right? I just hope she doesn't take after Nawaki too much."

Nagato smirked—Nawaki's looks weren't exactly his strong suit.

"You better hope Nawaki doesn't hear that."

"Karin takes after her mom. She's definitely going to be a beauty."

Minato laughed. This was a frequent point of banter between him and Nawaki.

"Really? Then she'll be stunning when she grows up."

...

The two continued chatting, their laughter ringing through the secluded mountain.

"Time's up. Let's catch up again later."

Minato was always mindful of time—lingering too long would make their act suspicious.

"Alright, after those two recover."

"For now, let's rest up."

Nagato had held back in the fight. As a medical-nin, he knew that as long as Rōshi and Kitsuchi received prompt treatment, they'd survive.

"Alright, I'll head out first."

Minato got up, bid Nagato farewell, and hurried off. On the way, he tore at his clothes, adding some wear and tear.

Still unsatisfied, he bit his finger and smeared a bit of blood at the corner of his mouth.

Once he was satisfied with his "battle-worn" appearance, he nodded and teleported back to the battlefield with Flying Thunder God.

"I can't hold them off anymore! Retreat!"

The moment Minato reappeared, he shouted, dramatically kicking away a few Akatsuki and Iwa-nin before leading Konoha's forces into retreat.

"Stop them!"

Nagato's voice boomed from the distance, thick with feigned rage.

"Don't get caught up in the fight! Fall back now!"

Minato covered the rear, fending off Nonō and Daiki Nakamura before dashing away without a backward glance.

"You got lucky this time! Don't let me catch you again!"

Nagato's voice echoed across the battlefield. The Iwa-nin, meanwhile, were already filled with gratitude toward Minato.