Chapter 335: The Choice

"More?"

Sakumo was now completely convinced. With Nagato's demonstrated abilities, conquering the Land of Rain—or at the very least, remaining undefeated—seemed entirely feasible. No wonder Kawakaze had been so confident.

"Do you still want to see more?" Kawakaze asked, a bit exasperated. If everything Nagato had shown so far wasn't enough to convince Sakumo, they might actually have to resort to Chibaku Tensei.

"Enough, I agree," Sakumo said, waving his hands repeatedly. His gaze swept over the forest, which had once been lush and green but was now barren and desolate. After witnessing just two moves, he already felt overwhelmed.

"That'll do," Kawakaze said, letting out a long breath of relief. Avoiding a demonstration of Chibaku Tensei was a small victory in itself.

"Nativity of a World of Trees."

With a casual motion, Kawakaze repaired the destroyed forest. The once-barren landscape was lush and green again, and he gave a satisfied clap at the sight.

"Sensei, are you still going to hit me?" Nagato asked cautiously, thinking Kawakaze might test him again.

"No more hitting. Let's go home for dinner," Kawakaze said, draping an arm around Sakumo's shoulders. In the next moment, he reappeared next to Nagato, and before Nagato could react, the three of them returned to the Hatake Clan grounds.

"I can't believe it... I can't believe it..." Sakumo muttered, seemingly in a daze, as he wandered toward the dining room.

When they sat down for dinner, Sakumo took a few large bites of rice before he finally seemed to come back to his senses.

"What kind of shock did you get?" Nayuki asked, puzzled by his behavior.

"It's nothing. I think Big Brother was just too excited," Kawakaze said, sitting down next to Tsunade with a smile. His disheveled hair had already been fixed.

"You three, go back and don't be too conspicuous. Contact us if there are any problems you can't solve," Sakumo said, his tone completely transformed. His earlier reluctance had vanished, replaced with calm confidence.

"Got it, Uncle," the three replied obediently. Yahiko and Konan exchanged doubtful glances with Nagato.

Sakumo's transformation had been so sudden that they were at a loss. How had he gone out looking so opposed to the plan and returned a completely different person?

"Your uncle is right," Tsunade added, following up on Sakumo's words. "Remember to contact us immediately if you run into any problems. With Katsuyu, when it's convenient."

The trio had also signed a contract with Katsuyu. Thanks to Kawakaze, the number of people using slugs as summoned beasts had doubled compared to the original timeline.

"We'll remember, Sensei's wife," the trio replied, nodding reluctantly.

"When will you be back after this trip?" Nayuki asked, unable to hold back her concern. "One month? Two months? Or will it take three years, five years?"

She knew she couldn't stop the trio from leaving and could only hope for their early return. Missions like this could take a long time, and it saddened her to think she wouldn't see these three children, whom she had grown so fond of, for a long while.

Women are often more sentimental, and after years away from active missions, Nayuki's emotions were especially raw. Her eyes began to redden as she thought about it.

The mood in the dining room grew heavy, and Kawakaze's chopsticks paused midway to his mouth. This question, which everyone had overlooked before, now lingered in the air.

All eyes turned to Kawakaze. After all, he was the one who had arranged this mission. Missions should have a clear end, but sending the Nagato trio to the Land of Rain blurred that line.

The Land of Rain was their birthplace, but now Konoha was their home. They were part of the Hatake Clan from the moment they entered its gates years ago.

"I was not thorough in considering this matter," Kawakaze admitted, setting his bowl down. His first response was to apologize.

He had only focused on the fact that the Nagato trio had the capability to achieve the mission's goals. But he had overlooked the possibility that their success would likely mean they would have to remain in the Land of Rain long-term.

"The ultimate goal of this mission is to completely control the Land of Rain," Kawakaze continued, his tone serious. "You should understand what that means. If you're unwilling, then this mission is canceled."

His expression left no doubt that he was being sincere. Gaining control over the Land of Rain wasn't something that could be achieved with occasional visits or outside help. If the trio accepted this mission, it would tie them to the Land of Rain indefinitely.

In this moment, Kawakaze placed their well-being above political gain. If they chose not to go, the Land of Rain could remain in chaos. Their happiness mattered more than the mission.

"Great, you don't have to go."

Minato was still celebrating when he heard Nagato speak.

"Sensei, is letting us go the best solution?"

Nagato naturally understood what Kawakaze meant. He wasn't happy but instead asked a question in return.

"I want the truth." Probably afraid that Kawakaze might lie, he repeated himself, "I want the truth."

He stared at Kawakaze without blinking.

"For the time being," Kawakaze paused and spoke frankly, "it's the safest plan I can think of."

No matter what choice the three made next, he would respect it.

"Then let's go," Nagato said. "Not for Konoha, but because of you."

His words represented all three of them. He didn't want to leave Konoha, but he was even more unwilling to let Kawakaze down. Perhaps it was a bit inappropriate to say this in front of Tsunade, but at this moment, they were just family—nothing more.

"You don't have to go," Tsunade said, her tone free of displeasure but tinged with heartache.

"It's okay, Sensei's wife," Yahiko replied with a forced smile. "We'll always have time to come back and visit."

He and Konan unconditionally accepted Nagato's choice.

"You've thought it over?" Sakumo asked, even though he recognized Nagato's strength and still wanted them to stay.

"We have."

The three nodded without hesitation. There was no way to fully repay the kindness they had received from their foster parents and Sensei. Besides, this wasn't as though they were being sent off to die.

"Sigh..." Sakumo let out a long sigh. "From tomorrow onwards, you can just stay at home and rest. Spend some time with Kakashi and Ginji."

It was clear—there would never be a Maple Squad in the Anbu again.

"Sister Konan, Ginji will miss you," Ginji pouted, throwing himself into Konan's arms. Even at a young age, he had a charming demeanor.

"Sister will miss you too," Konan said, sniffling as she held him close.

Kakashi remained in his seat, unmoving, unable to eat. He prided himself on not being a child anymore and wouldn't cry like Ginji, but the lump in his throat told another story.

"Rotten brat, won't you miss me?"

Yahiko slapped Ginji lightly on the head, unsure if the pang he felt was jealousy.

"I will, but I'll miss Sister Konan more," Ginji replied, looking up with an innocent expression.

Of the three, Yahiko was the one who enjoyed teasing him the most.

"What about me?" Nagato asked, smiling tenderly at his Junior Brother. His gentle nature was evident in his tone.

"Nagato Senior Brother comes in second," Ginji answered, sticking his tongue out at Yahiko, whose mischievous expression quickly turned to mock outrage.

"You little brat..." Yahiko raised his hand as if to knock him again. Ginji, startled, quickly shrank into Konan's arms.

"Try laying a hand on Ginji and see what happens," Konan said, shielding Ginji protectively in her embrace.

She shot Yahiko a sharp glare, and he immediately backed down, waving the white flag.

"Fine, I won't hit him," Yahiko muttered under his breath, clearly defeated.

"Bleh~" Ginji stuck out his tongue like a victorious little general, even pulling a silly face.

Children's emotions shifted quickly, and Ginji's tears were soon wiped away as he nestled in Konan's embrace. After his playful antics, the tense atmosphere lightened just a little.