Chapter 473: Different Positions, No Need to Force Harmony

With such high expectations, even Tobirama Senju would have been disqualified in Konoha.

Imagine being unable to use Wood Release—would you even dare to succeed the Hokage and become the Second?

Would you?

"Hahaha…"

Minato's quip was nothing short of genius.

Takuya burst into laughter, while Maruboshi Kosuke maintained his signature smile. Pakura, however, couldn't help but chuckle at the humor.

Young shinobi often had plenty to talk about. Takuya and Minato bantered animatedly, occasionally joined by Pakura, while Kosuke mostly acted as a spectator.

After entering the Land of Fire, Kosuke even demonstrated his impressive cooking skills to the group.

It's said that when someone provides you with food, it's hard to speak ill of them.

However, after tasting Kosuke's cooking, both Minato and Pakura couldn't help but look at him with newfound admiration—especially when he packed up his large pot and ladle, carrying them on his back.

"Senior, wouldn't it be more convenient to store these items in a sealing scroll?"

Minato, ever kind-hearted, couldn't bear to watch the elderly shinobi carrying such heavy equipment and offered a gentle suggestion.

Takuya, too, often carried many items during his travels, but he always stored them in sealing scrolls, retrieving them only when needed.

Carrying a large pot around like Kosuke did? Takuya would rather give up cooking altogether—imagine the embarrassment of being laughed at wherever he went.

Kosuke smiled faintly at Minato's suggestion.

"Those scrolls are too expensive for an old man like me. Besides, I'm used to it—it's quite fine."

With no enemies chasing them from behind, the group of four didn't rush their journey.

What was puzzling, however, was how both Takuya and Minato became increasingly distant toward Kosuke as the journey progressed.

This was odd.

Kosuke didn't need anyone to fawn over him, but as juniors, shouldn't they show some care and concern for their elder?

Instead, the two maintained a peculiar balance—not too enthusiastic, but not intentionally aloof either.

Pakura, who kept her distance, was understandable. Having joined Konoha midway, her position was naturally awkward, making it difficult to grow too close to anyone.

But what about Takuya and Minato?

Takuya's attitude could be explained, but Minato? Wasn't he the exemplary shinobi the Third Hokage often praised? His behavior shouldn't have been so restrained.

Kosuke felt suspicious, but neither Takuya nor Minato seemed to notice.

The reason they kept their distance from Kosuke was quite simple. To Takuya, Kosuke was just another relic from the era of the Third Hokage—a well-meaning relic, perhaps, but their positions inherently clashed.

Respect for Kosuke's character didn't mean they could find common ground.

And since they couldn't truly align, why go out of his way to curry favor?

A polite level of respect sufficed. Once the mission ended, Takuya planned to part ways, knowing there would be little reason to meet again.

Minato's reasoning was even simpler: since Kosuke represented the ideals of the Will of Fire, maintaining some distance was the safest choice.

Better to avoid inadvertently getting himself—or Takuya—into trouble.

Three days after entering the Land of Fire, the group arrived at Konoha and headed to the Hokage's office to report their mission.

The debriefing process went smoothly. After Tsunade inquired about the general details and stamped the mission scroll, the assignment was officially completed. Takuya and the others only needed to wait for their reward and contribution points.

"Oh, by the way, Kusagakure seems off. The village has entered a state of high alert and appears to have aligned with Iwagakure. Be prepared—another war could break out at any time."

After reminding Tsunade, Takuya led Minato and Pakura out of the office. Kosuke's specific mission didn't concern them, as Tsunade would handle it appropriately.

"These past few years have been tough for the village," Minato sighed as they left the Hokage building.

The Second Shinobi War had only ended a few years ago, and now the Third Shinobi War was looming—its outbreak chaotic and senseless.

Battles with Kirigakure had been fierce and evenly matched.

But then Sunagakure had struck covertly.

Just as the conflicts with these villages were settling, yet another war threatened to erupt.

"Iwagakure and Kumogakure's military strength has grown alarmingly. As their forces expand, the hawkish factions within their villages grow bolder, making war inevitable. Villages need resources and a way to divert internal tensions—war is the simplest solution."

Takuya patted Minato's shoulder and shook his head.

"Let's go eat. These are matters beyond our control. Whether war breaks out depends on the enemy's decisions."

Konoha didn't have the luxury of choice—it was always in a reactive position.

Throughout its history, Konoha had rarely initiated conflicts. The Second Shinobi War, in which it declared war on Amegakure, was a rare exception.

Konoha's wealth made it a target for other villages eager to take a bite out of the "fat meat" that was the Land of Fire.

This abundance of resources and advantageous environment meant Konoha was perpetually under attack.

The only way to change this dynamic would be for Konoha to dominate so completely that the other four great shinobi villages wouldn't dare to act.

But as long as the balance of power shifted even slightly, war would erupt.

"You're right. I guess I'm worrying for nothing," Minato said with his trademark smile, scratching his head sheepishly.

Takuya couldn't help but think that this habit of his would never change. Jiraiya's quirks were evidently infectious—Minato had picked up this mannerism after spending time with him, just as Naruto would in the future.

Instead of heading to a hotpot restaurant, the group chose a small eatery where they ordered some food.

"Pakura, you should have some strong opinions on this. What's your take?" Takuya asked.

Although Sunagakure's military wasn't as fearsome as Iwagakure or Kumogakure's, the circumstances were similar—they all sought to resolve internal conflicts through war.

"Primarily, war is used to alleviate internal financial pressures and conflicts. Essentially, it's politically driven," Pakura replied after some thought.

She wasn't familiar with Iwagakure or Kumogakure's internal affairs, but Sunagakure faced similar issues. Tight finances and internal strife left war as the only option—delaying would only worsen their situation.

"Now you see?" Takuya winked at Minato.

Minato sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

"Fine, no point overthinking. Let's just enjoy the good days while they last."

If even Yagami Takuya doesn't worry about this, why should I?

Minato decided it was better to focus on simpler concerns—like where to relax later.

Takuya, meanwhile, had a clear plan: eat, go home for fresh clothes, then unwind at the hot springs.

Unfortunately, Uchiha Mikoto's sudden arrival disrupted his plans.

"Mikoto-san, have you eaten?"

"Not yet…"

Mikoto sat down beside Takuya, her expression weary and troubled. Rubbing her temples, it was clear she had something on her mind.