Chapter 32: I Won’t Let You Be a Widow

Author Note:

Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!

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Back in the days of the Second Ninja War, the elderly matriarch of the Chiyo clan once admitted with bitter pride that she'd developed numerous deadly poisons—only for Tsunade to counter each and every one.

That era carved Tsunade's name into history as the unrivaled medical ninja of her time.

Now, with tensions rising again, Orochimaru had been dispatched to the Wind Country front lines.

Tsunade, always one to take matters into her own hands, was preparing to join the battlefield as well.

But she had one condition: she was bringing Guts with her.

Tsunade didn't trust Danzo—his scheming, narrow-minded nature always seeking to manipulate from the shadows.

She wasn't about to leave Guts behind where that snake could get his claws into him.

They had three days before departure.

In that short window, Guts confirmed something else—despite being publicly dismissed by Hiruzen, White Fang hadn't taken his own life.

His words must've struck a chord. That, at least, was a relief.

Of course, there was still Danzo to consider.

"Tch. An old relic whose strength is fading by the day… not worth worrying about."

Guts shook his head and pushed the thought aside. Danzo might've once been Kage-level, but those days were long gone.

Now, his strength was more myth than reality, while his thirst for control grew stronger by the hour.

In the years to come, the man would deform himself with Hashirama's cells and Sharingan implants—pushing his body past its limits, becoming more monster than man.

And even then, he would fall to a half-blind Sasuke.

He could kill Shisui, Yahiko, even White Fang… but Guts didn't care.

Danzo was a politician, not a warrior. And to Guts, that made him irrelevant.

Tsunade led a tight medical squad—less than twenty. Small, but crucial.

On the battlefield, medics were more valuable than Anbu. Lives were saved or lost by their hands.

Amid the seasoned shinobi stood one strange figure: Guts.

A five-year-old among elite adults headed for war. The contrast was almost laughable.

Heads turned. Eyes lingered. But Tsunade said nothing. She knew what he could do.

At the village gates, a small group stood waiting. Faces he knew from the Academy.

His homeroom teacher. Might Duy. His son, Might Guy. Yuhi Kurenai. Obito. Rin. Even Kakashi had shown up.

"Be careful," the teacher said, his voice firm but kind.

"The battlefield's nothing like the village. Keep your head down and stay alive."

He didn't know why the Hokage had allowed such a young boy to join the frontlines—but orders were orders.

"GO, GUTS! Youth shines brightest under pressure!"

Duy boomed, thumb raised, tears already forming.

"Yeah! I'll catch up with you soon!"

Guy echoed, mimicking his father's energy.

Obito stepped forward, fists clenched.

"I didn't think you'd beat me to the battlefield… but I'll still be the one to become Hokage!"

Classic Obito.

"Be careful,"

Rin said softly, her words simple, but sincere.

"What are you doing here?" Kakashi scoffed.

"Just seeing your smug face is irritating."

Guts raised an eyebrow.

"What's the matter? Missed me already?"

"Hmph!"

Kakashi turned away.

"My daddy asked me to thank you. That's the only reason I came."

Guts smiled. That was all the confirmation he needed. White Fang was still hanging on.

And then—

"You idiot!"

The voice was high-pitched, emotional.

Guts turned just in time to see Kurenai, her fists clenched at her sides, eyes shimmering with tears.

"You're just a kid! Why are you going to the battlefield?! Are you insane?!"

He smiled gently.

"I'll be fine."

"You're not invincible!"

She shouted.

"You could die out there!"

"Think Guts, Think!"

Guts stepped forward, leaned down slightly, and placed a hand gently on her head.

"Don't worry. I won't let you become a widow."

The words hung in the air—half joke, half promise.

The double meaning was clear. In part, it was to comfort her… and in part, something more.

Around them, everyone understood the second meaning first.

Kurenai's face turned red instantly. She lowered her head, flustered, unsure of what to say.

"Oi, kid—move it!"

Tsunade's voice cut through the moment, sharper than usual.

She clapped a heavy hand on Guts' shoulder and walked past, not even glancing back.

Guts gave Kurenai a quick hug—just a second—and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

"I'll be back."

And with that, he ran ahead to catch up with Tsunade and the medical unit.

Everyone watched in silence as their figures disappeared into the horizon.

And then—just as Guts vanished from sight—

"DON'T YOU DARE DIE, YOU BASTARD!!!"

Kurenai screamed at the top of her lungs, voice cracking with emotion.

Guy's eyes welled up.

"This… this is the fire of youth!"

"Yes, my son!!"

Father and son collapsed into a dramatic embrace, bawling like true warriors of passion.

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