Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

A few days passed, and reinforcements from Konoha began to arrive, all on the same day. The Uchiha Clan seemed to be competing with the Hyūga Clan, as both were the first teams to reach the frontlines. They were warmly received by Tsunade.

Kawakaze was slightly taken aback upon seeing the Uchiha Clan Head. He hadn't expected someone in his position to show such boldness. Which Clan Head isn't safe back in the village, staying behind closed doors? Yet here he is, the first to step onto the battlefield.

Fugaku, standing nearby, noticed Kawakaze's curious gaze.

"A place to rest has been arranged," Tsunade said. "I'll have someone show you there. You'll be notified when the battle meeting begins." She then instructed an attendant to escort the two clans to their quarters.

Before leaving, Fugaku offered Kawakaze a polite smile, setting the tone for cooperative relations between the two sides. Kawakaze reflected on this gesture, understanding the strategic implications of Fugaku personally coming to the battlefield.

"The old fox is still ruthless", Kawakaze muttered.

Tsunade, overhearing his muttered comment, turned to him, confused. "Who?"

"No one. Just wait," Kawakaze replied with a cryptic smile, his words layered with meaning. Tsunade assumed he was referring to the support troops still on their way.

"They should be here soon," she said.

Sakumo, however, had not arrived. As he wasn't leading the effort, he saw no need to appear. It wasn't until the afternoon that all the Konoha ninjas were finally assembled. Tsunade ensured everyone was settled before departing with Kawakaze to prepare for the strategy meeting.

With the arrival of the support team, it was time to discuss how to proceed. Decisions needed to be made about the next steps and who the primary targets would be. Iwagakure and Sunagakure were ready for war, but the question now was who would make the first move.

In the evening, Kawakaze and Tsunade had dinner and sat in the courtyard.

The two children left after being served tea and dessert. Whether they stayed in their rooms or went out for a stroll, either choice seemed wise.

"Do you think Sunagakure will ally with Iwagakure?" Tsunade asked, voicing her concern.

If the two villages formed an alliance, Konoha would face immense pressure. Even though the Third Kazekage was dead, the number of ninjas in Sunagakure remained significant.

"I don't think so. Sunagakure wouldn't dare ally with an enemy now," Kawakaze replied.

For one, in the original events, everyone fought their own battles during World War II. Secondly, Sunagakure currently lacked the standing to align with Iwagakure unless they were willing to take a subordinate role, which the pride of major powers would never allow.

The most likely scenario was the two countries fighting separately. Although both would face two enemies, the dynamic would be entirely different.

"I hope your speculation is correct."

"We..." Tsunade began, but her next words were cut off by an announcement from outside.

"Lady Tsunade, the Clan Head of the Uchiha is here to see you," a Konoha ninja announced as he entered.

"Send him in," Tsunade said, frowning slightly, wondering what the Clan Head wanted.

Kawakaze's lips curled into a faint smile. As expected, the old fox had a knack for calculated moves.

Moments later, the Uchiha Clan Head arrived, dressed in his usual attire and smiling broadly. Behind him was Fugaku Uchiha, and the two made their way into the courtyard.

"Lady Tsunade, Lord Kawakaze," they greeted in unison.

Kawakaze and Tsunade reciprocated their respect without any airs.

"I just made some tea. Come, sit," Tsunade offered, standing alongside Kawakaze to welcome them.

"The tea is excellent," the Clan Head remarked, taking a sip. However, he didn't get to the point right away.

Fugaku, in contrast, appeared slightly restless, showing a lack of experience. It was no surprise that the Clan Head preferred to keep him close. Some lessons couldn't be taught—they had to be learned through experience, just as Fugaku later took the young Itachi into battle in the original story.

"This is the most expensive tea here. If it's not good, I'm going to make trouble for them," Kawakaze remarked casually.

He handled the situation with ease, and the two sat down again, chatting like old friends. You would never guess that their last meeting had ended with them shouting at each other.

"Haha, Lord Kawakaze is joking. You are a generous person—why would you get angry with a small merchant?" the Uchiha Clan Head said with a hearty laugh. He appeared to be enjoying the conversation.

However, only Kawakaze and the Clan Head truly knew what schemes were forming in their minds.

Tsunade and Fugaku Uchiha, observing the exchange, found themselves out of sync with the conversation. For now, they stayed silent, drinking their tea and glancing between Kawakaze and the Uchiha Clan Head.

"You have come in person to provide support this time, and it must have been hard work," Kawakaze said, gradually steering the discussion toward the main topic. The friendly atmosphere between them made further pleasantries unnecessary.

"It's all for the village; it's what I should do," the Uchiha Clan Head replied smoothly. "It's Lord Kawakaze and Lady Tsunade who are truly famous now. Which nation doesn't know of your battle records?"

His words were light yet carried a deliberate air of flattery. Fugaku looked stunned—he had never seen his usually proud uncle act so deferentially.

"Not at all," Kawakaze replied, speaking on behalf of Tsunade. "It was all won at the cost of lives."

"Some things cannot be achieved by sheer force of will. Lord Kawakaze should understand this better than anyone," the Clan Head remarked, his tone layered with innuendo. Kawakaze understood his meaning clearly.

"None of our blood has been shed in vain, nor will it ever be," Kawakaze said firmly. "As Kawakaze Hatake, I will make sure of it."

Hearing this, the Uchiha Clan Head's face lit up with satisfaction. These were the words he had come to hear.

"I naturally believe in Lord Kawakaze."

"The medical staff of my Uchiha Clan also have a good reputation these days."

"That is all due to your own hard work," Kawakaze replied with a faint smile, taking a sip of tea. The initiative in the negotiations had remained in his hands from start to finish.

The Uchiha Clan Head had kept his tone humble. Though the conversation's subtleties carried deeper implications, it was clear he found the exchange agreeable.

"You're too kind. For the next battle, the Uchiha Clan is at your disposal," the Clan Head declared. His words carried significant weight, essentially placing the lives of his clan members in Kawakaze and Tsunade's hands.

"That's a bit too serious. We'll just do our best," Kawakaze responded, satisfied with the Clan Head's attitude. He silently vowed not to treat the Uchiha Clan unfairly after the battle.

"I'm serious," the Uchiha Clan Head said, lifting his teacup and staring at Kawakaze with eyes that betrayed his ambition and determination.

"For a good cooperation," Kawakaze replied, clinking his teacup with the Clan Head's, thus concluding the negotiation.

"Then I won't bother you any longer. I'll take my leave," the Uchiha Clan Head said, finishing his tea. He stood, nodded slightly, and left with Fugaku by his side, never looking back.

"Take care," Kawakaze and Tsunade said in unison as they stood to see them off.

Under the moonlit night, the Clan Head's steps were light, and his mood was equally buoyant. Having decided to place his bet, he intended to do so without hesitation.

"What kind of charade are you two playing at?" Tsunade asked once the Clan Head and Fugaku were out of sight. She had remained silent throughout the entire conversation.

"Haha, he's come to you for protection," Kawakaze replied. "The Uchiha Clan will be the sharpest blade in your hands."

Without hesitation, he draped an arm around Tsunade's shoulders as they walked intimately back to their room. When you're happy, it's natural to want to do happy things.