After parting ways with Jiraiya and Orochimaru, Saitama checked the time and found it still early. He went off to grab a bite before going back to sleep.
Through the long night, Saitama could clearly feel the temperature dropping lower and lower—it was already December, and being near the sea made it even colder.
Still, the entire Konoha camp stayed brightly lit throughout the night, with patrols nearly tripling their usual numbers.
Saitama lay in bed with his sword resting steadily against the edge.
All these months on the frontline had made Saitama miss the peaceful life back in the village even more. Back then, he didn't have to struggle for survival or get caught up in endless battles.
At heart, Saitama was still a gentle and honest man, but when an honest person turns ruthless, they become truly terrifying.
Recent battles had definitely strengthened him, yet mentally, he felt slightly fatigued.
Though he dominated among regular ninja, deep inside, he always felt that intense pressure whispering: Still not enough.
The "Ultimate Talent" granted upon his arrival into this world remained unclear to him up until now, but recently, he noticed a gradual improvement in his Sharingan's power.
It wasn't a sudden burst of power—just a slow, barely noticeable improvement unless you were really paying attention.
Had Saitama not been extremely observant of his body's changes, he wouldn't have sensed it either.
This continuous accumulation would eventually lead to a qualitative change. As he quietly perceived the internal shifts within his eyes, Saitama knew it wouldn't be long before he unlocked a brand-new door!
...
What a pain!
Supporting his head with one hand, Orochimaru's pale face revealed no emotion, though traces of impatience flickered deep within his eyes.
In his hand lay a transfer order issued from Konoha Village, signed by the Hokage Office:
"Given the intensifying conflict on the Northwest Battlefield, the following ninjas currently stationed at the Southeast Front will now be reassigned…"
Among those listed were Saitama himself and Shikaku Nara's Ino–Shika–Cho unit, including Inoichi.
The Ino–Shika–Cho unit was centered around Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, and Inoichi Yamanaka. Everyone generally considered them simply as the trio, but in fact, there existed a much larger group of skilled, well-coordinated shinobi from these three clans working together.
Taking out the Ino–Shika–Cho team meant losing a major part of the force fighting against Mist.
Although these shinobi couldn't handle top-tier elite opponents, they excelled at clearing away weaker threats.
What did this mean for Saitama?
In engagements against Mist, Saitama's tactical role was no longer just a sharp blade, but rather a deadly poisoned arrow ready to strike from afar—if used even slightly right, it could eliminate enemies for good.
While Saitama might not rank as the strongest under Konoha's banner, within Mist's ranks, stronger individuals either couldn't confront him directly or couldn't keep pace with him; those barely fast enough were utterly crushed beneath his might.
Orochimaru gazed at the document in his hand, stamped with the Hokage's official red seal. Orochimaru knew there was no way for him to alter this reality.
Does the old man even consider the situation at the Mist front line?
Orochimaru reached up and rubbed his temples. The purple earring swayed back and forth with his movement.
The old man is really getting old!
Finally, Orochimaru reached a conclusion: no need to overthink it. He tossed the document aside carelessly.
"What's wrong now?" Jiraiya walked into the tent. Wearing his ninja vest over his broad frame, he looked quite heroic—so long as he remained silent and avoided making those undignified expressions.
"Take a look yourself!"
Orochimaru picked up the file labeled "Secret" and casually flung it toward Jiraiya before leaning fully back in his chair, his back resting against its headrest.
"Tch!"
Even Jiraiya could tell something was off with this transfer order.
Who would ever think of moving away key forces currently holding down an ongoing battlefield?
Frowning slightly, Jiraiya scanned through the document, deep thought unconsciously showing on his face.
"Don't waste your energy thinking about it—we can't change anything anyway. But the old man hasn't completely lost his mind; he said the village will keep sending more shinobi from major clans for support."
Orochimaru looked at Jiraiya, speaking in his uniquely deep, magnetic voice.
"Hmm, then there shouldn't be a problem. We're still here after all! Although, Saitama sure has been busy—working on the hardest assignments here, and now heading off to reinforce the Stone ninja side. I heard from Minato Namikaze recently that the pressure is pretty intense!"
Jiraiya nodded and placed the document on the table.
A complex expression flickered across Orochimaru's eyes. He felt things weren't that simple—the transfer order felt wrong. Perhaps it was because of his deep familiarity with darker, more obscure matters that he sensed this.
But who could say for sure?
"We'll talk more about it at the meeting later. Where's Tsunade?"
Orochimaru lifted his gaze to Jiraiya.
"I don't know what's going on with Tsunade lately. She seems really down. I get the feeling something's coming, and right at this critical moment..."
Recently, Jiraiya had clearly noticed Tsunade's motivation waning after the Sannin reunited. While she hadn't fallen behind in her medical duties, her interest in battlefield matters kept dropping.
"Tch!"
Orochimaru stared at the table surface, seemingly recalling something but choosing to remain silent.
This kind of war had never been what Tsunade wanted to see. When the old man first appointed her commander at the frontline, she had resisted strongly, finally accepting only reluctantly.
Orochimaru had arrived, and so had Jiraiya. While others might view the renewed alliance of Konoha's Three Legendary Sannin as proof of Konoha's growing strength, in Tsunade's mind it meant one thing: it was time to let go.
Her most important people had already been taken from her by this war, leaving her emotionally exhausted. Seeing Konoha now capable of rivaling Mist, all she felt inside was a desire to free herself from it.
Her taking command previously had been out of loyalty to her grandfather's legacy. Now, though, thoughts of stepping away had firmly rooted themselves in her heart.
It might happen soon—even after enduring this war.
All of this depended entirely on how Tsunade herself felt.
Orochimaru and Jiraiya both understood why Tsunade's mood had shifted, but neither dared speak it aloud—it was a quiet courtesy to her feelings.
"Enough said. Don't overthink it. Let's get ready for the meeting! First, we'll pass this intel down the line. Lately, Mist has been showing signs of another big move. We need to prepare—shift some forces, reorganize key positions."
Orochimaru sat in his chair, hands clenched tight.
...
At the meeting, after Orochimaru finished reporting, Tsunade frowned.
Even though she kept a straight face, something dark was simmering beneath the surface.
Others assumed she simply disagreed with the Hokage's transfer order, not paying much attention—after all, plenty of people in the room weren't happy about it either.
We bled and busted our asses for months just to get a sliver of progress, and now you want to rip it all away with one damn scroll?
That's what everyone was thinking. But with the Hokage's seal stamped on the orders, there was nothing they could do. *A Kage's decree is absolute.* Obedience is the ninja's first law!
Saitama sat silently, giving no reaction as he listened to the transfer directive.
He exchanged glances with Jiraiya a few times during the meeting, but no unspoken messages got through.
This kind of thing might happen again and again in a ninja's career—nothing special, really. You've just gotta keep your head straight.
*Screw keeping your head straight!*
Saitama muttered under his breath, irritation bubbling like lava beneath skin. The more he tried to calm himself, the angrier he got—but he had no choice but to swallow that rage whole.
Lowering his head slowly, Saitama narrowed his eyes and let his hands hang loosely at either side of the chair.
"All right then, those named on the list may go back and pack now. Shikaku, you and your men should regroup accordingly."
As Orochimaru spoke, he turned his gaze toward Saitama and Shikaku.
Shikaku sat near Hyuga Xin, directly across from Saitama. When they heard Orochimaru's words, the two exchanged a glance and gave each other a slight nod.
"In the meantime before reinforcements arrive, let's temporarily redistribute the vacant positions..."
Orochimaru stood up and walked over to the map at the back.
What followed was complex tactical analysis, but Saitama had neither the mood nor the need to listen—he already knew it didn't concern him anyway.
...
"Did Tsunade-sama really say you're being transferred?"
Shizune hesitated slightly as she asked Saitama. Although their relationship had grown quickly over the past few months, she still often blushed involuntarily around him.
"Yeah, it's a direct order from the Hokage. The documents are still on Orochimaru's desk."
Stretching out his legs, Saitama sat on a fallen log. His tone showed no noticeable change.
An afternoon of brooding had done its job—he'd come to terms with the order. Most of his frustration had faded, leaving only resignation behind.
The two fell into a long silence. Such an order couldn't be defied, but it meant separation nonetheless.
"You'll be under Tsunade-sama's watch, so I don't have to worry about you."
Saitama shrugged, voice flat.
"Mm!"
Shizune nodded quietly, the weight of parting heavy between them.
"A few days ago, Lady Tsunade even asked me if I'd consider leaving here."
Leaning against Saitama's right arm, Shizune tugged slightly at the hem of his clothes.
Saitama nodded. In his memory, Tsunade had left the village a long time ago—though he couldn't recall the exact time. It seemed she had grown tired of the ninja life early on and made it her goal to become "a pushover for everyone across the land."
"Maybe you should go with Tsunade-sama if she leaves the battlefield."
Saitama paused, then tilted his head toward Shizune.
"Huh?"
Shizune let out in confusion, looking at Saitama with her clear, bright eyes.
"This war affecting the entire Shinobi World will probably drag on for several more years. If you stay with Tsunade, you can avoid getting caught up in all this mess, right?"
Saitama took one of Shizune's hands and said.
"Oh..." Shizune murmured softly, bowing her head.
Deep down, she actually wanted to stay on the battlefield and fight alongside Saitama. Even if she couldn't directly help in battle, at least she could support him from behind and ensure his well-being using Medical Ninjutsu.
"Things are going to get really messy soon enough!"
Saitama whispered quietly, his voice so low that even Shizune sitting right beside him barely heard it.
"What?"
Hearing Saitama mutter something just now, Shizune lifted her head and looked at him.
"Nothing! Just make sure to follow Tsunade closely. Focus on learning Medical Ninjutsu properly—who knows, it might even come in super handy one day!"
Saitama stood up, patted Shizune's head, and prepared to leave.
As time slowly passed, his sense of urgency grew stronger. He felt like he needed to do something.
And this sudden transfer... He couldn't shake the feeling he'd been outplayed somehow, as if some shadowy force was pushing him forward while he could only move ahead unwillingly.
This sensation made Saitama feel deeply uncomfortable. He had originally believed that gaining strength and status would give him more say within Konoha, but in reality, his actions were still dictated by someone else's words or a simple official seal.
Just be patient. We'll see who has the last laugh.
Looking at the still-sitting Shizune and sensing her gloomy mood, Saitama moved closer and gave her a gentle hug.
"Take care of yourself. I'm leaving tomorrow."
Saitama gazed into Shizune's eyes, smiled warmly, gently tapped her nose, then turned and walked away.
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