Chapter 34: Drinking and Chatting, Shikamaru's Resolution

After the Anbu announced the orders, they left the tent immediately.

Uchiha Jin and the other two finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Yes.

Even though they had long known the outcome, they still felt a vague unease until it was truly over.

Now that the Hokage has issued the order, this matter is settled.

"Mm, good news!"

"Anyway, I feel our new assignments won't come down for us three in the short term."

"We've known each other at least once; even if we go our separate ways later, let's not leave until we're drunk tonight!"

Having said that,

he directly took out a storage scroll, pulled out several casks of wine, and brought out a huge pile of snacks.

Yes.

He had prepared this himself before coming to the front lines.

Fortunately, this was the main camp at the front; otherwise, he would have dared to grill meat right there.

He was a normal person.

Though he had some calculations in mind, it was only for his own life.

After all, in this chaotic and dark world, without some wit and means, one would surely die sooner or later.

The Ninja World is not the same style as One Piece.

Now, it's different!

From now on, we certainly won't be in the same squad; otherwise, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't have issued such an order.

Since we won't be in the same squad from now on, there naturally won't be any conflict of interests.

Add to that the contact we've had over this period; while we can't become sworn brothers in life and death, we at least have some acquaintance.

As long as his own interests aren't involved, he is quite willing to make friends.

"That's fine; I'm free anyway," Nara Kazama also smiled. "Let's drink until we're drunk!"

His eyes narrowed slightly.

After thinking for just a moment, he also understood that Uchiha Jin had guessed correctly.

Under normal circumstances.

A squad like theirs, which had just gone through a great war, would certainly be given some time to rest.

And during this period, their pressure to survive would be immense.

They walked on the edge of life and death every day.

Since such a good opportunity has arisen, it's good to drink and relax properly.

Besides, drinking.

is also a good opportunity to build camaraderie.

Kudo Shin did not speak, only smiling and agreeing.

Immediately after.

The three of them began to exchange cups and glasses in the tent.

They chatted aimlessly about everything under the sun.

Amidst this indulgence, they gradually began to relax.

Kudo Shin wore an expression of deep emotion.

Especially upon seeing Uchiha Jin before him, his gaze became incredibly complex.

He knew in his heart.

If Kudo Shin hadn't pulled him up, he might have been a corpse two days ago.

After pondering for a long time, he finished a cup of wine, then suddenly spoke.

"Uchiha Jin!"

"If Itachi hadn't helped me, I would be dead by now."

"We are both smart people; I understand in my heart that Itachi saving me must have your own calculations."

"But, it doesn't matter!"

"In the end, Itachi saved my life, and I am just a commoner ninja; my life isn't that valuable."

"From now on, if Itachi ever need me, just send me a message."

Uchiha Jin narrowed his eyes slightly.

Looking at the grateful Kudo Shin before him, he actually didn't care at all.

First.

What happens at the drinking table shouldn't be taken seriously.

Perhaps he truly feels gratitude toward me, but these words were spoken impulsively under the stimulation of alcohol.

But, in reality.

Once he sobers up later, if someone else extends an olive branch, he might just run over to them.

Of course.

Even though he understands this in his heart, he wouldn't say such a mood-killing thing at the drinking table.

So, after a hearty laugh, the matter was simply let go.

About an hour later.

Kudo Shin had the weakest tolerance and immediately collapsed under the table.

Uchiha Jin and Kudo Kazama carried him, threw him onto the bed, and covered him with a blanket.

Afterwards.

The two returned to the drinking table.

After simply drinking a few more cups, Nara Kazama spoke first.

"Lord Jin."

"This person, Kudo Shin, is actually worth recruiting."

"He is just a commoner ninja; in fact, the village looks down on him."

"Give him some basic ninjutsu, and he will basically be loyal to Itachi."

"Moreover, he has survived at least two wars; both his character and abilities are quite good."

"If Itachi train him seriously, he will definitely be an asset in the future."

"As for fearing betrayal or the like, I feel it's not a problem; just make him provide a pledge of loyalty."

"There are too many ways to ensure he doesn't betray Itachi."

"Of course, what's even more important is actually his identity."

"As a commoner ninja, once he truly grows up, he will possess huge influence within the commoner ninja community."

"..."

Nara Kazama's logic was clear.

Even after drinking a lot of wine, it still didn't affect him.

Only.

Yet Uchiha Jin looked utterly baffled by this.

What is going on?

After casting a strange glance at Nara Kazama, he finally could not help but speak.

"What's your deal, kid?"

"Although we have faced life and death together and can barely call ourselves comrades."

"But the problem is."

"We know each other too well; we are both people with our own calculations."

"Itachi planning so much for me, I cannot fathom your purpose."

"Until this matter is cleared up, I have no interest in hearing what Itachi say next."

Indeed.

Everyone's choices have their own purpose, which can also be called interest.

But what about the two of them?

They were merely a cannon fodder squad forced together by various coincidences.

How could Uchiha Jin possibly understand why Nara Kazama was planning so diligently for himself? He simply could not fathom what Nara Kazama was plotting.

Upon hearing this, Nara Kazama let out a bitter laugh.

"One big brother does not mock another; we are actually much the same." Nara Kazama's tone was somber, and a thread of cold light flashed in his eyes: "The Uchiha is a mess. I do not believe Itachi cannot see it."

"Your various actions now are nothing but cutting ties with the Uchiha."

"But the problem is."

"I do not think the village will be willing to let Itachi go, because your surname Uchiha is original sin!"

"Of course, I believe in your talent; sooner or later Itachi will become a strong person, even strong enough that Konoha dares not provoke Itachi."

"But then what?"

"In the ninja world, personal strength is certainly important when said to be important, but when said to be unimportant, it is really just so-so."

"How powerful was the First Hokage Hashirama Senju? Yet with his death, did the Senju clan not still vanish into silence?"

"Therefore, the best choice is to create your own power base."

"Because Itachi cannot remain alone forever; right now, on one hand Itachi are young, and on the other, Itachi have too many things to worry about daily."

"But once Itachi truly become a strong person, Itachi will certainly have to consider marriage and children."

"Can Itachi protect your family for a lifetime?"

"The best choice is to build your own power base."