Sakura Haruno is Usefull

As the morning sun rose, its rays symbolizing renewal once again illuminated the land.

However, the Grass Village, which was once alive with activity at sunrise, had now been reduced to ruins.

A young Uchiha sat in a corner, his body stained with blood. His expression remained calm as he watched a pink-haired girl tending to his wounds.

Last night marked his first time on the battlefield. Lacking experience, he had nonetheless quickly adapted to the chaos thanks to his mental fortitude.

Even so, injuries were inevitable.

"All done. You should recover in no time," Sakura said as she finished bandaging him. "Make sure to come to me in the next few days to get your bandages changed."

"Got it," Sasuke replied flatly, his gaze steady. "Thank you, Sakura."

"No need to thank me. Aren't we teammates?" Sakura shook her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the boy's composed demeanor.

She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about last night…

"I'll leave you to rest now. I need to treat the other injured," Sakura said, picking up her medical kit and quickly heading toward the other wounded.

Sasuke's dark eyes followed her retreating figure until she disappeared from view. He then glanced at the neatly wrapped bandages on his arm, leaned against the corner, and closed his eyes for a moment of solitude.

He was an avenger. Until he brought down that man, all emotions were burdens.

Living like this, detached, was better.

There's an unspoken rule among ninjas: no matter how fierce the battle, they must never harm innocent civilians without cause.

Even when two ninjas are locked in deadly combat, civilians are off-limits. Violating this rule would lead to being hunted by every ninja faction.

Now, all the civilians in the Grass Village were holed up in their homes. The ninja forces had set up supply stations where civilians could collect resources.

Whether the civilians dared to approach was none of the ninjas' concern.

Sakura had no opinion on this rule. Her focus was on treating the injured alongside other medical ninjas.

With her combat and medical prowess as a war-seasoned kunoichi, Sakura was exceptional at her craft. She efficiently handled even the most challenging injuries.

In the entire Leaf Village—or rather, the entire ninja world—only Tsunade could surpass her in medical skills.

Perhaps Karin could rival her, but that was debatable.

"You have a remarkable young talent," Kitsuchi remarked as he watched Sakura working diligently.

"Yes, Sakura is indeed exceptional," Kakashi replied, his voice weary as he sat on a nearby rock.

"After this battle, I'll be returning to my country," Kitsuchi said, crossing his arms. "Let's hope we meet again, and preferably with all your limbs intact."

Kakashi chuckled dryly. "I'll take that as a good omen."

Though the battle had left him exhausted, it wasn't time for rest yet.

At that moment, a large hand extended a small flask toward Kakashi.

"What's this?" Kakashi asked, taking the flask and glancing at Kitsuchi with curiosity.

"Grain is scarce in the Land of Earth, so liquor brewed from it is precious. Because of that, our country's sake is famous for its strength.

"This is one of my prized reserves, and I'm giving it to you. Consider it a gift to help you stay sharp," Kitsuchi said with a grin.

Kakashi stared at the flask, his expression complicated. Once, he had regarded Iwagakure as an enemy.

Now, here they were.

Feeling awkward, Kakashi patted his pockets but found nothing suitable to give in return.

Kitsuchi waved dismissively. "No need for that. If you want to repay me, just treat me to some sake the next time we meet."

Kakashi laughed and extended a hand toward Kitsuchi. "It's a deal. Next time, the drinks are on me."

Kitsuchi clasped his hand firmly and laughed heartily. "I'll hold you to that!"

As Kakashi watched Kitsuchi walk away, his earlier tension eased.

That man was unexpectedly easy to get along with.

"Father! We need to go!" Kurotsuchi's voice rang out from a distance.

Akituchi had already hoisted their gear onto his back, and Ōnoki was seated in a chair on Akituchi's shoulders. Kurotsuchi waved toward Kitsuchi, signaling him to hurry.

"Well then, I'll be off," Kitsuchi said without hesitation, true to his straightforward nature.

"Travel safely!" Kakashi called out.

Kitsuchi waved without turning back, signaling that he'd heard.

Kakashi lifted the small flask of sake and took a sip.

The liquor burned like fire, blazing down his throat and into his stomach.

"Strong stuff…" Kakashi murmured, setting the flask aside after just one sip.

He carefully tucked it into his tool pouch. It would be saved for that promised drink.

After an all-night assault, the Grass Village had fallen swiftly under their control.

According to the plan, 500 ninjas would remain to hold the territory, with Iwagakure contributing an additional 500.

The Nara clan had been entrusted to oversee the village. Now, Nara ninjas were coordinating the handover with Kakashi.

Kakashi was tasked with leading the injured and an additional 300… no, 100 ninjas back to the Leaf Village.

"Take them home," a Nara ninja said softly, glancing at the injured behind Kakashi.

"I will. Stay safe," Kakashi replied.

"You too," the Nara ninja said.

Sakura joined the group of injured ninjas heading back to the Leaf Village.

Barely 24 hours had passed since they'd first engaged in combat, and they were already en route back to Konoha.

As both a medic and a combatant, Sakura had been working tirelessly without rest since the start of the mission.

Kakashi noticed her exhaustion and said, "There's still some distance to Konoha. Why don't you rest in one of the carriages, Sakura?"

Without hesitation, Sakura climbed into a carriage reserved for the wounded.

Inside, she was surprised to find Sasuke.

"Move over and make some space," she said, not bothering to hide her fatigue.

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