The battle between Susanoo and Shukaku was as destructive as a small earthquake.
After only a few exchanges, the once-magnificent arena had already been reduced to ruins, completely losing its original appearance.
This made the Konoha ninja, who had been immersed in peace for several years, recall the true horror of war.
But even during wartime, they didn't constantly face pressure from tailed beasts. The aftermath from the casual clashes between the green warrior and Shukaku alone was enough to injure Chunin-level ninja.
After quickly widening the distance, the Konoha ninja locked their eyes onto Naruto and the others.
Susanoo was powerful, but at most it was comparable to a tailed beast. This young man, however, was the real hidden boss. If he made a move, Shukaku might not even stand a chance.
Several hundred meters away.
The Fire Daimyo, who had previously been calmly waving his paper fan, had already collapsed onto the ground in terror. If Konoha ANBU hadn't noticed the daimyo in time, he probably would've died in the arena already.
Looking at Shukaku and Susanoo fighting in the distance, the Fire Daimyo trembled from head to toe and said:
"This is different from what we agreed on… this is completely fucking different from what we agreed on…"
Tsunade, who had finally recovered from her hemophobia, glared at the panicked Fire Daimyo and said coldly:
"Daimyo-sama, you'd better explain everything clearly. Didn't I tell you not to interfere in the internal affairs of the ninja villages?"
"Tsunade-hime… Konoha also has monsters like this…?"
The Fire Daimyo answered with another question instead. After seeing Tsunade nod, he slowly explained the deal he made half a year ago with Orochimaru and the Sarutobi clan.
Half a year ago, ninja from the Sarutobi clan had approached the daimyo and proposed joining forces to restore the Third Hokage to power.
Faced with the Sarutobi ninja's proposal, the Fire Daimyo readily agreed. After all, Konoha's recent reforms had already touched the interests of the Daimyo's court, so the idea of replacing the Hokage naturally emerged.
"Daimyo-sama, you actually cooperated with Orochimaru and Sunagakure…"
Tsunade held her forehead, completely speechless at the daimyo's stupidity. At the start of the reforms, both she and Jiraiya had expected resistance from the Daimyo's government, but they never expected him to go as far as collaborating with outsiders.
After a pause, Tsunade frowned and said:
"I already told you clearly before. Jiraiya doesn't have to reform Konoha, but if we don't reform, Konoha and the Land of Fire won't survive in the ninja world for much longer."
"Would Daimyo-sama really rather see Konoha destroyed and the Land of Fire collapse than give up part of your benefits?"
The Fire Daimyo fell silent for a moment before saying:
"Tsunade-hime, I understand now. I'll restrain those nobles under me and fully support Konoha Village's policies."
"You'd better actually do it."
Tsunade glanced at the embarrassed Fire Daimyo before turning toward the distant arena with her hands on her hips.
The ninja fighting Shukaku should be Uchiha Shisui. According to legend, Susanoo possessed power comparable to a tailed beast, and Shisui had clearly already reached that level.
And the mysterious boy standing near the arena should be the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki Naruto, along with Karin and Haku.
As for the other two mysterious figures around Naruto, Tsunade couldn't make an exact guess. They were probably Jonin recruited by Uzushio Village over the years who had come together for the Chunin Exams.
At that moment, several ANBU appeared beside Tsunade and reported the village's current situation.
Judging from the intelligence, Konoha's situation on the other battlefields outside the arena was far from optimistic. Even if they won in the end, the price would be unbearable.
And if they wanted a breakthrough, the only option might be to seek foreign aid from Uzushio Village.
After thinking for a moment, Tsunade ordered most of the Konoha ninja to remain where they were, while she personally led several ANBU toward the edge of the arena where Naruto was standing.
Not long after, Tsunade arrived near Naruto and stared at him and the others.
After sensing Tsunade's chakra, Naruto turned toward the eternally young-looking old woman and chuckled.
"So it's Tsunade-sama. It's been more than two years since we last met, right?"
Tsunade didn't ask why Naruto had appeared in Konoha. Instead, she got straight to the point.
"Naruto, Konoha needs your help. Jiraiya and I will give you a satisfactory reward."
Naruto glanced at Tsunade and replied in a strange tone:
"Konoha still needs help from a rebel? Why not ask Orochimaru instead? Oh right, he's currently busy fighting the Third Hokage."
Tsunade suppressed her anger and said as calmly as possible:
"Naruto, if you help this time, Konoha will no longer pursue the matter of the Nine-Tails inside you, nor the other Uchiha living in Uzushio Village."
"Even if I don't help, Konoha can't do shit to Uzushio Village."
Naruto frowned slightly, clearly unsatisfied with Tsunade's proposal. At a time like this, he naturally intended to take advantage of the chaos and secure more benefits for Uzushio Village.
"How about this? In exchange for helping Konoha, I want the territory of the Land of Rivers."
The Land of Rivers was one of the small countries surrounding Konoha, but its strategic value was extremely important. If another major ninja village obtained it, the Land of Fire's heartland would be completely exposed.
Tsunade could no longer suppress her anger. Clenching her fists, she said:
"It's not like Konoha is incapable of dealing with Orochimaru and Sunagakure's forces. Naruto, don't push your luck. You used to be a Konoha ninja."
"In recent years, without the Land of Fire's market, the Land of Whirlpools wouldn't have developed this quickly either."
"You should understand that maintaining good relations with Konoha is better than tearing everything apart."
"Senior Tsunade, negotiations are all about asking outrageous prices, aren't they? Don't get too angry, or even the Strength of a Hundred Seal won't help you maintain your beauty forever…"
After a pause, Naruto continued:
"However, Tsunade-senpai, you seem to have overlooked one thing. With Konoha's strength, it's true that you can probably handle Orochimaru and Sunagakure together… but what if Uzushio Village also joins the attack on Konoha?"
Tsunade's expression changed drastically, and her clenched fists suddenly loosened.
Naruto was right. If Uzushio Village joined the Konoha Crush plan as well, Konoha's current forces would never be able to resist. The best-case scenario would be barely preserving a devastated Konoha.
Ignoring Tsunade's ugly expression, Naruto walked past her and casually left behind a final sentence:
"I have no intention of becoming Konoha's enemy for now, but Konoha should correct its attitude. After the Nine-Tails incident and the Uchiha Massacre, Konoha is no longer the number one ninja village in the world."
"I'll deal with Shukaku, but not for Konoha's sake…"
"After the chaos is over, Uzushio Village will prepare a list and collect the appropriate compensation. Senior Tsunade should just stay back and watch the show. It'd be better to start preparing supplies in advance."
After speaking, Naruto disappeared from the spot, leaped into the air, and formed a massive Rasenringu in his hand.
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