Chapter 81: Konoha F4's Defensive Plan, Tsunade & Jiraiya Depart, Naraku's Farewell Kiss
Seeing Danzō fall silent, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought he had convinced and understood him. In truth, there was one thing he hadn't said—Sarutobi Hiruzen was a little afraid that if he lent the weapon to Danzō during the day, Danzō would come barging in with a blade at night while he was handling official business.
Mitokado Homura, wearing glasses, saw the atmosphere freeze and asked for the next suggestion: "If we can't fight, what do we do next? Or should we start with Uchiha Naraku—"
Before Homura could finish, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō shouted "No" in unison.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Danzō in surprise. Danzō paused for a few seconds before saying: "Even if Naraku is an evil Uchiha brat, we can't just hand him over to those starving wolves from other villages for nothing!"
Utatane Koharu then said: "What we need to be wary of isn't just the great nations—there's also Hanzo the Salamander. That "demigod" of the ninja world has no simple poison!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment and said: "Sunagakure's Chiyo can produce antidotes for the salamander's poison—Tsunade should be able to as well. Later I'll arrange for Tsunade to go to the front lines."
Danzō once again made his request: "Since you all refuse to go, then let me take Root to the front lines and chop off the heads of those wolves who dare bare their teeth!"
However, the other three completely ignored Danzō and continued step by step to plan defensive measures.
Next, the four great minds argued until nightfall. Sarutobi Hiruzen finally gave the conclusion: Soldiers come, generals block; water comes, earth dams. For now, strengthen defenses, reinforce border troops, and dispatch Tsunade and Jiraiya to the Land of Rain.
Danzō looked at the three people standing united against him—they absolutely refused to take the initiative to attack. He was so angry that even his mood for trash-talking Sarutobi Hiruzen was gone. He slammed the door and left.
...
After three consecutive major victories, Hanzo the Salamander's prestige in the Land of Rain had risen to its limit. But Hanzo sat in his office with a worried frown. Although the Land of Rain had held the advantage in previous battles, the village's foundation was too weak. His ambition to expand territory through war had failed.
Neither the Land of Wind nor the Land of Iron were easy targets. Even occupying part of their land wouldn't be very useful for the Land of Rain's development. Moreover, seizing someone else's things meant being ready for retaliation.
Konoha, which held the most fertile land, was actually a very good target—but Hanzo the Salamander still had some sense. Konoha's current military strength ranked first in the entire ninja world. If a small village like his went to provoke them, one misstep would mean utter destruction.
On the other hand, the news of "Iron Demon" Nawaki being comatose and unconscious made his mood a little better.
While Hanzo was troubled, his personal guard reported: "Lord Hanzo, a person from Sunagakure requests an audience."
The Sunagakure envoy said to Hanzo: "Lord Hanzo, you've surely heard the news from Konoha by now. It's said Konoha's people are still lingering in the Land of Rain and haven't left. Our Kazekage-sama wishes to cooperate with you to strike Konoha together! Konoha's fertile land is the best spoil of war, isn't it?"
To the Sunagakure envoy's surprise, Hanzo showed no interest. He only said coldly: "This is between Sunagakure and Konoha. If you want to fight Konoha, go ahead—I won't stop you. As for Konoha's forces, I—Hanzo the Salamander—can drive them out myself!"
Hanzo the Salamander had two main reasons for refusing. First, Sunagakure truly wasn't a good ally. He had just beaten them—teaming up as partners now made Hanzo genuinely worried Sunagakure would stab him in the back.
The second reason was that the nature felt different. If he allied with other ninja villages to invade Konoha and lost, Konoha might not be able to retaliate against the great ninja villages, but Amegakure would absolutely be doomed. Simply driving Konoha out was something Konoha wouldn't make too big a fuss over. The current Konoha wasn't the future Konoha, and the current Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't the later one who only knew how to beg for peace. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Konoha's prestige were still quite intimidating.
...
With rare free time, Naraku once again came to Tsunade's home, wanting to have some close-quarters hand-to-hand combat with Tsunade—hands-on teaching. It could be said Naraku's taijutsu had improved rapidly precisely under the influence of these close-range sparring sessions with Tsunade.
Upon entering the courtyard, Naraku realized something was off—Jiraiya was there too.
Naraku greeted Jiraiya, then walked into the house.
Seeing Tsunade packing her luggage, Naraku asked: "Teacher, where are you going?"
Tsunade saw Naraku and immediately broke into a beaming smile. She walked over, ruffled Naraku's hair—messing up his handsome Uchiha hairstyle—and said: "The news of Nawaki's coma has spread recently, and the border isn't very peaceful. Jiraiya and I are heading to the Land of Rain to guard against Hanzo the Salamander's invasion. Also! Lately many people in the ninja world are targeting you—absolutely, absolutely do not leave Konoha during this time!" With that, Tsunade flicked Naraku's forehead with her finger, as if scolding a naughty child.
Due to these months of close interaction, under Naraku's strong advances, the master-disciple relationship had steadily warmed. So some seemingly intimate actions came naturally between them.
Tsunade had once tried to restrain this relationship that seemed to be heading in an abnormal direction, but every time Naraku made an intimate move, she didn't refuse.
Naraku nodded in agreement and said: "Teacher, you must be careful on the front lines. When fighting, make sure to activate Hundred Beast King Transformation [Lion King] in advance. Don't just charge straight ahead in battle."
Tsunade gave Naraku a look and said: "Do I need you to worry about me? I'm the strongest medical ninja in the ninja world. With Strength of a Hundred Technique plus Hundred Beast King Transformation [Lion King], no one can one-shot me! Since when does a battlefield newbie get to give his teacher combat advice! And don't forget about purging energy for Nawaki."
Jiraiya outside the door teased Naraku: "You reminded your teacher—how come you didn't say a word to me? You forged such great weapons for Tsunade and Orochimaru. When are you going to make me something cool—a weapon worthy of matching my Toad Sage handsomeness? I'll pay top price!"
Jiraiya had interacted with Naraku quite a few times. Naraku quite admired this rare heroic figure in the ninja world—provided he didn't try to steal Tsunade! That was non-negotiable.
So Naraku politely replied: "Toad Sage's strength still needs this? If I have a suitable weapon, I'll come find you!"
Jiraiya laughed and scratched his head.
When Naraku escorted Tsunade and Jiraiya to the departure point, Tsunade turned around, hugged Naraku, and planted a kiss on his forehead.
Her lips gently touched Naraku's forehead. Her impressive assets pressed impolitely against Naraku. Naraku immediately felt Tsunade's tenderness and understood the trace of reluctance in her heart.
Afterward, Tsunade smiled at Naraku and said: "Remember to practice ninjutsu and taijutsu well. I'll test you when I get back!"
After the farewell, Naraku touched his forehead. He seemed to have received quite a few "kisses of death" already—but he, the great Naraku, would fear such a little flag?
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