Both Konoha and Kumo shinobi watched intently as the two Kage spoke in the distance.
Now that the atmosphere between them had grown tense, the surrounding shinobi also braced themselves.
'Is war finally coming?'
This thought crossed many minds as they prepared their kunai and jutsu, ready to attack at a moment's notice.
The Raikage, A, seemed infected by the tension as well. He grinned arrogantly at Tsunade. "The brave men of Kumogakure are already eager to spill blood!"
Tsunade sneered in response. "As if the shinobi of Konoha are cowards."
She knew exactly how to handle someone like the Raikage.
At a critical moment like this, showing weakness was the worst move.
If she backed down even slightly, he would push for more concessions.
If they lost to Kumogakure in battle, then fine—they'd have to pay reparations. But handing over resources without even fighting? Did he think she was running a charity?
Sure enough, hearing Tsunade's firm stance, the Raikage didn't immediately order an attack.
"In that case, I'll have to discuss with the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, to decide the best time to invade the Land of Fire!"
Tsunade's cold smirk turned into a smile. "If that's what you want, then bring it on. We'll beat you down until you learn your place."
In the past, she might not have dared to say such things—but now?
Bring it on. Who's afraid of who?
If the Raikage dared to strike now, she'd use Wood Release. Maybe she could even capture him!
With Wood Release in her arsenal, the shinobi world was hers to command.
Filled with confidence, Tsunade felt an almost eager impulse to act.
The Raikage was sharp. He noticed the unusual glint in Tsunade's eyes. Though puzzled by her sudden boldness, he decided to play it safe.
He was impulsive, but not stupid.
If Tsunade dared to provoke him like this, she must have a reason.
Acting rashly now and facing unexpected consequences was the last thing he wanted.
"Tsunade, such impressive spirit!"
The Raikage praised her outwardly, but inwardly, he cursed his intelligence division.
Weren't they the ones who said Tsunade would seek a peaceful resolution the moment he arrived?
Yet now, she was the one itching for a fight, while he, the famously hot-tempered Raikage, was hesitating.
What a disgrace.
He'd make sure to thoroughly discipline them when he got back.
If they slacked off like this again, they'd regret it.
"Now that I'm Hokage, I can't act the same as before."
"If you really want to talk to that old man Ōnoki, I won't stop you. How about this—next time, let's meet in the Land of Earth. The three of us can have a little spar. What do you say?"
Tsunade's proposal made the Raikage's pupils contract slightly.
The last time they'd competed in arm wrestling, Tsunade's raw strength had matched his. If he hadn't activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, her monstrous strength might have overpowered him.
But that was just physical power.
Now, Tsunade was openly challenging both him and Ōnoki.
There had to be a trick.
"You mean you against both me and that old man Ōnoki? It's been a while, Tsunade. You've grown even more confident."
The Raikage called it confidence, but it bordered on arrogance.
Those who became Kage of the Five Great Ninja Villages weren't pushovers.
"Just a little progress over the years. After all, I'm sure you haven't stayed the same either, Raikage."
"Of course! My strength isn't what it used to be!"
Though he said that, the Raikage knew the truth.
Compared to a few years ago, his power hadn't drastically improved. He'd trained harder, yes, but his growth had plateaued.
Every shinobi had their limits.
The Raikage could clearly feel that his potential had been nearly exhausted. Without some major breakthrough, he'd remain at this level for a long time—until age weakened him.
Tsunade's sudden change was unsettling.
"Good. I hope you and Ōnoki can give me a decent fight."
"This discussion is over. Are we done here, Raikage?"
Seeing that the Raikage wasn't willing to withdraw peacefully, Tsunade lost interest in further talk.
"Fine. We're done."
The Raikage stood, feeling trapped.
Whether Tsunade's challenge was real or a bluff, he had to test it.
If he and Ōnoki lost to her, then so be it.
But if she was just putting on a show...
Well, he wouldn't mind joining Iwagakure in carving up the Land of Fire.
"Let's go, Shikiaki. Pack up the supplies. After all, we're at the border—these fruits weren't cheap."
Tsunade deliberately raised her voice, ensuring the Raikage heard. His face darkened.
Was she implying Kumogakure couldn't afford food?
As if they were as dirt-poor as Sunagakure!
Watching Tsunade swagger away without a care, the Raikage felt even more irritated.
She really didn't take him seriously at all.
"Raikage-sama, are you alright?"
Karui approached, concerned.
"What do you mean, 'alright'? Karui, go ask the intel division. Has Tsunade undergone any major changes recently? That woman seems even more arrogant than before!"
"What kind of changes? Her personal life, or... Ouch!"
The Raikage rewarded Karui with a fist of love. Watching her clutch her head in pain, he almost considered sending her flying back to Kumogakure.
"Her strength, obviously! This time, she acted completely fearless. Do you think I'd let her walk away so easily otherwise?"
The Raikage was genuinely angry now.
He was the Raikage—anger was his default state.
Especially when Karui made it sound like he had some personal interest in Tsunade.
"I thought maybe you had that kind of interest in Tsunade-sama—I'll go right away!"
Seeing the murderous glint in the Raikage's eyes, Karui scrambled away at top speed.
"Omoi, send a message to Dodai. Have him draft a letter to Ōnoki. Tell him I want to discuss dividing Konoha's territory."
"Yes, sir!"
"Samui, order the troops to pack up. We're heading toward the Land of Earth!"
"Raikage-sama!" Samui hesitated. "The people of Iwagakure are treacherous. What if they ally with Konoha against us? And..."
She couldn't forget the death of the Third Raikage. For all of Kumogakure, it was a deep shame.
Shinobi were supposed to protect their Kage, yet the Third Raikage had died fighting Iwagakure's forces to save his men.
That grudge still burned in this generation of Kumogakure shinobi.
"Village interests come first. Besides, this time, I need to test Tsunade alongside Ōnoki. If she's weak, then don't blame us for being ruthless!"
With that, the Raikage turned and left.
He'd make sure Tsunade regretted her arrogance.
Samui watched his retreating figure and sighed.
Being a Kage was never easy.
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