"Kawaki Hatake, you really must oppose me?"
Isobu roared, pulling his body into his turtle shell and charging rapidly toward Kawaki.
This move was like an oversized Human Bullet Tank.
A cloud of smoke and dust erupted as everything in its path was crushed.
Charging forward with unstoppable momentum, it carved deep grooves into the ground.
"I look forward to our next meeting."
[Wood Release: Wood Human Technique!]
Kawaki watched the turtle-shell war vehicle approach and simply formed the "Snake" seal.
A giant tree burst from the earth, growing rapidly until a colossal wooden figure emerged, wrapped with a wooden dragon along its body.
The wooden figure looked fierce and menacing, exuding a mature, intimidating aura.
It brought immense pressure upon the Mist ninja, completely eliminating any thoughts of retreat.
"Bigger than a Tailed Beast."
"This is the power of Wood Release?"
"I've heard that Hashirama Senju used this technique back then to slam the Nine-Tails into the ground."
Elder Genji couldn't stop gaping, his eyes glassy.
This was the terrifying power he had heard about as a child from elders.
No wonder Hashirama Senju treated capturing Tailed Beasts like child's play.
Kawaki stood atop the wooden figure's head, occupying a dedicated space prepared just for him.
Facing the aggressive turtle-shell war vehicle, the wooden figure raised its right palm and effortlessly blocked it with one hand.
The tremendous impact force of the turtle-shell war vehicle seemed insufficient against the wooden figure.
Spun wildly on the spot, deeply embedded in the ground without being able to advance an inch until it finally halted.
The wooden figure clenched its right hand; Isobu felt like a child trapped within its grasp, completely unable to break free.
His Tailed Beast Chakra was suppressed, while the wooden dragon coiled around the figure lunged forward with its massive jaws open.
"Haaa!"
Kawaki narrowed his eyes coldly, raised his left fist high, swung it fully, and smashed downward.
"Awwww!"
Isobu howled in pain, struggling fiercely but failing to escape.
Under relentless punches from the wooden figure, his roars grew weaker and weaker.
"That's terrifying."
"A Tailed Beast actually beaten to death."
"Who could possibly rival someone like this?"
The Mist ninja watched in horror as the scene unfolded before them.
With one final punch from the wooden figure, Isobu slowly began to dissipate, dissolving into pure energy and vanishing from the Ninja World.
"Just a mere youngling, yet possesses such strength!!"
Inside an unknown cave, Madara Uchiha slammed his fist angrily against the stone bench beside him.
Blood streamed down continuously from his three-tomoe Sharingan eye.
Losing Third Mizukage as his puppet not only disrupted his plans but also meant he would now have to rely solely on Zetsu for future operations.
For him, this was undoubtedly a heavy blow.
Moreover, someone now knew his identity, so he would need to be even more discreet in his future actions.
If someone discovered his hiding place, he couldn't be confident to confront Kawaki with his current frail physical condition.
After living this long, he quickly calmed down following a brief emotional outburst.
He would make Kawaki understand what true peak strength looked like someday.
He firmly believed that besides Hashirama, no one else in this world could rival his prime state.
No, by then, even if Hashirama returned from the dead—so what?
...
Seeing nothing remaining in the wooden figure's hand, Kawaki elegantly released the technique and landed with effortless grace.
Elder Genji, let's talk about compensation for your appearance.
Kawaki flashed a bright smile, appearing every bit the cheerful young man.
Where had that earlier ferocity gone?
Sure thing, sure thing.
Elder Genji readily agreed.
You lot can handle cleaning up the battlefield. I'll speak with Kawaki-dono myself.
With those words, Elder Genji motioned for Kawaki to lead the way.
Nagato, come here.
Kawaki called out to Nagato, leading him alongside Elder Genji toward the Mizukage Building.
Thanks to Kawaki's timely intervention, the Hidden Mist village hadn't suffered significant damage.
No matter what, I want to thank you today, Kawaki-dono.
Walking along, Elder Genji broke the silence first.
He was careful not to mention Kawaki's solo infiltration into the Hidden Mist village.
My pleasure. Actually, I should be thanking you for your generosity.
Kawaki replied smoothly, making a subtle defense of Nagato.
The disciple cast an unfriendly glare at Elder Genji, which Kawaki naturally noticed.
Not at all. Capturing your disciple was entirely the Puppet's doing.
It definitely wasn't the Hidden Mist village's intention.
Elder Genji quickly explained, trying to distance the village from the incident.
He feared what would happen if Kawaki sought further retribution—the Hidden Mist truly wouldn't be able to withstand it.
I understand. Otherwise, I wouldn't be discussing this deal with you.
Kawaki maintained an air of indifference toward the matter, though in his mind he was already thinking about how much leverage he could gain.
This office would remain under his control for a while.
As long as he could get rid of this nuisance, Kawaki.
Inside please.
Elder Genji opened the door to the Mizukage's office. This would be his territory for quite some time.
Provided he could send this pest Kawaki away.
You two, have a seat while I prepare some tea for you.
Elder Genji invited Kawaki and Nagato to sit on the sofa before personally brewing a pot of high-quality tea.
Here, drink this.
Elder Genji poured tea for both Kawaki and Nagato, with a warm and friendly smile.
The tea is quite good.
Kawaki took a sip without mentioning payment terms—this was a trick he often used.
If you like it, I can give you some to take with you when you leave.
Elder Genji smiled even more brightly, his true crafty-old-fox nature beginning to emerge.
There was no way he'd get off without offering something extra—he just hoped they could settle on a smaller amount.
Would you mind releasing the seals on my disciple?
That way I won't need to bother you again.
Kawaki made what seemed like a minor request—a gentle test.
No problem.
Oh...!
Readers who enjoy Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade are encouraged to bookmark: (m.
Elder Genji readily agreed, placing his teacup down.
At Kawaki's silent signal, Nagato stood and walked over to Elder Genji.
This seal was also ordered by the Puppet.
It wasn't my idea.
Elder Genji formed several hand seals and placed one hand on Nagato's abdomen.
As chakra flowed out, Nagato felt his powers returning.
All done.
Elder Genji withdrew his hand, completely resolving the seal without daring to pull any tricks.
Kawaki glanced at Nagato, who gave a slight nod before Kawaki continued speaking.
I lost control earlier, which resulted in your loss of a Tailed Beast.
I sincerely regret that deeply.
"The tailed beasts have been eliminated. For the next few years at least, there won't be any new Jinchūriki emerging from Kirigakure.
This is quite a loss for Kirigakure. Even if you never intend to use it, you still need to have that kind of deterrent power.
But now, Kirigakure has lost that capability.
Of course, this wasn't Kawaki's intention in saying this.
"I've wiped out all the tailed beasts. You'd better show some sense and say something I like to hear."
"Cough cough~"
Elder Genji instantly understood what Kawaki meant. The situation truly left him no choice.
"This kid plays dirty!"
"We're extremely grateful for your intervention."
"How could we possibly blame you?"
"Please let us know your demands and we can discuss them."
Elder Genji kept his words open-ended. If Kawaki asked for something he couldn't provide, then naturally they would need room for negotiation.
"My, my, look at how you put it."
"I'm not that kind of person."
Kawaki immediately broke into a grin. It was just easier dealing with smart people.
Nagato stayed emotionless as he watched Kawaki's dramatic shift in expression. He'd seen it so often by now that it no longer fazed him.
"Still, since you insist on thanking me, I shouldn't refuse your kindness either."
"I'll accept whatever you offer."
Changing tracks slightly, Kawaki got back down to business.
He fixed Elder Genji with those wide, staring eyes — a piercing gaze that made the old man deeply uneasy.
"To be honest, our village hasn't been doing well financially in recent years."
"I'll offer two hundred million on my end."
"What do you think?"
Elder Genji offered the amount with a sinking heart.
Even though Kawaki said "whatever you feel like giving," how dare he actually give an arbitrary amount?
"Oh come on, that's too much."
Kawaki was actually quite satisfied with this number. Saving his disciple and scoring two hundred million in the process — this trip hadn't been for nothing after all.
"It's only fair, really."
Elder Genji smiled broadly, completely missing Kawaki's feigned reluctance.
"There's also one small favor I'd like to ask."
Kawaki feigned hesitation, appearing somewhat reluctant to make the request.
"Please go ahead."
Elder Genji desperately wanted Kawaki to speak quickly so they could finish matters and send this plague god away as soon as possible.
"That summoning scroll for the Tachibana blades... could I possibly have it?"
Kawaki truly knew how to strike where it hurt most. He knew the Tachibana blades had already been confiscated by Minato and his group. Instead of going through the hassle of resealing them, he might as well just ask for the summoning scroll directly.
If you enjoy Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade, please bookmark: (m.
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