Elder Genji's expression first stiffened, then slowly softened.
"Fine."
Seeing Elder Genji speaking through clenched teeth, Kawaki was absolutely delighted.
Serves you right for getting cocky!
"Thank you so much."
"If anything comes up in the future, feel free to find me at Konoha."
Kawaki thoroughly enjoyed this feeling of strategic control. Every successful negotiation brought him immense satisfaction.
"I'll have someone go get it right away."
Unable to stand Kawaki's overly polite and insincere tone, Elder Genji stood up and prepared to leave to send someone.
Still plotting something against me?
Kiri has already given you too much—this betrayal will haunt me forever.
He decided then that he would warn the next Mizukage never to strike a deal with Hatake Kawaki of Konoha.
Or you'll end up stripped bare, not even keeping your underwear.
"Then I'll just wait."
Kawaki watched Elder Genji walk off, raised his teacup, and took another sip.
The tea tasted sweeter than ever.
Nagato glanced at Kawaki, then turned his head slightly away.
Why does seeing my teacher act like this make me want to punch him?
"Nagato."
"The ninja world isn't just about combat—it's about relationships and diplomacy."
"You should learn more from your teacher."
Finishing his tea, Kawaki spoke with a sense of self-satisfaction that he made no effort to hide.
"Yes, Teacher."
"I understand."
Nagato suppressed his urge, giving Kawaki one deep look.
His teacher truly had a face thicker than stone.
This is what you call "social etiquette"?
Not a thinly veiled threat masked by brute strength?
"Good boy."
Hearing Nagato's reply, Kawaki happily patted him on the head.
Elder Genji stepped outside and found a Mist ninja.
"Go to the Hōzuki clan and retrieve the Tachibana blade summoning scroll."
"If they refuse, tell them personally—Kazamatsuri will come to get it himself."
Elder Genji knew how important the summoning scroll was to the Hōzuki clan.
He didn't have time to negotiate slowly—they wouldn't listen anyway, so intimidation was easier.
"Yes, Elder."
The Mist ninja nodded and left. At the moment, Elder Genji couldn't bear facing Kawaki again.
If Kawaki made yet another unreasonable request, he wouldn't know how to respond.
So Elder Genji lingered in the hallway, waiting quietly.
Inside, Kawaki wasn't the least bit anxious. He sat calmly, poured another cup of tea, and lazily took in the layout of the Mizukage's office.
"This place is definitely worse than your teacher's wife's office."
Nagato felt too lazy to argue—did he really think everyone would splurge on decorating government property?
"My child, why aren't you speaking?"
Seeing Nagato stay silent, Kawaki even questioned him.
"Yes, Teacher. You're absolutely right."
"The best-looking office is definitely Teacher's wife's."
Nagato rolled his eyes and muttered helplessly.
When things were calm, his teacher acted even more childish than he was.
After a long while, Elder Genji finally walked back in.
"It's done."
"This is the Tachibana blade summoning scroll you requested."
As he handed over the scroll, Elder Genji's eyes flickered with regret.
From now on, the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist would no longer belong to Kiri.
"Thank you for giving up something so precious."
Kawaki didn't hesitate for a second. Without even looking, he shoved it straight into his pocket.
If it turned out to be fake, he might actually feel relieved.
"Not at all. The Tachibana Blade has been left to gather dust in Kiri."
"I hope it will prove its true strength in Konoha."
Since everything had already been handed over, Elder Genji didn't mind tossing in a few compliments.
In his mind, he was muttering: Just get going already!!
"Nonsense—you're far too humble."
"Now that everything's sorted, I really should take my leave."
As Elder Genji wished, Kawaki left without lingering. Staying any longer would have been pointless anyway.
"Then allow me to see you off."
Elder Genji was delighted—finally decided to leave!
"No need."
"This tea really is quite good."
Kawaki added another compliment, which made Nagato standing next to him feel somewhat awkward.
You've got such a huge estate—does this tiny bit even matter?
"Oh right, I almost forgot!"
Elder Genji slapped his forehead, then strode over to the cabinet and pulled out a massive bundle of tea leaves.
"All of these are this year's fresh harvest."
"Please take them with you. Savor them slowly when you get back."
Elder Genji stuffed the entire bundle into Kawaki's arms. As he handed it over, he suddenly seemed to remember something else.
"As for those two hundred million cash, don't worry—I'll arrange it right away and send someone to deliver it to Konoha."
"It definitely won't take more than a month."
Elder Genji guaranteed firmly, afraid that Kawaki might cause some trouble.
"What are you saying? How could I possibly doubt you?"
Kawaki acted generous, but in truth, he was completely fearless.
You dare not pay—just try it?
He casually handed the tea to Nagato and walked ahead, leaving the Mizukage's office first.
As they exited, villagers in Kiri who had evacuated were already returning home, while others were repairing the damaged buildings.
Soon, the three arrived at a forest—this was all his doing.
The Mist ninja who had been hung from the trees had all been rescued, leaving only severed branches scattered on the ground.
"This far is enough—you don't need to continue."
Kawaki stopped Elder Genji. Looks like he wouldn't feel at ease unless he personally saw him off!
"Then I wish you a safe journey."
Elder Genji glanced at the surrounding forest area. At least now there would be plenty of wood for the repairs.
"Alright, goodbye."
Kawaki said, placing a hand on Nagato's shoulder before both vanished from Elder Genji's sight.
"Finally got rid of him."
With a weight lifted from his shoulders, Elder Genji turned around and walked back into the village.
Next came a lot of work—he still needed to prepare a sum of two hundred million ryo, and repair all the damaged structures as soon as possible.
The Third Mizukage's policies also required adjustment or even complete revision. These were all matters demanding his attention.
This chapter isn't finished yet—more exciting parts await!
If you like *Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade*, please bookmark us: (m.
...
A few days later, Kawaki returned to Konoha Village with Nagato.
Staring at the village gates before him, Nagato was overcome by a mix of emotions.
"Finally back."
Thinking back to the days he'd been held captive, it almost felt like a dream.
If he were still that orphaned child with no parents, he probably wouldn't have mattered even if he died.
"You're just a kid—what's there to get sentimental about?"
Seeing Nagato looking melancholy, Kawaki didn't know how best to comfort him, so he just gave Nagato a light smack on the back of the head.
"Ouch~"
Nagato stumbled forward, his thoughts immediately snapping back to reality.
Giving Kawaki a pitiful look, he remained silent.
"What are you staring at? Go back and train harder."
"If someone captures you again, don't expect me to save you."
Kawaki stepped forward and knocked on the door. After all, returning home deserved a sense of ceremony.
As the gate opened, two Konoha ninjas greeted them.
The guards quickly ushered the pair inside.
"Go tell your Teacher's Wife you're safe first, then we'll head home."
Kawaki led Nagato toward the Hokage Building. He chose the main entrance to set a good example for the kid.
Waving to fellow Konoha ninjas along the way, Kawaki reached the Hokage's office without any obstacles and strode in unannounced.
"Don't you know how to knock?"
Tsunade snapped. But when she lifted her head and saw Kawaki entering with Nagato behind him,
her fury melted into a bright smile.
"You're back! Nagato, come here so Teacher's Wife can take a look at you."
She motioned warmly to Nagato, and the anger from work had completely faded away.
"Where's Shouta?"
Seeing only Tsunade, Kawaki figured out the cause of her frustration—being short-staffed again was making things hard to handle.
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