"This time, our plan to help Lady Tsunade take first place is extremely important."
Tsunade's sharp gaze swept over the Konoha shinobi around her. She even rolled up her sleeves, one foot planted boldly on a chair in a 'Who dares to say no?' pose.
"I don't want a single one of you pretending you didn't hear me. Remember — this time, I'm going for a three-time championship streak."
Three matches, three hundred million ryō in total — not a small sum at all.
That's why, as soon as she arrived in Sunagakure, she had headed straight to the Grand Sail Hotel without a word, ordering all the Konoha shinobi to gather for a meeting.
However—
"Lady Tsunade," Genma Shiranui removed the senbon from the corner of his mouth, looking pained. "Coach Danzō instructed us to win the championship to bring glory to Konoha."
And besides, Lady Tsunade already had a role in the event — she really didn't need to compete with those of them who had none.
"That's right! On the road of youth, there is no retreat!" Finally, Might Guy, who had been added to the team, struck a confident thumbs-up pose, his white teeth gleaming. "No matter how great the obstacles ahead, we must overcome them — even if it costs our lives! At the very least, we'll leave behind the spirit of a man—"
THUD!!!
Tsunade swept her cold gaze across the Konoha shinobi, her voice flat.
"Anyone else have something to say?"
"Uh…"
Everyone swallowed hard, glancing down at Guy, who was now sprawled unconscious on the floor, foaming at the mouth.
So this is Lady Tsunade's monstrous strength? Even a taijutsu specialist like Might Guy is out with one punch…
Worthy indeed of being one of the Legendary Sannin!
Aside from Kakashi, who merely rolled his eyes, the other shinobi felt their hearts sink. They still had dreams, still wanted their own moments in the spotlight… so their hopeful gazes drifted toward Jiraiya, who was lazily picking his nose.
Only a Sannin can oppose a Sannin.
"Lord Jiraiya…"
"Ahem~"
Jiraiya felt the weight of all those hopeful stares and straightened abruptly, wiping his nose-picking hand on the table. His lazy demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
He knew Tsunade was being far too unreasonable. These younger shinobi had dreams, youth, and passion — how could they be trampled so easily?
So—
"I'm telling you, Tsunade—"
"Hmm~" Tsunade gave him a cold sideways glare.
"Y-you… you're absolutely right! Ahem~" Ignoring the resentful glares around him, he coughed twice and declared righteously, "Right now, Konoha is beset by internal strife and external threats. Even though Kirigakure hasn't sent anyone, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and even some smaller villages all see Konoha as a thorn in their side, ready to unite against us."
He slammed the table for emphasis, his eyes sweeping over the Konoha shinobi in disappointment.
"And what about you? Look at yourselves! Pursuing selfish goals, refusing to follow orders, fighting for your own interests. You must understand — in times of crisis, Konoha must unite every possible force, form the broadest alliance, and stand as one. Only then can we defeat our enemies and claim victory!"
When he finished—
"…"
Silence hung over the room, broken only by a few murmurs of agreement.
As for that "time of crisis," "unity," and "victory" stuff… they'd just let him talk.
Bootlicker!
Every Konoha shinobi present gave Jiraiya a look of disdain. But right now, they had no better option. The only choice… was to agree outwardly, then handle things their own way during the actual competition.
Still—
Some lowered their heads discreetly, rubbing at their ribs.
Better ask Kakashi later how much Sunagakure's medical fees are…
"Did you hear me?"
Tsunade was clearly pleased with Jiraiya's words. Even though he was now standing off to the side ogling her proudly, she didn't get angry. Her right foot still on the chair, she slammed the table again.
"Alright, if you disagree, stand on the right. If you agree, stand on the left."
Her tone was low and menacing.
"Don't worry — I'm very democratic."
Instantly—
"…"
Aside from Guy, still lying on the floor, everyone else moved to the left.
Can't mess with her… just can't.
"Good. Looks like you all have a strong sense of collective honor." Tsunade smiled, nodding in satisfaction, and patted her ample chest. "I, Tsunade, will never treat you unfairly."
Just don't hit us later, and we'll call it even…
Of course, none of the Konoha shinobi dared say that aloud. They merely hesitated, then spoke carefully.
"What about Coach Danzō?"
"That old fossil? Forget him. If he has a problem, he can come to me."
"…And the sponsorship fee?"
"That's still on him. I'm not in charge of Konoha's finances anymore."
"…"
Truly worthy of being Lady Tsunade — able to say something so shameless with such righteous conviction.
Thinking about it now…
Poor Lord Danzō…
...
"Poor indeed, Hiruzen!"
Danzō swirled the red wine from his hotel suite, smiling faintly as he gazed down at Sunagakure.
No matter how fast the village developed… it was still surrounded by endless yellow.
The desert of the Land of Wind wasn't something easily changed.
"At our age, what's the point of pretending to be eighteen? Do you think I don't know exactly what you're like?"
He imagined Hiruzen's face twisting in irritation at being mocked, and the thought pleased him.
If Hiruzen was angry, then Danzō was happy.
Especially since he was now the sponsor footing the bill for the Konoha team's lodging, food, and drink. These days, he wasn't just Root's leader anymore — his immense wealth gave him the power to truly reshape Konoha according to his own vision.
Even without becoming Hokage, he could still change the village.
Unfortunately… he had originally intended to investigate Sunagakure's Sandclay production methods, but the Fourth Kazekage was far too cautious. The area was heavily guarded, making it impossible for his Root operatives to get close. And at the moment, Konoha and Sunagakure were in a cooperative relationship — overstepping would be unwise.
The only thing he knew for certain was that Sandclay was made from specially processed soil. It was powdery, soft, and indeed resembled earth — but the production process remained a mystery.
He frowned slightly at the dusty winds swirling outside Sunagakure, setting aside his fine wine glass.
"Could it be… from the desert of the Land of Wind?"
If the special soil was created from desert sand, then… the more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
"Perhaps when I return, I should bring back some sand for research."
His lips curled upward.
"Looks like I'm about to crack your Sandclay formula, Fourth Kazekage."
"Ah-choo! Ah-choo!"
Rasa rubbed his nose after two sneezes, wondering who might be thinking about him.
Lowering his gaze with a faint smile, he looked at Black Zetsu standing before him.
"Well then… aren't you going to explain your little theft?"