Hokage's Office.
Tsunade looked at Killer B, who had been dragged in all tied up by Shinju, her eyes filled with disbelief.
Below, Shinju was still passionately listing out Killer B's crimes.
"Tsunade-sensei, you don't know how badly this old guy beat me! He almost split open my chest, nearly blew my brains out, and even wanted to use my flesh and blood as drinking snacks… "
The more Shinju spoke, the more pitiful he sounded. In the end, even Tsunade couldn't stand listening anymore.
"I don't see a single wound on you. But just look at the people you dragged back—every one of them is either bruised all over or missing arms and legs…"
Tied up, Killer B hurriedly nodded in agreement!
"The Hokage's right! I didn't even touch a single hair on you! When we fought, you didn't suffer any injuries at all—me and the Eight-Tails got knocked flat instead! (′д｀σ)σ"
As soon as he finished speaking, Killer B suddenly realized something was wrong.
Tch~
This kind of thing… was a little too embarrassing…
Omoi and Karui, standing nearby, had already covered their faces with both hands.
After this, they probably wouldn't be able to stay in Kumogakure anymore…
On the Hokage's seat, Tsunade spoke meaningfully:
"Killer B, you're already a veteran by the Raikage's side. How could you be so reckless, attacking a child of Konoha…"
"I believe this wasn't the Raikage's intention. I believe Kumogakure still wants peace. You don't want to start a war either, right?"
Killer B nodded quickly.
"Tsunade-sama, you gotta believe me, this time was really an accident."
"That day, I was just paddling around the sea in a little boat. By accident, I bumped into Shinju's boat… we had a little argument, and then we fought… This was just a minor spat between shinobi. A misunderstanding, nothing but a misunderstanding!"
Tsunade nodded, a sly, fox-like smile appearing on her lips.
"Of course I believe what you said. But as an adult picking on Shinju, a child, it still looks rather inappropriate."
"Of course, Konoha is magnanimous. You can leave anytime you want. However, letting you go so rashly might not be safe."
"So, I'll send word to Kumogakure and have the Raikage himself come and escort you back. At the same time, I can have a little chat with him about a few other matters… What do you think?…"
Killer B's head shook violently the moment he heard that.
If this got back to the village, he'd have no reputation left to live!
And his brother had to personally come to take him back?!
That would be humiliating for Kumogakure!
But before Killer B could say a word, Tsunade and the Konoha council had already made the decision.
"Since you have no objections, it's settled then!"
Immediately after, Tsunade instructed her attendant shinobi:
"Send word to Kumogakure at once!"
...
On Konoha's streets, Shinju was sulking.
He hadn't managed to squeeze five million out of Kumogakure, and that left him unhappy.
Though he knew the village had its own bigger plans…
Just then, Konohamaru came running up, whispering:
"Shinju, teach me ninjutsu!"
Shinju looked disinterested.
"Not interested. I'm annoyed right now!"
"…Alright then…"
Konohamaru drooped his head.
"I was gonna say… if you taught me ninjutsu, I'd tell you what Grandpa is planning to give you as a gift."
Shinju: (´◊ω◊｀)
"What's the Third Hokage giving me?!"
The little rascal Konohamaru immediately put on a deliberate act of hesitation.
"Something like that… how could I remember clearly? You'll have to promise to teach me ninjutsu first."
"Fine, I promise. Hurry up and tell me."
Shinju thought for a moment, then nodded.
Konohamaru paused to think, then explained:
"Seems like… he's gonna give you money. Even though Grandpa's not the Hokage anymore, Tsunade-sama still discusses important matters with him."
"After you came back this time, Tsunade-sama went to find Grandpa once, and it seemed to be about transferring some money."
Shinju's expression shifted.
"Really?!"
Konohamaru nodded.
"If you don't believe me, go ask Grandpa yourself."
"Nice!!"
Usually calm and steady, Shinju actually pumped his fist in excitement, then rushed off toward the Third Hokage's residence…
...
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.
Receiving Konoha's message, A sat at the council table, his entire face dark with rage!
Bang!!
His palm slammed down on the table, echoing thunderously!
"Konoha has gone too far!"
"They actually want me, the Raikage himself, to personally fetch those captives?! Since when can a village's Kage just casually wander around outside?!"
"And they even had the nerve to say they'd 'invite me' to stay in Konoha for a while, to discuss cooperation?!"
"Damn it!!"
"This is pure bullying!"
"Every line of that message reeks of Konoha's arrogance!"
"They think just because they've got a Wood Release shinobi, they're untouchable?!"
"Kumogakure doesn't fear them!!"
"Gather our forces!!"
"Prepare a surprise attack against Konoha!!"
The hot-tempered Fourth Raikage, A, gave out order after order. But all the Kumogakure elders and senior officials remained silent—no one answered.
Finally, an older, more senior council member stepped forward.
"Raikage-sama, the shinobi world has enjoyed peace for a long time now. We cannot be the ones to start another war."
"Besides, Konoha has captured over ten of our elite jonin, and even a perfect jinchūriki. If we really fought, we might not stand a chance…"
"Most importantly… rumors say that red-haired boy in Konoha has the power to match an entire shinobi village."
"It's said that in the battle at the Land of Tea, Killer B fought that boy… and not only gained no advantage… but was even…"
A frowned.
"Was even what? Speak plainly!"
The elder forced out the words:
"Even completely crushed… without being able to fight back at all."
A: "…"
The words were unpleasant, but he had to take them seriously.
"If I'd known this, I never should've let B go out."
A sat back down, regret in his voice.
Another elder consoled him:
"This can't all be blamed on you. Who could have imagined that a young Wood Release shinobi would already have such power…"
After heated discussion for a while, A finally stood.
"Enough. Looks like if we want B and the others back, I'll have to go to Konoha myself."
"I'll see for myself what this newly appointed Fifth Hokage intends to discuss with me…"
With that, A left the council chamber.
The remaining elders looked at each other in silence.
...
Land of Fire, Konoha.
Third Hokage's residence.
Shinju burst through the wooden doors, calling out:
"Grandpa Hokage, I'm here!"
The Third Hokage was brewing tea. Seeing Shinju arrive, he rose to greet him, showing this junior full respect.
"Shinju, you've come. Come inside, sit down," the Third said warmly.
Shinju nodded, sat down, and impatiently asked:
"Grandpa Third, you called me here this time… it must be for something important, right? (σ≧︎▽︎≦︎)σ"
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo