Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

boom!

Chakra condensed on the samurai sword, making it resemble a dragon churning in the sea.

Water splashed everywhere.

Sharks stained the sea with blood, and Kisame Hoshigaki was also slashed and coughed up blood repeatedly, swimming swiftly among the sharks.

Then, in an instant, figures darted out and attacked him.

The one-eyed strongman suddenly brandished his blade.

The illusory blade appeared in their eyes, and in the next instant, it swiftly slashed horizontally, turning the figures into splashes of water.

It's all water.

Below, Kisame Hoshigaki used ninjutsu to dive underwater and disappeared without a trace.

"Hmph, you're fast!"

He brandished the blade, and in a flash, he was on the boat ahead, one foot braced against the bow. "I've said it," he declared, "today you either leave the goods behind, or you and the goods leave together!"

Around the ship behind, figures chased after the Hidden Mist ninja.

At this moment, everyone in the caravan knew perfectly well—

These people are not some wandering ninjas!

Whose homeless ninja is this strong?

However, neither of them had any evidence, and in the current situation, the other party didn't need any evidence either.

because……

As far as they knew, the northern part of the Land of Water had long been controlled by the countries of Water and Thunder, making it easy for ships from other countries to be attacked.

They also fabricated pretexts, falsely claiming to be pirates.

The other party was simply copying what they saw.

"We are willing to hand over the goods!"

……

"What?"

Master Yuan was utterly astonished, staring blankly at the young man before him.

Then, he sat down with a "plop".

"How could this be? Konoha actually started this war. What are they planning to do?"

He couldn't believe it.

Konoha has always advocated peace and has never initiated or expanded wars, yet this time it has surprisingly set the stage for war.

"Elder, this matter cannot actually be blamed on Konoha."

Hozuki Mangetsu looked around, then leaned closer and gritted his teeth to reveal the truth.

"The current secret service is in the control of my cousin. He spends most of his time at sea, plundering merchant caravans from the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind."

"What?"

A look of surprise appeared on Yuan Shi's face.

He's been dealing with matters in Kyoto lately, so he really doesn't know anything about these secret agents and combat units!

After a long moment of astonishment, he swallowed hard.

"So, you're saying we started this?"

"Yes, according to my investigation, we have now joined forces with Kumogakure and Iwagakure to block the northern waterway."

Hozuki Mangetsu explained the situation in a low voice, "A few months ago, Konoha captured Killer Bee at sea because Kumogakure attacked the fleet that Konoha was protecting."

"So that's how it is!"

Master Yuan's face was expressionless.

He thought it was Konoha's problem, but in the end, it was still their problem, and Konoha was just retaliating.

even.

This is likely not the first time something like this has happened, and it may not be limited to Konoha alone.

Sunagakure Village...

Previously, Sunagakure and Kirigakure had been at odds over issues in the southern seas, and the two sides had fought each other countless times.

Later, Sunagakure suffered a crushing defeat in the war against Konoha, and even the Third Kazekage died in the Land of Rivers, at which point Sunagakure compromised with Kirigakure.

Now, Sunagakure has completely aligned itself with Konoha.

If Konoha moves, how can Sunagakure not?

He had realized that Konoha and Sunagakure's goal was not only the southern seas and sea routes, but also the Land of the Sea.

Once the two villages control the Sea Kingdom, then...

Their water kingdom is going to suffer!

Master Yuan gripped his cane tightly, but after a few seconds, he reluctantly let go, his face somber.

"Manyue, you volunteer to go south and deal with those pirates."

"What?"

Hozuki Mangetsu was taken aback.

We're supposed to help them fight?

Master Yuan looked at him earnestly and said, "The bigger picture is what matters. Kirigakure can only rely on us now. We can't afford to destroy Kirigakure!"

"Can……"

Hozuki Mangetsu was somewhat unwilling.

He had been with the Three-Tails Jinchuriki, and if it weren't for his powerful secret techniques, he probably would have died there.

Now that Kirigakure is slowly sinking into a quagmire, he is determined to save the village, but is repeatedly thwarted by his master, which he finds truly perplexing.

Master Yuan, leaning on his cane, walked over to his side.

"Could you speak to them on my behalf? Is there some misunderstanding?"

"What misunderstanding could there be?"

Hozuki Mangetsu was completely bewildered and was about to retort when he suddenly stopped.

He understood!

Hozuki Mangetsu paused only slightly before quickly saying, "Konoha is definitely trying to retaliate against us. No matter what, we need to eliminate these people before we can even talk!"

"Um."

Master Yuan sat down, his tone heavy.

……

Another location in Kirigakure.

"Obito, how's the village? Is everything alright lately?"

"Something's happened, and some isn't."

A cold glint appeared on Obito's face. "Someone seems to want to do something. I'd like to see what they're planning!"

During this period, it was actually Obito, not Madara, who was in charge of overseeing Kirigakure and managing the troop movements here.

of course.

In the version that Obito knew, the situation was slightly different.

Because Madara and Zetsu staged a play using Yagura, Obito believed that he had truly controlled Yagura.

In reality, it's just a matter of transferring money from one hand to the other.

Obito showed no mercy when using Kirigakure.

Anyway, it was a Hidden Mist ninja who died, so what does it have to do with him?

Let's try it first and see!

The deaths of these people might actually accelerate the process of peace in the ninja world.

Jue looked at the distant village and said, "We still need to use the Water Shadow skill occasionally."

"What do you mean?"

Upon hearing this, Obito knew that his plan to wreak havoc on Kirigakure could not continue.

It seems there are new instructions from Ban's side.

"Kurosuki Raiga is dead."

"Um?"

A hint of surprise appeared on Obito's face.

Then, he pondered for a moment.

"Kyohiko has made his move?"

"Um."

Jue nodded slightly.

Obito was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Alright, what do I need to do?"

"War is a necessity for peace; only by instigating a war can we obtain what we need!"

"I must remind you," Jue reminded him.

Obito opened his mouth, then said with some reluctance, "Many people will die."

"Sacrifice for lasting peace! Or are you backing down?"

His gaze was icy cold.

Obito shook his head, a determined look on his face.

"Of course not, I sacrificed so much just to get to that point!"

He took a deep breath. "I'll do it right away."

Jue nodded and disappeared from the spot.

He was very busy; he also had to go see the Third Raikage and observe what they had done in Konoha.

……

Inside the Anbu prison in Konoha Village.

The Gyuki stood outside the fence, looking at Killer Bee making strange poses inside, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Killer Bee is practicing that sword technique, hoping to become stronger and defeat his enemies.

but.

Ushiki knew very well that the gap between Killer Bee and Yoshimine Kyohiko was now much greater than it had appeared.

"Hey, you're really loyal to this kid, are you addicted to being his dog?"

"Nine-Ra!!"

The demon's gaze was malevolent.

Even though it's just a clone, its mouth is still as foul as ever, making you just want to beat it up.

"What? Did I say something wrong? Back then, the old man told us to maintain peace in the ninja world, and now you're all fighting for others!"

Nine-Tailed Fox raised its head, its face full of disdain and contempt.

It certainly has the right to despise it.

Because, apart from being captured, controlled, or fighting against Madara Uchiha and his subordinates, Kurama has never participated in any wars.

Even those who are Jinchūriki have basically never been directly involved.

The demon's face was cold.

"Ha, you were sealed away by an old woman your whole life, and then by a little girl until now. What's there to be proud of?"

"What did you say? You want to fight?!"

The nine-tailed fox roared with fury.

What angers it most is that it has been sealed away by Mito Uzumaki for its entire life, and its true form has not yet escaped its cage, even though it...

That freedom was only gained after compromise.

That's not all.

but.

Soon, it grinned.

"You and he weren't sealed, so you were able to unleash your full power, but you still got captured, didn't you?"

The demon's eyes were also filled with anger.

The two tailed beasts' greatest pleasure now is poking each other in the lungs, since neither of them has the ability to actually fight.

If the seal were broken, the two tailed beasts would have already started fighting!

Killer Bee inside wouldn't know either, otherwise he would definitely have started rapping by now.

"Tch, why should I argue with you? Anyway, he'll be gone soon, and you'll be no different from me after that!"

After saying that, Nine-Tails left.

After hearing this, the bull demon looked at Killer Bee.

Although it was hard to believe, the Nine-Tailed Fox's experiences and speculations did indeed give it a sense of dread.

If that's the case, Madara Uchiha's abilities are probably even more powerful than it imagined.

Now, Madara's side already has six tailed beasts.

All that's missing are the three from Konoha.

Once they're all gathered, it's hard to predict exactly what Madara will do. What if it really is as Kurama and Konoha suspect—

Then they would be sinners!

It sighed and then followed the Nine-Tailed Fox away.

……

The Third Raikage emerged from the Hokage's office in Konoha, his expression complex.

In order to redeem Killer Bee, the Hidden Cloud Village paid a huge sum of money in reparations.

When can I see Bi?

"You'll see him soon, once you leave the Land of Fire, but even for you, I must give you this final warning."

Kyohiko's face was serious. "You may not believe it, but compared to Konoha, what Uchiha Madara is going to do is far more terrifying."

"I will be cautious."

……

Upon reaching the border, Raikage and Ai stood side by side.

"Father, what if Konoha...?"

"We've already paid the money, they won't go back on their word, and they wouldn't dare to, otherwise Konoha's reputation would be ruined."

The Third Raikage shook his head.

The system of ninja villages ultimately revolves around "trust" and "delegation," and Konoha cannot directly break its promises.

As they were talking, a figure quietly appeared in the woods in front of them.

"Lord Raikage, of course we will not break our promise, but we had to travel a little further to maintain secrecy."

A masked ANBU ninja carrying Killer Bee on his back.

He put Kirabi down in the woods.

"Raikage-sama, come back later."

After saying that, the man disappeared from the spot.

After a long silence, Ai asked, "The Flying Thunder God Technique?"

"No, it's just invisibility; it should be the bloodline limit of the Moonlight Clan."

The Third Raikage instantly appeared beside Killer Bee.

He lifted Kirabi up and hurried him onto the boat.

Delay may lead to unforeseen changes!

If Konoha were to make a move at this moment, all three of them would be wiped out, and then Kumogakure would truly be doomed.

The Third Raikage left in a hurry.

but.

It wasn't until he was almost out of the Land of Fields that he vaguely sensed something was wrong and immediately stopped.

"Father, what's wrong?"

A look of doubt appeared on Ai's face.

"wrong!"

The Third Raikage frowned. "His recovery is a bit slow. He might have been hit by some kind of jutsu."

With the help of the tailed beasts, Killer Bee should theoretically have a stronger recovery ability than the average person, yet he doesn't appear to be injured.

He quickly slapped Killer Bee across the face and tried various techniques to break the illusion.

but.

Kirabi was not actually hit by magic.

He just fell asleep.

A few seconds later, he slowly woke up and saw Lei Ying and Ai. He was excited at first, and then ashamed and sad.

"My lord, the Tailed Beast is missing!"

"What?"

The Third Raikage's expression changed drastically. "How did you survive?"

"I still had some left inside me, but most of it was extracted by Konoha!"

Kirabi lowered his head, looking ashamed.

He was the one who was captured; otherwise, Konoha wouldn't have had the chance to take the Tailed Beast.

The Third Raikage fell silent.

Ox-demon...

He had a feeling something was wrong before.

Konoha is so easy to talk to!

This condition doesn't seem like it's for redeeming a Jinchūriki. He thought Konoha was foolish, but—

It turns out you get what you pay for.

Ai was burning with rage.

"I'm going to confront Konoha!"

"Stop! What are you looking for?"

The Third Raikage roared angrily.

His face was cold as he said, "We've done the same thing before, kidnapping the Nine-Tails. If you want to bring up old grievances, Konoha can bring them up too."

"But……"

"Let's go."

The Third Raikage took a deep breath and then walked towards the bay.

Kyohiko's words echoed in his mind.

Is it true that Madara has the ability to control tailed beasts?

If it's true, leaving half of it in Konoha might not be a bad thing. In the future, everyone will still have room to maneuver.

of course.

Mainly—

They are now powerless against Konoha.

Konoha is too strong.

Now, Konoha Village can only rely on numbers; the three villages joining forces would result in a thousand casualties for each side and eight hundred casualties for the enemy.

otherwise.

A single village is no match for Konoha.

He took a few steps.

Suddenly, the Third Raikage stopped.

"Who is it?"

"Lord Raikage, it seems that you are not in good condition."

"It's you!"

The Third Raikage frowned.

He looked at Ai and Chirabi: "You two get on the boat first."

"yes!"

A didn't know the other party's identity, but the Third Raikage's demeanor clearly left no room for doubt.

He had no choice but to agree, and led the dejected and remorseful Chirabi to the distant dock, but they didn't go very far.

If the Third Raikage were to engage in battle with this pitcher plant, they could provide immediate support.

"You have a son who cares about you."

Jue chuckled.

Then, he whispered, "Lord Raikage, it seems your trip to Konoha hasn't gone smoothly!"

"Konoha extracted most of the Tailed Beasts' chakra, leaving me with nothing but an empty shell!"

The Third Raikage lowered his voice.

"Konoha has always been like this, so we must unite even more to take back what is rightfully ours!"

This is by no means surprising.

Or rather—

He was surprised that Konoha didn't do that.

He whispered, "My master has made up his mind to use 100,000 ninjas to cooperate with you in dealing with Konoha."

"What? One hundred thousand?" (End of Chapter)