Born in Sunagakure, dedicated to antagonizing Konoha for decades

111. Raikage! The Eight-Tails has been provoked.

"Lord Raikage, why don't we send the Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails to Turtle Island...?"

In Kumogakure, the current strategist and head of the Azabu clan, frowned and worriedly offered advice to the Third Raikage.

There was no way around it; they had already witnessed the power of the Tailed Beasts, whose destructive power was unparalleled in the ninja world. Moreover, the Iwagakure's Tailed Beast was only the Four- or Five-Tails, while their clan had an Eight-Tails that was only one tail shorter than the most powerful Nine-Tails!

Although they have no grudges against Sunagakure now, what if one day the crazy Golden Lion of Sunagakure comes here and causes trouble?

They, the Hidden Cloud Village, have finally begun to get back on track, but they can't withstand this kind of destruction!

"No need! I'll go up and hold them off! Otherwise people will say that we, the Hidden Cloud Village and the Hidden Takigakure Village, are weaklings who got beaten up by a brat and are now clinging to the Hideout Village's coattails!"

The Third Raikage spoke with disdain for Takigakure's incompetent Golden Lion, who was afraid of Sunagakure and went to Konoha to cause trouble overnight. He said, "No way! I, the Third Raikage A, am so good at fighting, why would I be afraid of a mere Eight-Tails?"

"Lord Raikage! Something terrible has happened! The Eight-Tails has gone berserk!"

As luck would have it, just as the Third Raikage finished showing off, a junior disciple from the outer sect ran in, breathless, and said...

"What?! That brat from Sunagakure was taken down?! σ(⊙▽⊙a)"

"No, it's that someone was talking about this at the place where the Eight-Tails is sealed, and the Eight-Tails seems to have been provoked..."

Raikage: ......

......

"Lady Chiyo, Onoki demands an explanation from us regarding this matter..."

The Sand Village is currently in a state of turmoil. Their Master Shinto has become famous again, and this time he's so powerful that he's wreaked havoc on most of the Iwagakure village, even taking away a Jinchuriki!

These lovely and innocent villagers are already praising him! Lord Shinto is truly the hope of their entire village! After being silent for several years, his comeback has made their village famous, and in a very loud and resounding way. Every day, whenever they see a merchant sitting down, they start praising him.

However, inside the Wind Shadow Pavilion, the scene was quite different. Chiyo, Kaizo, and Sunakawa no longer had any deep furrows in their brows.

Especially Sunagawa, whose pretty face now bears a handprint, speechlessly held the small card that the Anbu had sent from the Iwagakure Anbu, which Onoki had named a diplomatic note, and asked Chiyo about it. He had only learned about what had happened when the news broke the day before yesterday, after Masato had set off to cause trouble in Iwagakure. Almost every word in the diplomatic note that Onoki had sent him was criticizing him without mentioning his family, but he still couldn't find a reason to criticize him back.

Although he hadn't seen Masato in the village before, he assumed the kid was enjoying life at home. After all, five years in the Anbu was quite tough for a child, especially for a straightforward and impulsive boy like Masato. But after Masato wreaked havoc on Iwagakure, he immediately ran to Kaizo to find out why he, the Kazekage, hadn't known anything about Masato's antics in Iwagakure.

As Kaizo silently walked to his desk and pulled out the action plan for Shindou and Jie from the bottom of a pile of documents, placing it in front of him, Sunakawa slapped herself hard across the face.

The action plan was dated three months ago, which coincided with the time he was preparing for his solo concert. At that time, he was very busy, working during the day and rehearsing at night, so he just glanced at many documents and left them there. Besides, these were documents that Hai Zang handed him, and generally there were no problems, so he just tossed them aside...

In other words, he really can't retaliate against Onoki's insults.

However, the action plan clearly states that Shinto should go to Iwagakure to release the Tailed Beasts and cause some trouble to stop Onoki from researching them. The plan is to avoid making things too big, since they still have friendly relations with the Iwagakure royal family. The fact that Onoki almost got his plane crashed by Shinto was often described as a friendly exchange between the two villages, precisely because they share a common enemy, Konoha. If Iwagakure suffers too many losses, given Onoki's poor but hot-tempered nature, if he finds out Shinto was behind it, he'll definitely want to go to war with them!

But Shinto's actions were far from simple; they went too far! A large portion of the entire Iwagakure village was demolished!

My God! If Sunagakure were to be destroyed, he would go to war even if it were Konoha! The fact that Onoki didn't immediately start a war but instead asked them for a reasonable explanation makes him wonder if this Onoki is the same Onoki as before! And what the hell is this kid trying to do by taking away their tailed beast?

Why bother with the tailed beast? They already treat one tailed beast like a king, are they going to bring another king back to worship as well?

"...Report to Onoki that Mato has been resting in the village and hasn't gone out."

Chiyo frowned and pondered for a long time. At this moment, she also wanted to call Masato and her son back to ask what had happened.

Was it that these two boys misunderstood her, or had she not explained herself clearly enough? She remembered explicitly telling Masato to go to Iwagakure and cause some trouble, preventing Onoki from continuing his Tailed Beast research. While the boy achieved his goal, he created a massive mess, ruining a large portion of the village. Although she knew her nephew and son were responsible, she absolutely couldn't admit it until Onoki had concrete evidence. Furthermore, according to the intelligence they gathered, Masato and Jie hadn't actually filmed any scenes with Onoki; he only recognized them after seeing two figures during a Tailed Beast Ball explosion. Although this made her a little helpless, her nephew's chaotic abilities were just too distinctive and unique. Whether it was the sword energy he created with his sword, the taijutsu that made his body hard when it turned black, or his habit of creating large lion heads, each one was unique in the ninja world. When Onoki saw a humanoid object that could withstand a Tailed Beast Ball when its entire body turned black, she couldn't think of anyone else but her nephew. Perhaps the Third Raikage, who always boasted about having the hardest body and the strongest fingers, could also withstand the Five-Tails' Tailed Beast Ball, but that was a proper chakra mode, the kind with electricity on its body, which had nothing to do with its entire body being jet black and shiny.

The Raikage is a bit dark-skinned, but not to the point of being shiny...

"Will it work? If Onoki really loses his temper, it could really start a war. Konoha will be laughing at us then, and what about Kumogakure and Kirigakure...? I think we should just let go of the debts they owe us after they suffered such heavy losses this time. Let's just consider it a good deed for our next generation..."

When Hai Zang heard that his sister was determined to renege on her promise, he began to chime in with a pitiful expression.

"agree!"

Sunagawa angrily praised!

"agree!"

Chiyo nodded with a smile.

112. Danzo: For world peace, I am willing!

A few days after Ōnoki asked Sunagakure for instructions, Sunagakure replied!

The Sand Village stated that the Iwagakure incident was not caused by Shinto, who had retired from the Anbu several months prior and was currently recuperating in the village due to occupational hazards. The Sand Village expressed deep sympathy for Iwagakure's plight. Considering the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and Iwagakure's current difficult reconstruction efforts, to alleviate Iwagakure's burden, the national debt Iwagakure owed years ago will not be repaid. Furthermore, the Sand Village will continue to send relief supplies to Iwagakure, contributing to a harmonious and peaceful ninja world and the building of a better home!

(⊙_⊙)?？ ？ ？ ？

Inside the Hokage Building in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the explanation Sunagakure had given to Onoki, his face filled with utter confusion.

It wasn't made by that golden lion?

He doesn't believe it!

That bastard's first battle was kidnapping Tsunade in Konoha. His ability to infiltrate enemy villages and cause trouble is unmatched in the entire ninja world.

That bastard has an occupational disease?

He was even less convinced!

That bastard could still joke around and talk trash after killing his brother; his mental fortitude is even stronger than Sakumo's. Does this kind of guy get occupational diseases?

Shouldn't occupational diseases usually only occur in people with poor mental fortitude? He can't see where that jerk's mental fortitude is lacking.

But none of that matters. What matters are those last two sentences! Shouldn't only Konoha say things like that? When did Sunagakure become so hypocritical... ugh! So gentlemanly? This doesn't fit their persona at all...!

"What on earth is Sunagakure up to? Why did they send Shiki to Iwagakure to cause trouble and even capture the Four-Tails Jinchuriki? Is Sunagakure going to start a war with Iwagakure?"

Koharu, one of the Konoha F4 behind Hiruzen Sarutobi and the only female, asked her three friends around her curiously.

In recent years, Hiruzen Sarutobi's think tank has been reduced from five members to three.

Of Tobirama Senju's six disciples, three were the most powerful. Besides Hiruzen Sarutobi, another powerful disciple, Kagami Uchiha, left behind a seed three years ago and then went to follow in Tobirama's footsteps. The other powerful disciple, Torifu Akimichi, had used forbidden clan techniques to lose weight too many times over the years, and although he was a core elder of Konoha, he could only stay at home to recuperate.

Those who could fight are either dead or confined to wheelchairs at home. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi shows signs of premature aging. Only the other three outer disciples who couldn't fight are now radiant and firmly seated at the center of Konoha's power. This makes many people sigh that those who charged the furthest and most fiercely in the world have all met their demise, while those who just sit on the sidelines are the most carefree.

"...I think it's very likely. The ninja world has finally had a few years of peace, and we absolutely cannot let war break out again! Hiruzen, that guy is the most unstable factor in the ninja world! The Four-Tails Jinchuriki absolutely cannot remain in that guy's hands. For world peace! Let me go and bring the Four-Tails back to Iwagakure! (▼he▼me)"

As soon as Koharu Utatane finished speaking, Danzo, who was on the other side, couldn't wait any longer. His upright and incorruptible face, which made him take the peace of the ninja world as his own responsibility, surprised his three friends.

What the hell's going on lately? The Sand Village, always so fond of causing trouble, has suddenly become a bunch of gentlemen, learning to be a loving family. Danzo, who's always yelling about leading the village to the moon, has actually started thinking about peace in the ninja world?! (⊙_⊙)?

“…”

Danzo held his best buddy tightly, steadily suppressing his excitement. That teammate was truly a genius; not only had he wreaked havoc on most of Iwagakure this time, but he had also taken down the Four-Tails Jinchuriki! The thought of the Four-Tails Jinchuriki made Danzo's mouth water. Although his Root organization had been trying to recruit people for two years and had achieved some initial success, they were all just peripheral underlings; there wasn't a single truly capable fighter among them.

If he could bring back the Four-Tails Jinchuriki and train him to become his weapon...

The scene was too beautiful! So now he had to find an excuse to go out and have his first friendly meeting with his good teammates, and then find a way to get the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, no matter what the cost. However, he wasn't stupid. Killing him was a pipe dream with his current strength. Anyone with eyes could see how many battles his good teammates had fought against their White Fang in the past few years. What was White Fang's strength now? As the face of Konoha, he was much tougher than his good buddy, this "talking-tough Hokage".

Therefore, the only way to get his hands on the Four-Tails is through a deal. As the person in charge of Root and the second ANBU of Konoha, he definitely has the leverage to make a deal with his teammates. So he's already getting impatient!

"No! I'm glad you're thinking of the ninja world, but it's too dangerous for you to go. I hate to admit it, but Golden Lion is really strong right now. Even Sakumo can only hold him off temporarily. In a protracted battle, Sakumo will also be defeated. So... let Sakumo take Orochimaru and the others to do this!"

Moving!

Hiruzen Sarutobi was deeply moved as he looked at his current best friend, who was so upright and honest!

My best buddy has finally grown up!

However, his best friend had finally grown up, so how could he let him take risks? He had already lost one best friend and one younger brother; he had to protect this last one no matter what. So, although Hiruzen Sarutobi was deeply moved by his best friend's upright and unyielding attitude, he still resolutely shook his head and said no in the end!

However, my good friend is right. Regardless of Shiki's motives for taking the Four-Tails, for the sake of world peace, the Four-Tails absolutely cannot remain in Shiki's hands. That guy's ability to cause trouble is too outstanding; he wreaked havoc on Iwagakure with nothing but his bare hands. Now that he has the Four-Tails, who knows what he'll do? For the sake of world peace, Konoha absolutely cannot stand idly by... ugh! Stand by and watch! ヽ(ー_ー)ノ

"...No! Sarutobi! Sakumo and Orochimaru are the future of the village. For world peace, let me go! Just like our teacher covered our retreat back then!"

Danzo secretly wished he could poke a few holes in his best friend, but the atmosphere had been built up to this point, and not only his best friend but also his two friends were so moved that he had no choice but to continue acting!

"No! Danzo! This situation is different from what we were going to be. You're too weak; you won't have a chance at all. Let Sakumo and Orochimaru go instead!"

Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could even speak, Homura Mitokado was already moved to tears by Danzo's acting, with snot and tears streaming down his face. In order to persuade Danzo, he even said the truth that Danzo was too weak. Although it would hurt his friends' feelings, it was better than letting his friends die for nothing.

The original powerhouse team has disbanded, but this supporting cast must stay together and persevere to the very end!

113. A chance encounter with the father-in-law being assassinated.

"Men Yan, you... Hmph! I have something to do, I'm leaving now!! (▼ヘ▼#)"

Danzo, who was originally planning to continue his acting, was instantly shattered by his friend's honest words. He was greatly discouraged and left with a sour face!

"Sigh... Men Yan, your words were indeed a bit harsh..."

Seeing Danzo slam the door and leave in a great shock, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and said to his friend who had told the truth.

I need to go to Root again tonight to properly comfort Danzo...

"Headed to his death by headquarters after being hit hard, the Golden Lion never hesitates to kill, just like the Unyielding..."

Koharu Utatane fell silent as she spoke. They used to have a fairly good impression of Shiki, though he often caused trouble in Konoha, he didn't pose much of a threat. He even helped their teacher once. However, since this guy came to Konoha a few years ago and delivered a devastating blow with a single punch, they truly understood Shiki. He was definitely not the "bad kid" their teacher described. This guy was both righteous and wicked, with a strange temperament. He might be laughing and joking with you today, but tomorrow he could kill you without batting an eye. Who knew how Shiki would feel when Danzo encountered him? If he was in a bad mood, Danzo wouldn't last two seconds against him.

It would be safer to send Sakumo, who often faces him, instead. There are also three support characters, including Orochimaru, and Tsunade can use summoning beasts to find Shiki's whereabouts.

......

"What?! You're saying we're going with you to capture the Golden Lion of Sunagakure? No way! All you did was cripple Iwagakure, and you need our last three geniuses and our greatest genius, Jiraiya, to go and capture him? That guy's got some serious connections!!"

Inside the Konoha clan's training grounds, Jiraiya looked at Sakumo Hatake, who had come to inform them, with considerable displeasure.

"Hiss... It's not about capturing them. To be precise, we're going to assist Sakumo. Tsunade will find people, and I'll help from the side. You..."

Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya indifferently and explained the reason for their teacher's arrangement. Tsunade's summoning beast and that guy were both slugs. Although there was some story behind it that he didn't know—why would the First Hokage's summoning beast be contracted with someone from Sunagakure?—Tsunade was probably the easiest person in the current ninja world to find out Shiki's whereabouts. And this time, to snatch the Four-Tails Jinchuriki from that guy, Sakumo alone couldn't do it. After all, the two had faced off more than once or twice, so someone needed to cooperate with Sakumo. He and Tsunade had the ability to do that. As for Jiraiya… Orochimaru's disdain for Jiraiya was a good habit he had maintained for many years.

"You damn stinking snake! What do you mean by that?! You want to fight?! (-"-Angry)"

Snake's tone and calm gaze instantly enraged Jiraiya, who jumped in front of Snake, rolled up his sleeves, and challenged him to a fight!

"boom!"

"Shut up, you bastard! Or I'll beat you up...!" (▼へ▼メ)

Upon hearing sensitive words like "Golden Lion" and "Miyareki Masato," Tsunade, who had been preparing her inner cosmos, impatiently punched Jiraiya to the ground, as if activating her strongest zone mode. Her eyes emitted specks of red light, sending chills down the spines of Sakumo Hatake and Orochimaru.

Over the years, whenever the words "Golden Lion" and "Miyareki Masato" appear around her, Tsunade instantly enters her strongest zone mode. Although she doesn't know why, at this time, Tsunade makes Orochimaru's heart pound uncontrollably. In this state, Tsunade gives him the feeling that she is truly capable of killing.

Knowing the truth, Sakumo Hatake sighed helplessly as he looked at Tsunade. "That guy really is a scoundrel," he thought, "he even tried to fool a three-year-old girl..."

...

"Don't be sad, come on! Smile! This was purely an accident. Who knew that idiot Onoki had such good eyesight that he could recognize me from this far away... Achoo!"

"Ah!"