Chapter 145. Investing in the Akatsuki

Chapter 145 - 145. Investing in the Akatsuki"Hanekawa, how's the situation?" Tsunade stopped walking and asked. "There are no pursuers nearby," Hanekawa replied with closed eyes. The Yamanaka clan's sensory techniques depend on the chakra input. This time, Hanekawa used a significant amount of chakra, expanding his detection range to a five-kilometer radius. He suddenly thought of the Kagura Mind's Eye, a technique that could sense every movement within tens of kilometers—a truly terrifying ability. "It seems that Amegakure hasn't discovered our identities," Tsunade nodded slightly and looked at Konan. "But moving forward, the Akatsuki's situation will only grow more difficult." Amegakure had suffered a tremendous loss, with four Jonin killed in a single battle. Unable to pin the blame on Konoha, they would likely shift their anger toward the Akatsuki. "It's fine," Konan said calmly. "Given the current circumstances, it's already almost impossible for the Akatsuki to reconcile with Amegakure." "Amegakure's retaliation will likely come soon. You need to prepare yourselves," Tsunade warned. "Understood," Konan stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Thank you all for your help!" She could fly using her Dance of the Shikigami, but the rest of the Akatsuki could not. Without Tsunade and Sakumo Hatake's assistance, she might have been the only one to escape. "It was nothing," Tsunade waved her hand. "Since you're all safe now, we'll take our leave." "Lady Tsunade, I hope we meet again someday," Konan said before departing with the Akatsuki members. "What a pity," Tsunade suddenly said as she watched them leave. "Pity? About what?" Hanekawa asked, puzzled. "The Akatsuki's ideals are noble, but reality is harsh," Tsunade sighed. "They can't defeat Amegakure and Hanzō." Hanekawa nodded in agreement. Leaving aside Nagato's Rinnegan, Tsunade's prediction was correct: they were no match for Hanzō. Even though Nagato later used the Rinnegan to devastate his enemies, the price was steep—Yahiko's death and Nagato's disability. "Sensei, what's your opinion of Hanzō?" Hanekawa asked thoughtfully. "He's powerful, ambitious, and dangerous," Tsunade said after some thought. The main forces in the Shinobi World Wars were the Five Great Villages, but Amegakure was an exception. It was the only small village to actively challenge the Five Great Villages, thanks to Hanzō the Salamander. His abilities and his salamander made him a terrifying force on the battlefield. Tsunade was worried that Amegakure and Hanzō might rise again in the Third Shinobi World War. "The Akatsuki can't defeat Hanzō, but they can keep Amegakure occupied," Hanekawa said calmly. "Keep them occupied?" Tsunade considered this and said, "Short-term, perhaps, but not for long." "Then why don't we support them?" Hanekawa smiled. "We could sell them supplies and intelligence to help them survive longer." Tsunade turned to him in surprise, realizing that the idea was feasible. Even if it failed, it wouldn't harm Konoha much. "It seems you've started thinking like a Hokage," Tsunade said, praising him. Hanekawa wore a complicated expression. That comment sounded too familiar—it was exactly what Hiruzen Sarutobi had said to Itachi Uchiha in the original story, when Itachi was just seven years old. Hanekawa was twelve now—not as extraordinary as Itachi—but his strategy was inspired by the proxy wars commonly seen in his past life. However, his real goal wasn't to support the Akatsuki but to make Tsunade aware of Danzō's actions in the Land of Rain. Hiruzen Sarutobi had been too lenient with Danzō. In the original story, even after the Akatsuki wiped out a significant portion of Danzō's Root operatives, Danzō faced no punishment. If Tsunade became aware of this, the outcome would be entirely different. Hiruzen couldn't ignore her opinions and would at least impose some form of visible punishment on Danzō. As for the Akatsuki, with Nagato present, they could survive without Konoha's support. The only question was what price they'd have to pay. "What do you think, Sensei?" Hanekawa asked, clearing his throat. "The idea has merit," Tsunade nodded but added, "But would the Akatsuki agree?" "We can have Uncle Jiraiya handle this," Hanekawa suggested after some thought. Although Nagato harbored resentment toward Konoha due to his parents' deaths, Hanekawa believed the Akatsuki would accept the offer for three reasons: First, Yahiko was the current leader. Second, their situation was dire. Third, Jiraiya's relationship with them. "Jiraiya, huh?" Tsunade thought about Konan's earlier attitude and said, "It might be feasible." "Then I'll leave it to you, Sensei," Hanekawa quickly replied upon seeing her agreement. "Are you trying to make me Hokage again?" Tsunade stared at him for two seconds, exposing his hidden intention. If Tsunade were to advocate for this plan, Hiruzen Sarutobi would naturally assume she was showing interest in becoming Hokage. After all, supporting the Akatsuki and interfering in the Land of Rain were matters a Hokage would consider. "That wasn't my intention," Hanekawa coughed lightly and said. "Do you think I don't know you?" Tsunade glared at him. "Once we're back, you're coming with me to see the old man." With that, she stepped into the carriage. Hanekawa scratched his head and followed her. The merchant Mokuto Ei, who was from the Land of Fire, naturally wouldn't stay in the Land of Rain. He traveled back with them. Without the cargo they had initially brought, the return trip was relatively peaceful, with only one attack along the way. Four days passed quickly, and on the morning of the fifth day, the group arrived in Konoha. Mokuto Ei said a brief farewell to the group and left with his caravan, officially marking the end of their A-rank mission. "You all can go rest. Hanekawa and I will report to the Hokage's office," Tsunade instructed Hatake Sakumo and the others. "Understood," Hatake Sakumo agreed without objection, relieved to avoid the task himself. Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, and the others also had no complaints. Sёarᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Konoha really is the best!" When no one else was around, Tsunade reverted to her lazy self and stretched with satisfaction. Hanekawa couldn't help but be stunned—her exaggerated movements accentuated her figure dramatically. "Let's go!" Tsunade said with renewed energy. "Once we're done reporting, we'll hit the casino!" "Sensei, we've been traveling for over a week. Aren't you going to rest at home first?" Hanekawa teased. "It's only been a week. I'm not tired," Tsunade shot him a look. "Don't underestimate me, kid!" "Yes, Sensei," Hanekawa said, then added after a pause, "But I am tired." "Then rest at the casino," Tsunade said with a grin. "It's not like you can do anything there anyway." "That's because you won't let me!" Hanekawa protested, exasperated. His luck-based ability only worked when he was near Tsunade, so he couldn't wander far or participate in much at the casino. "Stop whining," Tsunade huffed and walked off. "Keep up." The two soon arrived at the Hokage's office. Bang! The door swung open forcefully as they entered. "Why are you always so rude the moment you return?" Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe and asked with mild annoyance. "The mission's done. Hand over the reward," Tsunade ignored his comment and extended her hand. "Where's the mission report?" Hiruzen pulled out a bankbook and tossed it to her. "Didn't write one," Tsunade said, glancing at the bankbook with a satisfied smile. Hiruzen's lips twitched. This student of mine is beyond help. "We encountered the Akatsuki," Tsunade said, pocketing the bankbook. "The Akatsuki? The organization that's recently risen in the Land of Rain?" Hiruzen asked, frowning slightly. "What's their situation?" The Land of Rain, due to Hanzō's presence and its proximity to the Land of Fire, had always been a focal point for Konoha. The Akatsuki had been making waves in the Land of Rain over the past two years, so Hiruzen was well aware of them. "Do you remember Jiraiya staying in the Land of Rain for three years?" Tsunade asked, steering the conversation in a different direction. "What does that have to do with Jiraiya?" Hiruzen asked, puzzled. "The Akatsuki was founded by Jiraiya's students," Tsunade explained. "What?" Hiruzen frowned deeply. "Why didn't he ever tell me about this?" "That's not important right now," Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "I want Konoha to support the Akatsuki, so they can hold their ground against Hanzō." "You mean to use the Akatsuki to counter Amegakure and Hanzō?" Hiruzen's eyes brightened. "That could work." Amegakure and Hanzō were significant threats to Konoha. Even if they couldn't eliminate them, making their lives difficult would still benefit Konoha—especially with war looming. If Kumogakure launched an attack, Amegakure would likely exploit the opportunity. "Exactly," Hiruzen said with a smile. "It's rare to see you proactively working to ease Konoha's burdens." "It was Hanekawa's suggestion," Tsunade admitted. Tsunade responded without hesitation, "It has nothing to do with me." "Hanekawa?" Hiruzen Sarutobi instinctively looked at Hanekawa, surprised. "I was inspired by my teacher," Hanekawa replied earnestly. The next second, he felt Tsunade step on his foot. Seriously? Are you a child? Hanekawa maintained a calm expression and smiled at her. "If this plan succeeds, you both will be credited," Hiruzen said, pretending not to notice Tsunade's small gesture. "Are you two going to contact the Akatsuki?" "Send Jiraiya," Tsunade suggested casually. "He's always wandering around doing nothing anyway." "That works," Hiruzen nodded slightly. "Since they are his students, he would be the best person to approach them." "Alright, we're off," Tsunade said eagerly. "Wait," Hiruzen called out, seemingly remembering something. "Did you expose your identities?" "Of course not," Tsunade replied as she pulled Hanekawa towards the door. "Don't forget to submit the mission report," Hiruzen reminded. "Ask Sakumo to do it!" Tsunade's voice echoed in the Hokage's office as she disappeared from sight. Hiruzen shook his head with a smile. He could see that Tsunade had changed. Since Nawaki's death, she had been living carelessly, avoiding missions, let alone strategizing. But now, she was actively plotting against Amegakure and Hanzō. Although Tsunade claimed the idea was Hanekawa's, it was impossible that she had no thoughts of her own. If she were adamantly opposed, she would have rejected Hanekawa outright instead of dragging him to the Hokage's office. --- Konoha Casino Tsunade sat confidently at a gambling table, as though she owned the place. Hanekawa sat beside her, their legs touching slightly. "If you're tired, you can sleep," Tsunade said without looking up, her attention focused on the table. "How could anyone sleep in a place like this?" Hanekawa shook his head. "But you used to sleep just fine," Tsunade said, puzzled. That's because I was sleeping in your lap. Hanekawa coughed lightly. "I'm not sleepy. Don't mind me." Tsunade nodded and dived back into gambling. Hanekawa closed his eyes, meditating on his sensory abilities. Suddenly, he froze. He could clearly sense the trajectory of the dice being rolled. The ninja in this world have such high standards that no one's even trying to cheat. If Tsunade wanted to win, she certainly had the skills to ensure victory. But it seemed she was genuinely enjoying the thrill of gambling—despite constantly losing. --- Kumogakure, Raikage's Office "Good work, Dodai," the Third Raikage said to the man who had just returned from Sunagakure. "It's my duty," Dodai replied seriously. "What's the situation?" the Raikage asked, getting straight to the point. "It's true," Dodai said, his tone firm. "It's actually true?" The Raikage's expression showed genuine surprise. "What's the basis for your conclusion?" Mabui asked calmly. "First, the Third Kazekage hasn't appeared for a long time," Dodai began with a smile. "Second, and more importantly, the internal strife within Sunagakure has reached a boiling point." "The candidates for Kazekage?" Mabui speculated. "Exactly," Dodai nodded. "Currently, Sunagakure is divided into three factions: Rasa, Pakura, and Fugi." Rasa: The most powerful, inheriting the Magnet Release of the Third Kazekage's lineage, and the leading candidate. Pakura: Skilled in Scorch Release and renowned for her contributions to Sunagakure, though her popularity is slightly lower than Rasa's. Fugi: A council elder known in canon for opposing Gaara's leadership and orchestrating assassination attempts. "Who does Chiyo support?" Mabui asked. "Chiyo has withdrawn from politics due to age and the loss of her son and daughter-in-law," Dodai explained. "If we kill Rasa, Pakura, and Fugi, Sunagakure will descend into chaos," the Third Raikage declared. "Lord Raikage!" Mabui interjected. "I think the best course of action is to exacerbate their internal conflict." "And how would we do that?" the Raikage asked, frowning slightly. "It's simple," Mabui replied with a sly smile. "For example, we could disguise ourselves as Pakura's followers and attempt to assassinate Rasa. Whether the attempt succeeds or not, it will plunge Sunagakure into turmoil." __ New entry: This Danzo Is Weird Patreon.com/rashta Be a member so you can read: New. 390 adv ch of This Danzo Is Weird 1. 300 adv ch of Talent System In Naruto 2. 560 adv ch of Qian Renxue's Younger Brother 3. 270 adv ch of Uchiha Madara's Cousin 4. 163 adv ch of WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu (Complete)