Chapter 195. Weird Trait

Chapter 195 - 195. Weird TraitThe Fire Daimyo's Palace, Capital of the Land of Fire "Greetings, Daimyo," the group said in unison, bowing respectfully. In theory, the Daimyo governed Konoha Village and held a position higher than the Hokage, so proper formalities were essential. "It's been a while, Tsunade," the Daimyo greeted her with a nod. "Please, take a seat." "Yes," the group replied, seating themselves on either side of the hall. "Serve the food," the Daimyo instructed the maids. Moments later, the tables before them were filled with dishes. "Let's eat and talk," the Daimyo said, casually raising his sake cup. "Tsunade, Konoha Village has performed admirably recently." "We're simply fulfilling our duties," Tsunade replied. In the Ninja World, fighting in wars was all about earning the Daimyo's favor and securing increased funding. Meanwhile, the Daimyo sought victories to gain prestige and talking points. To Hanekawa, the Ninja World's structure seemed distorted. Despite its power-based hierarchy, the ninja world was ruled by ordinary people without any combat capability. "What about Kumogakure? Do you have confidence there?" the Daimyo asked after taking a sip of his sake. "Yes," Tsunade explained. "With the Third Raikage dead, Kumogakure is now being attacked by three villages. Their defeat is only a matter of time." "Excellent!" The Daimyo smiled. "Next time I meet the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning, I'll be sure to ridicule him." In the Ninja World, wars were limited to the five great ninja villages and didn't extend to the five nations themselves, nor did they affect the relationships between the Daimyo. To the Daimyo, the number of ninja casualties didn't matter, as long as they won. "Daimyo," Tsunade interjected, "we came here because Konoha is experiencing a critical shortage of supplies." "No problem," the Daimyo said nonchalantly. "Whatever you're short of, I'll cover it." He was generous to the victors, in stark contrast to the situation in Sunagakure. Years of losses had led the Daimyo of the Land of Wind to cut their funding, forcing Sunagakure to adopt an elite-focused strategy. Their Kazekage even had to become a gold miner. But Hanekawa was well aware of the Daimyo's temperament. After all, it was this Daimyo's son, Taruichi, who later reduced support to Konoha after Naruto Uzumaki became Hokage. "Thank you, Daimyo," Tsunade said with a slight bow. The Land of Fire allocated a fixed annual budget to Konoha, but additional funding wasn't always this easily obtained. This time, their success was due to Konoha's consistent victories over the past two years. "It's nothing," the Daimyo replied with a dismissive wave. He then turned to Hanekawa and asked, "I heard you captured a Tailed Beast alive?" "That wasn't my accomplishment; it was thanks to my student, Hanekawa," Tsunade clarified, momentarily startled. "Ah, I remember now," the Daimyo said, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Hanekawa. "I've met you before—during that mission failure involving Sakumo Hatake, when Tsunade brought you to plead for him." The Daimyo smiled and praised, "The last time someone captured a Tailed Beast was your great-granduncle. I'm sure he would be proud of you. Perhaps you'll restore his legacy someday." Tsunade felt a pang of helplessness. This was one downside of being famous. Even though she had clarified that Hanekawa deserved most of the credit for capturing the Four-Tails, the Daimyo still assumed she had played a significant role. In truth, she had done little more than watch. Moreover, the Daimyo's understanding of ninja power was limited. While Hashirama Senju could capture all nine Tailed Beasts, Tsunade certainly couldn't. "Has Konoha decided on its next Hokage?" the Daimyo suddenly asked, shifting the topic. Tsunade instinctively glanced at Hanekawa. If he hadn't been with her the entire time, she might have suspected this sly kid had mentioned it to the Daimyo in advance. "Not yet," Tsunade replied, shaking her head. "My teacher is still in his prime." "I believe he's over fifty now," the Daimyo said with a smile. "That's quite old." Due to their constant battles, ninja had relatively short lifespans. Reaching fifty was already considered a long life. Hanekawa did some quick math. Hiruzen Sarutobi was around fifty-four or fifty-five years old now. "..." Tsunade suddenly felt a headache coming on. She could guess the Daimyo's intentions. The trigger was likely the incident of her and Hanekawa capturing the Four-Tails. In the Daimyo's eyes, Tsunade's achievements had already surpassed Hiruzen Sarutobi's. The Daimyo didn't care about their actual strength—he only knew that capturing a Tailed Beast was impressive. He probably believed that with Tsunade as Hokage, Konoha would develop even more favorably. This, in turn, would bring him benefits, such as giving him more bragging rights when dealing with other Daimyo. "Daimyo, the war is still ongoing. It's not an appropriate time to discuss such matters," Tsunade said, snapping out of her thoughts. "Indeed," the Daimyo chuckled and said, "Let's discuss this again after the war ends." Hanekawa's heart stirred. Although Tsunade had successfully delayed the topic, the Daimyo's stance was clear: he supported her becoming Hokage. It wasn't surprising. Tsunade was qualified and had a close relationship with the Daimyo's family. Not choosing her would be odd. After several rounds of sake, the luncheon neared its end. "One final toast," the Daimyo stood up, slightly tipsy, and said, "I hope Konoha will achieve even greater victories!" S~eaʀᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thank you, Daimyo!" the group responded, raising their cups. "Regarding the supplies, someone will coordinate with you," the Daimyo said, setting down his cup before leaving, supported by the maids. "Sensei, why do you look so preoccupied?" Hanekawa leaned closer and asked. Tsunade had drunk quite a bit, but unlike when she was at home, she wasn't completely drunk. Her mind was still sharp, though her expression seemed rather displeased. "What do you think?" Tsunade glared at him. "Sensei, are you that reluctant to become Hokage?" Hanekawa thought for a moment and said seriously, "If you really don't want to, you don't have to do it. Just let someone else take the role." His suggestion for Tsunade to become Hokage was purely to fulfill her destiny, but it wasn't something he insisted upon. Given his current strength and status, it didn't matter to him who the Hokage was—it wouldn't affect him much. Tsunade was taken aback and carefully observed Hanekawa's expression, confirming he wasn't lying. Tsunade opened her mouth to speak. If this had been her old self, she would have readily agreed. But now, for some reason, she couldn't say the words. "You brat, do you think becoming Hokage is something you can decide?" Tsunade flicked his forehead hard. Hanekawa was momentarily stunned. This reaction was unexpected, but it gave him hope. "Sensei is right," Hanekawa said with a smile. "Everything will be up to you to decide." "Let's go!" Tsunade stood up, saying, "We'll check the supplies and then head back to the village." She didn't plan to stay the night in the capital; after all, the supplies needed to reach the battlefield as soon as possible. "Understood, Sensei," Hanekawa replied, following her out of the Daimyo's palace. The supplies weren't at the palace but stored in a warehouse in the capital. The Daimyo had acted swiftly, and many wagons were already gathered outside the warehouse, with workers busily loading supplies. "Help out," Tsunade instructed. "Yes, ma'am," Inuzuka Tsume and the others joined in, moving the supplies. As ninja, their physical strength sped up the process significantly. Hanekawa suddenly thought about the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. If ninja applied their abilities to production, the Ninja World would likely improve significantly. At the very least, starvation would no longer be an issue. Unfortunately, such an idea wasn't currently feasible. Two hours later, all the supplies were loaded onto the wagons. At Tsunade's command, the group began escorting the wagons back to Konoha. With such a large haul of supplies, everyone was extra cautious on the way back. Fortunately, the journey was uneventful. Ordinary bandits and thieves wouldn't dare target a group of ninja, and the other villages were too occupied with the war to interfere. "You're dismissed for two days," Tsunade said to Nohara Rin and Kurenai Yuhi upon arriving at Konoha. Although there had been no battles during the mission, the long journey and slow pace of the wagons had taken over a week, leaving little time for rest. "Yes, Lady Tsunade," Rin and Kurenai responded in unison, smiles lighting up their faces. After such a long journey, they were glad to have two days off. "Inuzuka Tsume, handle the supplies properly. I'm heading to see the old man," Tsunade said, turning to Inuzuka Tsume and her team. "Understood!" they replied in unison. "Hanekawa," Tsunade called as she headed toward the Hokage's office. "It seems like Tsunade-sensei always brings Hanekawa along," Kurenai said thoughtfully. "That's because Hanekawa is strong," Rin replied after a moment of consideration. "True," Kurenai nodded before declaring with determination, "No more slacking off. I'm going to become a Jōnin as soon as possible!" "Me too," Rin agreed. "Let's train together!" Kurenai suggested enthusiastically. "Sorry, I can't join you," Rin said apologetically. "As a medical ninja, I need to intern at Konoha Hospital to make faster progress." "No need to apologize for that," Kurenai said with a bright smile. "Let's see which of us becomes a Jōnin first." She was aware that Hanekawa had arranged for Rin to intern at Konoha Hospital, so it didn't come as a surprise. "See you tomorrow," Kurenai said as they parted ways at the intersection. --- Hokage's Office "You've done an excellent job!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile as he reviewed the supply list. The amount of supplies was even greater than he had expected, enough to sustain the village for several months. "Did the Daimyo have any other instructions?" Sarutobi asked, putting the list aside. "No," Tsunade replied with a shake of her head. "He only hopes we'll secure more victories." "That's good." Sarutobi appeared relieved. "It seems the Daimyo is very satisfied with the current situation." While Sarutobi's strength allowed him to disregard the Daimyo in theory, the Daimyo controlled the village's funding, so he couldn't afford to offend him. A ninja village couldn't operate solely on mission fees. "We've received a reply from Chiyo," Sarutobi continued, turning to another matter. "They will be sending more ninjas to the Land of Rivers." "What about Kirigakure?" Tsunade asked with a slight nod. "Nothing significant for now," Sarutobi said with a laugh. "I suspect they're extorting Kumogakure, which is causing delays." "That's possible," Tsunade said after a pause. "Is there anything else?" "No, that's all. Go rest," Sarutobi said warmly. "I'll let you know when there's movement from Kirigakure." Tsunade left the Hokage's office and headed home, where her demeanor completely changed. She flopped onto the sofa. "I'm going to rest for a while. Call me when it's time to eat," she said, stretching and then closing her eyes. Hanekawa couldn't help but notice her relaxed posture. Lying on her side, her clothing was affected by gravity, emphasizing her remarkable figure. It was... a feast for the eyes. After a few seconds, Hanekawa turned and left the house. Since no one was around to bother him, he decided to train in the Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Lightning crackled around his body as he endured the intense currents, gritting his teeth through the pain. Training in ninjutsu and taijutsu often bordered on self-torture. Take Might Guy, for example—his training was pure self-inflicted hardship. Most ninjas couldn't endure such intensity. As Hanekawa's body occasionally numbed from the electricity, he suddenly thought of Konoha's Knowledge Bookstore. It had been a while since he published any new novels or manga. To unlock the B-rank "Bookmaster" Entry, he needed to put in more effort. His last release was Maple and Bell, so this time... an elf-themed story, perhaps! --- By sunset, Hanekawa concluded his Lightning Release training and returned home. Tsunade was still asleep on the sofa, and he didn't disturb her. Instead, he headed to the kitchen. Once dinner was ready and laid out on the table, Hanekawa picked up a piece of tempura shrimp and walked to the sofa. Kneeling beside her, he looked at Tsunade's serene face. After a moment's hesitation, he reached out and poked her cheek. Soft. Tsunade opened her eyes. "Sensei, open your mouth," Hanekawa said, offering the tempura shrimp. Tsunade bit into the shrimp and then sat up. "Dinner's ready. Let's eat," Hanekawa said, handing her a pair of chopsticks. "Alright," Tsunade replied, giving him a glance. Hanekawa acted as if nothing had happened, his demeanor calm and composed. Tsunade thought for a moment but decided not to press the issue. --- The next day, Hanekawa visited Konoha's Knowledge Bookstore and handed over a draft outline to Tsuchibashi, the publisher. The title of his new story was Elf Chronicles, perfectly fitting the pen name "Thunderfire Sword." A week later, during training, Hanekawa suddenly unlocked a new Entry: the B-rank "Novelist" Entry. Without hesitation, he combined it. [B-rank Talent Entry: Doujin Master.] Trigger Condition: Combine the B-rank "Novelist" Entry with the C-rank "Manga Artist" Entry. Effect: Increases memory capacity by 100% and visual acuity by 100%. Note: Combining with the S-rank "Fifth Raikage" Entry unlocks the S-rank "Doujin Raikage" Entry. "Huh?" Hanekawa blurted out after reading the description. What the hell? Doujin Raikage? How did that even become a thing? Was this still the Ninja World? His mind was flooded with all sorts of bizarre scenarios involving this Entry. As for the "Fifth Raikage," it made sense—A had officially become the Fourth Raikage after the Third's death. But becoming a Raikage seemed far-fetched for now. His goal was to become Hokage. Still, once he was powerful enough, he might take up the title briefly just to trigger the Entry. _ Patreon.com/rashta 1. 340 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) 5. 487 adv ch of This Danzo Is Weird