Chapter 168 - 168

Words : 1244 Updated : Oct 10th, 2025

At that moment, Kakashi asked, "Tsunade-sama, since diplomatic affairs with Sunagakure have been settled and the village has finally returned to peace, isn't it time to deal with Orochimaru?" Everyone immediately perked up with interest. After all, ever since Tsunade sent Natsuki to investigate the Land of Rice Fields, she'd clearly been preparing to settle accounts with Orochimaru. Now that things in the village were under control, and Natsuki had sent back so much intel, it really seemed like the right time to strike. The only question was—how? And could they, as chūnin, participate? "Well... that still requires a high-level meeting." Tsunade wore a troubled expression. "In truth, our village lacks manpower. Many jōnin are currently tied up with important missions and can't be reassigned. Our defenses are also extremely thin—leaky like a sieve. We must keep enough strength stationed here to defend the village. Also, launching a direct assault on the Land of Rice Fields might provoke international diplomatic tensions. Considering all these factors, we may not be able to act just yet." What!? Then did Natsuki go all the way to investigate just for nothing? Luckily, Tsunade remained optimistic: "Hey now, no need to make those faces. I said for now, didn't I? My guess is, after next year's Chūnin Exams, the situation will be just right. By then, some of your friends should have promoted to chūnin, and a new batch of Academy students will graduate. The village's strength will be much greater—plenty strong enough to consider striking at Orochimaru." Everyone let out a breath of relief. When you thought about it, it made sense. The village had just suffered recent destruction. Stabilizing and rebuilding should be the top priority for now. Just one year—by then, Konoha would be fully recovered. Its strength would be greater, and eliminating Orochimaru would be easier. Natsuki's investigation wouldn't be in vain. Even if Orochimaru wanted to relocate, he couldn't do it that fast. Tenten quickly added, "Tsunade-sama, if that's the case, shouldn't we call Natsuki back? I don't feel at ease with him alone in the Land of Rice Fields." "Mmhmm, it's about time," Tsunade smiled. "Your boyfriend did an excellent job. He practically turned the Land of Rice Fields upside down—found many of Orochimaru's experimental bases and even located his main hideout. He also warned you all about the arrival of the Sound Four and Kimimaro, which allowed you to fight without being caught off guard." Everyone nodded in agreement. Natsuki had done a tremendous job. Not only did he warn them about the enemy's arrival, but he'd also investigated a lot of intelligence that helped them avoid being completely passive. "I'll go inform him now. His eagle is still over at the intel department." Shizune hugged Ton-Ton and turned to leave. "No need for all that trouble, Shizune-senpai." Tenten stopped her quickly. "I'll use Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique) to notify him. He should be able to come back right away." As she spoke, she wrote a message on a paper slip, then focused her chakra to lock onto the Flying Thunder God seal and sent the note through the space-time technique. Everyone looked on in envy—this message transmission was way too convenient. Tsunade couldn't help but start thinking. Maybe in the future, whenever Natsuki went on a mission, she should have Tenten sit in the Hokage's office. That way, she could relay real-time messages instantly. So useful! Sasuke quietly pursed his lips. Honestly, he was kind of jealous of the Flying Thunder God too... but he didn't have the guts to ask Natsuki for it. He owed Natsuki too much already. How could he shamelessly ask for more? But if it were Natsuki in his shoes, he'd probably just laugh it off—"So what if I owe him? First get stronger, pay him back later." Only with a thick face can one become stronger! Meanwhile, Natsuki was lying idly atop a tree, completely bored out of his mind. He'd already finished investigating the Land of Rice Fields and located Orochimaru's hideout. Now it all depended on how Tsunade planned to act. But staying in this country forever wasn't a good option. Just then, a slip of paper suddenly appeared. Natsuki grabbed it at once. Seeing Tenten's message, his face instantly lit up. He immediately locked onto the seal on Tenten and activated Hiraishin no Jutsu. Swish! He vanished on the spot. Except... he had forgotten—he'd been lying down. So when he reappeared in front of Tenten, he arrived sideways. Tenten recognized him instantly, and on reflex, she reached out and caught him in a princess carry. The entire Hokage office went dead silent. Everyone stared at the strange sight in front of them. Even Ton-Ton tilted her head, confused: "Puh-ye?" Natsuki and Tenten locked eyes. For a moment, they both froze. Then Natsuki instinctively tilted his head and leaned on Tenten's shoulder. Pfft! Everyone nearly broke into laughter. Natsuki's girly pose was just too much. Tenten blushed fiercely but also giggled, "Natsuki, what are you doing? Hurry up and get down. Everyone's watching." Natsuki looked a bit embarrassed and quickly got out of her arms. Seeing everyone trying to hold back laughter, he immediately got annoyed: "What are you all laughing at, huh? Every one of you is single with no one to love, and you still have the nerve to laugh at me!" Crack! It felt like hearts were breaking everywhere. That single sentence directly wounded everyone in the room—including Ton-Ton. Looking around carefully—it was true. Except for Natsuki and Tenten, everyone else was single. Even Tsunade, who could be a grandma, and Kakashi, Guy, and Shizune—already in their thirties—were among the victims. "You arrogant brat!" Tsunade laughed in disbelief. "Do you want me to loosen up your joints a little?" Tenten quickly shoved Natsuki's head down in a bow. "Apologies, Tsunade-sama. Everyone, I'm sorry! Natsuki really was just talking nonsense, hehe..." Natsuki also bowed. "Sorry, sorry. I've been stuck in the Land of Rice Fields for a whole month with no one to talk to. I misspoke. Really sorry." Of course, his apology wasn't sincere. After all, what he said was true. He was just giving his girlfriend face—didn't want to embarrass her. Thankfully, no one took it too seriously. People like Neji, Sasuke, and Shino just brushed it off as a joke. Tsunade didn't press further either and changed the subject. "This investigation mission was tough on you. But you handled it well, and your early warning allowed everyone to return safely. I'm upgrading your mission rank from A-Class to S-Class." Natsuki quickly bowed. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama!" "Good. Now go get some rest. You're quite capable, and I've got a lot of important missions lined up for you." "Yes! Thank you for your trust, Tsunade-sama!" Being assigned more critical missions was a sign of trust. And the more high-level missions one completed, the richer the rewards, and the higher one's standing in the village. That was a good thing—Natsuki definitely wasn't going to refuse. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]

Chapter 168 - 168

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