Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 340: Return to the Land of Rain

A few days later.

The border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire.

Four figures stopped at the borderline.

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"We've finally arrived."

Yahiko looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings, a mix of emotions surfacing within him. Counting the days, it had been so many years since he last stood here—so many that he could no longer keep track of them, countless days and nights lost to time.

"If it weren't for him, we would have arrived long ago," Konan grumbled, her frustration evident as she pointed an accusing finger at Kakuzu.

"Little girl, I'm hurt," Kakuzu muttered weakly, too drained to argue. It was true—he had slowed the group down considerably. With only one heart left and the strain of years of imprisonment, followed by another brutal beating, Kakuzu was in no condition to keep pace. His battered state left him feeling both humiliated and aggrieved.

"Hmph, you got hurt because you asked for it," Konan retorted sharply, casting him a disapproving glance. Kakuzu's suffering was undeniably self-inflicted.

Early that morning, Yahiko and the others had arrived at the Anbu prison. Armed with Tsunade's warrant, they gained access to Kakuzu without much difficulty. Remarkably, despite years of confinement, the old mercenary was still alive—a testament to his sheer vitality.

When informed they were taking him out, Kakuzu had barely hesitated before agreeing. Years of imprisonment had brought him to the brink of madness. He even had grandiose plans: with three "teenagers" under his command, he would take charge of things as soon as they left.

However, Yahiko and the others merely sneered at his delusions.

Not long after leaving Konohagakure, Kakuzu attempted to assert his dominance. Rising suddenly, he declared, "You three are not even worthy of me!"

Initially, Yahiko and the others tried to reason with him, offering a division of responsibilities—he would handle the money, and they would manage the rest. But Kakuzu wasn't one to back down easily.

"I'll take your hearts for now," he growled, his eyes gleaming with menace as he launched an attack.

The three of them, however, were not in the mood for mercy. Kakuzu quickly realized their moves were strangely familiar, stirring memories from years past. With a mix of old grudges and fresh frustrations, he threw himself into the fight.

But with only one heart remaining, he stood little chance. Nagato, in particular, overwhelmed him with just two moves, leaving Kakuzu utterly defeated.

"This kind of strength..."

Kakuzu, crouched halfway on the ground, struggled to stand upright.

"Now, are you willing to come with us?" Nagato asked, his gaze cold and condescending, the threat of death evident in his tone.

"Heh~ with this kind of strength, you shouldn't be lonely in the Land of Rain."

The reality of the situation left Kakuzu with no choice. Despite his pride, the trembling of his clenched fist betrayed his inner unwillingness. Yet, he knew when to concede.

"Very well. Here is your promised money," Nagato said, handing over the secret funds Kawakaze had entrusted to him. His demeanor was resolute, leaving no room for argument.

Konan, however, couldn't help but twitch in irritation as she watched Kakuzu. The more she looked at him, the less she liked him. Can't you have some backbone? she thought in frustration.

Fortunately, Kakuzu couldn't read her thoughts, or he might have retorted, Do you want me dead instead?

Given everything that had happened, Konan's irritation with Kakuzu was understandable.

"Okay, we're all on the same team now," Yahiko interjected, taking on the role of peacemaker. For once, he didn't side with Konan, knowing how crucial harmony was within their group. Blind force wasn't always the best approach.

"Let's go. We need to find a place to stay first," Nagato said impatiently, eager to return to the Land of Rain.

"I know you're in a hurry, so let's move," Yahiko replied with a smile, understanding his friend's urgency.

"Let's go," Konan added, deciding to let her irritation slide as she followed Yahiko and the others.

Kakuzu, now resigned to his role, silently trailed behind them. His stooped back looked miserable, his pride thoroughly battered.

As they crossed the border, the difference in atmosphere was striking. While the sky in the Land of Fire was still sunny, the Land of Rain was already dark and overcast. Yahiko and the others, prepared for the change, had donned their raincoats in advance.

Before long, the rain began to pour.

"It was raining just as hard the first time I met Sensei," Yahiko remarked, breaking the silence.

"Yes, and I still remember that rabbit stew," Konan replied, her tone nostalgic. Despite having eaten many delicacies over the years, that humble meal remained unforgettable. She licked her lips as she spoke.

"Me too," Yahiko agreed.

"When we left, we didn't even want to throw away the pots and pans," Konan added with a small laugh.

"It's funny when I think about it," Nagato said, a faint smile appearing as he recalled Yahiko carrying a large black pot on his back.

"Haha~" Yahiko chuckled. "I still have that pot."

He grinned proudly, treating the pot like a treasured relic.

Kakuzu, overhearing the exchange, was thoroughly confused. A pot? Could it be made of gold? he wondered.

"And your Sensei is?"

Perhaps it was the loneliness from being imprisoned for so long, but Kakuzu unexpectedly joined the conversation.

"Hatake Kawakaze," Yahiko replied without hesitation. There was no need to hide it—Kakuzu would have found out sooner or later anyway.

"It really is that bastard," Kakuzu muttered, his steps halting as anger flared in his chest.

He had only been suspicious before, but now the confirmation was undeniable. The events from back then suddenly made sense. Would someone who had tried to assassinate him just let him go without a catch? How could he have believed that Hatake Kawakaze was a man of his word?

"Don't you dare speak ill of Sensei," Konan snapped, glaring at Kakuzu with barely contained fury.

"He tricked me, and I can't even scold him?" Kakuzu retorted, his own glare unwavering, as though willing to risk his life in this moment.

"I'll let it go this time, but there better not be a next time, Sensei hasn't killed you, which is already the greatest tolerance."

Nagato's tone was colder. Though he wasn't excusing Kawakaze's methods, he wasn't about to let Kakuzu off easily either. His sharp, strange gaze made Kakuzu shudder, a chill running down his spine.

It's true, Kakuzu thought bitterly. I was the one who provoked him first. His back grew damp with sweat, and for a moment, the shame of his actions weighed heavier than his grievances. If not for his greed, he wouldn't have ended up in such a predicament.

"I admit defeat," Kakuzu said at last. "He, Hatake Kawakaze, is indeed more skilled."

Having lived as long as he had, Kakuzu knew when to let go of his pride. At least he was still alive and free. He reminded himself of this repeatedly to calm his seething frustration. The bitter truth, however, was that he wasn't just incapable of taking revenge on Kawakaze—he couldn't even stand up to his disciples.

"If Sensei hadn't remembered you, you'd still be eating prison food in your cell," Yahiko pointed out bluntly.

"So I should thank him?" Kakuzu replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Even the most patient man had limits, and enduring such remarks without losing his temper was proof of his self-restraint.

"No need. What's in the past is in the past," Yahiko said. "In the future, there will be a place for you in the Land of Rain. I'll make sure of it."

Yahiko wasn't bluffing—his words carried genuine resolve. As long as Kakuzu was willing to contribute, Yahiko would honor his promise.

"I'm not interested in status. Right now, the only thing that attracts me is money," Kakuzu sneered. He had long grown disillusioned with titles and promises of loyalty.

"Suit yourself," Yahiko replied, letting the matter drop. There was still a long road ahead.

With the conversation at an end, the group continued walking in the rain.