Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 402: Outrageous Demand

"Lord Akatsukikage, the sincerity of our Kumogakure is evident to all."

"Can you give us a definite answer today?"

In the secret meeting room of Akatsukigakure, a young, dark-skinned man fixed his gaze on Yahiko, who sat in the chair of honor. His yellowish hair was neatly slicked back, and he wore heavy armor, making it clear he was not someone to be taken lightly.

"This matter is of great importance, and we still need more time," Yahiko replied reflexively, his smile unwavering.

"Baka yarou, kono yaro! You've said that line eight hundred times already."

"Oh yeah, I've heard it so much my ears are getting calluses."

As soon as Yahiko finished speaking, a boy standing beside the burly man, no older than ten, chimed in. He wore small sunglasses and carried two long knives on his back, his speech carrying a rhythmic cadence.

"Speak formally, asshole."

Before the boy could finish, the young, strong man pinched his head, though his angry gaze remained locked on Yahiko. He was clearly frustrated but held back from speaking out, letting the boy voice his irritation instead.

"Pfft~"

Konan couldn't help but laugh at the comical scene, then turned to Yahiko, her expression full of mockery.

This idiot... He doesn't even know how to change his excuses.

"Ahem, it's fine." Yahiko cleared his throat. "Since all our superiors are present, please allow us more time to deliberate."

"Why don't you go rest for now?"

Yahiko had no interest in arguing with a child. His meaning was clear—he intended to keep stalling.

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Akatsukikage, but we're not tired," A interjected, firmly planting himself in his seat. "This concerns both you and me, so I believe we should discuss it together."

He had no intention of leaving. Without a solid answer today, he'd have a hard time explaining himself to his father. This was truly a mission from hell.

"I don't think this is appropriate," Yahiko admitted, not expecting A to be so persistent this time.

"What's inappropriate about it? Just name your demands."

"I'll agree to whatever I can."

"Isn't that more efficient than you negotiating alone?"

There was no doubt about the Third Raikage A's sincerity—he had even given his son an unusual level of freedom in this matter. Since establishing contact with Akatsukigakure, both sides had already collaborated multiple times.

Beyond anything else, commercial exchanges had provided the Land of Rain with a much-needed additional source of income. More crucially, there was the free sharing of certain ninjutsu. While these weren't top-secret techniques, they were still difficult to acquire.

After all, a village's collection of ninjutsu formed the foundation of its strength. And so far, this arrangement had benefited the Land of Rain and Akatsukigakure even more than Kumo.

"What if you don't have the final say?"

Before Yahiko could respond, Kakuzu's voice rang out, his green pupils glowing menacingly.

"You haven't mentioned it, so how do you know I can't make the decision?"

A smiled, responding calmly. He was no longer a reckless boy—he had become quite skilled at shifting responsibility.

Interesting.

Kakuzu rubbed his chin, already calculating what he could extort.

"You're not entirely wrong, so let's discuss it together."

Yahiko and Nagato exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.

"Thank you, Lord Akatsukikage," A said, maintaining a composed exterior, though inwardly he was relieved. If this group truly wanted to expel them, there was nothing he could do. At the very least, he had no confidence in his current strength. He was still far from the powerhouse the Fourth Raikage would become in the original timeline.

"I've always had a question about forming an alliance in wartime."

"Right now, the ninja world is at peace."

Nonō frowned as she spoke, pretending to ask an uninformed question. In truth, she understood exactly what it meant—she simply wanted to probe for more information. Kumo had always been evasive about this issue, never providing a direct answer. Today was a rare opportunity.

"Peace is only temporary. When has there ever been real peace in the ninja world?"

"My father is very interested in the vast lands of the interior."

With those two sentences, A made it clear—Kumo was preparing for war.

"And what do we get in return?"

Yahiko responded immediately, true to his nature. If they were to ally with Kumo, Akatsukigakure needed to know—what was in it for them?

"Don't you think the Land of Rain is too small?"

"How can such a small country match your strength?"

A spread his hands, drawing a flattering comparison between the nation and the people before him. Yahiko and the others could feel their ambitions stirring.

What man doesn't dream of hegemony?

"What else?"

Yahiko leaned forward on one elbow, his eyes gleaming with greed.

"Status, wealth, land, population."

"Whatever you want, you can have it all."

I'm not afraid of your greed—I'm afraid you won't be greedy enough.

The corners of A's mouth curled up sharply. He felt the deal was already as good as sealed.

"Kid, this isn't enough."

Kakuzu stuck his tongue out slightly, and Yahiko sat up straight, flashing a knowing smile.

A deal like this was best handled by the chief financial officer—everyone had their own specialty.

"So, what do you want?"

A's smile faded. He knew exactly what kind of person Kakuzu was and was prepared to make sacrifices.

"I want..."

"A Tailed Beast."

Kakuzu held up one finger, his sharp gaze locking onto A.

"Impossible."

Killer Bee suddenly stood up, his face full of shock.

"Don't worry, we didn't say we wanted yours."

Nagato spoke slowly, lifting his head slightly. His Rinnegan, partially obscured by his bangs, gleamed ominously.

Killer Bee hadn't been revealed as a Jinchūriki yet, but there was no hiding from those eyes.

"You want the Two-Tails?"

Even though A had mentally prepared himself, he was still taken aback, his face stiffening.

This was a decision he couldn't make alone. In fact, even the Third Raikage wouldn't be able to decide this on his own. A Tailed Beast was a weapon of war—far too valuable to be given away lightly.

"Let's talk about spoils of war after the battle. I want something now."

"Besides, Akatsukigakure has no Tailed Beasts of its own."

"If we wait until after the war, we won't be able to compete with other Jinchūriki."

Kakuzu had never been one for empty promises.

"I can't make this decision."

After his initial shock, A quickly regained his composure and admitted his limitations.

"I know. You can go back and ask Lord Third Raikage for guidance."

Kakuzu spoke as if he didn't care, but if A had actually agreed on the spot, he would've been both surprised and amused.

"If I give you the Two-Tails, will you agree?"

A didn't lose his cool, despite the absurdity of the demand. After speaking, he turned his gaze back to Yahiko, awaiting his response.

"Yes. As long as you give us a Tailed Beast, we will fully commit."

Yahiko answered without hesitation.

Normal people needed a Jinchūriki to wield a Tailed Beast's power, but they didn't.

He had never expected Kakuzu to push Kumo for a Tailed Beast, but at this point, he wasn't concerned about delaying the plan as Kawakaze had instructed. This wasn't something that would be decided quickly anyway.

He could always discuss it with Kawakaze later.

Sensei wouldn't blame us. After all, this is a Tailed Beast we're talking about.

"Good. I'm relieved to hear that."

"I'll report everything truthfully to my father."

Fourth A's expression remained neutral. This was both good and bad news.

The breakthrough in forming a wartime alliance was a victory. But the demand for a Tailed Beast? That was a nightmare.

Although the previous Two-Tails Jinchūriki had died and a successor had yet to be chosen, that didn't mean Kumo was willing to part with it.

This decision wouldn't be easy.

"Then I'll wait for your good news."

Yahiko saw Fourth A stand up, knowing the conversation had reached its conclusion.

"We'll take our leave. The sooner we return, the sooner we can give you an answer."

"Bye, then."

Fourth A gave a slight bow and led Killer Bee out the door without looking back.

The two of them walked faster and faster.