"Zenkichi-kun, you're finally back!"
"I thought you were in danger in Konoha!"
Terumi i appeared in front of Zenkichi using the Body Flicker Technique, her tone excited.
"Why are you here?"
Zenkichi was a bit surprised—he hadn't even entered the base yet.
"Ever since we returned, this girl i has been worried about you."
"She's been waiting here the whole ti, and now she finally sees you co back."
Elder Genji replied with a smile, explaining their presence outside the base.
"Yeah?"
"Worried about my safety? You have so little faith in my strength."
"I thought you'd be more worried about Konoha's safety."
Zenkichi said lazily, pointing at Tsunade beside him.
"Princess Tsunade of Konoha… why is she with you?"
"Seeing how well you two seed to be getting along, I thought Konoha had sent her to escort you!"
"But that doesn't seem to be the case," said Elder Genji with surprise, glancing at Tsunade.
"Konoha sending soone to escort ? You're overthinking it."
Zenkichi glanced at Elder Genji and replied nonchalantly.
"What's going on, then?"
Seeing Tsunade's cold expression, Elder Genji continued questioning Zenkichi.
"After I left, Konoha attacked ."
"Even though they prepared five plans to counter , they still failed."
"I gave them a proper lesson and brought Tsunade back as a hostage."
Zenkichi spoke casually, like it was no big deal.
Elder Genji was stunned for a mont, and asked in disbelief, "You an… Konoha attacked you and you defeated them?"
"Even Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin, was captured by you?"
Zenkichi nodded calmly. "Of course."
Elder Genji looked at Tsunade and could tell from her expression that Zenkichi wasn't lying.
"…Give a mont."
"The world's changing too fast—I can't keep up."
Elder Genji exhaled deeply and gave a wry smile.
---
Later, in Elder Genji's office at the Kirigakure base.
Zenkichi sipped his tea calmly as he recounted everything that had happened in Konoha. He didn't hide anything—there was no point. And because of that, both Elder Genji and Terumi i were utterly shocked.
"Incredible…"
"If everything you've said is true, I'll report to the Third Mizukage imdiately."
"We can't just sit on our hands. We should mobilize and launch an attack on the Land of Fire."
Elder Genji's expression was serious as he spoke.
"Huh?"
Tsunade's expression changed slightly, her eyes narrowing in alertness at Elder Genji.
"Princess Tsunade, you'll stay here for now."
"When we begin peace negotiations with Konoha, they'll likely offer sothing in exchange for your return," Elder Genji said coldly.
"Are you making that decision on your own?"
Zenkichi shot Elder Genji a lazy glance.
"Attacking Konoha now?"
"You think you can beat Konoha just because I beat them once? Even if we attack with Kirigakure's forces, at best we'll gain so land."
"And if we can't hold it?"
"At worst, we trigger a war we're not prepared to win."
Elder Genji leaned forward, eyes burning with urgency. "Are you serious?"
Zenkichi's expression hardened. "I'm not joking. I won't attack Konoha."
Elder Genji cald slightly. "Why not?"
Zenkichi smirked. "Because Kirigakure doesn't have the strength to take Konoha."
"Even if we manage to conquer the Land of Fire, we can't hold it securely."
It's easy to seize land with strength, but that's not the point. Conquest isn't the goal—control is.
Konoha had been around for just a few decades, but it was thriving and had the support of its people.
Even if Kirigakure conquered its territory, it wouldn't be able to effectively govern or utilize it.
Suppressing internal rebellion is harder than waging war.
Even if occupation by force were possible, it would require absolute superiority—overwhelming power.
Unfortunately, Zenkichi's thod of defeating Konoha wasn't by brute strength—it was strategic.
Had he possessed overwhelming power that crushed resistance and silenced rebellion, maybe he could've ruled by force.
But he didn't.
So instead, he chose to manipulate Konoha's internal policies and sow discontent among the people.
Once their faith in Konoha was broken, and once he had enough power to suppress resistance, only then could he truly rule.
Elder Genji frowned. "These kinds of things are for Lord Mizukage to decide. All we need to do is seize the land."
Zenkichi shook his head. "Sorry. I refuse."
Elder Genji looked frustrated but said nothing further.
Zenkichi's strength gave him the leverage to say no.
"…Fine."
"If that's your decision, so be it."
"You'll return to Kirigakure in a few days. The Mizukage wants to see you."
"Oh, and what about Tsunade?"
Elder Genji turned to Tsunade. "Shall we detain her?"
Zenkichi waved a hand lazily. "No need. She's too strong—you couldn't hold her."
"She'll stay with . I'll watch her personally."
Tsunade's expression darkened. "What did you just say?"
"I said you'll live with . Problem?"
"I happen to be short on help. You could play the role of a maid."
"Having a princess work as a maid… sounds amusing."
Tsunade snapped, "You're dreaming!"
Zenkichi shrugged indifferently, then added with a sly grin, "Actually, Kirigakure's dical systems are lacking."
"You, being one of the most renowned dics in Konoha, could really help us improve."
Tsunade scoffed. "As if I'd share sothing as valuable as dical ninjutsu with enemies."
Zenkichi smiled. "Enemies? You're mistaken."
"Lady Tsunade, Kirigakure is now Konoha's ally!"
"To ensure our alliance holds strong, Konoha even sent you as a gesture of goodwill."
"You must carry your responsibilities and help solidify our alliance by spreading dical ninjutsu—through action."
---
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