Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 407: Tailed Beast Secured

"Let's go to the town ahead and settle down for now."

The Kumo ninja laughed heartily and took the lead.

"Okay, whatever you say."

Nagato and Kakuzu followed him without complaint.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the town. Being close to the pier, it was a bustling and prosperous place. Under the Kumo ninja's arrangements, Nagato and Kakuzu were given rooms in the most luxurious hot spring inn.

The next few days were spent leisurely. The three of them wandered from place to place, but Nagato never once brought up the Tailed Beast.

For Kakuzu and Nagato, it was practically a vacation—calm and relaxing beyond words.

The Kumo ninja, however, was suffering. Not only was he spending a fortune out of his own pocket, but he also had to endure the constant pressure of The Third Raikage's secret letters, demanding updates.

By the fifth day, his wallet was nearly empty.

Though he could get reimbursed later, the sheer expense still pained him deeply.

"Have you two been enjoying yourselves?"

"It's about time we headed to the village."

He forced a smile, but his expression was strained, filled with barely contained frustration.

"It's been fun, but it must have cost you quite a bit."

"Why don't we leave after lunch?"

Nagato spoke politely but agreed readily. If they stayed any longer, he would grow bored. It wasn't like he was traveling with Nonō—wandering around with three men was pointless.

"Hm."

Kakuzu maintained his usual aloof demeanor, responding with a simple nasal sound.

"Fine, it's almost lunchtime anyway."

The Kumo ninja's voice couldn't hide his relief. Finally, his ordeal was coming to an end.

At first, he had thought this would be an easy mission—fetching a couple of people and earning favor with the Raikage.

He had even imagined himself being rewarded.

Instead, he had become an unpaid guide, footing the bill for everything while enduring The Third Raikage's fury.

What kind of miserable life was this?!

"That place looks nice. Let's eat there."

Nagato's keen eyes locked onto a restaurant with an elegant exterior.

"Okay."

The Kumo ninja squeezed the word out through gritted teeth, his fleeting excitement vanishing in an instant.

Nagato and Kakuzu weren't familiar with the Land of Lightning, but he was.

That restaurant was renowned for its food—delicious but outrageously expensive.

Refusing wasn't an option, so he could only comfort himself with the thought of reimbursement.

As they feasted, the last of his money disappeared.

In the end, he even had to shamefully write an IOU.

If not for his clan's reputation in the Land of Lightning, he might have been forced to stay behind and wash dishes.

Two days later, they finally arrived at Kumogakure.

The moment they stepped into the village, the Kumo ninja wasted no time handing Nagato and Kakuzu over to the welcoming party.

Then, without a second glance, he bolted toward the finance office.

He wouldn't have peace of mind until he got reimbursed.

"Welcome, both of you."

The Third Raikage personally led a small group of high-ranking officials to greet them. Though the gathering was discreet, it was a clear display of the importance he placed on Akatsukigakure.

"Lord Raikage, you are too kind."

Nagato gave a slight bow, his demeanor composed—neither overly humble nor arrogant.

Kakuzu remained silent, standing beside Nagato with an expressionless face.

"Since you've arrived in Kumogakure, stay a few days."

"As your host, I will make sure you're well taken care of."

The Third Raikage appeared generous, but he showed no inclination to discuss business.

"That sounds great. I haven't had enough fun yet."

"The Land of Lightning's scenery is truly one of a kind."

Nagato's delighted expression seemed completely genuine.

The Third Raikage couldn't help but feel a tinge of doubt.

Was this kid here to capture the Tailed Beast or to go sightseeing?

...

In the blink of an eye, three more days passed, and it seemed as if both Nagato and Kakuzu had completely forgotten why they had come.

Under the Third Raikage's arrangements, they ate and drank as they pleased, visiting nearly every accessible location in Kumogakure. They had even been to the Raikage's office more than once.

That day, heavy rain poured over the village, keeping Nagato and Kakuzu inside their inn to rest.

Bored, Kakuzu wandered over to Nagato's room.

The moment he stepped inside and saw Nagato sipping tea—the high-quality tea personally gifted by the Third Raikage—he spoke.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself."

"Come and try some. It's good."

Nagato glanced out the window as he spoke, subtly hinting at something.

These past few days, he hadn't contacted Kawakaze, nor had Nonō used slugs to communicate.

Better safe than sorry.

"I'd like to try some, then."

Kakuzu swallowed his initial thoughts and sat down beside Nagato, waiting patiently.

"You need to be calm when drinking tea. You're too impatient."

Nagato's words carried a double meaning as he watched Kakuzu flinch from the heat.

"Yes, yes, you are the most patient person."

Kakuzu shot him an exasperated glare.

"It's a shame the weather is bad today; otherwise, I would have visited the Ninja Academy."

"Akatsukigakure still has a lot to learn. There's so much more to improve."

Nagato took a slow sip of his tea, speaking absentmindedly.

"It's just an Academy. Let Yahiko sign the papers, and I'll allocate the funds."

Kakuzu blew on his tea before downing it all in one go.

If it was for building the Academy, he was more than willing to pay.

After years in Akatsukigakure, he had gradually developed a sense of belonging.

Having wandered for most of his life, nothing compared to the feeling of having a place to call home.

And as one of Akatsukigakure's founding members, it was only natural for him to invest in its future.

"That's good."

"Once I return, I'll have Yahiko sign it after reviewing the contract."

"I'll be the first principal, and I'll do my best."

Nagato laughed heartily as he spoke, as if the matter was truly dear to him.

Their laughter drifted through the window, dissolving into the rain.

But not everyone shared their carefree mood.

"Lord Raikage, do you still want to continue observing?"

In the Raikage's office, the Anbu Commander slightly bowed as he posed the question. freёnovelkiss.com

Nagato and Kakuzu had been under constant surveillance since their arrival in the village, monitored by Anbu around the clock.

"Observe what? Listen to them laugh all day?"

One of the council members was growing impatient. He saw no point in waiting any longer.

Since everything had already been decided, they should just hand over the Tailed Beast and move forward.

Time waited for no one, and his blade was eager for battle.

The sooner they secured their ally, the sooner they could take action.

"Reckless fool," someone scoffed.

Everyone present was part of Kumogakure's senior leadership, and not all of them agreed with rushing the process.

"Reckless fool, reckless fool," the first man grumbled. "Have we not been wasting our time these past few days?"

Just as the office was on the verge of turning into a chaotic debate, the Third Raikage spoke, cutting through the noise.

"Quiet."

"Bring the two of them to the Akatsukigakure meeting room."

"Take the Amber Purification Jar with you."

His voice was firm and commanding, instantly silencing the room.

"Yes."

A Shadow Guard immediately left to carry out the order.

"Lord Raikage, are you really giving them the Amber Purification Jar?"

One of the officials voiced his discontent.

Losing a Tailed Beast was already a significant loss—now they were giving away another treasure?

"What are you thinking? The Land of Whirlpools has a decent sealing jar of their own."

"Whether or not Akatsukigakure runs into trouble after taking it back is none of our concern."

Dodai, ever the Raikage's right hand, had already anticipated his leader's thoughts.

For Kumogakure, the Amber Purification Jar held little value.

With it, the Sealing Jar was practically useless.

It wouldn't reinforce the Tailed Beast's seal, only keep it imprisoned for a few years at most.

By the time the war ended, even if the Tailed Beast broke free and wreaked havoc in Akatsukigakure, it wouldn't affect the bigger picture.