Chapter 159: Pakura of Sunagakure 2
Root Base
"This is absolutely infuriating!"
Danzō released all the pent-up anger he had suppressed for days.
He felt like a mere glove to Hiruzen Sarutobi—worn when useful, cast aside when not.
As for the title of Hokage, it was completely out of his reach.
Judging by Sarutobi's clear favoritism, the next Hokage would likely be one of his three students.
"Power! I need power!"
Danzō thought of Yamato's Wood Release and clenched his fists.
If he possessed Wood Release, would he still have to fear Sarutobi?
Given the terrifying and symbolic nature of the Wood Release, he'd only need to rally support to become the new Hokage.
Danzō suddenly had a bold idea.
Once Yamato was strong enough, he could order him to assassinate Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He could then seize power and become the Hokage amidst the chaos.
"Lord Danzō."
A knock sounded at the door.
"Enter."
Danzō composed himself and replied.
"Lord Danzō, this is a secret letter from Hanzō of Amegakure."
The Root ninja pushed the door open and presented a letter with both hands.
"Hmph."
Danzō nodded slightly and tore the letter open.
He read for a moment, and his expression soured.
The contents weren't complicated: Hanzō was accusing him of treachery—cooperating with him while simultaneously aiding the Akatsuki.
In Hanzō's mind, Danzō was part of Konoha's high command.
Aiding the Akatsuki couldn't possibly happen without his knowledge, and it might even have been his instruction.
He must be aiming to incite conflict between them to weaken the Land of Rain.
"The nerve of that man!"
Danzō couldn't help but roar. "Who does he think he is to insult me like that?!"
Since childhood, only Tobirama Senju and Hiruzen Sarutobi had ever dared to address him with such disrespect.
However, Hanzō couldn't truly be blamed.
Danzō genuinely hadn't expected Konoha to run off and assist the Akatsuki.
He only learned of the matter after Konoha annihilated a thousand Cloud forces, and he also discovered that Tsunade was the culprit.
As for Hoshikawa , he simply ignored him.
Tsunade constantly claimed she didn't want to be Hokage, but in Danzō's eyes, this was a pure lie.
Who wouldn't want a position like the Hokage?
Tsunade's suggestion to aid the Akatsuki proved her ambition.
Danzō's attempt to sabotage her reception of Pakura earlier in the Hokage's office was an effort to stop her prestige from growing.
But unfortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi simply wasn't on his side.
"The Akatsuki must be dealt with!"
A chilling glint flashed in Danzō's eyes.
The stronger the Akatsuki became, the greater the benefit to Tsunade.
If the Akatsuki managed to eliminate Hanzō and solve a major problem for Konoha, he didn't dare imagine how high Tsunade's reputation would soar.
With that thought, Danzō took out paper and a brush.
He needed to write back to Hanzō, explain the situation, and discuss how to eliminate the Akatsuki once and for all.
Hoshikawa let out a warm breath.
Though the weather was gradually warming up after entering March, it was still a bit chilly.
Still, it was far better than the Land of Frost.
Hoshikawa glanced around.
In addition to Tsunade, Hiruzen Sarutobi had sent Shikaku Nara to lead a team of eight ninja.
Sarutobi clearly knew Tsunade's temperament. She was fine for dinner and hosting, but for negotiating alliances and conditions, they needed a professional.
A sharp mind like Shikaku Nara was undoubtedly that professional.
He had accompanied Tsunade to the Land of Frost, and now that Kumogakure had retreated, he too had returned to Konoha.
"They're here."
Shikaku Nara spotted a column of ninja in the distance and spoke.
Hoshikawa 's spirit lifted, and he looked over.
The ninja from Sunagakure were numerous—sixteen in total—led by Pakura.
She wore a black, backless robe, her hair was coiled and held by a hairpin, and two strands of bangs framed her face. She looked young and radiant.
"Princess Tsunade."
Pakura stepped forward, a genuine smile on her face. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Her attitude was extremely friendly, as they were the ones asking for help.
Sunagakure had suffered heavy losses but still needed to exact revenge on Kumogakure; otherwise, they couldn't face the families of the fallen, like Fugui.
The best course of action now was to form an alliance with Konoha.
"A long journey, I'm sure."
Tsunade shook her hand.
"Princess Tsunade, allow me to introduce my delegation."
Pakura briefly introduced the Sunagakure mission team.
Four Jonin and twelve Chunin—it was a sincere show of commitment.
Hoshikawa recognized two of them.
One was Baki.
In the original story, he was the teacher of Gaara, Kankurō, and Temari, and a deeply trusted right-hand man to the Kazekage. Notably, he killed Gekkō Hayate while plotting with Kabuto Yakushi.
The other was Yura.
After Gaara became the Fifth Kazekage, Yura joined Baki in the Suna high command.
However, he was a spy controlled by Sasori of the Red Sand, who acted as the traitor when Deidara invaded Sunagakure.
"How is Chiyo?"
Tsunade suddenly recalled something and asked. "I heard she fought the Third Raikage."
"Chiyo-sama is fine. She couldn't leave Sunagakure because she needed to manage the greater situation," Pakura paused, smiling. "She asked me to send her regards."
"Come this way."
Tsunade said, unconcerned. "Konoha has prepared food and drink for you."
Regard me, huh? That old hag probably wished she'd die sooner.
The feud between the two had been sown during that poisoned war of offense and defense.
"Is this Hoshikawa ?"
Pakura looked at Hoshikawa and asked.
"You know him?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"I've heard of your student even in Sunagakure—high talent, great strength, the number one of Konoha's younger generation." Pakura praised him freely.
"Is that so?"
Tsunade's lips curved slightly. "He still has a long way to go."
"…"
Pakura wanted to say more but held back.
Such modesty was truly difficult for her to hear.
Compared to the flourishing talent in Konoha, Sunagakure was experiencing a severe drought of capable youth.
No genius like Hoshikawa had emerged in their younger generation yet.
Hoshikawa didn't interrupt, merely listening to their small talk, though nothing particularly meaningful was discussed.
During the Second Great Shinobi War, Sunagakure and Konoha were enemies, and some resentments wouldn't quickly fade.
If Sunagakure hadn't suffered such severe losses, they wouldn't be seeking an alliance with Konoha.
Instead, they would likely have launched a war against Konoha, just as in the original story.
Hoshikawa looked at Pakura and another thought occurred to him.
With Rasa gravely injured, would her destiny change? Perhaps she could use this opportunity to become the Kazekage.
Still, it had little bearing on him.
The group soon arrived at the designated inn.
Once they sat down for the meal, the topic of conversation shifted.
"Princess Tsunade."
Pakura picked up her chopsticks. "Sunagakure has come here with the hope of forming an alliance with Konoha."
"If it's a simple alliance, we naturally welcome it," Tsunade said with a faint smile.
"I believe Konoha is already aware of Kumogakure's actions."
Pakura took a deep breath. "Kumogakure is a common enemy for both Sunagakure and Konoha. I hope Konoha can assist us."
"That depends on Sunagakure's sincerity."
Tsunade took a piece of chicken and said casually.
"Of course."
Pakura relaxed slightly.
Sunagakure wasn't afraid of Konoha presenting conditions; they were afraid of an outright refusal.
"For the specifics, you can discuss them with Shikaku after we finish eating."
Tsunade glanced at Shikaku Nara.
She couldn't be bothered to haggle with Pakura.
(End of Chapter)
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