"You heard me right."
Tsunade knew exactly what kind of person Jiraiya was.
Arms crossed, she gave him a stern and serious warning:
"This was a decision made through negotiations between the Five Great Shinobi Villages. Each village is sending three powerful shinobi, and among them, one person must be chosen to lead the squad."
"Everyone wanted Takuya to take the role, but he has other important missions to handle. That's why he recommended you."
"He went through a lot of effort to convince the other villages."
"This opportunity didn't come easy. I hope you won't let everyone down."
Opportunity my ass!
Jiraiya had zero interest in leading this squad—he wanted to go out and enjoy himself!
Damn you, Yagami Takuya! You refused to step into this pit, so you just shoved me into the fire instead?
Jiraiya clutched his chest in exaggerated agony.
"...Can I refuse?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"The other villages' shinobi are already heading toward Konoha. As soon as the squad is assembled, your first mission will begin. You think you can just back out now?"
"Besides you, who else can keep Kitsuchi and A under control?"
"Do you want this squad to descend into chaos?"
"I..."
Jiraiya cursed inwardly. There was no way out of this, was there?
Why did trouble always seem to find him?
"...Fine, I get it."
After multiple failed attempts to weasel his way out, Jiraiya slumped back in his chair, staring lifelessly at the ceiling of the Hokage's office.
Tsunade smirked.
She knew this was exactly how it would play out.
This idiot was still trying to run off and do whatever he wanted. Takuya's plan had been spot on.
She shot a sidelong glance at Jiraiya, who looked like the world had ended for him, then promptly ignored him and returned to her work.
Tsunade had no objections to forming the special operations squad—in fact, she fully supported it.
If the five villages weren't going to mobilize their full forces against Madara Uchiha, then at least a specialized squad could investigate and gather intelligence.
At the very least, it was a step forward.
Doing something was always better than doing nothing.
Tracking Madara's movements and collecting intel would put some pressure on him, even if only a little.
"If you've got nothing else to say, go get ready. Don't embarrass Konoha. Kitsuchi and A aren't exactly patient people—if you can't keep them in line, you're screwed."
Glancing at the still-distraught Jiraiya, Tsunade's forehead twitched in irritation.
He was doing it again.
There's killing intent…!
Sensing danger, Jiraiya shot up from his chair, hastily scratching his head with an awkward laugh.
"Ahaha, Tsunade, I'll head back now and prepare! I mean, as a senior, I can't afford to make a fool of myself in front of the younger generation, right?"
Noticing the warning in her gaze, Jiraiya immediately added,
"Don't worry! Everything will be fine. I'll lead this squad properly, track down Madara Uchiha's trail, and gather as much useful intel as possible."
He was genuinely afraid Tsunade might hit him.
A punch from her could be fatal.
"Hmph! As long as you know what's good for you. Now get lost and stop whining—I wouldn't trust anyone else with this mission."
Tsunade huffed.
Yeah right, this isn't about trust. You just wanted to dump this mess on me!
Jiraiya kept those thoughts to himself, forcing a weak smile as he quickly slipped out of the Hokage's office.
But the moment he stepped outside, his expression shifted.
His usual carefree demeanor faded, replaced by a serious look. Raising his right hand, he rubbed his chin, tugging at the stubble that had started to grow there.
"...This could get complicated. Hopefully, nothing goes wrong."
Investigating Madara Uchiha was no small matter.
Going up against someone like that wasn't something to be taken lightly.
That said, Jiraiya would carry out his mission properly.
As for Kitsuchi and A?
Jiraiya wasn't worried about them. Like Tsunade had said, if he couldn't handle them, he might as well retire and find a rock to smash his head against.
No matter how headstrong they were, they wouldn't dare challenge him.
At the very least, they would have to show some respect.
And unlike other potential captains, Jiraiya had the seniority and skill to command them properly.
If someone else were in charge, there was no guarantee Kitsuchi and A would follow orders.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Takuya, Kushina, and Pakura had spent their time enjoying themselves in Iwagakure.
Kushina was practically a wild horse off its reins—she was impossible to stop.
Ōnoki hadn't assigned anyone to spy on them. As long as they didn't enter restricted areas, they were free to roam the village.
"Where should we go today?"
Munching on a local Iwagakure snack, Kushina was already thinking about what new things to explore.
But Takuya only chuckled and shook his head.
"We don't have time for that anymore. It's time to head to Kumogakure."
"Huh?"
Kushina froze, looking devastated.
"So soon? Takuya, didn't you say we'd only go after the Third Raikage personally invited us? We still have time to enjoy ourselves before that happens!"
"..."
Takuya sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"It's too late for that."
"He's already here."
"..."
Pakura stifled a laugh while Kushina's face instantly stiffened.
Wait... does that mean he heard what I just said?!
A wave of embarrassment hit her like a tidal wave.
The Third Raikage, who had already arrived at their residence, made no effort to conceal his presence.
With a powerful leap, he landed on the balcony, his expression warm and welcoming.
"There are plenty of fun places to visit in Kumogakure. You're all more than welcome. If you don't mind, feel free to explore and enjoy yourselves to the fullest."
I want to disappear!
Kushina's face turned bright red as she immediately dove into Takuya's arms to hide.
Patting her back reassuringly, Takuya glanced at the Third Raikage and remarked, "I thought you'd take a bit longer to get here."
"The safety of the village comes first," the Third Raikage replied with a smile. "A has a bit of a temper. Allow me to apologize on his behalf."
"..."
Still too embarrassed to show her face, Kushina buried herself deeper into Takuya's chest and muttered,
"...Fine, I forgive him."
The Third Raikage had once been just as hot-headed as A.
Over the years, he had mellowed out, but his younger days were definitely reflected in A's personality.
Seeing that Kushina was willing to let it slide, the Raikage's smile widened.
"As a gesture of goodwill, I've already sent the special operations squad ahead to Konoha. Would the three of you be willing to visit Kumogakure for a few days?"
He had given them plenty of face, extended his apologies, and even personally came to invite them.
At this point, declining would feel rude.
After gathering their belongings and bidding farewell to Ōnoki, the three of them set off with the Third Raikage toward Kumogakure.
"Finally, they're gone."
Watching Takuya and his group leave, Ōnoki let out a deep sigh of relief.
He had been worried that Takuya would use his time in Iwagakure to gather intelligence.
Fortunately, that hadn't been the case—Takuya had genuinely spent his time sightseeing with Kushina and Pakura, without any signs of espionage.
Still, no matter how peaceful their visit had been, outsiders were always outsiders.
Having them around had brought its share of inconveniences.
"Now things can finally begin."
As Ōnoki relaxed, another hidden figure did the same—Black Zetsu.
He had been too afraid to make a move while Takuya was in Iwagakure.
But now that Takuya was gone, Ōnoki would undoubtedly resume his research into the Rinnegan.
And that was exactly the opportunity Black Zetsu had been waiting for.
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01.
DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING