'Are these Konoha's medical supplies?' Not just the Kumo group, even Konoha's own shinobi were a bit stunned by what Tsunade and her students were doing. They were talking about things like "payment for materials," "shinobi tools," "explosive tags"...
It was blatant extortion.
Still, surrender had a price, and the Third Raikage had long prepared for it. He just hadn't expected another Jinchuriki to get captured again.
That was truly annoying.
"We'll return this rap-loving Kumo youngster to you. Minato, undo his seal." Tsunade commanded, her presence filling the space.
She was in charge now, even Raikage had to listen. After all... the Two-Tails was still in their hands.
"Yes." Minato stood right next to Killer Bee.
Killer Bee stayed quiet on the side. He'd be back with the Raikage and Ay soon. Trying to rap or mess around now would just get him killed. But his gaze stayed fixed on Tsunade.
'Truly... beautiful!' He was a little mesmerized.
Takeshi remained silent.
He really wasn't good at haggling. He lacked the thick skin for Tsunade's approach, though he had to admit, it was brutally effective.
What worried him more was whether Tsunade could actually follow through. If they took the compensation but failed, the Third Raikage, with his temper, would likely flatten Konoha's hospital with a single punch.
Of course, before, it wouldn't have been an issue. But Tsunade still had her hemophobia.
A few seconds later, Minato released Killer Bee's seal.
The young man, however, just stood there, looking dazed.
Ay and Raikage narrowed their eyes in unison, mouths twitching. They silently agreed: once back in Kumo, Bee was getting strung up and thrashed. This display was just too embarrassing.
"Meow~ If there's nothing else, Raikage-sama, please come with us," the black cat said, waving a paw. "The rest of you can be on your way. Don't linger in the Land of Fire, you're just making more work for us."
As the one who'd "defeated the Raikage" and soundly beaten the Ay-Bee duo, Takeshi certainly had the authority to say it.
The scene still felt off, especially to Fugaku. He'd come here eager for a fight, but it felt like he'd only played a minor role the whole time.
This wasn't Fugaku's fault.
Even with his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, the Kumo Commander and Fourth Raikage Candidate, Ay, was so fast he could almost rival the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. The Three-Tomoe wasn't much help against that speed even if he could see the movements, his body couldn't react in time.
Not everyone had a cat's terrifying reflexes.
So, Fugaku could only play a supporting role, mostly handling the other Kumo shinobi. But it felt a bit disheartening that a cat seemed to get all the main credit.
"Alright, Ay, you head back first and get troops organized for the Western Front. I've been annoyed with that short guy Onoki for a while, always causing trouble while hiding at home. You take the men there first, and I'll head over once my hand is healed." The Third Raikage waved a hand, signaling Ay and his other subordinates not to worry.
The Raikage's family, even with a crippled arm, were always so generous. The Third Raikage was like this, and the future Fourth Raikage would be the same. After all, Fourth Raikage wouldn't have agreed for alliance with other village unless he suffered a blow personally.
Takeshi admired that about them. 'Must be hereditary,' he mused.
Finally, the remaining Kumo shinobi retreated. Tsunade let out a slow breath, leaning against a broken tree stump to steady herself. She turned. "Takeshi, take him to the main camp."
"Meow~" Takeshi chirped. 'You're the patient and the doctor. You're the boss.'
He wouldn't undermine Tsunade now. It had taken a lot for her to come here at all, with hemophobia. Honestly, Takeshi hadn't expected her. His own plan had been to wait for his chakra to recover, then strong-arm the Third Raikage into talking at their camp. This was a much better outcome, saved him a lot of trouble.
He jumped onto the Raikage's shoulder.
The Third Raikage couldn't help but turn his head to look. After staring for a moment, seeing the black cat had no intention of getting down, he grumbled, "Cat, I'm injured. Shouldn't you have the decency to look out for a patient?"
"Raikage-sama, your injury is to your right hand," Rin said gently, stepping forward. "Takeshi is on your left shoulder, he won't aggravate it. Besides, there are still some untreated areas on your body. Please, allow me to heal them."
Rin, ever diligent, got straight to work now that payment was settled. Kumo's medical skills were at least an era behind Konoha's. Their initial treatment of the Third Raikage had seemed fine, but many deeper injuries remained. Rin could handle those.
Using her Mystical Palm, she treated several spots. The Third Raikage didn't feel much at first, but after each area, his body felt noticeably lighter.
"Konoha is truly formidable," he sighed. "Alright, let's go. To your main camp."
The Third Raikage, for all his bluster, seemed a rather kind man, especially towards young girl Rin. Then again, he didn't know she was Tsunade's disciple and that Takeshi was her summon beast. If he had... well, he probably wouldn't have been quite so agreeable.
Metalwork wasn't cheap in wartime. Only the Land of Lightning, with its mountain resources, was well-off. For a place like the Land of Wind, compensation for ninja tools alone could be ruinous.
"Everyone, disperse," Fugaku ordered. "Just leave a few squads to patrol the area." This sector was his responsibility, after all. Though Minato and Takeshi had been handling it for the past few days, with the war winding down, it was time he resumed command.
It was a sobering thought, but Fugaku was deeply grateful to Takeshi and Minato.
Without them, he'd have lost many Uchiha facing surprise attacks from Kumo and Kiri. Thanks to their help, the combined enemy forces had rarely dared to attack their camp, significantly easing his burden.
An idea formed in Fugaku's mind. After the war, he'd have Obito invite the cat to the Uchiha compound. They needed to strengthen their ties with Takeshi. With his power and connections, perhaps the Uchiha could finally secure their place in Konoha.
Obito and Kura would be crucial for that.
'I'll promote Kura to Uchiha Clan's Elder Position when I get back,' Fugaku decided. Kura and his unit had been stationed at the border for years, practically outside Uchiha influence, he was different, part of an independent faction.
There would be resistance, but for the good of the clan... it had to be done.
Kura was still unconscious in the main camp. The fierce battle days ago had knocked him out for several days. He'd only just regained consciousness today, or so Tsunade had said he would soon.
Takeshi and Rin escorted the Third Raikage back to the camp.
"Where is Yugito?" Upon arrival, Raikage-sama didn't ask about his injury, but about the Two-Tails jinchuriki.
"Meow~ Want to see her first?" Takeshi tilted his head. Yugito hadn't believed Raikage was hurt. Seeing him like this... she'd be 'happy', in her own way. He almost hoped Raikage would agree.
And he did. The Third Raikage nodded. "Take me to her. I can explain things."
"Takeshi, is that alright?" Rin asked, a little hesitant. "Shouldn't we see Tsunade-sama first..."
"It's fine, meow." Takeshi waved a paw and led the Third Raikage towards the Sealing Squad's post. Keeping Yugito locked up indefinitely wasn't a solution. If Raikage could clear the air, it would be better for everyone.
Yugito was under the Sealing Squad's watch. The moment her seal showed any sign of weakening, they'd reinforce it, ensuring the Two-Tails stayed contained. Yugito was strong, but not strong enough to take on an entire squad alone.
"Who's there?" a guard called.
"Meow~ It's me, Takeshi." He padded in, greeting the four squad members.
At the sound of the cat's meow, Yugito shot awake. She scrambled to her feet, eyes fixed warily on Takeshi.
'What's he here for now?' she wondered. 'First, he sealed me, bound me with his tails, then splashed me with blood. What is this Konoha fiend planning today?
All sorts of grim possibilities flashed through her mind, extracting her Tailed Beast, or her chakra. Konoha could do such things. Fear pricked at her.
She'd learned it young: jinchuriki die when their Tailed Beasts are removed.
'Am I going to die?'
"Meow~ Don't be nervous," Takeshi purred. "I'm bringing someone to keep you company."
As Yugito's thoughts raced, the tent flap was pulled aside. A familiar figure stepped in.
But what made Yugito gasp was the sight of the Third Raikage's right arm, completely swathed in bandages, clearly a serious injury.
'Could it be...?' The black cat's words, the memory of Raikage intercepting that Wind Release jutsu... He really had been injured badly.
"Little Yugito," the Third Raikage said, his voice gentle. "How are you? You're not hurt, are you?"
"R-Raikage-sama!" Yugito burst into tears. "Were you captured too? How? How could they capture you? The village... what will happen to the village?" She was overwhelmed, convinced he too was a prisoner.
The Third Raikage's eyebrow twitched. Did he look like someone who could be captured? But he knew Yugito was just worried for him, for Kumo.
"Meow~ That's right, I caught him," Takeshi chimed in from the side. "Told you I'd send him here to see you."
Yugito's distress deepened.
A vein throbbed on the Third Raikage's temple. He shot Takeshi a glare before turning back to Yugito with a reassuring smile. "Our village has made peace with Konoha, Yugito. I'm here to see you, and also to... discuss things with Tsunade."
"Is that... true?" Yugito sniffled, pausing. She quickly pieced it together. Kumo must have made peace because of her. And Raikage was likely here to get Tsunade's help for his hand.
Otherwise, with his temper, he'd never come alone to Konoha's main camp.
The Sealing Squad members looked surprised at the news of peace but remained silent, still watching Raikage and Yugito warily.
"Yes," the Third Raikage confirmed. "But you'll have to stay here in Konoha a little longer. Once the war is truly over, I'll come get you."
He smiled and reached in to pat Yugito's head.
The Sealing Squad tensed, but Takeshi casually blocked their path. It was just a visit.
Even if the Third Raikage tried something, Takeshi could easily reseal Yugito with the jutsu already on her. Raikage-sama himself would be in trouble then.
This was Konoha's main camp, after all.
"Yes, Raikage-sama."
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