Natsuki wasn't afraid of this big brute.
In Kumogakure, strength was revered. There was no need for politeness—if you were tougher than the Raikage, then you acted tougher.
He smirked arrogantly.
"I told you—if you're weak, then train more. Back then your A-B combo lost to the Fourth Hokage, and today you ran into me. Tell me, are you unlucky or what?"
"You brat! Don't think I'm afraid of you! Just now I was holding back!" Raikage A fumed.
"Then let's keep going! I'll make you lose face right here in front of your shinobi and villagers, strip your Raikage prestige clean away!"
Natsuki rolled his shoulders, looking ready to do just that.
"...Tch! I-I won't stoop to bickering with a kid!"
In truth, A was wary of Natsuki's strength—especially after Darui's earlier explanation. He knew this boy wasn't normal, couldn't be measured by ordinary standards.
Flying Thunder God, Storm Release, instantly copying the Liger Bomb, and even that bizarre Mafūba.
He was a monster!
Maybe even another Namikaze Minato—or worse, something even more outrageous!
But Natsuki pressed him again:
"You lost in arm wrestling just now, and you haven't apologized. Are you planning to be a turtle idiot?"
"You—damn it! Fine, sorry, alright? Seriously, kids these days don't respect their elders. I can't be bothered with you anymore!"
With that, A turned angrily and stomped away.
Kakashi glanced at the awkward Darui.
"Is your Raikage always this hot-headed?"
Darui gave a dry chuckle.
"Well, that's just the way of our village. The Raikage doesn't mean any harm—he just can't stand losing to a kid."
Watching A's broad back disappear, Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle.
"He really does act like a child."
Neji, however, remarked,
"He's strong. Very strong."
Sasuke nodded.
"Yeah. His raw power alone is incredible. But I'm more interested in that Lightning Release Chakra Mode."
To be precise, Sasuke was interested in strength itself. Every ounce of power gained increased his chances of revenge. And now that he had learned to learn, whenever he saw something useful, he couldn't help but covet it.
The Lightning Release Chakra Mode boosted both speed and strength—it was perfect for him. Even if it meant building a body of muscle like the Raikage, he wouldn't hesitate.
And besides, Natsuki could use it too. Yet unlike the Raikage, Natsuki wasn't a musclehead—he was a sharp-minded, handsome genius.
Darui then bowed politely.
"Anyway, thank you all for coming such a long way to support us. Please follow me into the village. The Raikage will host a banquet in your honor. As for matters of cooperation, those may need to be relayed to your Hokage afterward."
He gestured for them to follow, leading the way.
Natsuki had thought they'd be able to leave after the fight, but apparently not. A banquet was fine—but if cooperation talks were involved, that wasn't his thing.
He turned to Kakashi.
"Kakashi-senpai, if it comes down to cooperation, that's for the adults to handle."
Kakashi didn't refuse.
"Alright, leave it to me. Though, some things may require Hokage approval. When the time comes, you'll need to contact Lady Tsunade."
"Well, why don't I just bring Tsunade-sama here directly?" Natsuki suggested.
Kakashi hesitated.
"Hmm, better to ask Lady Tsunade first. True, you could bring her instantly, but negotiations like this take time. And the village still needs its Hokage present."
That was true enough.
But Natsuki figured Tsunade would agree anyway. After all, she disliked office work more than anyone. If she could use this chance to travel, drink, and feast in Kumogakure, she'd be overjoyed. Negotiating with the Raikage would just be an excuse.
And besides, Konoha wasn't short on leadership. Jiraiya could handle things while she was gone.
Soon, under Darui's guidance, the four arrived at Kumogakure.
The village sat among towering mountains, wreathed in mist, with thunder rumbling overhead from time to time. Compared to Konoha, the environment was entirely different—new and exciting to Natsuki, Sasuke, and Neji.
Raikage A truly had ordered a feast. He was already seated at the head table, calling for the guests to sit.
Natsuki's eyes lit up as he saw the dishes.
Kumogakure was generous indeed—serving even premium Wagyu beef, and in large portions. Luxurious, hearty, and stylish. If he were older, they'd probably have served him sake too.
The sincerity of their hospitality was clear, and Natsuki was very satisfied.
A filled a large bowl of sake for himself, raised it, and declared:
"Thank you, Konoha ninja, for traveling so far to support us. I won't waste words—my gratitude is in this drink! Kakashi-jōnin, drink with me. As for you kids—stick to juice. But do try our Kumogakure cuisine. You'll love it!"
He downed his bowl in one gulp.
Kakashi swiftly pulled down his mask and followed suit.
Natsuki rolled his eyes.
Really? Calling him a "kid"? Yet wasn't this same Raikage the one who lost to that "kid"?
He ignored the jab and enjoyed the food.
Not long after, the Raikage, slightly drunk, turned to Natsuki.
"You're Natsuki, right? You're impressive. I like you. How about joining Kumogakure? I guarantee the treatment will be far better than in Konoha. We value talent here."
Kakashi frowned.
"Raikage-dono, that sounds like blatant poaching."
A chuckled.
"No need to make it sound so ugly. I'm just giving talent a better choice. In the end, it's up to the boy himself. Natsuki, what do you say? One word!"
Natsuki raised his drink.
"If you make me Raikage, I'll come. And once I'm Raikage, I'll merge Kumogakure into Konoha. Deal?"
Pffft!
Kakashi and Darui both spat their drinks.
Only Natsuki could come up with such a way of refusing. As if the Raikage would ever agree!
As expected, A's face darkened.
"Get lost!"
Natsuki drained his cup in one gulp and smirked provocatively.
"What's wrong, not happy? Didn't you just say you value talent? Well, here's a talent that can beat the Raikage. Seems perfect for the job, no? But the moment I name my condition, you can't accept it. Tch, tch. Don't make promises you can't keep. If you're not convinced, we can settle it in a duel."
This little brat!
A was torn between laughing and raging. He really couldn't handle this boy.
Konoha was damn lucky to have such a genius. Why didn't Kumogakure ever produce one?
Still, he didn't bring it up again. Instead, he enthusiastically urged everyone to eat and drink, and the atmosphere lightened.
After the banquet, they were given time to rest. Only then were they invited to discuss cooperation matters. But naturally, the responsibility fell to Kakashi—he was the only adult.
(End of Chapter)
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