Kikyō Pass was neither too far nor too near from Konohagakure.
The distance was just enough for Kiyoshi to see the Seven-Tails, which originally belonged to Takigakure, appear above Konoha's skies—only to be struck down by Konoha's shinobi.
Her reason for meeting with the Konoha ninja was simple: to thank them for helping reclaim the tailed beast that rightfully belonged to Takigakure.
"Since the Seven-Tails is your village's tailed beast, then regarding the damages caused during this attack—"
Nara Shikaku casually pulled over a damage report, which broadly listed the prices of the precious instruments inside Konoha's Research Bureau.
"You seem to have misunderstood, Shikaku-san."
Kiyoshi straightened her expression.
"The Seven-Tails does indeed belong to our Takigakure, but it was stolen by unknown enemies over a year ago. Our village leader even gave his life because of it. So..."
Nara Shikaku withdrew his gaze from the report and looked at her.
"So, these damages shouldn't be borne by Takigakure."
As Kiyoshi's words fell, the atmosphere inside the room grew heavy and quiet.
Nara Shikaku tucked away the report with a half-smile, already understanding her intentions.
"In that case, the Seven-Tails will be held temporarily by us, Konoha—"
"Shikaku-san, the allocation of the tailed beasts was established by the First Hokage, Hashirama-sama. That man devoted himself to peace. For the sake of the shinobi world, he carefully divided the ownership of the tailed beasts. Does your village intend to personally break the system set by the First Hokage?"
Sincerity filled Kiyoshi's eyes, making it difficult for Shikaku to tell if her words were heartfelt or feigned.
"I believe that the current Fifth Hokage also has no desire to break that balance, right?"
Kiyoshi was certain that as a great village, Konoha would not haggle over such a "minor" matter with them.
She had already written to her village leader the moment she arrived. Upon receiving her letter, he had set out immediately and should arrive here soon.
Shikaku frowned slightly, his displeasure clear at the female Takigakure ninja's attitude.
But he couldn't outright refute her, not when she repeatedly invoked the name of the First Hokage.
Besides, he didn't know what stance Takeshi would take on the matter.
"I will report this truthfully to Hokage-sama. For now, please return to your outpost at Kikyō Pass and await our message."
Shikaku decided to stall for time. At the very least, he couldn't let this person continue obstructing his work.
"Please wait. I would like to personally guard our village's tailed beast, as an expression of apology for this incident."
Kiyoshi extended her hand in refusal of Shikaku's request, instead proposing that she herself watch over the tailed beast.
She also worried that during the waiting period, Konoha might seize the chance to seal the beast into a jinchūriki. If that happened, Takigakure would be forced to swallow the loss in silence.
Shikaku hadn't expected her to be so cautious. Just as he was about to come up with some excuse to reject her proposal, the main doors suddenly swung open.
The sharp sound of a cane striking the floor echoed in the room. As the Konoha shinobi who opened the door stepped aside, a figure very familiar to Shikaku slowly entered.
"Shikaku, don't you still have many tasks to complete? Why are you wasting time here?"
The newcomer was none other than Shimura Danzō, who had arrived after receiving word.
For the first time, Shikaku felt a sense of safety in Danzō's presence. He gave a small bow of respect, then immediately withdrew from the room.
"You are..."
Kiyoshi looked at Danzō uncertainly.
"I am Shimura Danzō. Appointed by the Fifth Hokage to negotiate matters concerning the tailed beast."
Danzō revealed a smile that appeared "friendly," then slowly took the seat Shikaku had just vacated.
...
"As expected of you—sending that man to talk with Takigakure's shinobi."
Kakashi crossed his arms behind his head, showing his "respect" for Takeshi's arrangements.
"Hmph. Those fools think they can make me spit out what I've already swallowed? Wishful thinking."
Takeshi sneered at Takigakure's actions.
The Seven-Tails had nearly blasted apart his Hokage Rock—there was no way he would hand it back so easily.
Besides, he had captured the beast himself. For Takigakure to think that just a few words could get it back was to underestimate Konoha far too much.
"But I heard Takigakure's leader is already on the way to Konoha with sealing shinobi. If they take a hard stance..."
Among the smaller hidden villages, Takigakure was considered a strong one, and it had plenty of allies across the shinobi world.
Kakashi worried that if this wasn't handled well, it could spark another round of conflict.
"Sealing shinobi? Don't worry. They won't be making it here. An old acquaintance of Takigakure has already gone to deal with them."
Takeshi revealed a sinister smile before his expression returned to normal.
"Old acquaintance?"
Kakashi was puzzled but didn't press further.
At that moment, the newly appointed guard, Hakuyun Sōken, entered and reported: "Fifth Hokage-sama, Kazekage-sama requests to see you."
Kakashi and the others left the room, leaving ample space for the two Kage to talk.
Pakura hadn't seen Takeshi in some time.
She sized him up, noting that he didn't even have a scratch on him. Disappointment filled her eyes.
"Truly, a scourge lives a thousand years. You're still alive, brat."
"That's how you treat your savior?" Takeshi rolled his eyes and snapped back.
"What kind of savior brands a curse mark on someone?"
Pakura's teeth clenched with fury at the reminder.
At the mention of the curse mark, Takeshi's face betrayed a flicker of guilt.
He wasn't even sure if the one he had placed on Pakura was effective. Thankfully, she didn't seem intent on dwelling on it, and he hurriedly changed the subject.
"You came all this way just to watch me make a fool of myself?"
"Not entirely. I heard Takigakure demanded the Seven-Tails back, so I came to see the show."
Pakura pulled a chair over and sat across from him.
"Hmph. That miser is already cleaning them up. By my count, the two parties should clash tomorrow."
Takeshi clearly didn't care about Takigakure's situation.
The so-called "will of the First Hokage"? That era was over. Now the Fifth Hokage held power, and everything was done according to his will.
"It's not just Takigakure. I hear the Mizukage wants to have a proper chat with you too."
Pakura passed on what she had heard.
"Kirigakure, huh? Hmph. At worst, I'll just return the ninja blade to them."
It seemed there was no hiding the matter of the Three-Tails. But luckily, Kirigakure didn't have the guts to break off completely with Konoha. Returning the blade should be enough to settle it.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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