Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 353: Rain Tiger at Will Technique

"The captain is so nice."

"The captain is the coolest."

The three team members immediately brightened, showering him with exaggerated praise. As Chūnin, they didn't think as far ahead as he did; their grumbling was merely a way to vent.

"Let's hurry up and get going," the captain said with a wry smile. If only he could be as carefree as they were.

"Yes."

The four of them gradually quickened their pace, pressing deeper into the Land of Rain. Along the way, they passed through villages where most of the structures were repaired houses, with a few newly built cottages scattered among them.

Occasional passersby appeared, their faces adorned with smiles. This peaceful atmosphere was a clear sign that the Land of Rain, plagued by years of chaos, had finally found stability.

...

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"Sensei was right, someone has sent money." Nagato's mouth curled slightly as he detected four unfamiliar chakras through the rain.

This was the result of his latest secret technique, the Rain Tiger at Will Technique. By infusing his chakra into the rain, every droplet became an extension of his senses. As long as the rain fell, any foreign ninja entering the Land of Rain would be immediately detected. This precaution was essential now that the Land of Rain had finally stabilized; vigilance against those with ulterior motives was crucial.

"Then how do you know it's not an intruder?" Konan asked, her expression innocent. She couldn't imagine anyone voluntarily bringing money. It wasn't something she'd ever consider doing herself.

"Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough," Yahiko replied, smiling fondly at Konan.

Knock, knock, knock...

Before Yahiko's words fully settled, a knock echoed from the door of the temporary Akatsuki office.

"Enter," Yahiko called, his voice steady. He was still clad in the Akatsuki Organization robe; the final design of the Akatsuki uniform was not yet complete.

The door opened, and a ninja entered. His right arm bore a forehead protector engraved with the Akatsuki's cloud symbol. "Lord Yahiko, four Suna Ninja are making their way openly to Akatsukigakure. Do you want us to stop them?"

"No," Yahiko said calmly. "Send someone to greet them. Show them kindness, let them eat and drink, and then bring them to me."

These Suna Ninja had come on behalf of the Kazekage to form an alliance. Kawakaze had already passed along his regards, and now they had arrived in person. They were essentially delivering resources to Akatsukigakure. Yahiko saw no reason to block the way of such benefactors.

"Yes, Lord Yahiko," the ninja acknowledged, retreating and ensuring to close the door behind him.

"What do you think? Am I right?" Nagato asked, his tone carrying a hint of smugness.

"Yes, yes, Nagato is the greatest," Konan said, pouting in mock agreement, her tone perfunctory.

"If you're not going to use your brain, you might as well donate it," Kakuzu quipped with a flippant tone.

Konan bristled. "Who are you calling stupid? You're stupid! Your whole family is stupid!" Her comeback lacked conviction, and her insults didn't exactly land. With her arms crossed, she cut a strikingly beautiful figure, though her irritation gave her the air of a feisty little shrew.

"Only those who think it applies to them would respond," Kakuzu replied dryly, not even bothering to look her way.

He added one last line, delivered with maddening slowness, that left Konan fuming.

"Hahaha!" Nonō burst into laughter, unable to hold back. Even after witnessing such interactions countless times, they never failed to amuse her.

"Sister Nonō! Why are you laughing at me too?" Konan protested, pouting.

Cough, cough... "I'm not laughing at you," Nonō said, hastily trying to suppress her smile. "I just thought of something funny."

Despite her denial, her expression betrayed her mirth, leaving Konan to fume in frustration.

"I don't believe you. I'm ignoring you all."

Konan's gaze swept over Yahiko and Nagato, searching for support, but neither of them said a word in her defense. Her frustration simmered, her anger threatening to boil over.

"Okay, don't say anything stupid later," Yahiko said, trying to diffuse the situation. "I'll ask for more money and even give you some."

He shot Kakuzu a warning glance, silently telling him not to make things worse. It was clear Yahiko was the one who would have to clean up any messes caused.

Kakuzu gave a disdainful smile but refrained from responding, finally letting the matter drop.

"Then I will reluctantly forgive you," Konan huffed, rolling her eyes. At least this loss wouldn't be in vain.

"Suna Ninja are really the most impatient," she remarked. "But unfortunately, they're not exactly rolling in wealth either."

Nagato sighed faintly, understanding her sentiment. Sunagakure was the poorest of the five great ninja villages.

"You're wrong about this," Nonō interjected, her tone calm but confident.

Nagato's curiosity was piqued. He turned to look at her, waiting for her to explain.

After a brief pause, Nonō continued, "The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, may not be as strong as the Third Kazekage, but he's exceptionally skilled at generating wealth. In recent years, he's made a fortune through desert gold mining. He's quietly getting rich, and the news hasn't spread yet."

Nonō's years of experience as a spy had given her access to many such secrets.

"I see," Nagato murmured, realization dawning. He had never considered the potential of Magnet Release being used in this way.

"A skinny camel is still bigger than a horse," Yahiko said, summing it up. "Even without these tricks, Sunagakure is still stronger than us. The Land of Rain is truly impoverished right now."

Nonō nodded in agreement. "That's true. After all, they're one of the five great ninja villages."

"Don't say so much nonsense." Kakuzu's impatience flared as he added, "They're here. I'll just deal with them myself."

Kakuzu's inclination toward violence was clear; he seemed to be seriously considering kidnapping the Suna Ninja for ransom. It was a grimly characteristic thought process for him.

"Your brain isn't much better," Nagato retorted immediately. "How much do you think four Suna Ninja are worth?"

Kakuzu opened his mouth to reply but thought better of it. His injuries had yet to heal, and he decided it wasn't worth starting trouble. If he couldn't provoke the situation, it was better to avoid it entirely.

"Nagato is right," Konan chimed in, but then realized Nagato's remark hadn't exactly been a compliment. Her earlier confidence wavered, and her expression darkened again.

"There's no need to arrest anyone," Yahiko said firmly. "Regardless of what they might be worth, offending Sunagakure is more trouble than it's worth. Just leave it to us."

Yahiko's tone made it clear he didn't want Kakuzu stirring up any unnecessary conflict.

"Fine, I'll just collect the money," Kakuzu grumbled, his tone sharp. He turned on his heel and walked off, leaving the others behind.

"What's with the attitude?" Konan muttered, watching Kakuzu's retreating back.

Her comment drew a round of laughter from the group, momentarily easing the tension in the room.