Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 354: Taking It All

"Thank you," Yoshino said simply.

With formalities exchanged, the two groups merged and continued their journey toward Akatsukigakure. By the time they arrived, night had fallen.

"The village is newly built," Kappei said with a welcoming smile. "Please forgive us if our hospitality falls short."

"You're too kind. We're the ones intruding," Yoshino replied. Without wasting time, he asked, "I wonder if Lord Akatsukikage is available to meet us now?"

"There's no rush. Let's have a meal first," Kappei suggested. "You must be hungry after all that traveling."

Without waiting for Yoshino's response, Kappei began leading the way to a nearby barbecue restaurant.

"Team leader," one of the three Chūnin behind Yoshino called out hesitantly, noticing his reluctance.

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Yoshino sighed. "Just follow," he said resignedly. Yahiko wasn't immediately accessible, and besides, he was beginning to feel the day's exertions.

The newly opened barbecue restaurant featured game as its main fare. At this stage, the Land of Rain's agricultural production had not yet scaled up to support a steady supply of farmed meat.

"The conditions are not ideal, so I can only offer something casual to eat," Kappei said, handing the menu to Yoshino with great courtesy.

"Thank you," Yoshino replied, glancing briefly at the menu. Without much thought, he ordered a few common game dishes. The group found an empty table and sat down to eat.

Unable to resist Kappei's infectious enthusiasm, Yoshino and his team reluctantly allowed themselves to drink a little wine, half-persuaded and half-forced. The atmosphere grew more relaxed as the evening progressed, and the two groups appeared to grow quite familiar with each other. On the surface, it seemed friendly enough—though only the devil knew what thoughts were truly in their hearts.

"Kappei, please make the arrangements," Yoshino said, his tone slightly slurred as he hooked an arm around Kappei's shoulders. His cheeks were flushed with the effects of alcohol. "I need to meet Lord Akatsukikage as soon as possible. I still have official business to attend to."

"It's getting late, and I can see you're tired," Kappei replied smoothly. "Why not take a bath to refresh yourself? We can meet again tomorrow."

Though Kappei spoke in a casual tone, he was already guiding Yoshino toward the hot spring inn.

"I can't let you spend any more money," Yoshino protested weakly, stumbling forward. His resistance was perfunctory at best. "Please, there's no need."

"You reek of alcohol. It's not appropriate to meet like this," Kappei said firmly, pressing his advantage. He continued steering Yoshino onward.

"This is not good," Yoshino muttered under his breath, though his steps didn't falter. "Really not good. It's too much of a waste..."

...

"So comfortable," Yoshino muttered, his arms spread out along the edges of the hot spring. His face radiated pure contentment.

"Don't you worry, Yoshino," Kappei said, noting Yoshino's relaxed state. "Tomorrow, you will definitely meet Lord Akatsukikage." To reassure him further, Kappei patted his chest with a loud pop.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Kappei," Yoshino replied casually. At this point, the fatigue from the long journey had melted away, and he had no immediate desire to meet Yahiko. He was entirely focused on enjoying the moment.

After the bath, Kappei personally escorted Yoshino and his team to their guest room before departing.

The next morning, Kappei ensured the group had breakfast before leading them to the Akatsukikage's office.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in," came Yahiko's voice from within.

"Lord Yahiko, this is the emissary from Sunagakure," Kappei announced as he entered the room, bowing respectfully. "They have come to congratulate us on the establishment of Akatsukigakure."

Yahiko rose with a warm smile. "Welcome, welcome. The Kazekage is too kind. Please, have a seat."

"Sunagakure, Yoshino Ohara and his subordinates present their respects to Lord Akatsukikage," Yoshino said, offering a quick glance at Yahiko before lowering his head. His eyes betrayed a hint of shock. He hadn't expected the Akatsukikage to be so young.

"No need to stand on ceremony. Have a seat and let's talk," Yahiko said, motioning for them to sit.

Upon his invitation, Yoshino and his team seated themselves opposite Yahiko and his companions.

"Then I will take my leave," Kappei said, nodding slightly to both parties before exiting.

Clang.

As the door closed behind Kappei, Yoshino felt a strange unease settle over him. Watching Yahiko and his companions smile, he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that they were walking into a trap, like lambs into a tiger's den.

"Yoshino, these are the elders of Akatsukigakure," Yahiko said casually, gesturing toward the others in the room. He didn't introduce them individually, instead shifting the conversation to focus on himself and the village's developments.

"I'm a bit straightforward, so please forgive me if I say anything offensive," Yahiko began, leaning forward slightly with his chin propped in one hand. His gaze fixed intently on Yoshinohara. "I'm afraid your visit is not just to congratulate us, is it?"

"Lord Akatsukikage has a sharp eye," Yoshino replied smoothly. "Our visit to congratulate you is only the first reason. As for the second..." He paused briefly before continuing. "Our Lord Kazekage would like to form an alliance with Akatsukigakure. We are neighbors, and in the future, if there are any issues, we can discuss them together." Yoshino's voice grew more deliberate. "After all, the current Ninja World is only peaceful on the surface. What do you think of this idea?"

Yoshino had observed Yahiko's blunt approach, which left no room for pretense. The words "discussing it together" sounded diplomatic, but the underlying message was clear: the alliance would position Akatsukigakure as a subordinate. You are a ninja village in a small Land of Rain. Forming an alliance is a favor to you. These thoughts, however, stayed carefully concealed behind Yoshino's composed demeanor.

"Lord Yahiko, I think this is a great idea," Nonō chimed in before Yahiko could respond. Her eagerness suggested an inclination to agree immediately.

Yoshino's spirits soared. He hadn't anticipated such an immediate endorsement from one of Akatsukigakure's elders. To him, the success of this mission seemed certain.

"That's good," Yahiko replied. "But our Akatsukigakure is currently in a state of reconstruction." He frowned slightly, his tone tinged with hesitation. "Even if there are changes in the Ninja World, we don't have the resources to assist Sunagakure in any meaningful way."

"Lord Akatsukikage, you don't need to worry about that," Yoshino interjected with practiced assurance. "Since we are forming an alliance, we will naturally help Akatsukigakure with its current difficulties."

Yoshino had been given authority to make concessions during these negotiations, and he knew Lord Rasa understood that nothing came without cost. Gaining Akatsukigakure's cooperation required an investment, and Yoshino was prepared to offer it.

"That would be greatly appreciated," Yahiko responded with a hint of enthusiasm. Internally, he considered Yoshino naive and easily manipulable, a trait that could work to his advantage.

"You're welcome. Helping each other is the most basic trust between allies," Yoshino replied, his smile suggesting he believed his mission was as good as complete.

"I don't think so," Nagato interrupted, his tone cutting through the air with a cool edge. "What we need is not a small amount of money. It's not appropriate to make Sunagakure bleed for no reason or to take advantage of their generosity."

Nagato's blunt statement shifted the atmosphere immediately. Yoshino's smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of irritation and surprise. What kind of people are these? They don't want free resources handed to them?