Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 408: Return to Akatsukigakure

"Haha, they got off easy."

As if they could already picture the chaos the Two-Tails would unleash upon Akatsukigakure, several people laughed with unusual glee. Even though the decision to hand over the Tailed Beast had been made willingly by Kumogakure, it didn't stop them from feeling bitter deep down.

"I don't want to hear that kind of talk again in the future."

"Let's go."

The Third Raikage cast a sharp glance, and the laughter died instantly. Without another word, he turned and led the way out. The senior members of Kumo followed him in silence, filing out one after another.

By the time Nagato and Kakuzu arrived at the meeting room, escorted by an ANBU member, the Amber Purification Jar was already placed on the table. Nagato gave it a brief glance before looking away, suppressing a flicker of excitement in his heart. Calmly, he walked over to the reserved seat and sat down.

Kakuzu, however, was far less restrained. His gaze never left the Amber Purification Jar, locked onto it with unwavering focus until he finally took his seat.

Though this was their first formal meeting, that didn't mean they were strangers to each other. After all, the jar before them was one of the Five Treasures of the Sage of Six Paths, its sealing power unmatched.

"Here you are."

"If anything is not to your liking over the next few days, I ask for your understanding."

The Third A spoke with conventional politeness, a bright smile on his face.

"Lord Raikage, you're too kind. These past few days have been quite eventful for both of us."

Nagato remained equally courteous, his tone composed.

"Not at all, not at all."

"I invited you both here today, and I'm sure you already know why."

The Third A paused, his smile unwavering.

"I must apologize for the sudden summons."

"Since I was free today, I figured we should get down to business."

He gestured toward the Amber Purification Jar, his expression turning serious.

"The Two-Tails is sealed within."

"That's understandable. We're in no hurry."

Nagato didn't even look at him as he spoke, his polite smile giving nothing away.

"No matter how urgent, this business must be handled properly."

The Third A nearly sighed. He hadn't expected Nagato to be so blunt—it almost felt like he was the one offering the Tailed Beast, not the other way around.

"You're right."

"Once business is settled, we can relax and enjoy ourselves."

Nagato seemed to catch himself, a faint trace of apology appearing on his youthful face. freёweɓnovel.com

"Haha, I'll make sure you have a good time."

The Third A let out a dry chuckle. The more he observed Nagato, the less he liked him. This red-haired kid was sharp—too sharp. And annoyingly difficult to deal with.

"If I'm not mistaken, this is the Amber Purification Jar?"

Sensing it was time to refocus, Nagato smoothly steered the conversation back on track.

Even Kakuzu could tell that the Third A had no interest in further small talk.

"That's right. The Two-Tails is sealed securely inside."

"However, I can't just hand over such a valuable treasure. I'll transfer the beast into another seal container before you leave."

The Third A made sure to clarify, not wanting Nagato to get the wrong idea. He wasn't about to give away a relic of such significance.

"Naturally."

"It is an honor to witness such a treasure."

Nagato knew that when it came to diplomacy, more was always better than less—this way, the Third A would feel properly respected.

"It will take some time to transfer the Tailed Beast. I'll have someone notify you once it's done."

With that, the Third A ended the discussion. Now that everything was settled, he had no desire to dwell on the Amber Purification Jar any longer.

"That's good. We were planning to visit the Academy tomorrow."

"That should be convenient, right?"

Seeing the brief look of shock on the Third A's face, Nagato momentarily wondered if the Academy held some kind of secret.

"No problem, no problem. I'll make sure everything is in order."

I didn't expect you to take the Tailed Beast so lightly, choosing to stay here instead of heading straight back with it.

"Thank you, Lord Raikage. We won't disturb you any longer."

Nagato stood and bowed before leaving with Kakuzu.

As the Third A watched them go, he felt an indescribable sense of unease. Nagato had been perfectly composed in both words and actions—so flawless it was almost suspicious. But then again, even the infamous bounty hunter Kakuzu held a high-ranking position in Akatsuki's council.

Perhaps, to them, the Tailed Beast was simply another valuable asset. Shaking his head, he pushed the thought aside.

The next day, Nagato and Kakuzu put on a show, visiting the Ninja Academy and displaying a genuine interest in learning.

Nagato asked the principal numerous questions, diligently taking notes in a small notebook. He didn't leave until nightfall—long after Kakuzu had grown bored and wandered off to rest elsewhere.

The following morning, they departed with the sealed Two-Tails, carrying a black jar in their arms. The Third A and other Kumo officials saw them off, marking the end of a smooth transaction.

The journey back was much quicker than their trip to Kumo. Boarding a ship from the same dock, they crossed the Land of Iron before arriving in the Land of Waterfalls.

Given the ongoing war instigated by Hanzō, the samurai of the Land of Iron harbored no goodwill toward anyone from the Land of Rain. Even if they weren't recognized, it was best to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The Land of Waterfalls, however, was far less wary. Taki Shinobi barely ventured outside his own village, making their passage much easier.

Once they crossed the border into the Land of Rain, they spotted Yahiko and the others waiting at the entrance.

"I thought you weren't coming back."

A proper welcome? That wasn't Yahiko's style. Instead, he smirked teasingly, showing no interest in asking about the Tailed Beast.

"I almost didn't want to."

"I've put on weight from all the good food."

Nagato patted his stomach—completely flat, of course.

The two of them played off each other effortlessly, drawing laughter from the group.

"If you've gained weight, you should lose it."

"Be careful—Nonō might not like you anymore."

Yahiko grinned, throwing out a casual jab just as Nonō stepped forward.

"A few pounds of fat is nothing. Just cut it off."

Nonō made a slicing gesture, sharp and decisive.

"Then you'd better watch out."

Yahiko's teasing eyes gleamed with mischief. Who knew what inappropriate thoughts were running through his mind?

"You're disgusting."

Konan took a step back, clearly unimpressed. They were all a bunch of incorrigible fools.

"Don't expect wisdom from a fool."

Nagato shot Yahiko a helpless look. This guy was starting to sound more and more like his sensei.

"If you need it, don't be shy."

Nonō wasn't one to back down.

"Ahem..."

"No, no, I'm good."

Yahiko nearly choked on his own spit. Girls could be terrifying when they got serious.

"Hmph..."

Nonō shot him a look that said, I'm not done with you yet, clearly pleased with herself.

"Alright, let's go."

Nagato chuckled lightly, naturally taking Nonō's hand.

Kakuzu, as usual, remained silent, but his mood was clear—he was in good spirits. The faint smile on his face never faded, making him look almost like a different person from the cold, calculating figure who had once stood in Kumo.

As they passed Yahiko, the group made their way toward the Akatsuki headquarters.

"Here. The Two-Tails is inside."

With clear reluctance, Kakuzu retrieved the black jar from the scroll and handed it over.

This brief possession was something he would have rather avoided altogether.