"Who exactly is he?"
Hearing the Third Hokage's question, Tsunade furrowed her brows. She wasn't entirely sure about Shishou's true identity, only knowing that he had ties to Konoha.
After a moment's thought, Tsunade replied, "You don't need to know who he is. Just know that he has significant ties to Konoha and means no harm to the village. He'll be keeping an eye on the Akatsuki, so you don't need to worry about them causing any more trouble for Konoha. I can guarantee that."
The Third Hokage was surprised and then gave Tsunade a curious look. He couldn't understand why she trusted the Flying Thunder God user so much or why she seemed so confident in his abilities.
Could it be?
The Third Hokage suddenly thought of a possibility. Could there be something more between them?
A glint of realization flashed in his eyes.
Over the years since Dan Kato's death, many had pursued Tsunade, but none had succeeded after facing her wrath. Only Jiraiya, who matched her in strength, had continued his pursuit, albeit fruitlessly.
If Tsunade believed that the Flying Thunder God user could handle the Akatsuki, then the man must have demonstrated incredible strength in her presence. Otherwise, he wouldn't have caught her attention.
With this in mind, the Third Hokage couldn't help but smile. This Flying Thunder God user seemed like a perfect match for Tsunade. As her teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi had always been worried about her marriage prospects. If there was indeed a relationship between them, it could solve her single status and bring a powerful ally to Konoha.
It was a win-win situation!
Lost in his thoughts, the Third Hokage's smile grew wider.
"Old man, what are you thinking about? Why are you smiling like that... it's creepy," Tsunade said, feeling a strange sense of foreboding.
"Tsunade," Hiruzen began, his tone gentle, "you're not getting any younger. When will you introduce this Flying Thunder God user to me? I'd like to meet him and see what kind of person he is."
Tsunade was stunned. Is he indirectly urging me to get married?
"Old man, we're not in that kind of relationship!" Tsunade's face turned slightly red as she explained. Shishou had never hidden his feelings for her, and she was well aware of his intentions. But she wasn't ready for a deep relationship yet, especially considering the number of women around him. It made her uneasy.
Moreover, those women were quite capable, especially the one who could instantly create barriers. She left a lasting impression on Tsunade.
"Oh?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, his suspicion growing. "Then what is your relationship?"
He noted Tsunade's reaction, which only reinforced his suspicion. If she wasn't interested, she would have dismissed the topic outright, perhaps even reacted violently, as she often did with Jiraiya.
"Humph! Enough of this nonsense. Are you going to withdraw from the joint investigation or not?" Tsunade demanded, growing irritated.
"Heh, I'll agree to withdraw Konoha from the investigation, but on one condition," Hiruzen said, his voice firm. "You must bring the Flying Thunder God user to meet me, so I can be sure he's capable of keeping the Akatsuki in check."
"You..." Tsunade gritted her teeth, furious. "You just wait!"
She stormed out, leaving Hiruzen smiling contentedly.
In the Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
In the Tsuchikage's office.
"What did you say? Kumogakure announced they're withdrawing from the joint investigation into the Akatsuki?" Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, floated in the office, frowning at the intelligence officer before him. He hadn't expected such a sudden announcement from Kumogakure, especially without any prior indication.
"Yes, Tsuchikage-sama. Kumogakure has indeed announced their withdrawal. Here is their letter," the Iwagakure intelligence officer said, handing over the document.
Onoki took the letter and opened it, just as another intelligence officer entered the office.
"Tsuchikage-sama, Kirigakure has also sent a letter. They are planning to withdraw from the joint investigation as well."
"What?" Onoki was taken aback. Kirigakure had suffered multiple attacks by the masked man from the Akatsuki and should have been the most eager to continue the investigation. Why would they suddenly withdraw?
Moreover, the timing was suspicious. Kumogakure's withdrawal was followed immediately by Kirigakure's.
There had to be something significant behind this!
Unable to figure out the reason, Onoki decided to temporarily suspend the investigation until he understood why Kumogakure and Kirigakure had withdrawn.
"Where are the Four-Tails and Five-Tails now?" Onoki asked the intelligence officer. After a heated argument about the Tsuchikage position, the two Jinchuriki had left Iwagakure and disappeared.
"We have no information on their whereabouts," the officer replied, shaking his head.
"Forget it. They can do as they please," Onoki said, frustrated. With Dust Release at his disposal, he didn't need to worry about those two Jinchuriki. However, finding a suitable successor for Dust Release was becoming a pressing concern.
As tensions rose in the ninja world, Onoki knew he needed a successor to protect Iwagakure.
Gazing at the letters from Kumogakure and Kirigakure, Onoki grew increasingly uneasy. There was definitely something significant at play, something that made even these aggressive villages pull back.
"Enough is enough," Onoki muttered, making a decision. "From now on, whether it's Kurotsuchi, Akatsuchi, or Deidara, they must all start training in Dust Release! And any talented student in Iwagakure, I'll teach them myself."
Determined, he ordered the intelligence officer, "Bring me the list of all talented ninjas and students in Iwagakure. Announce that I will be holding a selection test in three days for anyone who has mastered the three nature transformations related to Dust Release. Those who pass will become my disciples."
"Yes, Tsuchikage-sama!" The intelligence officer was shocked but quickly complied and disappeared to carry out the order. This news would surely cause a stir in Iwagakure.
Floating to the window, Onoki looked out over the village and murmured, "I don't care what's happening in the ninja world. If anyone dares to cause trouble in the Land of Earth, I'll make sure they taste the power of Dust Release!"