[171] : The Third Kazekage’s Frustration

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The Third Kazekage shot to his feet, his sharp gaze locked on the two Sunagakure shinobi kneeling before him.

"Repeat that," he commanded, his voice dangerously low.

One of the shinobi swallowed nervously before speaking.

"It's confirmed. Uzumaki Shin—the 'Reaper of the Shinobi World,' has entered Sunagakure. He's accompanied by Tsunade of the Sannin, Uzumaki Kushina, Uchiha Mikoto, and a young blue-haired girl."

The Kazekage's expression darkened. He leaned back into his chair, fingers tapping against the armrest.

"Why is Uzumaki Shin here?" he muttered grimly.

For Sunagakure, Shin's arrival was nothing short of a nightmare. He was a walking disaster—an uncontrollable force of nature. If his visit turned hostile, Suna wouldn't stand a chance.

"Summon Elder Chiyo and Elder Ebizō," he ordered.

Moments later, the two elders arrived, their expressions solemn. They had already heard of Shin's arrival. As veterans of the last war, they knew firsthand how terrifying he could be.

"Uzumaki Shin's here," the Kazekage said anxiously. "What do you suggest we do?"

Chiyo and Ebizō stayed silent for a few moments. They were at a loss. The power Shin wielded was too great—open conflict would be suicide.

"And he brought Tsunade as well," she noted. "Could this mean Konoha is planning something?"

The Kazekage had considered the same possibility. If Konoha was backing Shin, Sunagakure was doomed.

"Unlikely," Ebizō said at last. "Tsunade abandoned Konoha years ago. Even her brother, Nawaki, is considered a missing-nin. From what we know, Shin hasn't been a Konoha shinobi for a long time."

The Kazekage exhaled slowly, tension still gripping his shoulders.

"That doesn't explain why he's here," he said. "And I don't like waiting in the dark."

Ebizō nodded.

"Then let's go meet him directly."

The Kazekage's expression tightened. He didn't want to meet Shin. Facing someone who could crush him with a single punch? It was suicidal. But… he had no choice.

Finally, he rose to his feet.

"Fine. Let's go."

....

They didn't have to search long. Shin's group wasn't hiding.

Through the intel network, they quickly learned that Shin and his companions were relaxing at a food stall, sampling local cuisine as if they were tourists.

Shin, meanwhile, already knew they were coming. He took another bite of his korokke, chuckling.

"Took them long enough."

Tsunade and the others tensed slightly. The Kazekage wouldn't come alone. He'd bring his best fighters.

Sure enough, within minutes, the Third Kazekage arrived, flanked by Chiyo and Ebizō. His face was stiff, betraying his unease.

Shin smiled casually.

"Long time no see, Kazekage."

The Kazekage didn't return the pleasantries. He couldn't. Sunagakure viewed Shin as a natural disaster. And now, that disaster was standing in their village.

"Uzumaki Shin, why are you here in our village?" Chiyo cut in, voice somber.

Shin tilted his head.

"Because I felt like coming," Shin replied mildly. "Is that a problem? Or are you implying I'm unwelcome?"

As he spoke, a surge of raw power radiated from him, making the Kazekage and the others gasp for breath.

The mere pressure of Shin's chakra felt suffocating...

The Kazekage's heart pounded. He could sense that Shin was even stronger than before.

Granted, Shin was only about fifteen years old—still a prime time for explosive growth. Who knew how terrifying he might become at his peak?

'He might already be stronger than Hashirama Senju.'

A chilling thought crept into the Kazekage's mind.

If this boy reached adulthood, who could stand against him?

"I didn't come here just to chat," Shin finally said. He set down his food and looked the Kazekage straight in the eye.

"I'm here for a reason," Shin said. "Where's the One-Tail? Hand it over."

No point beating around the bush—he had come for the One-Tail's chakra, and he had no intention of leaving without it.

The Kazekage's face twisted at the demand. Sunagakure had paid dearly to buy the One-Tail back from Hiruzen. Now Shin wanted them to simply give it away?

Shin's aura flared again.

"You don't want to cooperate?"

The Kazekage stiffened at the sharp rise in Shin's killing intent. Ebizō, sensing how dire the situation was, tugged the Kazekage's sleeve, silently reminding him they couldn't afford a direct fight.

Even if every shinobi in Sunagakure fought together, they couldn't stop Shin.

If they anger him…

There wouldn't be a Sunagakure left to protect.

The Kazekage exhaled sharply. It burned his pride—but he had no choice.

"Fine," he said at last. "If you want the One-Tail, follow me."

Shin's lips curved slightly.

"Good choice."

....

As they walked, Mikoto leaned in toward Shin.

"What if they try something?" she murmured.

"If they try anything…" he said, raising his voice just enough for the Kazekage to hear, "I'll wipe Sunagakure off the map."

The Kazekage stiffened.

Shin was being completely serious.

If he really wanted to, he could erase Sunagakure with a single Shinra Tensei.

No one would be foolish enough to try anything.

Soon, they arrived at Sunagakure's Sealing Chambers.

The One-Tail was still unsealed. They hadn't found a suitable Jinchūriki yet, so for now, it was locked away under heavy guard.

But the moment the One-Tail sensed Shin's presence—

It quivered with fear...

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