Chapter 84

"Tsunade-sama, do you really need to spend so much money?" Naruto asked, staring at the budget allocation of 20 million ryo with a pained expression.

"Of course!" Tsunade replied without missing a beat. "The auction is a perfect opportunity to showcase Shin-Konoha's strength. It has to be grand and leave an impression."

She scribbled in her notebook, listing items to spruce up the casino she was determined to attach to the auction venue.

"Casinos can generate a lot of revenue for the village," she added, flashing a mischievous smile. "Take someone like me—I can lose 800,000 ryo in just one afternoon."

Naruto sighed, resisting the urge to point out the obvious flaw in her example. Only Tsunade could lose that much money every single time.

Under Tsunade's determined oversight, construction of the auction venue was in full swing. To expedite the process, the labor force included the "reformed" Fourth Raikage and Killer B. As they worked, the Raikage cast a wary eye at the structure taking shape.

"What exactly is being built here?" the Raikage asked one of the villagers.

"An auction venue," the villager replied cheerfully.

"An auction?" The Raikage frowned. "What could Shin-Konoha possibly have to auction?"

His question was met with a shrug. The Raikage scoffed—Shin-Konoha was practically building itself from scratch. What could they offer for auction? An auction required valuable items, after all.

"I heard they're auctioning the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki," the villager added with a sheepish smile. "Sounds impressive, doesn't it?"

The Raikage froze, his expression twisting in disbelief. Blood rushed to his head, and his vision blurred. With a sharp exhale, he spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground.

"Shin-Konoha," he muttered weakly, "you've gone too far."

Above him, the ominous dark cloud that followed him everywhere rumbled. Moments later, a bolt of lightning struck, jolting him back to consciousness. The villagers continued their work, unfazed by the spectacle.

Killer B knelt beside his brother, patting his back. He had grown somewhat accustomed to life in Shin-Konoha. The food was decent, and their treatment hadn't been particularly harsh. But he wisely kept these thoughts to himself, knowing they would only enrage his brother further.

While construction progressed, invitations to the auction were sent to major nations and ninja villages, including Konoha. The invite promised an event unlike any other, with the Raikage and Killer B as the star attractions.

Responses from across the ninja world were swift and varied.

"Auctioning the Raikage and Killer B? Shin-Konoha really knows how to stir the pot."

"The Fourth Raikage must not return to the Land of Lightning . We can't let them regain their strength."

"Why would they sell a Jinchuriki? Is Shin-Konoha that confident in their power?"

In Konoha, Jiraiya received his invitation. His lips curved into a wry smile as he read it. "Tsunade, you've really outdone yourself this time."

The invitation was less about the auction itself and more an opportunity for Jiraiya to witness Shin-Konoha's development firsthand.

Danzo, who had also received an invitation, was similarly intrigued. "This is bold, even for Shin-Konoha," he mused.

However, when Sarutobi Hiruzen entered the room, Danzo quickly hid the invitation. He knew that anything related to Shin-Konoha was guaranteed to send Sarutobi into a rage.

"Is there something you're hiding from me?" Sarutobi asked suspiciously.

Danzo feigned innocence. "Nothing of the sort. Just some mundane matters."

Sarutobi picked up the latest intelligence report, his expression darkening as he read about the auction. "They're digging their own grave," he muttered. "This will completely sever any chance of reconciliation with the Land of Lightning ."

Danzo smirked. "And what if it does? With Uzumaki Chito standing guard, do you think the Land of Lightning will dare to retaliate? Their Raikage and Jinchuriki have already been captured."

Sarutobi fell silent, knowing Danzo's words held some truth. But the thought of Shin-Konoha thriving while Konoha struggled filled him with resentment.

"We can't let this continue," Sarutobi said firmly. "If Shin-Konoha rises too far, it will overshadow Konoha. We have to act."

Danzo raised an eyebrow. "And how do you plan to sabotage the auction with Uzumaki Chito there? He won't allow any disruptions."

Sarutobi's eyes narrowed as an idea began to form. "We need someone who can fight on our behalf. Perhaps... we can use the Edo Tensei."

Danzo's lips curled into a sly grin. "Or," he added casually, "you could escalate the conflict. Kill the Raikage and Killer B during the auction and let the Eight-Tails rampage through Shin-Konoha."

Sarutobi's eyes gleamed with interest. "That might just work. It would drive a wedge between the Land of Lightning and Shin-Konoha. A brilliant plan, Danzo."

Danzo immediately backtracked. "I said no such thing. This is entirely your idea."

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