Chapter 452: Your Reward is Me Sending Danzō to Prison

"We need some time to deliberate. A concealed rest area has already been prepared by the Anbu. You and your subordinates can head there for now. Once we've reached a decision, we will inform you immediately."

Since Yagura had come to Konoha in secret, it was impossible for him to be seen openly wandering around the village.

Tsunade had already prepared a secluded location for them to rest. Despite her distaste for unnecessary hassle, she had the capability to handle Konoha's affairs with precision and efficiency.

"Then I'll leave it to you. Please give this matter your serious consideration," Yagura replied.

He understood this wasn't a decision that could be made in just a few words. He had said all that needed to be said and presented terms that were hard to refuse. Now, all that remained was for Konoha's leaders to reach a conclusion.

But Yagura was confident—under such tempting conditions, Konoha would have no choice but to agree.

Both Konoha and the Land of Fire had been coveting access to maritime trade routes for a long time.

Compared to Konoha, Kumogakure's economy thrived, largely thanks to its advantageous sea routes. Without those, Kumogakure's geographic position would not allow it to compete with Konoha.

The sea route profits were Yagura and Genji's trump card.

Yagura left the meeting room with his guards, following the Anbu to the quiet, secluded courtyard Tsunade had arranged for them.

Once the outsider was gone, the atmosphere in the meeting room changed.

The Third Hokage raised his head, looking at Hatake Sakumo, who had been silent the entire time. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but the words—full of regret and apology—were stuck in his throat.

Watching his hesitation, Tsunade rolled her eyes in frustration.

"All right, enough of this dithering. You're acting more indecisive than me, and I'm the woman here," Tsunade snapped, slapping the table to refocus the group. "Yagura has laid his conditions on the table. Let's hear it—should we agree to this or not?"

"We must agree, of course," the Third Hokage quickly responded.

When it came to admitting fault or apologizing, Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated endlessly. But when it came to discussing benefits for Konoha, his decisiveness returned instantly.

"Kumogakure's economic success owes much to its maritime trade routes and strong naval presence. If we could secure similar access, Konoha's future would be even more prosperous," he continued.

The village's development and military strength both depended on funding. With sufficient funds, Konoha could continue to grow. This was an undeniable fact.

"Hiruzen is correct. On behalf of the Elder Council, I support agreeing to this," Koharu Utatane stated without hesitation.

Tsunade nodded and shifted her gaze toward Akimichi Choza and Nara Shikashige. The former looked bemused, while the latter sighed wryly.

"Why are you asking us? We retired years ago!" Akimichi Choza grumbled, scratching his head.

"Whatever you decide is fine. But this is clearly a good deal, so I support it," he added.

"I agree as well," Nara Shikashige said, following Choza's lead. After all, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio always stood together on matters like this.

"Excellent," Tsunade said with finality. "Since we're all in agreement, I'll take responsibility for organizing this. Minato, your mastery of the Flying Raijin Jutsu makes you crucial for this operation. You'll be part of the plan to stage an assassination attempt on the Third Mizukage."

Her words left no room for argument.

Minato could only sigh inwardly and nod. Once named, he had no choice but to comply. Besides, he didn't have the standing to refuse.

"Hatake Sakumo and Takuya will handle the core of the operation. You're not required to kill the Third Mizukage, but you must force him to reveal his true nature," Tsunade added, her tone firm.

What authority!

The Third Hokage, Koharu, Homura, and Akimichi Choza all looked at Tsunade in astonishment.

Moments ago, Hatake Sakumo and Takuya had both outright rejected the mission, leaving no room for negotiation. Yet now, with Tsunade's commanding tone, the decision seemed final.

She didn't consult them—she simply declared the task assigned.

"Are you serious?"

Takuya blinked in surprise, trying to gauge her intent.

Hatake Sakumo stared at her in confusion. Didn't I already refuse?

If it had been anyone else, both men would have rejected the mission a second time—this time even more firmly.

But Tsunade wasn't just anyone.

"I understand why you both refused earlier," Tsunade said. "But this mission is uniquely suited to your skills. While there are other candidates, mobilizing them would create unnecessary complications. That's why I'm asking you two specifically."

She paused, then dropped her bombshell.

"This mission offers no material reward. But I can promise you this: if you accept, I will personally ensure Danzō is sent to prison and kept under round-the-clock guard."

What?

Hatake Sakumo was stunned, while Takuya gave her an impressed thumbs-up.

"Absolutely not!" the Third Hokage shouted, slamming his hands on the table.

Koharu and Homura's expressions soured.

Danzō was their ally, and they weren't about to let him be imprisoned. If such a move had been acceptable, it would have happened long ago.

"I cannot agree to this!" the Third Hokage protested vehemently, his face red with emotion. "Yes, Danzō has made many mistakes, but he is still a pillar of this village. We cannot treat him this way!"

Watching this unfold, Nara Shikashige buried his head in his arms as if trying to disappear, while Akimichi Choza leaned back, thoroughly entertained.

Little Tsunade's getting more and more like her teacher, Choza thought, thoroughly amused.

But Tsunade was unmoved. Her expression cold, she replied, "Your objections are irrelevant. Unless you're prepared to take back the Hokage's seal, Danzō is going to prison."

Her words were blunt and uncompromising.

"I won't expose all the damage Danzō has caused to the village. I have no intention of stirring public unrest or wasting resources on a spectacle. Sending him to prison is the best solution," Tsunade continued.

To emphasize her point, she placed the Hokage's seal on the table in front of her.

The message was clear: either take back the seal and undo her decision, or let her handle Danzō her way.

"You—Tsunade—you can't—" The Third Hokage was practically smoking with fury.

He never expected Tsunade to act so decisively, almost as if she were staging a coup before even officially taking office.

Even more shocking was the lack of opposition from the others. Koharu and Homura, though visibly displeased, didn't openly object.

Akimichi Choza merely sat back, enjoying the drama, while Nara Shikashige seemed content to feign sleep.

Ignoring the Hokage's outburst, Tsunade turned to Hatake Sakumo and Takuya.

"Is that incentive enough for you?" she asked.

"You win," Takuya muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

Hatake Sakumo coughed awkwardly, clearly caught off guard. He wanted to commend her boldness but hesitated, knowing how it would reflect on the Hokage.

Tsunade didn't press him. "Since neither of you are refusing outright, I'll take that as agreement. Just know that completing this mission will void your retirement, Sakumo."

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DON'T MISS YOUR TEN CHAPTERS, YOU ARE VERY CLOSE JUST A LITTLE BIT OF POWER STONE LEFT.