Chapter 455: Danzō: I Refuse to Believe Sarutobi Would Do This to Me

"Alright, let's grab a meal before heading out on the mission," Takuya said casually.

The mission was clear—Danzō was destined for prison sooner or later. A small delay to eat wouldn't change anything.

"It's just a meal. It won't take long."

"What should we eat?" Nawaki, being the one who suggested it, was naturally given the task of deciding.

As long as it wasn't rice balls or dumplings, Takuya didn't mind.

"Let me think," Nawaki replied, raising a hand to stop Takuya from rushing him as he gave the matter serious thought.

Minato stayed silent, sharing Takuya's sentiment. The difference was that Takuya disliked specific foods, while Minato wasn't picky and would eat anything.

After some deliberation, Nawaki hesitated and suggested, "How about hot pot?"

Seriously?

Minato was quick to object. "Are you out of your mind? Hot pot, here? What are you even thinking?

"The guy inside hasn't had a proper meal all day, and you're planning a hot pot? Do you want him to despise you forever?"

"No way," Nawaki said, his eyes wide in disbelief.

Sure, Nawaki didn't like Danzō either, but if tasked with guarding him, he wouldn't let him go hungry.

It was a good thing Nawaki didn't know that Danzō had been surviving on military ration pills for days. Otherwise, his jaw might've hit the floor.

"Hot pot sounds good. Let's go with that," Takuya said with a grin, turning to Pakura.

"Pakura, can you find Kushina and ask her to set it up? Just bring over what you prepare; I've got the rest covered."

Hot pot? No problem. It could be arranged in no time.

Why not just host a banquet here while you're at it? Pakura thought, her lips twitching.

The last time Takuya had set up a barbecue in the courtyard, complete with watermelon and drinks, it had already stretched her perception of normalcy. Now he wanted hot pot?

While not illegal, the aroma of hot pot would likely drive certain individuals mad.

Poor guy.

Pakura left to make arrangements. Meanwhile, Nawaki nudged Takuya with his shoulder, grinning mischievously.

"Aren't you afraid Kushina and Mikoto will get jealous with you keeping a beauty like Pakura around?" he teased.

Takuya shot him an annoyed look.

"Your sister isn't jealous, so why would they be? Don't project your insecurities onto me."

"That's just mean!" Nawaki protested.

Sure, the relationship between Tsunade and Takuya was unconventional, but was it really okay to say such things?

Nawaki felt betrayed. Takuya was his buddy, yet here he was, practically his brother-in-law. What next? Stepbrother?

Minato, meanwhile, rolled his eyes so hard he might've seen the back of his skull.

He silently thanked the heavens that he had no sisters or brothers. Otherwise, he'd likely end up in Nawaki's shoes.

Face it: Kushina and Takuya's bond was evident. Nawaki and Tsunade treated Kushina like family. But the ambiguous closeness between Tsunade and Takuya? That was a recipe for chaos.

Nawaki shoved Minato aside, grumbling loudly.

"Why don't you say that to my sister's face?" he challenged.

Takuya: "..."

Minato: "..."

If Tsunade overheard, she wouldn't lash out at Takuya—but Nawaki wouldn't escape unscathed.

When the hot pot was ready, the feast began. The rich aroma wafting through the courtyard lingered, teasing their noses.

Meanwhile, inside, Danzō clutched his brush so tightly that his hand trembled.

I can endure this.

I can endure this.

I CAN'T ENDURE THIS ANY LONGER!

Two hours had passed, and the hot pot feast still wasn't over. This was no mere meal; it was a calculated insult.

With a sour expression, Danzō stormed out, only to find Takuya calmly setting down his chopsticks and drawing the Kusanagi Sword.

"??"

Danzō froze, caught off guard. He had been ready to reprimand them, but Takuya had already armed himself and was approaching.

Was this brat really turning the tables on me?

"Danzō," Takuya said coldly, the sword gleaming in his hand, "I am under orders to take you into custody and escort you to Konoha Prison. You have two choices: surrender peacefully and come with us, or resist and risk me slipping up and taking your head off by accident."

Takuya feigned a sigh, continuing, "Really, Orochimaru sharpened this sword too much. One wrong move and… well, accidents happen."

Minato and Nawaki choked back laughter, coughing to hide their amusement.

Pakura, unfazed, merely observed. By now, she was used to Takuya's antics. Even if he decapitated Danzō on the spot, she wouldn't bat an eye. To her, this was just Takuya being Takuya—chaotic but undeniably powerful.

"????"

Danzō's mind raced. He had expected Takuya to humiliate him but was blindsided by the announcement of his imminent imprisonment.

"Preposterous!"

After a moment of stunned silence, Danzō erupted.

"Takuya Yagami, do you take me for a fool? Sarutobi would never imprison me. This is nothing more than your petty revenge!"

Ah, Danzō, still clinging to hope.

Sadly for him, this wasn't Sarutobi's decision to make.

Takuya didn't even bother arguing. Danzō wouldn't believe him anyway, convinced instead that this was a vendetta.

"Think whatever you like," Takuya said with a smirk.

"The mission orders are official and bear the Hokage's seal. Unfortunately, I can't show them to you because… well, you're not worthy."

Takuya raised his sword slightly.

"So, what's it going to be? Surrender peacefully, or do I take you down and drag you there myself? If you resist and end up dead, well… I'll call it an accident."

Danzō sneered, his hands behind his back.

"You expect me to believe that?"

"Lord Danzō," Minato interjected, stepping forward with a serious expression.

"This is indeed an official order from the Hokage's office. Please don't make this harder on us."

Nawaki and Pakura flanked Danzō, cutting off any potential escape routes. Though they doubted he could flee, caution was always wise.

"I demand to see Sarutobi Hiruzen!"

Danzō's voice boomed as he dropped all pretense of respect, referring to the Third Hokage by name.

Unless Sarutobi himself said otherwise, Danzō refused to believe the order was real.

Takuya spat on the ground in irritation.

"Alright, come out, all of you. Witness this moment. I don't want anyone accusing me of foul play later."

Tsunade had anticipated this scenario. Knowing Danzō wouldn't surrender quietly, she had dispatched Anbu to assist Takuya. Not only would they ensure the mission's success, but they would also serve as witnesses, quelling any rumors of misconduct.