Chapter 625: Onoki Suspects the Third Raikage Has Ulterior Motives

As Takuya sorted his cards, he spoke without even looking up.

"If no one keeps an eye on him, he might just gamble himself away. Think about how much debt Tsunade has racked up—her meager salary wouldn't be enough to pay it off in ten years if she didn't perform surgeries on the side."

Tsunade was a walking jackpot for debt collectors. The amount she owed was downright terrifying.

The one who passed down that cursed gambling addiction to her—Senju Hashirama—was even worse. He lost more than she did.

If not for his strict wife and a younger brother who loved micromanaging, the Senju clan's wealth wouldn't have lasted long enough for Tsunade to squander it.

It would've been gone ages ago.

Truly, gamblers always end up with nothing.

Kushina sighed and leaned lazily against Takuya.

"Calling landlord."

Minato picked up his new cards.

"Takuya, are you avoiding Lord First Hokage?"

When bored, Takuya often roped them into playing cards.

But for him to rush into a game like this? That was rare.

There was only one explanation—he was trying to avoid someone.

Specifically, the man who had been looking at him with unsettling eagerness—Senju Hashirama.

Kushina and Nawaki might not have noticed, but Minato had been paying attention. He had seen the shift in Hashirama's expression.

The moment Hashirama started acting odd, Takuya had immediately dragged them into a game.

Clearly, this was his way of rejecting whatever idea the First Hokage had in mind.

"Obviously. If I don't keep myself busy, he's definitely coming for me."

Hashirama wasn't exactly subtle. His intentions were practically written all over his face.

If he couldn't play cards, then his next move would be to propose a sparring match.

Pick a fight somewhere, settle it with a good brawl.

And you think I, Yagami Takuya, would be dumb enough to fight an Edo Tensei summon?!

Do I look like Uchiha Madara to you?

Takuya is not some battle-crazed lunatic who gets restless if he doesn't fight every day.

To prevent Hashirama from dragging him into a battle, Takuya had preemptively set up this card game.

It wasn't a bad way to pass the time, anyway. Who knew? He might even win some extra pocket money.

"Pair of twos."

"Bomb!"

"…"

The so-called Gambling God—Kurama—was utterly unreliable.

Blowing up his own teammate and looking smug about it, like he had just pulled off some masterstroke.

At this point, it was clear why Kurama was such a terrible gambler.

He didn't even have the excuse of being a debt magnet like Tsunade.

He was simply bad at the game.

Anyone unfortunate enough to be his teammate was bound to lose their mind.

Meanwhile, under Tobirama's strict watch and with his pockets completely empty, Hashirama could only watch Takuya and the others play from the sidelines.

His hopes of dragging Takuya into a fight? Shattered.

Takuya had seen it coming from a mile away and made sure not to give him the chance.

You want a fight?

Go look for your best buddy, Uchiha Madara. Don't come to me—I'm not interested.

Two days passed in a blur.

Arriving by ship, Onoki and Yagura happened to run into each other near the Hidden Cloud Village.

Since they were headed to the same place, they decided to travel together.

The Third Raikage personally greeted them at the village gates, a show of respect for both of them.

Following the Third Raikage into the village, Yagura couldn't help but feel a bit envious as he observed the bustling reconstruction efforts in Cloud Village.

Kirigakure had wanted to rebuild for a long time, but their treasury was nearly empty. Many destroyed buildings had simply been left as ruins.

Reconstruction efforts had been slow, happening in tiny increments—barely scraping by.

But Cloud Village? They were rebuilding entire districts at once, not even blinking at the costs.

Yagura had to admit—he was jealous.

Even Onoki felt a little envious.

Iwagakure wasn't exactly rolling in wealth either. When it came to finances, Cloud Village was leagues ahead.

Among the Five Great Nations, Cloud Village had the strongest economy—even wealthier than Konoha.

"This level of destruction is more severe than I expected."

"We underestimated the enemy's strength and failed to anticipate their schemes, leading to heavy losses."

Had Onoki been any less experienced, the smirk threatening to appear on his face would have been undeniable.

Cloud Village had suffered a devastating attack, while Iwagakure had barely been scratched.

Buildings were destroyed, the casualties were severe—Cloud Village had truly been hit hard.

I strongly suspect you two are throwing shade at each other, but I have no proof.

Standing off to the side and quietly listening, Yagura's expression turned a little odd.

Fortunately, the Third Raikage didn't dwell on the topic.

"Both of you, follow me to the Raikage's office. There are two very special guests from Konoha waiting. I suggest you mentally prepare yourselves."

Special guests?

Kirigakure had fairly good relations with Konoha—did they receive any intel?

Onoki shot a glance at Yagura.

Yagura shook his head. He had no idea either.

As they approached the Raikage's office, the guards of both Onoki and Yagura were stopped outside.

Even our guards can't come in?

Now things really seemed off.

They had answered the Third Raikage's invitation to attend the Five Kage Summit, yet he was barring their bodyguards from entering?

Under normal circumstances, the Five Great Nations should be working together, not setting each other up.

But the way Cloud Village was handling things made both Onoki and Yagura uneasy.

Neither of them stepped inside.

They were clearly wary of an ambush.

Outside, with their guards present, they at least had a fighting chance if something happened.

But walking straight into a potential trap? That would be reckless.

Who knew what Cloud Village might be planning?

"Raikage, what's the meaning of this?"

Onoki's expression darkened, and Yagura's eyes were full of caution.

Their guards immediately stepped forward, shielding their respective Kage and preparing for a possible attack.

If the Raikage really planned to make a move, then the only option was to fight together and escape.

While questioning the Raikage, Onoki subtly signaled Yagura.

Both of them suspected the Third Raikage was up to something.

Meanwhile, the Third Raikage himself was internally frustrated.

I knew this was going to happen.

He rubbed his forehead in exasperation but forced himself to explain patiently.

"The guests from Konoha have unique identities. Until the Five Kage Summit begins, it's not appropriate for too many people to know of their presence.

That's why only the two of you are allowed inside, while your guards must stay outside.

It has nothing to do with any sinister intentions from Cloud Village."

Do you seriously think I believe that?

Onoki's face was full of skepticism.

"Yo, you're all here? Looks like Rasa's going to be a little late."

At that moment, Takuya's voice rang out from nearby.

The tense atmosphere in front of the Raikage's office immediately eased.

After all, if the Third Raikage really was planning something, there was no way he'd involve Takuya.

As for a possible Konoha-Cloud Village alliance…?

Yeah, right.

Right now, Konoha was more focused on internal development. They had no interest in playing political games.

"You guys…"

As Takuya approached, he noticed the tension in the air.

The Cloud Village shinobi all looked frustrated, while Onoki and Yagura's guards were standing defensively in front of their Kage, ready to fight at a moment's notice.

This didn't look like a diplomatic meeting.

It looked like a full-on brawl was about to break out.

Did I see that wrong?

Takuya rubbed his eyes.

Nope, he wasn't seeing things.

"You're not seriously planning to have a little sparring match here, are you?"

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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01. 

DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING