Chapter 38: Let’s Just Hire Someone to Take Him Out

Chapter 38: Let's Just Hire Someone to Take Him Out

"You don't have to overthink it. Honestly, I'm not even planning anything serious with you right now. Hmm, this sandwich isn't bad," Tsunade said casually, taking a big bite of the sandwich in her hand.

"Cough, cough… When it comes to matters of the heart, I'm actually quite conservative. Don't laugh, but last night was… my first time," Jinghang said awkwardly, visibly uncomfortable.

"Mine too." Tsunade lifted the blanket from the sofa bed, revealing a small bloodstain blooming on the sheet.

"I… I… I'm at a loss for words. I'll leave it to you to decide what happens. I'll… take responsibility," Jinghang stammered, his brain completely short-circuited. Damn it, I actually took Tsunade's first time. Wait… Didn't she meet Katō Dan after Nawaki's accident? Does this mean I just swooped in and stole her away? No, no, no—scratch that. I got there first. But still… ugh, forget it. That kid can go find someone else.

"Take responsibility? Hmm, I'll have to think carefully about how to make you fulfill that promise," Tsunade said with a playful tilt of her head, her expression somewhere between amusement and mischief. The look made Jinghang feel a bit uneasy.

Despite her teasing, Tsunade was anything but careless when it came to relationships. Born into a noble lineage, she might have had a bit of a temper, but she wasn't a spoiled brat. Despite being doted on by her grandfather Hashirama Senju, she had no real vices beyond her penchant for gambling. After all, she had been personally trained by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and had worked her way up from a genin to an outstanding kunoichi of the highest caliber. She was, in every sense, a worthy inheritor of the Will of Fire.

Deep down, however, Tsunade had feelings for the young Kazekage. From their encounter at Lake of the Moon, where the "Three Heroes fought Lü Bu," to the collapse of Danzo's Beast Cage Plan, and finally to their joint effort in battling the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist in the Land of Fields, Jinghang's heroic deeds on the battlefield had left a deep impression on her. In the eyes of her peers, Jinghang was undoubtedly the most exceptional—bar none. Whether it was his combat skills, ninjutsu, decision-making, or judgment, he stood head and shoulders above the rest. Even in terms of looks, he outshone everyone, including the future Fourth Raikage, A, who might have been the only one capable of matching him in strength. (And even then, A wasn't yet the Raikage, merely the "crown prince," while Jinghang had already been Kazekage for over a year.) As for Orochimaru and Jiraiya, they didn't even come close.

Watching Jinghang transform Sunagakure from a dying village into a thriving, vibrant community had only deepened Tsunade's admiration. His bold reforms, his willingness to empower her—a so-called "outsider"—with significant responsibilities, and their shared ideals and philosophies had all contributed to her growing respect for him. Many of her own unfulfilled dreams in Konoha had become a reality here in Sunagakure.

A man of ability, strength, courage, vision, and charisma; young, accomplished, and wealthy; an orphan with no familial ties to complicate things—what woman wouldn't be drawn to such a man? As for politics? To hell with that! Tsunade had no intention of letting such concerns dictate her choices.

Jinghang, however, was starting to squirm under Tsunade's gaze. A spark of frustration flared within him, and he suddenly stood up, his face flushed red.

"Enough! I, Jinghang, am a man of principle. I judge my actions by what's right, not by what's convenient. If it comes down to it, I'll give up being Kazekage before I let you down."

Hearing this, Tsunade's face lit up with a radiant smile. She gently pulled Jinghang into her arms and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Silly, why would you give up being Kazekage? You're doing a great job."

Phew. Jinghang let out a silent sigh of relief. That was close. In truth, he had a backup plan ready. If he ever had to choose between his role as Kazekage and his relationship with Tsunade, the answer was clear: his duty to the village came first. After all, his loyalty to Sunagakure was unwavering. If Tsunade truly cared for him, she wouldn't ask him to make such a choice. And if she did? Well, he had plenty of cards to play—be it invoking honor, duty, or even heartbreak.

"Let's go check on Nawaki and clean up the operating table while we're at it. By the way, how did you get to Sunagakure? Did you use the Flying Thunder God Technique?"

"Sort of. It was actually the Flying Thunder Formation Technique. Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado are all disciples of my granduncle Tobirama Senju. When they combine their efforts, they can use the Flying Thunder God Technique, provided there's a pre-marked seal at the destination."

"I see." Jinghang picked up a marked kunai, deep in thought.

"I think Rasa's proposal is worth considering," Chiyo said, setting down the report Rasa had submitted.

"Minister Chiyo, are you saying…" one of her subordinates began, hesitant to finish the sentence.

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean." Chiyo stood and walked over to the window.

"Taking out Hanzo of the Salamander isn't about personal grudges, though I do find that oxygen-tube-wearing old man insufferable."

She paused before continuing.

"The Sandglass Group is now a critical part of our village. It's not just a source of revenue; it's the backbone of the Moon Lake New District. We can't afford to lose it. Hanzo is ambitious and capable, but he's also short-sighted and greedy. If it were just a matter of money, I wouldn't mind paying him off. But his insatiable appetite for power means he'll only demand more—today it's money, tomorrow it'll be the entire factory. We can't place our future in the hands of someone like that. It's better to eliminate him and replace him with a more obedient, less ambitious leader for Amegakure. That would better serve Sunagakure's interests."

"But Hanzo is known as the 'Demi-God of the Shinobi World.' He won't be easy to deal with. I think only the Kazekage has the ability to defeat him," the subordinate said.

"No, the Kazekage can't get involved. In fact, no one from our village can. It has to be an outsider, and there must be no loose ends."

"That might cost a lot."

"Heh, times have changed. Our finances aren't as tight as they used to be. Spending a few million ryō to take care of this is well within our means," Chiyo said with a smile.

"I still think finding the right person for the job will be difficult."

"Take your time. There's no rush. Oh, and draft a report to inform the Kazekage of this plan. On second thought, writing it down might not be secure. I'll discuss it with him personally."

"I think this is worth doing!" Jinghang said as he stepped into the room. Everyone but Chiyo immediately bowed in respect.

"Minister Chiyo is absolutely right. I can't handle this personally, nor can any of our jōnin. It has to be an outsider. As far as I know, there are fewer than five assassins in the entire shinobi world capable of taking on this task," Jinghang said, raising five fingers with a smile.

"Oh? It seems the Kazekage already has someone in mind. Care to share so I can weigh in?" Chiyo asked, intrigued. She knew Hanzo's strength well, and she couldn't think of anyone who might be up to the task.

"I do have someone in mind. Back when I was still a jōnin, I met this person while earning some extra cash at an exchange point. His skills are top-notch, and he's more than qualified for the job." Jinghang scratched the back of his head, a bit embarrassed to admit he'd frequented such a place.

"Alright, stop teasing us. Who is this mysterious figure?"

"Well, I wouldn't call him a friend—more like an acquaintance. He's known as the man who 'lives as long as heaven and earth'—Kakuzu!"