Chapter 122: Decide on the Fifth Raikage Candidate as Soon as Possible

Author Note:

Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!

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Guts's remark made both Namikaze Minato and Kushina break into cold sweat.

Still, Minato managed a smile and said, "Thanks for the reminder. I'll definitely teach Naruto properly."

Even though Guts's words were a bit blunt, Minato knew Naruto couldn't be left to grow up spoiled.

"Dad, who is that guy? He doesn't look like a good person!" Naruto said with a pout.

The smile on Minato's face faded. He gently set Naruto down. "Naruto, you're already three years old. Starting today, you'll begin learning how to gather chakra."

"Nani?!" Naruto's expression turned into pure horror.

—

Minato soon set off to the Land of Lightning to deliver the letter to the Daimyo. He returned about ten days later with news:

"The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning agreed to peace talks," Minato reported.

Guts snorted. "Peace talks? That's it? These bastards will just try again unless we show them what happens when they cross us."

Then he turned to Tsunade, voice firm.

"Tsunade, we'll make them pay. Ten years of compensation. Each year, they'll provide a hefty sum of money, rare resources from the Land of Lightning, two S-rank jutsu, and ten A-rank ninjutsu scrolls. That's the price."

Tsunade blinked her big eyes, stunned. Even Minato looked taken aback.

"Guts… isn't that a bit much? Will they even agree to that?" Minato asked.

Guts shrugged casually. "Did they ask for our permission when they tried kidnapping the Hyuga heir?"

Then he grinned, his voice calm yet menacing. "If they refuse, just tell them this:

'Decide on the Fifth Raikage candidate as soon as possible.'"

Minato and Tsunade both inhaled sharply. That line alone could cause a political earthquake.

After a pause, Tsunade nodded. "You're right. They've gone too far this time."

Minato sighed. "Alright. I'll deliver the message."

With that, he vanished using Flying Thunder God.

—

Back in the Hokage office, Tsunade turned to Guts. "There's something I need to talk to you about."

Her expression grew serious. "Ever since Orochimaru was put in charge of guarding the Raikage's group… the string of disappearances in Konoha suddenly stopped."

Guts's eyes narrowed. "You think Orochimaru's involved?"

"I don't want to believe it. We've fought together through life and death... but I can't ignore the possibility."

—

Minato took longer on his second trip. The Lightning Daimyo and Cloud Village's upper echelon were clearly struggling with the heavy terms.

More than half a month passed before they finally responded.

They accepted the terms.

But Guts insisted: "We release Raikage's group only after receiving the first year's full compensation."

It was a bold move, and it enraged the Cloud Village leadership to no end.

Still, they complied. The compensation—money, rare resources, and scrolls was personally delivered by Dodai, once deputy to the Third Raikage.

A week later, after over a month in Konoha's prison, enduring Orochimaru's terrifying "hospitality"—the Raikage and his party were finally released.

When Tsunade saw them, she almost wondered if she was imagining things.

They were… thinner.

Especially Fourth Raikage and Yugito Nii.

—

"Orochimaru, you bastard!" Fourth Raikage's first words upon release were aimed at him, not Guts.

Orochimaru, ever the snake, just smiled faintly. "Hehe… Don't worry, Raikage-sama. It was all perfectly safe. No toxins at all. Hehehe…"

"Lord Raikage, this is still Konoha. Best we leave quickly," Dodai whispered urgently.

"Hmph!" Raikage bit back his anger, not wanting to risk another minute in Konoha's dungeons.

He turned and stormed off with his entourage.

"Travel safe! And if war's what you want, feel free to start it anytime. Just make sure to name your Fifth Raikage beforehand!"

Guts shouted after them with a wide grin.

Raikage froze mid-step, trembling with rage.

Only Dodai's tight grip and whispered pleas prevented him from snapping then and there.

"Hahahaha!" Guts laughed heartily at their retreating backs.

Just then, a system prompt rang in his mind.

[Special Achievement Unlocked: Make Cloud Shinobi Feel Shame. Template Character: Monkey D. Garp. Completion: 91.63%]

"Hmmm…" Guts stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That last ten percent... I can feel it. It's going to be something else entirely. Advanced Conqueror's Haki… and Garp's full prime strength."

His eyes gleamed with excitement. "A new height... Hah, now that's something to look forward to."

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