Gouda Takeshi deeply regretted his decision. He once again experienced the original despair Aburame Hatsuizumi had felt. It wasn't a matter of going bankrupt—it was something far worse.
Let me put it this way: when you treat someone to a meal, and they devour food as if their stomach has mutated, you don't immediately think about how much money you've spent. Instead, you wonder, What the hell is this absurdly expensive thing they're eating?!
Naruto and Sasuke, exhausted and starving from their earlier training, wolfed down their food. Yet, Zixu and the others showed no signs of slowing. Fearing the two boys might push themselves to the point of collapse, Sakura reluctantly dragged the stubborn Sasuke and Naruto away. She quickly bid farewell to Zixu and the others before leaving.
Fortunately, Takeshi Gouda was spared from financial ruin. His boss, Jiraiya, unexpectedly covered the entire bill, preventing him from having to repay the debt with his salary for the rest of his life.
Zixu didn't intend to linger in Konoha. He wasn't sure if Danzo still had Kotoamatsukami in his possession or whether he had already used it. If he had, was the cooldown period over? It was better to be cautious. The smartest move was to leave quickly.
As the saying goes, To catch the thief, you must capture the leader. With the Fire Daimyo already in his pocket, Konoha would be forced to comply. Unlike Kumogakure, which held significant influence over its daimyo, Konoha couldn't ignore the will of the Land of Fire. After all, it was the First Raikage who founded the Lightning Country, giving its daimyos no choice but to respect the Raikage's authority.
"Dululululul~"
As Zixu and Aburame Hatsuizumi strolled through the streets of Konoha, the familiar onomatopoeic chime of a Den Den Mushi echoed from Zixu's clothes.
Patting his round belly, Zixu let out a satisfied burp before pulling out the snail-like communicator.
The tiny Den Den Mushi was dressed in a miniature samurai white shirt, its eyes filled with seriousness. It spoke with a calm, no-nonsense tone.
"Mr. Zixu, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has agreed to cooperate. However, they want the bugs capable of controlling ninjas immediately. How should we proceed?"
On the other end was Haku. Although they had reached a preliminary agreement with the daimyo, the nobles demanded proof of the parasite Haku claimed could control shinobi.
This was Zixu's true bargaining chip. The daimyos, though they appeared incompetent, held immense power. Despite their luxurious lives, their greatest fear wasn't sickness or old age—it was betrayal. While ninjas served as their swords, those same blades could turn against them.
Though the daimyos seemed powerless, they controlled the economy, politics, and diplomacy. Ninjas, no matter how strong, still needed to make a living. And if they desired a better life, they couldn't afford to provoke the daimyos.
But could the daimyos really trust shinobi? Of course not. A lord was like a tiger, and the Fire Daimyo, living in splendor, was in desperate need of a leash to keep his hounds in check.
"Aburame Hatsuizumi, go find Haku. I'll leave the rest to you. After this, head to the Land of Water and the Land of Wind. They'll be easier to handle," Zixu instructed without hesitation.
After all, it was Aburame Hatsuizumi who had developed the parasite that could control ninjas. Though the bug couldn't dominate high-level shinobi, it could easily control entire squads of Chunin.
Besides, the bug wasn't a one-time use tool. As long as the Fire Daimyo remained dependent on it, he would have no choice but to continue relying on Zixu and his group. It was a guaranteed source of income.
"Got it!" Aburame Hatsuizumi replied enthusiastically. She wasn't tired in the slightest. After entering Sage Mode, her insect colony had grown exponentially. Perhaps she could even take the opportunity to conduct more experiments while visiting the daimyo.
Lately, she had developed a growing obsession with a particular subject—immortality. True immortality. A state where no one could threaten her eternal life. However, she kept this fascination a secret, treating it as nothing more than a private fantasy.
"Next, I just need to head to Iwagakure. Who wants to come with me?" Zixu asked, sighing.
Dealing with the Stone Village gave him a headache. Rumor had it that the current Tsuchikage was an old man more stubborn than a boulder—unshakable by threats or diplomacy. Even brute force negotiations might prove useless.
Karin immediately leapt forward, eager to follow Zixu. However, Zixu shook his head and rejected her.
"You have more important matters to handle. And considering the situation, it might be too late if you wait. You should take care of it now," Zixu said after some thought.
At this stage, survival was the priority. Every bit of strength counted, and there was no reason to delay.
"Hmph! You're so secretive," Karin pouted, muttering under her breath.
"I'll go with you," Hyuga Chinano interjected with a shrug. She feigned indifference, but the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her true feelings.
"Hey! Zixu! You're leaving already?! You hateful brat~!"
As Zixu and his group approached the village gate, two green figures suddenly blocked their path. Despite the late hour, the sunset burned like a blood-red furnace, painting the sky with fiery hues.
Yet, the two figures continued walking on their hands, balancing upside down. Sweat dripped onto the ground with every step, forming glistening streaks along the dirt path.
Rock Lee performed a graceful somersault, landing firmly on his feet. Beside him, Guy struck a dramatic pose.
Facing Zixu, the two radiated a burning passion for hard work. Guy and Zixu locked eyes, both silently appraising the other.
"Your Taijutsu training is impressive! Training should never remain stagnant. You've even dared to innovate the Eight Gates Formation. Excellent! You have the courage of youth!" Guy praised without restraint, his voice filled with admiration.
Zixu felt a bit flustered by the praise. In truth, he had only learned the Eight Gates Formation through a stroke of luck thanks to the trickery of certain princess. Although he hadn't opened the eight gates themselves, he had successfully activated the Ren and Du meridians, giving him a slight boost in physical prowess. It was nothing more than a fortunate coincidence.
"Guy Sensei... your strength is still as unfathomable as ever," Zixu replied respectfully, bowing slightly. He could feel the dormant, explosive power emanating from Guy's body—a power that made him feel a rare sense of genuine threat.
"We're about to leave. Sorry we didn't tell you in advance," Zixu said with a chuckle.
To avoid further awkwardness, he suddenly slapped Rosinante across the face.
Rosinante: "???"
"Alright, we won't disturb you any longer. Farewell," Zixu said casually, turning to leave.
As he walked away, he glanced back at the two green-clad figures. No wonder Konoha is considered the strongest ninja village.
Once Zixu and his group had left Konoha, Jiraiya stood atop a high platform, watching them disappear into the distance. With a long sigh, he finally relaxed. They were gone—for now. And it would be better if they never returned.
Aburame Hatsuizumi quickly departed as well, rushing to meet Haku. Haku was deep within enemy territory. If the daimyo changed his mind, Haku could easily be surrounded and attacked. The sooner she reached him, the better.
"The next and final stop... Iwagakure," Zixu muttered to himself, resting a hand on his waist.
Hyuga Chinano smirked, tilting her chin up as she twirled the revolver in her hand, forming elegant spirals with the gun. She seemed unusually pleased.
"What about me? What about me?!" Karin whined, pouting as she tugged at Zixu's sleeve.
She was still waiting expectantly for the mysterious "gift" he had promised her.
"Hah... It's a good thing she reminded me, or I would've completely forgotten," Zixu muttered under his breath, making a mental note to avoid letting Karin find out that he had almost left without giving it to her.
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