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Compared to those who coveted the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques and bloodline, Konoha was truly digging at the very roots of the Uzumaki clan.
They wanted to erase the Uzumaki clan from the shinobi world.
While other villages constantly faced problems with their Jinchūriki, Konoha alone remained safe and secure for decades.
Thus, everyone's attention turned to the Uzumaki clan.
What was Konoha to do in such a situation?
If other villages also obtained the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques and bloodline, it would mean they would be on equal footing with Konoha regarding Jinchūriki conditions.
The Third Hokage and Danzō would never sit idly by and allow such a thing to happen.
So, when the Uzumaki clan faced disaster, Konoha gave them a slight push, took the most talented Kushina back with them, and swept away all the Uzumaki clan's assets.
Then, out of respect for Mito Uzumaki, they generously gave Kushina an entire street.
And after Kushina's death...
All the assets vanished.
This was all part of the Third Hokage's clever schemes.
"Just two orphaned survivors of the Uzumaki clan won't cause any major waves, as long as Orochimaru doesn't use them for experiments."
"Fine. Since you're so sure, if anything happens, I'm holding you responsible."
Tsunade was not one to dither. She placed the sake bottle on the table, shoved Jiraiya aside, and sat down.
"Do you think we need to send someone to the Hidden Stone Village? The accusations from the Hidden Grass Village are quite serious."
"Go! Why wouldn't we go? This is a perfect opportunity to watch the show, hahahaha..."
As he spoke, Kazuki couldn't help but laugh first.
"To actually accuse us of plotting to overthrow another village... The Hidden Grass Village is truly amusing. I think I was too soft-hearted back then. Such fence-sitters should be crushed outright."
"Just cutting off their logistics department was far too merciful."
You're the only one who would dare say such things!!
Severing the Hidden Grass Village's logistics department and taking all their property had already driven them insane.
If you actually destroyed the Hidden Grass Village, it would be strange if the shinobi world didn't erupt in chaos.
At the very least, Konoha would face condemnation and questioning from the other major villages.
"How about..."
Jiraiya wanted to volunteer.
But Kazuki didn't give him the chance.
"This time, I will personally lead a team to the Hidden Stone Village. I want to see exactly what tricks the Hidden Grass Village can pull."
The Hidden Grass Village had gone to the Hidden Stone Village to complain, playing the victim card in every way possible, with their Daimyō incessantly nagging.
The Land of Earth's Daimyō had finally had enough and discussed it with Ōnoki, deciding to communicate with Konoha to see if the matter could be resolved through negotiation.
The Hidden Stone Village would act as a middleman, a peacemaker, bringing representatives from the Hidden Grass Village and Konoha together for a meal, some conversation, and then settling the matter peacefully.
Aside from playing peacemaker, the Hidden Stone Village had no other choice. They couldn't possibly pick a fight with Konoha over a bunch of fence-sitters, could they?
"Alright then, you handle it. Settle this matter quickly, so the Hidden Grass Village stops hopping around like clowns. It's annoying to watch."
Tsunade didn't give a damn about the Hidden Grass Village. Indeed, Konoha had no need to concern itself with such a minor village.
The reasons for handling this matter, aside from the Daimyō's suggestion, were to prevent the Hidden Grass Village from making a huge scene and damaging Konoha's reputation.
Otherwise, the Hidden Grass Village? What kind of worthless place was that?
"..."
Is no one considering my feelings here? I want to go too!
Jiraiya looked pitifully at Kazuki and Tsunade. Kazuki pretended not to see.
Tsunade said irritably,
"You stay put in the village and teach Naruto properly! If you let Naruto cause trouble again, I'll beat you up!! Just so you know, from now on, if Naruto messes up, I'm holding you responsible. You deal with it."
Can't easily take it out on Naruto? Well, I can certainly take it out on you, Jiraiya!
Since you're his guardian, you better take responsibility.
"..."
Why should I be held responsible for Naruto's mistakes?
Jiraiya really wanted to ask, but he didn't dare. He was afraid he wouldn't leave this office alive, that Tsunade would beat him to death right here.
Giving Jiraiya a "you handle it yourself" look, a slightly drunk Tsunade reached for the food on the table.
Kazuki kindly reminded her,
"Jiraiya touched it with his hands."
"!" Tsunade instantly pulled her hand back and glared at Jiraiya.
The love is gone.
Jiraiya felt utterly superfluous. He could only leave dejectedly, taking the things he bought with him.
He had realized it now: Kazuki looked down on him, and even Tsunade looked down on him too.
"Stop looking. I'll make you something good to eat tonight."
"What good stuff?"
"You'll find out later."
Seeing that Tsunade had been behaving quite well recently, Kazuki decided to make her some snacks to go with her drinks, like some marinated dishes.
This kind of food was perfect with alcohol, even better than grilled meat.
Leaving work early, he had Shizune prepare the ingredients and meat. Kazuki went alone to Orochimaru's laboratory.
In the lab, Sasuke was still training hard. His opponents had changed from death row prisoners to Kabuto Yakushi.
Although Kabuto was a medical ninja, he was quite strong and had inherited Orochimaru's sinister and ruthless nature.
His attacks were vicious. Fighting him, while not fatal, could leave injuries even more terrifying than those from death row prisoners.
"This guy has good talent, but his background is somewhat problematic. Are you sure you can control him?"
Kabuto was a major character in the later stages of Naruto; his multiple spy identities shocked many people.
"If he can be kept close, he can certainly be controlled."
Orochimaru smiled confidently.
You're confident you can handle it? Well, just don't let yourself get stabbed in the back later.
Kazuki couldn't be bothered to pay too much attention to someone like Kabuto.
"By the way, how are the mother and daughter we brought back from the Hidden Grass Village? The Hidden Grass Village discovered it was our doing and has already gone to the Hidden Stone Village, asking them to help seek justice. The Hidden Stone Village has chosen to act as a middleman, a peacemaker. In a few days, I will personally lead a team to the Hidden Stone Village."
"The child is quite good, with strong talent. As for..."
Orochimaru paused, giving Kazuki a helpless look before continuing.
"As for her mother, her life force is severely depleted. I've been trying to replenish it for her, but it's not working. She only has a few years left at most."
Karīn's mother had been used as a medical tool by the Grass Village ninja, constantly bitten, her life force incessantly drained.
If Konoha's people hadn't rescued them in time, she would likely have died long ago.
"Where there's a will, there's a way. As for Karīn, train her as much as possible. She seems quite fixated on Sasuke?"
"Somewhat."
Even Orochimaru himself hadn't expected Sasuke to be so popular with girls, to the point where even Karīn held deep feelings for him.
*****
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