Chapter 204 – The Will of Fire? Sorry, I Don't Have That
"Why? Do you really think you can have everything without contributing anything in return?" Hatake Yusuke said coldly, his tone dripping with disdain.
"As Hokage, shouldn't you be the one contributing to the village?" Koharu Utatane retorted in her usual condescending voice.
"Then shouldn't you, the so-called elders of Konoha, contribute as well?" Yusuke sneered. "After all, Lady Tsunade's building this aerial base for the village's sake, not for herself."
"I'll take your opinions into consideration," Tsunade said tiredly, rubbing her temples in frustration.
"Hmph." Koharu and Homura rose from their seats, clearly intending to leave.
"Stop right there," Yusuke said sharply, his tone cutting through the room like a blade.
"Jōnin Hatake, this is a matter for Konoha's leadership. You have no place in this discussion," Danzo Shimura said coldly, his eyes narrowing.
"No place?" Yusuke's gaze darkened. "That island you see floating above Konoha—I got it in exchange for the Three-Tails. You think I don't have a say in this?"
"What did you say?" The three elders froze, disbelief flashing across their faces.
Their expressions shifted from shock to fury to regret. The Three-Tails—one of the Tailed Beasts—traded for an island? Unthinkable. Especially for Danzo; if he had a Tailed Beast under his control, he would've seized the Hokage's seat from Hiruzen long ago.
"Hatake Yusuke! That was a Tailed Beast! And you traded it away for a floating island? To Kirigakure, no less—our enemy! What's your true motive?" Danzo barked, slamming his hand on the table.
The other two glared daggers at Yusuke, waiting for an answer.
"Oh? And since when do I owe you an explanation?" Yusuke said, his voice calm but menacing. "What now? Are you going to accuse me of betraying the village again?"
His killing intent burst forth like a storm, suffocating the air around them.
The three elders went silent instantly. They suddenly remembered who they were speaking to—Hatake Yusuke wasn't someone they could threaten. He was someone who acted on his own will… someone who didn't care for their politics or titles.
"Cat got your tongues?" Yusuke's eyes glowed faintly, his voice low and lethal. "Remember this: in the shinobi world, strength is everything. Even if I killed you all right here, right now, no one could stop me."
Cold sweat rolled down their faces. The only one who remained composed was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He had long retired and no longer sought power. The only reason he came here was because the other three insisted. Once, he might have defended them. But now… he saw clearly. They were blinded by ambition—no longer worthy of protection.
"Leave," Yusuke said. "But remember this—you three will fund the entire construction of the aerial base. If even a single ryo is missing, I'll come for it myself. And don't forget what you did to the Uchiha Clan… you know what happens when you cross me. I'm a very… 'kind' man, after all."
His gentle smile made their blood run cold.
Danzo, Koharu, and Homura exchanged horrified glances. What was supposed to be an opportunity to exploit Tsunade had turned into their worst nightmare.
The cost of building such a massive base was astronomical. Years of corruption and hoarded wealth—gone in an instant.
And worse, they couldn't refuse. Not against someone like him. They knew too well—if they defied him, he'd wipe out their entire bloodlines just as he'd done to the Uchiha.
Without another word, the three of them turned and left, their backs trembling slightly.
"Old man," Tsunade said as she folded her arms, narrowing her eyes. "Why are you here? Don't tell me you're siding with them too?"
"Haah… I'm old, that's all. They dragged me along," Hiruzen sighed, a faint smile on his lips. "But you did well, Tsunade. You've truly grown into a Hokage worthy of the title."
With that, he left the Hokage's office.
Outside, Koharu and Homura immediately swarmed him.
"Hiruzen! Please, you have to convince him to reconsider! The cost of that base is outrageous!" Homura pleaded.
"Hmph. You should've realized that earlier," Hiruzen snapped. "Hatake Yusuke was right—this world belongs to the strong. Do you really think you can oppose him?"
"But he's just one man!" Koharu argued.
"Idiots," Hiruzen spat. "You know what he did in Kumogakure? He went there alone—and Raikage himself didn't dare touch him. Do you think the Raikage is patient? Or weak? Even he fears Yusuke! And you—two powerless relics—thought you could threaten him?"
Their faces turned pale.
"You've been consumed by greed. If he decides to erase you, that would be justice," Hiruzen said coldly. "And don't forget—Tsunade is Hokage now. A Hokage isn't just a leader, but a symbol of trust and strength. If she won't protect you… then you'll die meaningless deaths."
He left them speechless, his words echoing like a curse.
— — —
Inside the Hokage's office, Tsunade looked annoyed.
"Just kill them if you don't like them," Yusuke said lazily, leaning back against the couch.
"I can't. Killing them would be too easy—and it'd cause chaos. Too many jōnin are still loyal to them. Like it or not, they're still part of Konoha's foundation," Tsunade replied calmly.
"Then strip them of their titles," Yusuke suggested.
"It's not that simple. They've been clinging to power for decades," Tsunade said, sighing.
"Don't overthink it. You're the Hokage now. Hiruzen already stepped down. They should too. Their minds are too rigid—they don't belong in this era anymore," Yusuke said firmly.
Tsunade nodded slowly, her eyes thoughtful. She began to consider ways to turn public opinion against them—to force their retirement.
"Tsunade-sama! Urgent report!" An Anbu appeared and kneeled before them. "The three advisors are spreading rumors that they funded the construction of the aerial base!"
"Oh? That was fast," Yusuke said with a smirk.
"You're smiling?" Tsunade pouted, her tone half-playful, half-irritated. "What do you think we should do about this?"
The Anbu didn't react. He was used to seeing Yusuke casually lounging in the Hokage's office—especially ever since he started visiting frequently with Kurenai.
"That's simple," Yusuke said nonchalantly. "If they claim innocence, just… reward them accordingly."
Tsunade's eyes sparkled. Inwardly, she thought, Heh, killing without a blade… brilliant.
"Zuki, you're dismissed," Tsunade ordered. The purple-haired Anbu vanished in an instant.
"Darling… can I ask you something?" Tsunade asked slyly, leaning closer with a teasing grin.
"Forget it. I'm not becoming Hokage. And I'm not part of any Hokage bloodline," Yusuke replied immediately, anticipating where this was going.
"Why not? What's so bad about it? You're my husband, which makes you part of the Hokage line!" Tsunade protested.
"Being Hokage means inheriting the Will of Fire, doesn't it?" Yusuke said, his tone flat, his expression unreadable. "Sorry. I don't have something like that."
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