Naruto: Binding Uchiha Sasuke, Hundredfold Return

Kazuki looked suspiciously at the tea canister.

"Really... it's actually true!"

"If you have business, say it, Patriarch," Kazuki said coolly, sipping his tea. He knew the Patriarch's ways well by now. "No one comes to this place without a reason."

"Heh, nothing escapes your sharp eyes," Himan respectfully addressed Kazuki.

"But, Kazuki, could you stop calling me 'Patriarch' and just use my name? Himan, Himan—anything is fine!"

"That might be a bit inappropriate," Kazuki replied with a smile.

"Oh, come on! All these years, I've addressed you by name, yet you still call me Patriarch. It's far too formal!" Himan grumbled.

Kazuki shrugged. "Then how about this—you take over as Patriarch instead?"

"Please, let's not," Himan laughed nervously. "I don't want to worry about managing a hundred people's livelihoods and finances!"

"Don't worry, I'll leave the other elders to handle the work. You'd only have to take a ceremonial role."

Even though Himan mentioned not having to do any actual work, Kazuki still shook his head in refusal. The role of a Patriarch wasn't something one could take lightly.

"Alright, if it can't be helped, then we'll just continue as is. You can call me Patriarch, and I'll call you Kazuki."

"Is there something you're looking for, Kazuki? Let me help."

"...I'm looking for a stick," Kazuki replied, making a playful remark before getting to the point.

"Alright, let's get to it. What's your purpose here, Patriarch?"

"It's like this. I recently took over as Hokage, but I'm not skilled in all the administrative duties required. And I don't have anyone around who excels at it. I was wondering if you could recommend someone with that skill."

"A secretary?" Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you bring along Yugao and Karin to the Hokage office? They can't assist?"

Himan scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.

"You know, Yugao and Karin haven't held any positions of authority before, they're not exactly experienced in handling such tasks. What do you think?"

Kazuki massaged his temples, feeling a slight headache. "I can recommend someone to you."

"Who?"

"Nara Shikaku."

"Nara Shikaku? But… he's a man!"

"Himan, do you need someone to help you with work, or for something else?"

Himan laughed sheepishly. "I mean… would he be suitable?"

"He's certainly more capable than Yugao or Karin."

Seeing that Himan was about to say something, Kazuki interrupted.

"Alright, this is the only person I can suggest. If you want anyone else, you'll have to find them yourself."

"Understood," Himan said, looking a bit disappointed as he prepared to leave.

"Wait!"

"One more thing, Himan. I helped you become Hokage so that you could stabilize this mess in Konoha. If you can't handle it... I could always replace you, just as I replaced Danzo. Understand?"

Himan nodded seriously, determination in his eyes.

"I understand! I'll do my best as the Fifth Hokage."

"Good."

Kazuki smiled again. "Patriarch, take care on your way out."

"Don't worry about seeing me out. I'm on my way!"

After Himan left, Karin, who had been silent on the side, finally spoke up.

"Kazuki-kun, there's a stranger here."

"I noticed. You can come out now, you've been hiding for quite a while," Kazuki addressed the air.

Moments later, a few pieces of paper floated through the window, gathering on the floor to form the shape of a woman.

"Oh? Konan? Such a rare visitor. Karin, could you prepare some fresh tea?"

"Which kind?"

"The tea from the Patriarch is quite nice. Let's have that."

"Alright!"

Watching Karin rush to prepare the tea, Konan said quietly,

"No need to go through so much trouble. I won't stay long."

"What's the rush? It's not as if you aren't welcome here."

"Am I welcome?" Konan's heart stirred slightly as she added, "What about the Amegakure?"

"The Amegakure?" Kazuki's eyes gleamed as he asked, "Is that what brings you here? With you around, there's no need to worry about the Hidden Rain. We're not at war right now, after all."

"Just in case. Besides me, there's no one strong enough in the Amegakure. I… I can't protect it alone."

"Sit and let's talk."

Karin arrived with the freshly brewed tea, and Konan took a seat.

"How is Nagato's health?"

"Not good."

Konan didn't elaborate, clearly unwilling to divulge much about Nagato.

"Hmm… it's true that even with your strength, protecting the Amegakure would be difficult. But as long as no wars break out, there's little chance of an invasion. The Rain doesn't exactly hold anything of great value."

"The Amegakure is bordered by three major nations. Currently, relations between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire are shaky, and those between the Land of Earth and Konoha and the Land of Wind are strained. A single disagreement could lead to war, and the Amegakure has no means of avoiding it!"

"So?"

"I hope that the Amegakure can form an alliance with Konoha!"

"Heh, if it's an alliance, you should speak with the Hokage, not me." Kazuki chuckled.

"The Fifth Hokage is your ally, I heard it myself," Konan said seriously.

"Oh? And what of it?" Kazuki replied indifferently.

"So you have the influence to convince the Fifth Hokage to form an alliance with the Amegakure!" Konan insisted.

Kazuki clapped his hands lightly, amused.

"You avoided going directly to the Hokage because you know he wouldn't agree, right? Because, as things stand, the Amegakure doesn't exactly have the qualifications for an alliance."

Konan frowned and was about to speak when Kazuki, taking a sip of tea, continued,

"I can help you with this, but not as an alliance. The Amegakure could become a protectorate of Konoha. Konoha would station its shinobi in the Amegakure, ensuring the safety of the Land of Rain. How does that sound?"

"No! With Konoha shinobi stationed there, would it still be called the Amegakure or just another part of Konoha?" Konan protested.

"Does the name matter so much? Isn't your goal the safety of the people of the Amegakure?" Kazuki countered.

"That..."

"Think it over while you drink your tea. Or, take the time to discuss it with Nagato. Honestly, the Amegakure doesn't hold much use for me, nor for Konoha. The only reason I'm even considering this is because of the Rinnegan..."

Kazuki left with Karin, leaving Konan alone in the house, unconcerned about her causing any trouble. After hesitating for a while, Konan decided to return to the Amegakure to consult with Nagato.

Three days later, she returned.

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg