Chapter 184
Back then, Danzo was utterly thrilled.
After all, he was already old and had yet to fulfill his dream of becoming Hokage. Naturally, he didn't want to die of old age.
Learning about immortality, how could he not be excited? Especially with Kakuzu's secret jutsu Jiongu (Earth Grudge Fear), which allowed him to prolong his life by taking others' hearts. Wasn't that exactly what Danzo needed?
That was why he rushed here so impatiently.
First, he would criticize Tsunade's decision, standing on the moral high ground, then propose his conditions.
If it didn't work, he would send his own men. He had to uncover the secret of immortality and bring it back. He also wanted immortality, and then to become Hokage, reigning forever.
How could that not excite him?!
Tsunade chuckled coldly.
"Too bad. You're too late. Kakashi and the others have already eliminated the immortal duo."
Danzo froze, then decisively said:
"Then hand over their corpses to me! Even if they're dead, I can extract valuable intel. Akatsuki poses too great a threat to the village. I must personally oversee this!"
"Hmph! Such grandiose words. Your face is thicker than the village walls."
Tsunade mocked him and firmly refused.
"Don't even think about it, Danzo. Even if we did bring their corpses back, the intel division would handle them, not you. You're just an old Root elder with dissolved authority now. Just quietly enjoy your retirement and stop causing trouble."
"Tsunade! I'm doing this for the village's peace! Kakuzu and Hidan's corpses should be entrusted to me!"
"That's enough, Danzo. I am the Hokage!"
"You! Tsunade! You will regret this!"
Danzo nearly choked on his own anger. He had been suppressed by Hiruzen his entire life, and now his former teacher's student was using the same words against him. He felt a tightness in his chest he couldn't relieve.
Then, seething with rage, he slammed the door and left.
Tsunade snorted.
She had long disliked that old man. Since he came seeking scolding, she wouldn't be polite.
Shizune spoke worriedly.
"Tsunade-sama, do you think Danzo will secretly interfere with this matter?"
Tsunade gave her a reassuring look.
"This is too important. I will keep a close eye on it. If he dares meddle, don't blame me for being ruthless. I'm not like old Hiruzen who'd go soft on him."
By afternoon, Birdra had arrived near the village gates.
As soon as Natsuki jumped down from the eagle's back, Tenten rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly without a word, clearly having worried deeply.
"It's okay, Tenten. See, I'm fine. I was always very cautious and only attacked after Kakashi-sensei arrived, so don't worry."
"Mhm… I know, but I still couldn't help worrying."
Tenten said this softly, making Natsuki smile helplessly.
Thankfully, Tenten quickly recovered and said,
"You should go report to Tsunade-sama with everyone. I'll go home to cook. I have to make more tonight!"
"Haha, then I'm in for a feast tonight!"
Natsuki watched her leave with a bright smile, feeling smug under everyone's envious gazes.
Hehe, a bunch of lonely single dogs!
Soon, the group arrived at the Hokage office. Kakashi gave a detailed report on the battle, especially on how powerful Kakuzu was, causing both Tsunade and Shizune to break out in cold sweat.
While Hidan was bizarre with his immortality and curse ritual jutsu, Kakuzu was even more terrifying. He was an ancient monster who had lived since the Warring States era and even fought the God of Shinobi, Hashirama. His sheer strength was spine-chilling, and what he showed today was enough to make their scalps tingle.
If Natsuki hadn't used Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique) to ambush him, they didn't know how they would have won.
Thankfully, the threat was dealt with, and Akatsuki's power was greatly weakened.
Tsunade took the sealed corpse and two rings from Kakashi and addressed everyone.
"You've all worked hard. This mission is S-rank. Natsuki, with your investigation and battle combined, you get credit for two S-rank missions. I'll have it recorded, so don't forget to claim your rewards."
When it came to Akatsuki, Tsunade wasn't stingy.
After all, this concerned the safety of Konoha and even the Land of Fire itself.
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama!"
Unlike Kakashi and Asuma, the younger ones were thrilled.
Especially Sasuke and Neji. They thought chunin couldn't take on S-rank missions, yet now they'd done one. They only needed two more to access the Senju library's secrets.
Natsuki also nodded. Just one more S-rank mission and he could access the Senju library. He was excited.
But he didn't forget to remind Tsunade.
"Tsunade-sama, I don't think those two rings are just insignias. They might be used for communication between Akatsuki members."
"I understand. I'll have the intel division investigate."
Tsunade naturally knew more than Natsuki, but didn't say anything further. Instead, she asked,
"Natsuki, you're only one S-rank mission away. Are you planning to take it soon?"
Natsuki shook his head decisively.
"Maybe in a few days. Tenten has been worried. I want to spend some time with her. Besides, this mission was stressful enough. I need a break."
Of course, his main reason was that the first of the month was coming.
Natsuki was waiting to enter the special lab to study Sennin Mode (Sage Mode). That was far more important than any mission.
Tsunade didn't push.
"Then wait a few days. When you're ready, come get your mission. Once you return, I'll grant you three days' access to the Senju library as promised."
Natsuki nodded calmly. He wasn't in a rush.
After leaving the office, he bid everyone goodbye and hurried home.
Although he could teleport directly to Tenten using Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique), he preferred the feeling of hurrying home after a long day, knowing a cute and beautiful wife was waiting with dinner prepared.
That feeling was wonderful.
When he arrived, Tenten was already busy cooking, looking adorable in her apron.
He walked up from behind and hugged her, rubbing his face against her twin buns, his voice low and husky.
"Tenten, I'm home… Say that line for me."
Tenten chuckled with her spatula in hand.
"What line? I'm cooking here."
"The one you use to tempt me."
"Pfft! When did I tempt you?"
"Will you say it or not? If not… I won't hold back. Watch my Jan'en (Heavenly Clothing Grabbing Technique)…"
"Okay okay, I'll say it. Geez… Natsuki, will you wash up first, eat first, or… watashi?"
"Then I'll eat you first!"
"Kyaa! No! The food… it'll burn…"
In the end, Natsuki helped her finish cooking, and the two enjoyed a loving meal together. Afterwards, neither washed the dishes, as TenTen pushed him into the bathroom.
Of course, she joined him too.
Mainly to wash his back, but also to ask about the mission details. She was quite curious about how the immortal duo worked after all.
(End of Chapter)
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