At this moment, Homura spoke up.

"I've heard about the assassination of Shodai-sama."

Koharu also said:

"That's right. Although we were still very young back then, the assassination of Shodai-sama was a huge uproar. The name Kakuzu is indeed familiar. I just didn't expect… that he had learned such a terrifying secret technique. After all these years, he's still so young. If he keeps taking other people's hearts, he might really become immortal."

Speaking of this, both of them couldn't help but feel a hint of envy.

After all, who doesn't want to live forever?

However, they knew this secret technique was not something they could just steal, and even if they did, it wouldn't be given to them. Better to quietly enjoy their power until death came.

"So it's actually real…"

Tsunade took a deep breath.

"This Kakuzu being able to escape after assassinating Grandpa… his strength is definitely extraordinary. Natsuki saying he is not weaker than a Hokage is no exaggeration. As for that Hidan… tch, how did that Jashin cult in the Land of Rivers create something like him!"

Kakashi's expression was also grave.

"These two are too dangerous. Tsunade-sama, what should we do?"

Before Tsunade could answer, the two old geezers directly said:

"Of course we must kill them! Akatsuki is too dangerous. They already sent people to capture the jinchuuriki before. Even though we repelled them once, what if next time they send these two? Wouldn't the village be in great danger? So, striking first is the best choice! Tsunade, have Natsuki take care of it. He—"

Bang!

Tsunade slammed the table, cracking it.

She narrowed her eyes, glaring at the two elders.

"Do you think I don't know how dangerous those two are? But it's impossible to send Natsuki alone! Even if we do act, we must send two elite teams for support! Natsuki is a rare talent for the village. You want him to go alone and just die out there? What are you thinking?"

Homura and Koharu were stunned.

They had just spoken in a rush and didn't expect Tsunade's reaction to be so intense.

Thinking about it, it made sense.

Tsunade had inherited such a mess, and manpower was scarce. Now they finally had someone like Natsuki, who was not only strong but also mastered Hiraishin (Flying Thunder God). For them to suggest sending such a person alone to face two immortal monsters… wasn't that basically sending him to his death?

How could Tsunade not explode in anger?

Shizune, holding Tonton, also spoke up for once:

"Advisors, Natsuki is extremely important to the village. Please don't say such things again."

Kakashi also supported:

"The Immortal Duo are extremely dangerous. We absolutely cannot act rashly."

The two old geezers fell silent, though their expressions were still unpleasant.

Back when Hiruzen was alive, no one would dare yell at them like this, and no juniors would speak out of turn. Had times really changed?

Tsunade took a deep breath and picked up the piece of table with the Flying Thunder God formula before it fell apart, placing it to the side.

She then continued:

"Right now, the village has only just regained stability. The jonin are busy with all kinds of missions. We simply can't gather two strong teams in a short time. Also, the village's defense is important. As for acting against the Immortal Duo… it must be carefully planned."

That was the core problem.

They all knew these two from Akatsuki were extremely dangerous and a future threat that needed to be eliminated as soon as possible.

However, the current situation didn't allow Konoha to take such action easily. That was Tsunade's headache, and why she called the advisors and Kakashi to discuss.

Koharu suggested:

"What about sending just one elite team?"

Tsunade hesitated.

"That would be too risky. Their abilities are too strange. One team might not be able to kill them and could suffer heavy casualties. Moreover, if we act and fail, they will surely retaliate against the village. Wouldn't that be even worse?"

Homura argued:

"But too many people might be counterproductive too. Without sufficient strength, it's also dangerous. Once they get blood for their rituals, someone on our side will definitely die."

It was Kakashi who proposed a plan.

"Tsunade-sama, perhaps one elite team could work. If we can find a chance to separate them, we can take out Hidan first, then join forces against Kakuzu. Hidan is too dangerous. I suspect his ritual only succeeds because Kakuzu covers for him. If he's alone, even if he manages to get someone's blood, he won't have the chance to perform his curse ritual."

"That could work! As expected of Kakashi."

Tsunade praised him, her mood finally relaxing a little.

This was the benefit of knowing enemy intel in advance. With knowledge of the Immortal Duo's abilities, they could formulate targeted strategies. If they had rushed in blindly, someone would definitely die.

Isn't that right, Asuma?

Finally, Tsunade made her decision.

"Kakashi, I will leave this entirely to you. Decide who you want to bring, and inform me when you're ready… Also, contact Natsuki through Tenten, and get as much additional information as you can. We must ensure everything goes perfectly."

"Yes!"

Kakashi accepted the order and left.

Homura and Koharu then said:

"We will also send people to keep an eye on the village's safety. Once Kakashi sets out, we must make sure nothing happens here."

Tsunade nodded.

That was exactly why she had called them.

After all, Tsunade knew them well. Their influence in the village ran deep, and in times like this, she could only rely on them. Otherwise, she would have long since stripped these two old fogeys of their power. They enjoyed all the benefits yet did nothing useful, always giving orders from above. Only Hiruzen would keep them around!

Meanwhile—

Tenten had just returned to the ninja tools shop and saw Naruto pacing back and forth at the entrance.

The shopkeeper was glaring at this blonde kid with a dark expression.

After all, he had been loitering around without buying anything, affecting business. How could the shopkeeper be happy?

"Tenten, you're back dattebayo!"

"Naruto? What is it?"

Tenten's tone was rather perfunctory. She wasn't in the mood.

"I just wanted to ask what's going on dattebayo."

Naruto lowered his voice.

"Did something happen to Natsuki? I saw a scroll suddenly appear on Granny Tsunade's desk. I think it was Natsuki using Hiraishin to send a message dattebayo. After reading it, her expression was really bad, and then she told me to come get you. What happened dattebayo?"

Tenten shook her head.

"I was only there to help relay the message to Natsuki. I'm not qualified to know the details. But… it seemed really dangerous. Tsunade-sama didn't even allow Natsuki to act."

She didn't allow him to act?

Then it must be super dangerous dattebayo!

Naruto became even more curious and followed Tenten into the shop.

Unexpectedly, the shopkeeper directly blocked him with a feather duster.

"Where do you think you're going, little blonde? What are you doing following my Tenten? Let me tell you, Tenten's boyfriend is the genius jonin Natsuki. You'd better not get any funny ideas! If you're not buying ninja tools, get out!"

(End of Chapter)

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