Border of the Land of Fire, Konoha camp. Carts loaded with valuable resources—iron ore, medicinal herbs, and other costly supplies—were delivered one after another. But the one receiving them, Nara Shikaku, didn’t look particularly pleased. "Shikaku-sama, well... we don’t have many sealing scrolls on our side, so we couldn’t transport everything that way..." Kurotsuchi said a little ’embarrassed’. But to Shikaku, her expression looked more like she was mocking him. Sealing scrolls were something Konoha was far more proficient with. After all, both the First Hokage’s wife and the Fourth Hokage’s wife came from the Uzumaki clan of Uzushiogakure (Land of Whirlpools), experts in sealing techniques. Creating such scrolls was second nature to them. Shikaku could accept that other nations might not match Konoha’s mastery of sealing techniques. But to claim they couldn’t even produce sealing scrolls? That was an insult to his intelligence. "It’s fine. I’ll have someone tally up the goods and handle the transfer." Updates are released by 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍 Shikaku didn’t get angry. Once these supplies were in Konoha’s possession, they were theirs. As for how to transport them back, was that even a concern? Who in the Land of Fire would dare rob Konoha’s cargo? "Raikage, Tsuchikage, you’ve been in the Land of Fire for quite some time. I hope you’ll forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality." Tsunade said with a bright smile, eyeing the two Kage. It had to be said, Ōnoki’s face was glowing with health, and Raikage A looked full of vigor—clearly, they had been eating well. "Heh," Ōnoki offered a strained, insincere smile. "Over these past few days, the Raikage and I have enjoyed the delicacies of the Fire Country. We’ve had a good time staying here." Ōnoki said. Raikage nodded, agreeing with Ōnoki’s words. Despite being captives, their high status as Kage—equal in rank to the Hokage—meant they were treated well, aside from restricted movement. Raikage even rubbed his stomach—he had actually put on a little belly. "Safe travels, both of you. Come visit Konoha sometime. I’ll be sure to entertain you then!" "Of course, of course." Ōnoki and Raikage exchanged glances, instantly understanding one another’s thoughts. Konoha—once the Fifth Hokage dies, we’ll burn paper offerings for her. But for now... forget it. Even though going to Konoha as guests meant Tsunade probably wouldn’t do anything to them, after this experience as prisoners, they had developed an innate dislike for Konoha. Unless absolutely necessary, they wouldn’t be setting foot there again in this lifetime. "Your escorts are here. I won’t see you off—safe travels!" Tsunade said, spotting Kurotsuchi and Darui approaching in the distance. With a cheerful smile, she turned and walked away. Darui and Kurotsuchi were relieved to find the two Kage not only unharmed, but looking healthier than before. "Alright, let’s be on our way." Ōnoki said, shaking his head. "This time, not only did we fail, we ended up paying heavy reparations. My time as Tsuchikage might be coming to an end." His tone carried a heavy note of regret. Raikage A watched them leave, then steeled himself and headed in another direction. He didn’t believe a word Ōnoki said. He remembered clearly how, just a few days ago during the fight with Tsunade, it was that wretched old man who had screwed him over in the end. If Tsunade hadn’t held back, he would already be with his ancestors in Kumogakure. After this "alliance", he swore he’d never work with Iwa again. With the departure of the Tsuchikage and Raikage, the entire Konoha camp seemed to exhale in relief. The Hyūga clan members were especially at ease, some even walking with their eyes closed. To an outsider, it might’ve looked like they were practicing some kind of "mind’s eye" technique. "Hokage-sama, here are the resources and cash delivered by Iwagakure and Kumogakure. The total value is one billion two million ryō." After his report, Shikaku gestured toward the exact supplies. Resources worth five hundred million ryō filled half the warehouse, while the cash alone took up a significant amount of space. When Tsunade saw the stacks of gleaming green banknotes, her eyes practically turned into "$$" symbols. "Ahem, Hokage-sama, do you remember the distribution plan I mentioned before?" Shikaku reminded her, watching as she looked ready to dive into the money pile. Tsunade froze, her gaze lingering on the cash with a pang of heartache. "Of course I remember... I-I obviously remember!" Her voice cracked as though on the verge of tears. "It’s just one hundred million, right? I’m the Hokage. I can be generous!" "Excellent. Thank you, Hokage-sama. I’ve already prepared the reward list; it only needs your signature." "Shikaku, you..." Tsunade glared at him, itching to throw a punch at his smug, foxlike smile. When she’d agreed to the plan, the money hadn’t been in her hands yet, so it had been easy to promise it away. But now, holding all that cash, her heart ached as if it were being torn apart. Her precious money, barely warmed by her touch, was about to fly out of her pocket. Shikaku bore the brunt of her murderous glare, but he wasn’t bothered. After all, he wasn’t pocketing the money—it was for Tsunade-sama to win people’s loyalty. His conscience was clear. "As for the remaining four hundred and two million ryō, I’ll deposit it safely in Konoha’s accounts for you." "Hmph! You’d better! If even one coin goes missing, you’ll regret it!" Tsunade snapped, storming off. Shikaku simply chuckled at her retreating figure, then gave his orders: "Load the carts. Rest for today—we return to Konoha tomorrow!" The shinobi moved with efficiency and cheer, carrying supplies with great energy. The taijutsu specialists were especially enthusiastic, hefting crates like it was a contest of strength. Before, they had all been anxious about the possibility of war, worried their names would end up carved on the Memorial Stone. But now, with war averted thanks to Tsunade-sama, and each shinobi receiving some compensation based on rank, their spirits soared. Jōnin received over a million ryō each, and even the lowest-ranking genin got at least two hundred thousand. This unexpected windfall was no small blessing. So now, moving a little cargo was nothing to complain about. From a distance, Shikaku watched the busy, cheerful scene, then turned and headed back to his tent. As the acting second-in-command—since Tsunade rarely bothered with such matters—he had more work here than he ever did back in Konoha. With their departure near, there were still official matters to settle. Like deciding who would remain stationed on the border and who would command them. He would have to consider carefully and then present his choices to Hokage for approval. Tsunade had already washed her hands of such things—leaving all the hard work to Shikaku alone. Read 40+ advanced Chapters on my P@treon. [email protected]/KakuzuTL