Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto

"Although you can barely use Ōtsutsuki Hamura's original Gentle Fist technique as it still feels too raw and unrefined," Tatsuya mused, stepping on the back of a Cloud Shinobi who had collapsed on the ground. In his right hand, he casually carried the unconscious body of a kunoichi with shoulder-length golden hair, all appearing about the same age as Rin and Kurenai.

By contrast, the Cloud Shinobi were far less ninjalike, looking like bodybuilders with their rough and muscular features.

Hinata, standing beside him, had some dust on her and a few minor injuries from the battle. She lowered her head and quietly apologized, "Sorry, Tatsuya-sensei..."

"Don't worry too much. You've just gained this power, and it's only natural that you can't fully control it yet." Tatsuya reassured her, then gave her a firm slap across the cheek.

It wasn't overly harsh, but the sting was enough to snap her out of her daze.

"Everyone is—" The blonde beauty, now regaining consciousness, gasped as she saw the Cloud Shinobi lying on the floor around her.

"This is the Land of Fire's territory. Land of Hot Water is a subject of the Daimyo of Land of Fire. Without our consent, the ninjas of the Land of Lightning have no right to step foot here," Tatsuya stated coldly, tossing the blonde beauty onto the ground as he found a nearby spot to sit.

"Now, let's talk. What are your intentions regarding Konoha Shinobi Village or are you heading straight to the capital?"

Throughout history, Konoha has always been wary of Cloud Shinobi. Tatsuya recalled the incident with Uzumaki Kushina, who had been targeted by Cloud Shinobi when they attempted to kidnap the then-candidate for the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki many years ago. There was also the incident in the original timeline, where Cloud Shinobi had tried to kidnap Hyūga Hinata.

Tatsuya couldn't help but wonder: Had Senju Hashirama or Senju Tobirama ever been involved in an affair with the Raikage's wife? What else could explain why these rough, barbaric Cloud Shinobi were so fixated on Konoha's future Hokage's girlfriends? After all, wasn't Tobirama killed by Kingaku and Gingaku in the end? And as far as Tsunade knew, he wasn't married and didn't have a lover. Perhaps there was a secret hidden in all of this.

The blonde woman, Samui, appeared lost in her thoughts. She was both unwilling and too fearful to speak up. This was an S-rank mission, assigned by the highest authorities of Kumo, and it was not to be leaked under any circumstances. But the man in front of her...

Samui fought to suppress the fear swelling in her chest. The man who had killed Lord Raikage's son was the very target of this mission. Yet, unexpectedly, he had appeared before her even before the mission had begun.

If she were to fall into his hands...

Despair crept over her as the thought crossed her mind. Without hesitation, Samui drew her small ninja sword, aiming it at her own throat, and with all her strength, she attempted to end her life.

Hinata was stunned by the sudden turn of events. This was the reality of being a ninja. Once a mission failed, a ninja had to be prepared to face death.

"It doesn't matter if you die, I will still summon Konoha's forces to attack Cloud Shinobi Village."

Tatsuya's calm, indifferent voice made Samui freeze, the tip of the sword just touching her throat. The blade sank a few centimeters into her pale skin, drawing a few drops of blood.

"In recent years, Cloud Shinobi has been thriving, hasn't it?" Tatsuya continued nonchalantly, as he pulled a bottle of alcohol from the broken cabinet nearby. He poured himself a glass, took a sip, then grimaced as he spat it out. "Bad sake," he muttered to himself before continuing, "But your village has two perfect Jinchūriki. That's essentially three Kage levels in total, right?"

Samui's hand faltered, but she remained silent.

Tatsuya shrugged casually as if discussing an insignificant matter. "Compared to other Shinobi villages, Cloud Shinobi has done well, wouldn't you say? But..."

He let his words hang in the air for a moment, a smirk slowly spreading across his face.

"But if Konoha, Mist Shinobi, and Sand Shinobi join forces to attack Cloud Shinobi, what do you think would happen?"

At those words, Samui, known for her cold beauty and stoic demeanor, was left speechless, her shock evident for the first time in her 22 years of life. The three nations—Fire, Wind, and Water—are allies. This is well-known across the ninja world.

However, an ally of an ally is not necessarily my ally. The countries of Wind and Water are not directly allied. Still, the poor situation of the Sand Shinobi may provide an opportunity to profit in the Land of Thunder. How could they refuse such an offer?

Among them, the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, is also Hatake Tatsuya's wife. As long as Tatsuya claims he will attack Cloud Shinobi, Mist Shinobi has no choice but to comply. If Hatake Tatsuya decides something, it's as good as done.

"However, if I tell you some inside information, can you... refrain from attacking my village?" Samui asked, her voice trembling.

"You are in no position to negotiate with me," Tatsuya replied with a yawn. "Attacking the Land of Fire without permission is already a declaration of war in itself."

He paused, a dismissive look crossing his face. "If it weren't for your blonde hair, I wouldn't even bother wasting my time with you."

Samui visibly trembled, her body shaking with fear. After a few seconds, she swallowed nervously, attempting to steady herself before speaking.

"Lord Raikage is planning to cooperate with the Uchiha clan... We intend to attack Konoha while you Konoha hold the Fifth Hokage's succession ceremony tomorrow."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Hinata's eyes widened in shock. Tatsuya, however, was lost in thought.

Could Uchiha Fugaku contact the Third Raikage?

That kid, Itachi, had been keeping tabs on his father for a while. It didn't seem likely. But then again, Uchiha Fugaku might not be able to make contact, but Obito could. That neurotic fool—he was unpredictable in any situation.

"With your strength, you think you can besiege Konoha?" Tatsuya glanced at the scattered Cloud Shinobi, their bodies lying unconscious on the floor. "And this is all you have? Dozens of people?"

Did they seriously plan to attack Konoha with such a small force?

Tatsuya couldn't help but think that they would be intercepted by the ninja forces guarding the border long before they even got close.

"There's only a small group of them. Lord Mabui and the others… they'll take a detour through the Eastern Sea Route, pass through the Mist, and enter the Land of Fire via the Western Land of Grass to launch their attack," Samui whispered.

Tatsuya raised an eyebrow. It was a highly devious strategy.

If it succeeded, it might not deal a devastating blow to Konoha, but it would certainly ignite a large-scale war within the Land of Fire.

"Tatsuya-sensei, what should we do now? Tomorrow is Naruto's father's succession ceremony," Hinata said anxiously.

"Let's go," Tatsuya replied, getting to his feet and stretching.

"Is it time to return to Konoha now?" Hinata asked, still worried.

"Who said anything about Konoha?" Tatsuya's words were like a shockwave. Both Hinata and Samui stared at him, stunned. "Let's go to Cloud Shinobi Village."

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