Saving Uchiha, Starts by Flipping The Table

The former's expression shifted, her dark skin tinged with red.

The latter had already lowered her head, too embarrassed to lift her flushed face, afraid Yan might see it.

Awkward, embarrassing!!

They had thought Yan was targeting them because of the exam incident, but it turned out to be a huge misunderstanding.

Nothing could be more awkward than this.

Their visit was tied to the cooperation between the two villages, and Mabui and Samui were extremely grateful they hadn't lost their temper and caused a scene.

If they had, and the truth came out later... the embarrassment would have been unbearable.

Seeing the two of them instinctively looking down at their toes—Mabui could at least see hers, but Samui, well, let's not make it harder for her—Yan decided to break the tension.

"If you feel like this isn't enough of an apology, how about I treat you to dinner once the cooperation is settled? Consider it my way of making it up to you."

After all, they were guests, and both women at that.

Yan didn't want the misunderstanding to grow, lest people think he, Uchiha Yan, had a habit of targeting Kumogakure Village's female envoys.

If that kind of rumor spread, it would ruin his reputation.

"Sorry."

Clutching the scroll, Mabui turned and ran off, with Samui following close behind, her head still lowered.

Weird.

"Weren't people from Kumogakure Village supposed to be straightforward and bold? This doesn't seem like it. Is it because they're women?"

Shaking his head, Yan didn't dwell on it and went back to his desk to continue his work.

*Knock knock knock!*

"Come in."

Hearing the knock, Tsunade set down her documents and rubbed her tired eyes.

"Huh? Wasn't Yan supposed to be handling the guests?"

Seeing Mabui and Samui from Kumogakure Village walk in, Tsunade was confused.

Why did they come to me?

And is it really that hot outside?

Why are your faces so red?

Mabui's darker skin made it less noticeable, but Samui, with her fair complexion, looked like her face was on fire.

"Hokage-sama, Advisor Uchiha Yan asked us to come to you. This is what Raikage-sama sent us to deliver. Please take a look."

Mabui stepped forward and placed the scroll on the desk.

Tsunade opened it and read through it, her smile fading as she did.

She wasn't thrilled about this kind of cooperation.

Originally, she and Yan had agreed to handle the investigation into the Akatsuki casually, just going through the motions.

But for some reason, the Raikage had decided to push for a joint effort.

Once the two villages started working together, Konohagakure wouldn't be able to slack off. They'd have to take the mission seriously.

This was just adding unnecessary pressure.

The main issue was that Kumogakure Village had initiated the cooperation. Refusing outright would come off as disrespectful.

After thinking for a moment, Tsunade addressed the two women.

"This matter requires careful consideration. The Akatsuki are extremely powerful, and anyone sent to investigate and gather intelligence must be strong enough to ensure their own safety.

The selection of personnel is a bit of a challenge. For now, please rest at the accommodations we've arranged for you in the village. I'll give you a proper answer tomorrow."

"Understood. Thank you, Hokage-sama."

Mabui and Samui bowed respectfully before leaving the Hokage's office.

Even though the Hokage wasn't their direct superior, she was still the leader of one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

Proper etiquette was a must, or else people might think Kumogakure Village's ninja lacked manners.

"Being constantly labeled as mountain savages by Iwagakure Village, if we mess up on etiquette, we'll definitely be laughed at by other villages."

After having the guests escorted out, Tsunade took the scroll and went to Yan's office.

"Kumogakure Village is seeking cooperation. What should we do? Reject them?"

"Didn't we agree that you'd handle this?"

Wow, Tsunade, you're getting lazier by the day.

"Handle it? How? The Raikage sent people here with sincerity. Turning them down outright would make them lose face."

Don't be fooled by the Raikage's temper. When he decides to throw dignity out the window, he goes all in.

No matter how much you scold him, he doesn't care. Shameless is shameless.

But when he wants to save face, he values it more than anyone else. A contradictory and complicated man.

"Then cooperate. It's not a big deal. Don't tell me the village can't even pick a few suitable people."

The village isn't a place for freeloaders. If Kumogakure Village wants to cooperate, then let's cooperate.

Pick a few suitable people, send them over, and investigate slowly.

It's not like they'll find any real clues or gather much useful information.

"If all else fails, send Jiraiya to investigate. That should be enough to give Kumogakure Village face, right?"

If even Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, isn't enough to satisfy Kumogakure Village, then they might as well go jump off a cliff.

In the original story, Jiraiya died a tragic death while investigating the Akatsuki.

Of course, that was when he went to Kumogakure Village.

Now that the Akatsuki has gone completely underground, even if Jiraiya investigates, he won't find anything!

No need to worry about him running into the Six Paths of Pain and getting killed.

Honestly, Jiraiya's death was pure plot convenience.

To make Naruto grow up, they threw all logic out the window.

Otherwise, during the battle in Amegakure Village, Jiraiya could have just used the Reverse Summoning Technique to escape to Mount Myoboku. He wouldn't have had to die at the hands of the Six Paths of Pain.

But he still bit the dust, all to leave behind some measly clues.

"Fine."

Tsunade thought it over and decided it made sense.

If we don't cooperate, we'll just have to put on a show.

Since they want to cooperate, let's play along.

Sending Jiraiya out to do some work will keep him from shamelessly hanging around places full of women, drinking and partying all day.

Even when he's out having fun, he forgets to come home, and little Naruto naturally slips his mind.

Naruto often ends up coming to the Hokage's office looking for his "Grandpa Jiraiya."

Every time that happens, Tsunade feels like stomping Jiraiya to death.

"You might as well just die in some woman's arms."

"Where are we eating later?"

Tsunade asked as she reached the door.

Yan, still reading documents, didn't even look up.

"I'm inviting the two guests from Kumogakure Village to dinner tonight. There was a small misunderstanding earlier, so I thought this would be a good chance to clear the air over a meal."

"Just dinner? Nothing else?" Tsunade stared at Yan with a look of deep suspicion.

"What else would it be? Trying to pick up girls?" Yan replied, exasperated.

Look at the way you're staring at me.

"Exactly. You, Uchiha Yan, always use dinner as an excuse to flirt with girls. I know exactly what happened between you and Kurenai."

"....."

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