Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 469: Wild Imaginings

Nagato returned to the Land of Rain to rest for a while before setting out with his team for the Land of Rice Fields.

Over the past few days, the Kiri-nin still hadn't launched an attack on the Land of Rice Fields. However, the number of spies they sent in continued to increase. To avoid exposing themselves, the Akatsuki members refrained from taking action.

"Nagato is on his way."

"I'd like to see how much longer the Kiri-nin can stay arrogant."

Konan gritted her teeth in frustration, a strong sense of resentment rising within her. If Yahiko hadn't held her back these past few days, she would have already dealt with those Kiri spies herself.

A bunch of annoying pests—they were such an eyesore.

"They won't be jumping around for much longer."

"Once the time comes, you can vent your anger however you want."

Yahiko couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Konan. Seeing the usually proud and composed young woman fuming was oddly amusing.

"I'm not just going to drive them out of the Land of Hot Water—I'll take the fight all the way to their doorstep."

Even Konan herself wasn't sure if she was just venting or if she truly harbored such ambitious plans.

"No problem."

"Whatever you say."

Yahiko made an "OK" gesture. Once Nagato arrived, they'd have the power to make it happen.

"..."

"Nagato is rushing over—has everything been settled in the Land of Earth?"

Kakuzu could already foresee the impact Nagato's departure would have on the situation there. With his withdrawal, the alliance between Akatsuki and the Kumo-nin had suddenly become precarious.

"Don't worry. He said everything has been arranged."

"The Kumo-nin won't have a chance to stir up trouble for us."

Yahiko knew exactly what was on Kakuzu's mind.

"Good."

Hearing this, Kakuzu relaxed. He trusted Nagato's abilities, and Nagato was never one to act without purpose.

"Before leaving, Nagato gave Iwa's Jinchūriki and Ōnoki's son a serious beating."

"They probably won't be able to get out of bed for at least ten days, maybe even half a month."

Konan casually added a few details, though she didn't bother mentioning Minato's injuries—they weren't worth the effort.

"Letting them live was already merciful enough."

A cold smirk crossed Kakuzu's lips. If they weren't still useful, Nagato wouldn't have spared them.

"Those two unlucky bastards will probably wake up wondering how they're even still alive."

Yahiko suddenly pictured the scene in his head and couldn't hold back his laughter.

This world was like one big, chaotic stage play—everything he imagined was unfolding exactly as expected.

...

In the Land of Earth, Rōshi and Kitsuchi, who had been unconscious for several days, finally woke up one after another.

They stared at each other, both wrapped in heavy bandages like mummies, their eyes filled with confusion.

"The two of you have finally woken up."

"Quick, notify Lord Minato!"

The medical-nin assigned to their care quickly moved into action. Two of them stepped forward to check on Rōshi and Kitsuchi, while another immediately ran out to inform Minato.

"We're... not dead?"

Rōshi's first words were filled with disbelief.

He couldn't fathom how, in that situation, he and Kitsuchi—who had been nothing more than lambs to the slaughter—had actually survived.

"Still alive."

Kitsuchi processed the situation a little faster than Rōshi. His weak voice echoed in the room.

"Your injuries have stabilized, but you'll need to rest for a while to fully recover."

Both medical-nin gave the same diagnosis—proof that Nagato had struck with precise control.

"How's Minato?"

Kitsuchi didn't seem to register what the medical-nin had just told them.

"Lord Minato's injuries aren't as severe as yours. He can already get out of bed and move around."

The medical-nin gave an honest report—though this assessment had been provided by Konoha's medics.

"Good... that's good."

Kitsuchi let out a deep breath, feeling a weight lift from his chest.

Minato wasn't just some ordinary ninja—he was the prized disciple of Kawakaze Hatake. If he had died here, Konoha would undoubtedly seek retribution.

Even if Iwa wasn't directly responsible, Kitsuchi had no desire to see such a scenario unfold.

As long as he lived, he would always put Iwagakure's interests first.

"Thank goodness, you're finally awake."

Before Kitsuchi could say anything, Minato entered the room, his steps still a little unsteady.

"While you were unconscious, Lord Minato came to check on you every day."

The medical-nin were quick to speak on Minato's behalf.

Only Minato himself knew—he hadn't been checking in out of kindness. He had been genuinely worried these two might not make it.

"Much appreciated."

"Thank you."

Rōshi and Kitsuchi managed to pull off weak smiles, though given their injuries, they looked more like grimaces.

"Now that you're awake, I can finally breathe easy. Make sure to get plenty of rest."

"I also have some good news for you."

"Akatsuki has retreated."

Minato took a seat offered by the medical-nin, his relief clearly written on his face.

"What?"

"Seriously?"

Rōshi couldn't believe what he was hearing, wondering if he'd misheard.

Kitsuchi, on the other hand, was so excited that he nearly sat up—only for a sharp pain to remind him of his injuries, forcing a pained gasp.

"It's true. If you don't believe me, ask them."

Minato gestured toward the medical-nin, who both nodded in confirmation.

"This is unbelievable."

"Nagato could have killed us, but he let us go."

"And not only that—he actually retreated."

"What kind of move is that?"

Rōshi was completely baffled. He was the type to obsess over details, and something about this situation felt off.

"You're not wrong."

"It doesn't add up."

Kitsuchi frowned, and Minato tensed up slightly.

Are they about to figure it out?

"I've got it!"

Rōshi suddenly raised his voice, and Minato briefly considered whether he should bolt from the room.

Kitsuchi turned to him expectantly, curious to hear what Rōshi had deduced.

"He let us live for one reason and one reason only."

"He wants us to hold back the Kumo-nin—or maybe even defeat them."

Rōshi looked completely serious, utterly convinced of his own logic.

He didn't even consider the possibility that Akatsuki could have just left without a fight and still achieved the same result.

So why had Nagato beaten them to the brink of death?

Hearing Rōshi's conclusion, Minato exhaled in relief.

For a second, he had genuinely thought Rōshi had seen through everything.

"But aren't Akatsuki and the Kumo-nin allies?"

One of the medical-nin, the same one who had spoken in Minato's favor earlier, hesitantly chimed in. He was braver than the others.

"Allies?"

Kitsuchi let out a dry laugh and shook his head.

"Everyone knows that Akatsuki has been expanding its influence across the ninja world."

"I'm sure Nagato's retreat is part of that larger plan."

"As long as we survive, once we recover and reunite with my father, we can keep the Kumo-nin tied down in the Land of Earth."

"For now, Akatsuki can expand freely without any interference."

"When it comes to power and ambition, there's no such thing as true allies."

Kitsuchi's gaze was sharp, as if he had seen through the entire situation.

"Exactly. That analysis makes a lot of sense."

"I think you're absolutely right."

Minato was practically celebrating on the inside.

These two were overthinking things so much that they had completely misled themselves.

"This is an inescapable stratagem."

"Nagato is playing a brilliant game."

Rōshi sighed. Knowing that they were being manipulated yet being powerless to resist left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"At least Akatsuki's retreat is a good thing for us."

"Let's not dwell on it too much—just focus on recovering for now."

Minato finally allowed himself to fully relax, his words dripping with concern.

"Hm."

"Once we're in better shape, I'll have to trouble you, Minato, to lead a team and help us reunite with my father."

Kitsuchi didn't want to waste any time—wherever he and Rōshi recovered didn't matter.

"No problem."

Minato agreed instantly. It wouldn't affect the bigger picture in the slightest.