Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 406: Journey to Kumogakure

"Lord Madara."

"Nagato has left for the Land of Lightning."

In the dim cave, Zetsu's head was the only thing visible above the ground, his expression unreadable. He had been monitoring Nagato for a long time, never once letting his guard down.

"The Ninja World is about to fall into chaos."

"Have you found someone for the key role I told you to find?"

Madara's gaze was distant and unfocused. After making his statement, he shifted the topic without hesitation. Nagato had long spiraled beyond his control, and he knew full well that Nagato was not someone who could be easily manipulated at this stage.

Seated on a stone bench, Madara looked far older than before. The deep creases on his face seemed deep enough to trap a fly. Compared to his prime, his current state could barely even be called living.

"The Uchiha Clan holds a pivotal role in Konoha, and I can't act too freely."

"So far, I've found two who fit your criteria—one named Obito, the other Shisui."

The status of the Uchiha Clan in Konoha was no longer the same as in the past. With the village's joint defense efforts, their security had grown even tighter.

Yet, Zetsu still moved in and out as if it were nothing, even managing to get close to Fugaku. His ability to remain undetected was nothing short of incredible—this useless fool.

"Very well, continue observing."

"As for Nagato, we'll leave him alone for now."

As long as Nagato remained alive, there was little point in having Zetsu monitor him further.

"Yes, Lord Madara."

Zetsu nodded slightly, unfazed by the decision. Nagato was nearly beyond control now, making Madara's backup plan all the more crucial.

He was willing to do anything to bring his mother back.

"Go ahead and leave a few clones behind."

Madara gave his order without further explanation. Recently, he had stumbled upon an unexpected compatibility between the White Zetsu's body and Hashirama's cells.

"Understood."

Without hesitation, Zetsu left behind a few White Zetsu clones before sinking back into the ground. Since they were extracted from the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, he felt no attachment to them.

"With this, we can make up for a lot of combat power."

Madara was already preparing for the future. A pawn didn't necessarily need overwhelming strength, but once he perfected the fusion of White Zetsu and Hashirama's cells, that limitation would vanish.

At that point, he could simply transplant White Zetsu's body, granting his pawns immense power. Whether it was the limitless energy of his eyes or a diluted version of Wood Release, it would be more than enough for them to roam freely across the Ninja World.

Slowly rising to his feet, Madara dragged the body of White Zetsu with great effort, disappearing into the darkness.

...

"Why did you want me to come with you?"

On the ship bound for the Land of Lightning, Kakuzu sat across from Nagato, breaking the silence.

Among Kawakaze's disciples, Nagato was now the one he feared most—even more than Minato. And that fear only grew as Nagato did. It was a fear of the unknown, of an unfathomable power beyond his comprehension.

In all his years, Kakuzu had never encountered a shinobi with such mysterious, diverse, and overwhelming abilities.

"Because you were the one who asked. Wouldn't it be rude if you didn't come?"

Nagato brushed his bangs aside, tilting his head slightly. His Rinnegan glowed with amusement.

"I can see you didn't want to bring your little girlfriend along for this trip."

"You just want to use me as free labor, don't you?"

Kakuzu feigned indifference, looking away as he teased Nagato.

"If that's how you see it, fine."

Nagato's mouth twitched as he suppressed a laugh. Kakuzu wasn't wrong.

Though Nagato was confident in his ability to safely escort Nonō to and from the Land of Lightning, he still preferred not to take unnecessary risks. Better to be safe than sorry.

"I guess I'm just unlucky."

"But if we get the Tailed Beast, can I keep it?"

Kakuzu's eyes gleamed with interest as he shifted focus back to the real prize.

After all, if Akatsukigakure secured a Tailed Beast, his contributions would be undeniable.

"You? Keep the Tailed Beast?"

Nagato stared at him in disbelief, wondering if he had misheard.

Was his hearing failing him at such a young age?

"Mm-hm."

Kakuzu nodded, pointing to himself with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. He had never been this cooperative in his life.

"How much can a Tailed Beast sell for?"

"A few tens of millions at the low end, up to a hundred million at the high end."

Kakuzu's answer came without hesitation.

"How am I supposed to trust you at this rate?"

Nagato shook his head with a bitter smile. He wasn't worried about Kakuzu running off with the Tailed Beast—he was worried about him selling it.

"I just heard about it from someone else."

"I really don't want to sell it."

"Do you believe me?"

Kakuzu waved his hands as if to deny the accusation, but his words lacked conviction.

"Even if I believe you, do you think Yahiko and the others will?"

"Just give up on that idea."

Nagato knew that if he didn't reject it outright, Kakuzu would keep pestering him.

Tailed Beasts weren't meant to be sold.

"No room for discussion?"

"I really don't want to sell it."

Kakuzu scooted closer, as if trying to salvage his image, hoping to prove that money wasn't all he cared about.

"Look, we're almost there."

Nagato ended the conversation, turning his gaze forward.

Through the mist, the outline of the pier was beginning to take shape.

"Hm."

Kakuzu responded softly, his enthusiasm fading as he resigned himself to reality.

"Cheer up, show some spirit."

"Tailed Beasts are priceless. Do you really think anyone would dare buy one?"

Nagato understood Kakuzu's frustration. It was hard to see a massive fortune right in front of you and be unable to touch it.

But he was also speaking the truth. After what happened to Takigakure, there weren't many who would dare to purchase a Tailed Beast—but there were still a few.

"That's true."

Kakuzu seemed to snap out of it. Outside of the major ninja villages, he had no idea where to even find a buyer. And as for selling to one of the great villages? That was impossible.

"Alright, get ready to disembark."

Nagato stood and walked toward the bow of the ship, his crimson bangs falling over his eyes once more.

About ten minutes later, the ship rocked slightly as it docked in the Land of Lightning.

Under the captain's guidance, Nagato and Kakuzu stepped ashore, one ahead of the other.

"My lords, our village is still some distance from here."

"Would you like to rest for the night, or depart immediately?"

The ship had been specially sent by Kumogakure, and the captain, a Jōnin, spoke cautiously. He knew exactly who he was dealing with and kept his tone as respectful as possible.

"This is my first time in the Land of Lightning."

"Please show us around. There's no rush."

Nagato looked around with genuine curiosity, showing no signs of urgency.

It was as if the Tailed Beast mattered less to him than the sights of the Land of Lightning.

"Of course, it would be my pleasure."

"But we shouldn't linger too long, or I won't be able to explain myself to Lord Raikage."

This wasn't what the Kumo shinobi had expected. The moment he opened his mouth, he found himself practically begging Nagato to go retrieve the Tailed Beast quickly.

"Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you."

"You've worked hard these past few days."

Nagato's demeanor was easygoing, and the Kumo ninja secretly sighed in relief.

His sensei's advice had been right.

Not only had he regained control of the situation, but he'd also managed to secure time to eat and relax.

As long as he continued to treat the Tailed Beast as an afterthought, their visit to Kumogakure would proceed without issue.