Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 424: Finally Meeting Tsunade

With Daisuke's departure, skirmishes between the Iwa ninja, led by Ōnoki, and the Kumo forces erupted across the battlefield.

The results remained inconclusive, much to the Third Raikage's frustration. However, there was little he could do. The Land of Earth was Iwagakure's home turf, and the sheer number of traps alone made life miserable for the Kumo ninja.

Though Ōnoki's tactics had significantly slowed Kumo's advance, he knew it wouldn't change the final outcome of the war.

"Has Akatsukigakure still not won yet?"

After wiping out a few scattered enemy squads, the Third Raikage impatiently turned to Dodai. His hope was for Akatsuki and Kumo to completely surround the Iwa forces, making victory effortless.

"The Akatsuki side is facing a tough battle."

Dodai's tone remained steady as he relayed information from their allies. "Although they're in the lead under Nagato's command, they haven't managed to fully crush Iwa's forces."

"Tch, I expected too much from them."

The Third Raikage sighed, unimpressed. He had never thought highly of Nagato to begin with. Perhaps, deep down, he felt that a small village like Akatsukigakure had already exceeded expectations by accomplishing this much.

"Supplies are still flowing steadily," Dodai pointed out. "We have nothing to worry about."

He had hit the mark. As long as they played it safe, conquering the Land of Earth was only a matter of time. It was Ōnoki who had far more reason to be anxious.

"Heh, you're right."

The Third Raikage let out a light chuckle, his tense expression easing. He couldn't imagine what else Ōnoki could possibly do to stop them.

"Father, the interrogation is complete."

"The enemy's traps have been mapped out."

The Fourth A approached, holding a small-scale map. After days of battle, exhaustion was beginning to show on his face.

"Good. Keep moving forward."

The Third Raikage didn't even glance at the map—details like that weren't something he needed to concern himself with personally.

"Yes."

"Set off."

The Fourth A put the map away and moved forward with Killer Bee at the front, clearing a path.

As time passed, the Kumo forces continued their steady advance, gradually shrinking the Iwa ninja's remaining territory.

None of this concerned Daisuke anymore. After many days of travel, he finally arrived at Konoha's gates.

Bang, bang, bang—

Taking a deep breath, he knocked.

"Who are you?"

The gates opened slightly, revealing a Konoha ninja on guard. His eyes were filled with caution.

"I am Daisuke Nakano, a Jōnin of Iwagakure. By order of Tsuchikage Ōnoki, I request an audience with the Hokage."

Daisuke introduced himself humbly.

"Iwagakure?"

The guard's expression darkened. He had lost family and comrades at the hands of Iwa ninja.

"Yes, please inform her," Daisuke said. "This is an urgent matter."

The Konoha ninja's glare remained sharp. "Lady Hokage is busy. You can't just walk in and demand a meeting."

He was seconds away from telling him to leave. There was no way he would welcome an Iwa ninja into the village.

"There has been conflict between our villages before," Daisuke admitted. "For that, I offer my deepest apologies. But I must meet the Hokage. I'll do whatever it takes."

Desperation edged his voice. If he couldn't even get past the gate, there was no hope of securing Konoha's help.

"If apologies were enough, why would we need an army?"

The guard sneered. A blood feud wasn't something a few words could erase.

"Then forgive me for this."

A dangerous gleam flickered in Daisuke's eyes. Before the words had fully left his mouth, he struck.

A single punch and a swift kick sent two Konoha guards sprawling. Being mere Chūnin, they were no match for him.

Bang—

"Enemy attack!"

A signal flare shot into the sky, and a loud cry rang out.

The moment Daisuke stepped past the gates, he was surrounded. Konoha ninja flooded in from every direction, weapons drawn.

"I surrender."

Without hesitation, Daisuke raised his hands. The sudden surrender left his captors momentarily stunned.

"You think you'll see Lady Hokage? Dream on."

The two guards he had struck were the first to respond. Enraged, they charged forward and unleashed a flurry of blows.

Daisuke didn't resist. He took every punch and kick, not even raising a hand in defense.

By the time the beating ended, his face was bruised and bloodied. As he was dragged away, he still managed to murmur, "I'm sorry."

Soon, he found himself thrown into the Interrogation Department's prison, his chakra completely sealed. Regret gnawed at him. If this gamble failed, his life was over.

He knew full well—no one ever left an interrogation unit alive.

"Lord Fugaku, a strange Iwa ninja has just been captured," a Konoha shinobi reported. "He claims to be here on Ōnoki's orders, seeking an audience with the Hokage."

Fugaku Uchiha frowned slightly. "With the Land of Earth in the middle of a war, they're sending someone to Konoha?"

A moment of silence passed as he considered the implications.

"Show me."

It was unlikely this was anything but a desperate plea for aid. If it wasn't important, then extracting the information from him wouldn't take long—and the Iwa ninja would meet his end soon enough.

Fugaku would never forget that his uncle had died at the hands of Iwa.

Guided by his subordinates, he arrived at the cell where Daisuke was being held.

"Fugaku Uchiha?"

Before Fugaku could speak, Daisuke recognized him instantly.

"You know me?"

Fugaku wasn't surprised. Given his position, it wasn't uncommon for foreign shinobi to recognize him.

"The head of the Uchiha clan... of course I know you."

Daisuke spoke carefully, ensuring he gave the Uchiha the respect they were due.

"I have no time for useless chatter."

Fugaku's voice was cold. "Convince me, and I'll take you to see the Hokage. Fail, and you die here."

His tone was calm, but the words were merciless.

"The Land of Earth is losing ground under the combined assault of Kumo and Akatsuki," Daisuke said, his voice humble, almost pleading. "I've come to ask for Konoha's help."

"I hope the Hokage can put aside past grievances and aid us."

He knew Konoha lacked nothing. The fall of the Land of Earth wouldn't threaten them in the slightest. This was not a negotiation—it was pure begging.

"Why should Konoha help you?"

Fugaku scoffed. He would rather see Iwagakure burn.

"I know this request is abrupt," Daisuke admitted. "I also know I have no bargaining power. But I carry a personal letter from Lord Tsuchikage for the Hokage."

He carefully retrieved the sealed letter from his inner pocket, his face pale with resignation. He was well aware that his chances of success were slim, and now, facing an Uchiha, they seemed even worse.

The previous Uchiha clan head had died at Rōshi's hands. Now, fate had placed him in front of the current one.

"Not interested."

Fugaku's response was unexpected. "Deliver it yourself."

Daisuke's eyes widened in shock before a wave of relief washed over him. He had expected immediate rejection, perhaps even execution. This was an outcome he hadn't dared to hope for.

"Take him away."

With a wave of Fugaku's hand, his subordinates grabbed Daisuke and dragged him from the cell.

Fugaku had no sympathy for Iwa ninja. But his principles were clear—this decision was for the Hokage to make, not him. Even if he knew Tsunade wouldn't be angered if he simply disposed of Daisuke, he wouldn't act without her authority. free𝑤ebnovel.com