Genji's face stiffened for a moment before he forced himself to relax.
"Fine," he said through gritted teeth.
Kawakaze felt a surge of joy at seeing Genji struggle to maintain his composure.
You're a smart guy! he thought to himself.
"Thank you so much. If there's anything else in the future, you can find me in Konoha," Kawakaze said, his tone dripping with faux politeness.
He reveled in the sense of control and the satisfaction that came with each victory in negotiation.
"I'll have someone fetch it," Genji said curtly, standing up to give the order.
He could barely tolerate Kawakaze's act of false courtesy.
You still need something from me? Kirigakure isn't enough for repayment?
Genji made a mental note to warn the next Mizukage to never engage in dealings with Kawakaze Hatake from Konoha.
Otherwise, they'd surely be left with nothing.
"I'll be waiting, then," Kawakaze said, watching Genji's figure retreat.
Taking a sip of tea, he smiled.
Somehow, the tea tasted even sweeter now.
Nagato observed Kawakaze, tilting his head slightly.
Why does Sensei look so punchable right now? he thought.
"Nagato," Kawakaze said, breaking the silence.
"The world of ninja isn't just about fighting and killing—it's about human relationships."
"Learn more from Sensei," Kawakaze added, his smugness barely concealed as he finished his tea.
"Yes, Sensei. I understand," Nagato replied, suppressing his urge to retort.
He glanced at Kawakaze deeply, thinking, Sensei's is really shameless.
Is this what you mean by 'human relationships'? Not threats and intimidation?
"Good boy."
Hearing Nagato's response, Kawakaze patted him on the head with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Genji left the room and sought out a Kiri Ninja.
"Go to the Hōzuki Clan and retrieve the Scroll for Summoning the Ninja Blades," Genji instructed firmly.
"If they refuse, tell them Kawakaze Hatake will come and get it himself."
Genji understood the importance of the Scroll to the Hōzuki Clan, but he didn't have the luxury of debating with them. A threat would expedite the process.
"Yes, Chief Elder."
The Kiri Ninja left to carry out the orders, and Genji let out a long sigh. He couldn't stand dealing with Kawakaze Hatake any longer.
If he asks for anything else, I don't know what I'll do.
Genji wandered the corridor, waiting silently.
Inside the room, Kawakaze appeared utterly at ease. He poured himself another cup of tea, savoring his victory.
He even took a moment to observe the decor of the Mizukage's office.
"This place is much worse than your Sensei's wife's office," Kawakaze remarked.
Nagato didn't bother to respond. Does anyone really want to waste money decorating public property?
"Why aren't you saying anything, boy?" Kawakaze asked, noticing Nagato's silence.
"Yes, you're right," Nagato replied with a helpless sigh.
"Sensei's wife's office is the best-looking."
He rolled his eyes, resigned to indulging his Sensei's antics.
When he's not busy, Sensei acts like a child himself.
After some time, Genji returned, stepping through the door.
"I have it," he announced, holding up a scroll.
"This is the Scroll for Summoning the Ninja Blades you asked for."
Handing it over to Kawakaze, a flash of pain crossed Genji's eyes. Without the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Kirigakure would lose an important legacy.
"Thank you for your generosity," Kawakaze said without a hint of politeness.
Without even examining the scroll, he tucked it directly into his pocket.
If it were fake, he'd likely be even more thrilled.
"Not at all. The Ninja Blades were just gathering dust in my Kirigakure," Genji replied, his tone forced.
"I hope they can reach their full potential in Konoha."
Having handed over such a valuable asset, Genji no longer cared about pretense. All he could think was: Just leave already!
"No, you're being too modest. Now that things are settled, I should get going," Kawakaze said, standing up.
Genji's heart lifted at the words.
"Then I'll see you off," Genji offered, eager to watch Kawakaze leave.
"No need," Kawakaze replied, taking another sip of tea. "This tea is really good."
Nagato shifted awkwardly, feeling secondhand embarrassment. You're wealthy, Sensei. Why do you act like you lack something as small as tea?
"Oh, I almost forgot," Genji exclaimed, slapping his forehead. He walked over to a cupboard and retrieved a large bag of tea leaves.
"This is all of this year's new tea. Take it with you and enjoy it back in Konoha."
He stuffed the bag into Kawakaze's arms, as though trying to leave him no excuse to stay.
"And don't worry about the 200 million. I'll have it delivered to Konoha within the month," Genji added hastily, fearing Kawakaze might concoct some new demand.
"You're too kind. How could I not trust you?" Kawakaze said, playing the role of the generous guest while secretly thinking, Who wouldn't pay after all this?
He casually handed the tea leaves to Nagato and walked out of the Mizukage's office without another word.
When they stepped outside, repair efforts were already underway. The damaged buildings were being reconstructed, and villagers were returning from the shelters to their homes.
Before long, the group arrived at the edge of the forest—a remnant of Kawakaze's earlier Wood Release technique.
The Kiri Ninja who had been trapped in the trees had all been rescued, leaving behind broken branches scattered across the ground.
"You can stop here. There's no need to see me off," Kawakaze said, turning to Genji, who seemed reluctant to let him out of sight.
"Then I wish you a safe journey," Genji said, his gaze briefly sweeping over the forest. At least we'll have timber for the repairs.
"Good. Goodbye," Kawakaze replied, throwing an arm around Nagato's shoulders. In the blink of an eye, the two disappeared from sight.
"Finally, they're gone," Genji muttered with relief as he turned back toward the village.
He had plenty of work ahead of him.
The 200 million ryo would need to be raised and delivered as promised, and the village's damage would require urgent attention.
The Third Mizukage's policies will need to be adjusted, or perhaps completely overhauled—and all of it falls under his responsibility.
...
A few days later, Kawakaze returned to Konohagakure with Nagato.
Standing in front of the village gate, Nagato's emotions were mixed.
"Finally, we're back," he murmured.
Reflecting on his time in captivity, it all felt surreal. If he were still the orphan he once was, no one might have cared if he lived or died.
"At such a young age, what are you brooding about?" Kawakaze asked, noticing Nagato's somber mood. Uncertain how to console him, he opted for a firm slap on the back of the head.
"Ouch!" Nagato stumbled forward, pulled from his thoughts. He looked up at Kawakaze with a pitiful expression but said nothing.
"What are you looking at? Go back and train harder," Kawakaze said gruffly.
"Next time you get caught, don't expect me to save you."
Kawakaze strode up to the gate and knocked, maintaining a sense of decorum upon their return.
When the gate opened, two Konoha Ninjas greeted them and quickly allowed them inside.
"Let's go report your safety to your Sensei's wife first, and then we'll head home," Kawakaze instructed, leading Nagato toward the Hokage building.
He chose to enter through the front door, setting a proper example for any young onlookers.
Greeting several Konoha Ninjas along the way, Kawakaze reached the Hokage's Office and pushed the door open without hesitation.
"Don't you know how to knock?" Tsunade snapped, looking up from her desk.
Her irritation vanished instantly when she saw Kawakaze and Nagato standing before her.
"You're back, Nagato. Come here and let me take a look at you," she said warmly, beckoning him closer.
Her earlier anger was replaced with relief as she focused on Nagato's wellbeing.
"Where's Shōta?" Kawakaze asked, glancing around the office and noticing only Tsunade. He could guess the reason for her initial irritation.
That rookie must have left her to handle everything alone.