Chapter 94: **Chapter 94: The Mission is Over!**
Ten minutes later, Gulal lay on the ground, his meridians ruptured and his internal organs severely damaged. He was barely clinging to life, his body on the verge of complete collapse.
"Weaklings inevitably end up as discarded trash," Senganzuchi sneered as he approached Gulal, raising a kunai. "Goodbye!"
*Thud!*
In a flash, Senganzuchi collapsed, a gaping wound on his forehead from which blood and brain matter seeped. With a last effort, Gulal grinned in grim satisfaction.
"A life for a life… Worth it," Gulal thought as his vision began to fade.
"Hmm?" Just as he was about to slip into unconsciousness, he felt a hand press against his chest. Somehow, his damaged heart began to beat steadily again, and the pain in his body lessened. Blinking, Gulal looked up to see a Konoha ninja healing him.
"Ninja from Konoha?" Gulal muttered, astonished. Why was a Konoha ninja treating him?
"I can repair your body, even your broken meridians," Reiki whispered. "The question is… do you still want to live?"
Gulal's gaze sharpened. "What's the price?"
"You'd become my puppet. Don't worry—I won't ask anything that would harm Kumogakure or the Land of Lightning," Reiki replied with a faint smile. "You have five seconds to decide, or else…"
"I want to live!" Gulal interrupted before Reiki could finish. Facing death, he found the price acceptable.
"Then, open your mind…" Reiki's hand glowed blue as he reached for Gulal's soul, leaving a special curse mark.
"This curse seal is called the 'Ethereal Seed.' It allows you complete independence, as long as you stay loyal. But if you ever betray me…" Reiki's eyes narrowed, "I can turn you into a puppet instantly."
With that, Reiki began the treatment in earnest.
---
Meanwhile, back on the battlefield…
"Lord Senganzuchi!" An Iwagakure ninja spotted his fallen leader, only realizing what had happened minutes after the attack. Rushing to Senganzuchi's side, he noted Gulal's body was missing.
"Konoha, the Land of Rain…" The ninja's voice trembled as he addressed the allied forces. "Hand over Gulal's body. I know we're at fault here, and Iwagakure will compensate you accordingly. But if not…"
Hanzo's fierce expression silenced him. "If not, then what? Leave now, or pay the price."
Hanzo had hoped that with this fight over, the alliance with Konoha would be cemented. But the stubbornness of this ninja was grating on him.
"Fine," the ninja spat, his voice laced with anger. "If you insist on protecting the murderer, then Iwagakure will—"
*Slash!*
Before he could finish, Hanzo's sickle glinted as he struck him down, the blood splattering across the ground.
"If you choose to stay, then so be it," Hanzo declared, his cold gaze sweeping over the remaining Iwagakure ninjas. At his signal, dozens of Ame ninjas descended upon the remaining Iwagakure forces, eliminating them swiftly.
Afterward, Tsunade, standing nearby, addressed Hanzo. "The alliance matters are settled. In the future, let's focus on bringing peace and cooperation, not killing."
Though she felt some unease about Hanzo's merciless approach, she knew it was the safest way on the battlefield. Leaving potential enemies alive could only lead to more problems.
"Of course," Hanzo replied, still satisfied with the outcome. "Tomorrow, I'll establish a connection with Konoha for missions."
Their alliance had accomplished several goals: establishing formal ties, uniting against a common enemy, and gaining Akatsuki's recognition. Hanzo was more than pleased with the results.
Tsunade nodded. "Then, we'll take our leave. The village is waiting for our report."
With that, Tsunade and the Konoha team left the scene.
---
The group regrouped with Kato Dan shortly after.
"Teacher, Lord Kato is stable now. His spirit was damaged, so he'll need some time to recover," Reiki reported with a smile.
"Understood," Tsunade replied, her patience for Kato Dan wearing thin. His impulsive actions had put Konoha in unnecessary conflict, potentially making Kumogakure see Konoha as hostile. Though Konoha could handle the tension, it was an avoidable nuisance.
With a resigned sigh, Akimichi Choza hoisted Kato Dan onto his back, and the team began the journey home.
---
Half an hour after the Konoha team disappeared, two figures emerged from a hidden spot nearby. It was Reiki and Gulal.
"Return to Kumogakure," Reiki instructed, "but don't reveal your presence for now. Focus your attention on Iwagakure."
With that, Reiki transformed into white mist, vanishing from sight. Gulal stood there for a moment, watching the mist dissipate, his expression complicated.
His initial acceptance of Reiki's offer had been driven purely by survival instinct. But now, fully healed and able to think clearly, he realized his position was far from simple. With Iwagakure as their new target, Kumogakure would likely be drawn into a lengthy conflict.
As he passed the battlefield, Gulal destroyed any remaining traces of the fallen Iwagakure ninjas, then turned and left, transforming into blue lightning that streaked into the distance.
---
Two days later, the Konoha team reported to the Hokage's office.
"Tsunade, you did a remarkable job this time," Hiruzen said, clearly pleased. "From your command to your coordination with Iwagakure against Kumogakure, you've given Konoha a strong foothold."
Hiruzen's words revealed his pride in Tsunade's growth. She had proven herself as a capable leader, far from the fiery young girl she once was.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Tsunade replied. "But if you'll excuse me, I could use some rest."
Leaving Minato to handle any remaining mission details, Tsunade turned and exited the office, satisfied with the successful completion of her mission.
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