Chapter 136
Gouda Takeshi deeply regretted his decision. He once again experienced the original despair Aburame Hatsuizumi had felt. It wasn't a matter of going bankrupt—it was something far worse.
Let me put it this way: when you treat someone to a meal, and they devour food as if their stomach has mutated, you don't immediately think about how much money you've spent. Instead, you wonder, What the hell is this absurdly expensive thing they're eating?!
Naruto and Sasuke, exhausted and starving from their earlier training, wolfed down their food. Yet, Zixu and the others showed no signs of slowing. Fearing the two boys might push themselves to the point of collapse, Sakura reluctantly dragged the stubborn Sasuke and Naruto away. She quickly bid farewell to Zixu and the others before leaving.
Fortunately, Takeshi Gouda was spared from financial ruin. His boss, Jiraiya, unexpectedly covered the entire bill, preventing him from having to repay the debt with his salary for the rest of his life.
Zixu didn't intend to linger in Konoha. He wasn't sure if Danzo still had Kotoamatsukami in his possession or whether he had already used it. If he had, was the cooldown period over? It was better to be cautious. The smartest move was to leave quickly.
As the saying goes, To catch the thief, you must capture the leader. With the Fire Daimyo already in his pocket, Konoha would be forced to comply. Unlike Kumogakure, which held significant influence over its daimyo, Konoha couldn't ignore the will of the Land of Fire. After all, it was the First Raikage who founded the Lightning Country, giving its daimyos no choice but to respect the Raikage's authority.
"Dululululul~"
As Zixu and Aburame Hatsuizumi strolled through the streets of Konoha, the familiar onomatopoeic chime of a Den Den Mushi echoed from Zixu's clothes.
Patting his round belly, Zixu let out a satisfied burp before pulling out the snail-like communicator.
The tiny Den Den Mushi was dressed in a miniature samurai white shirt, its eyes filled with seriousness. It spoke with a calm, no-nonsense tone.
"Mr. Zixu, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has agreed to cooperate. However, they want the bugs capable of controlling ninjas immediately. How should we proceed?"