Zhang Miao Appears

The person speaking at that moment was none other than Zhang Miao!

Neither the Raikage nor Amai had expected another person hidden in the room, so they immediately turned around upon hearing Zhang Miao's voice.

"Who?"

Seeing their shocked expressions, Zhang Miao grinned. "Heh heh, Raikage, it's been seven years. How have you been?"

Zhang Miao's tone towards the Fourth Raikage was undeniably disrespectful. Hearing him call the Raikage by such a nickname, Amai, who had been in shock, immediately rebuked him.

"How dare you disrespect the Fourth Raikage! You—"

"Shut up, Amai!"

Before Amai could finish speaking, the Fourth Raikage interrupted him, glaring cautiously at Zhang Miao.

"Why are you here?"

Although it had been seven years, and Zhang Miao had grown from a child into a teenager, the Raikage recognized him instantly from his long, blood-red hair and piercing gaze. His expression turned serious.

Seeing the Raikage's wary stance, Zhang Miao shrugged nonchalantly, then walked over to the stone bed and sat down. He looked at the unconscious Karui and began to speak slowly.

"I was at the inn when you went to find Tsunade yesterday. I followed you here today. You should be grateful you didn't try anything against Tsunade, or you know what would have happened."

Hearing this, the Raikage's expression changed again. Though he was now more annoyed, he was also relieved. He fell silent, not knowing what to say.

Understanding the situation from their conversation, Amai realized that Zhang Miao and the Raikage knew each other and that Zhang Miao's identity was significant. He, too, remained silent.

Seeing the two of them silent, Zhang Miao smiled again, then stood up and walked to the door, gesturing to Shino Aburame, kneeling on one knee.

"Alright, Shino, you can get up now. How did you know I was here?"

"Yes, boss!" Shino stood up and lowered his head slightly. "Your stealth techniques are incredible, boss. I couldn't see you, but I could still find you. If you ask why, it's because I left this on you!"

Shino extended his hand with that, and a tiny black insect flew from Zhang Miao's clothing pocket to his palm.

Seeing this, Zhang Miao showed a hint of surprise.

"Is this a female tracking bug?"

"Yes!"

Seeing Zhang Miao recognize it, Shino nodded. "This is a female tracking bug. It emits a unique scent that only male tracking bugs can detect. That's how I found you, boss!"

"I see!"

After hearing Shino's explanation, Zhang Miao smiled and patted his shoulder.

"Shino, you truly are a bug expert. It's unlucky for the Hyena Clan to encounter you. Where are their bodies? Take me to see them. I'm quite curious about these 'ninja-hunters.'"

"Yes, boss!" Shino nodded. "I haven't disposed of their bodies yet. They're not far from here. Please follow me!"

With that, Shino turned and walked out, with Zhang Miao following.

They only took a few steps when the Raikage's voice called from behind them. "Wait, I'm coming too!"

The Fourth Raikage stepped out as well, and seeing this, Zhang Miao raised his eyebrows again and smiled.

"You want to see them too? Fine, maybe it'll ease your mind. Raikage, you seem to be getting worse with age. Some small fry managed to cause you this much trouble. No one would believe it if they heard, heh heh!"

The Raikage could hear the mockery in Zhang Miao's tone. He would have exploded with his temper if anyone else spoke to him like this. But with Zhang Miao's strength in mind, he suppressed his anger and ignored the barbs, turning to Amai.

"Amai, stay here and take care of Karui. I'm going to see the Hyena Clan's bodies with the Nine-Tails of Konoha!"

"Huh?"

Amai, who had been confused about Zhang Miao's identity, was now shocked, staring at Zhang Miao with wide eyes.

"He... he's the Nine-Tails?"

In Kumogakure, many hadn't seen Zhang Miao's appearance or knew his real name, but almost everyone knew of the "Nine-Tails" and the "Fart Demon." Amai was no exception.

Seeing Amai's stunned expression, Zhang Miao felt his vanity satisfied. He smiled, flicked his hair, and raised his chin proudly at Amai.

"That's right. I am the man who combines beauty and power, talent and virtue. I once defeated the Kumogakure army on the Grass Wave Coast, causing the Cloud ninja to flee in panic. I captured the perfect Jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails, Killer B, and made the Fourth Raikage kneel and beg for mercy, calling me 'father.' I am the thousand-year mad killer, Kikyou Masamune, Lord Miao!"

Amai: "Σ(°△°|||)︴"

Hearing Zhang Miao's words, Amai was left dumbfounded, while the Fourth Raikage, holding back his anger, could no longer contain himself and roared.

"Uzumaki Ryunosuke, you damn Fart Demon, stop spouting nonsense! You defeated Kumogakure and captured Killer B, but when did I ever call you 'father'? Explain yourself!"

"Tsk..." Zhang Miao clicked his tongue at the furious Raikage and waved his hand dismissively. "It's just an exaggeration. Don't mind the details. And if you call me 'Fart Demon' again, I'll turn your little flower into a sunflower right here."

"Damn it..."

Just as the Raikage was about to argue further, Karui, lying on the bed, suddenly woke up. She looked at Zhang Miao in surprise.

"Are you... Lord Ryunosuke? What are you doing here?"

Karui was proud and had a strong sense of self-esteem. She was usually indifferent to ninjas from other villages. Even when Amai addressed Tsunade as "Lady Tsunade," she rebuked him for it.

Now, however, she was addressing Zhang Miao as "Lord" without reluctance, which surprised Amai, standing by her bed.

"Karui, you..."

Zhang Miao also heard Karui and immediately stopped provoking the Raikage. He turned and waved at Karui.

"Yo, Karui, it's been seven years. I'm glad to see you're alive. Are you happy to see me?"

"Uh..."

Karui's expression instantly froze.