Shut Up! Don't Give Me Nicknames!

Fuma and Hanzō stared at each other from a distance, both filled with mutual hatred yet unable to do anything about it.

If the fight continued, even if Fuma managed to kill Hanzō, he would likely be hit by Hanzō's desperate self-detonation. While it wouldn't be fatal, it simply wasn't worth it.

With Fuma's 23 years of experience in Konoha, he knew that killing Hanzō wouldn't be seen as an achievement but rather a significant blemish.

Danzo, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Hiruzen Sarutobi—dubbed the "Konoha Internal Conflict Team" by many netizens—were proof of that. Their political skills could only be described as "I have nothing to say," but their talent for creating internal strife was remarkable.

If he killed Hanzō, Fuma could already picture them reprimanding him:

"The village's mission was to moderately counter Rain Shinobi. As a village ninja, you disobeyed orders and should be punished."

This would be Koharu, with a facade of fairness but an obsession with obedience.

"How dare you! This is a provocation that could lead to war between two villages, even the entire ninja world! You must take responsibility!"

This would be Homura, always playing the saint in the ninja world.

"Well done, Fuma."

Danzo might approve of killing Hanzō, but he would definitely use the incident to suppress any rising stars in Konoha.

"Sigh, this is tough. Let's hold a meeting to discuss it. You wait for our decision."

This would be Hiruzen, always indecisive and trying to please everyone, yet perpetually unable to make firm decisions.

"The Uchiha clan is becoming a problem. We must find a way to deal with them. Summon the Anbu and closely monitor the Uchiha district!"

This would be all four of them in unison.

These four had each inherited a part of Tobirama's teachings but never realized that their teacher was a complex individual.

As the Second Hokage, Tobirama dared to fight for the village's dignity, dared to innovate by establishing the Ninja Academy, dared to make peace treaties with the Land of Lightning, and dared to sacrifice himself for future generations. As a politician, he was a remarkable figure in the ninja world.

Thinking about these four inept successors, Fuma's fighting spirit cooled considerably. It simply wasn't worth it.

Why bother? Why risk his life, only to have Tsunade receive two boxes of condolence fruit and a big gravestone?

The 'Blood Thunder Armor' around Fuma gradually dissipated, and the blood energy returned to his body, beginning to neutralize the poison within him. He sighed, looking at Hanzō seriously:

"You know, I'm just an ordinary ninja from Konoha, merely completing my mission. This attack was in response to your Rain Shinobi's provocation. I'm just doing my duty. But there's something I can tell you."

Hanzō, watching Fuma's sudden change in demeanor, responded cautiously, "Speak."

Scratching his head, Fuma replied sincerely, "You know about Danzo, 'Darkness of the Shinobi', right? He ordered me to do it, claiming it was just to kill the Rain Village Anbu."

"If I had known it was your son, I wouldn't have taken the mission. As a senior figure in the ninja world, I've always respected you."

This was the truth, albeit with a slight embellishment. As for Danzo, he already carried numerous black marks and blood debts. One more wouldn't make a difference.

With a grand gesture, Fuma continued, "All credit goes to the esteemed advisor, Danzo."

Hanzō squinted, contemplating Fuma's words. He didn't believe Fuma's respect for him, given the lethal intent Fuma had shown during the battle. But Danzo, that shadowy figure, it sounded like something he would do. This grudge, Hanzō decided to remember.

Stepping back while maintaining a guarded stance, Hanzō spoke slowly:

"Konoha's arrogance is known throughout the ninja world. No need to dwell on it. Today's battle has left a deep impression on me. We will meet again on the battlefield. A ninja like you deserves the accolades of the ninja world. Let me bestow upon you—"

Fuma's body tensed. This old man loved giving nicknames. They hadn't even won yet, and he still wanted to give out titles.

Considering the fate of those dubbed "The Legendary Sannin" by Hanzō, Fuma wasn't keen on receiving one. Jiraiya was devoured by a fish, Tsunade lived a life of solitude, and Orochimaru died several times, ultimately changing his ways.

Hanzō's commendation was akin to Hidan's curse. As Hanzō was about to speak, Fuma loudly interrupted.

"Stop!!"

"I'm just an ordinary Konoha ninja. Fancy titles should go to someone like Danzo! And besides, Hanzō, you wouldn't want the whole ninja world to know your salamander's poison can be neutralized, right?"

Hanzō's expression darkened. He still didn't understand how Fuma had neutralized the poison. He refused to believe it was simply due to physical resilience. To him, Fuma was now a terrifying medical and taijutsu ninja.

"Hmph, many people would kill for my commendation."

"See you on the battlefield, young Konoha ninja."

Despite the searing pain in his organs and his limp left arm, Hanzō maintained his dignified demeanor as a senior ninja, then quickly retreated.

Watching Hanzō's hasty departure, a smile played on Fuma's lips.

"Hanzō of the Salamander, truly an interesting and formidable opponent."

Leaving the hellish battlefield, Fuma summoned his black eagle with a scroll.

"Dahei, return to Konoha and tell Tsunade and the Third Hokage that I'm fine but need some time to recover. I'll be back in five days."

"Understood." The usually taciturn Dahei spread its wings and flew towards Konoha.

A day later, Fuma was relaxing in the daimyo's bathhouse in the Land of Bears, recovering from the battle. The post-battle vacation was always so delightful.

Meanwhile, in Konoha, Tsunade, Danzo, and the Third Hokage were embroiled in a heated argument.

"Danzo, you sent Fuma to face Hanzō alone. What are you up to, you bastard!"

Tsunade demanded furiously.

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