Tsunade

---

"She left after all."

Looking at the empty laboratory, Muzan sighed after hearing the news. Tsunade had been both a teacher and a friend to him.

Even though he received a punch from her, it was undeniable that Tsunade had been a great help to Muzan. Not only did he inherit her ninjutsu, but before leaving, she even declared that Muzan was her registered disciple.

This news was relayed to Muzan by Anko and Mari. Muzan had been in the laboratory during this period, and since he was banned from Konoha by the Hokage for a month, no one had come to see him.

"After Tsunade-sama left the village, it had a great impact on Konoha. Many medical ninjas wanted to follow her, but they were all reprimanded by her," Anko said, eating meatballs as if recalling the events of the morning. She suddenly thought of the relationship between Muzan and Tsunade and asked doubtfully, "Didn't Tsunade-sama say anything to you before she left?"

Sensing Muzan's loss, Mari immediately interrupted and whispered to Anko, "Anko, it's better not to ask that. Maybe Tsunade-sama had something urgent and only took one person with her."

They continued to explain the situation to Muzan, mentioning that Tsunade was accompanied by someone. Muzan had also seen that girl before.

"Shizune? It looks like this is a long journey. She didn't tell me before leaving. Did she think I would persuade her to stay?"

Tsunade had deep feelings for Konoha. After all, it was protected by her grandfather and granduncle, and it was where she was born and raised. Otherwise, she wouldn't have come at such a critical moment.

"I'll treat you to some red bean-flavored meatballs, so don't feel sad anymore..."

"Your meatballs are too small. I don't want them."

Even the usually careless Anko could sense Muzan's loss at this moment.

However, Muzan wasn't sad because of Tsunade's departure. His sense of loss stemmed from his inability to leave the village or live a free life.

"Hahaha! I am such a fool. When I develop the Twelve Demon Moons and overcome my weaknesses, I will abolish this rotten system!"

Listening to Muzan's wild laughter, Anko and Mari were confused, thinking that he was extremely sad and had lost his mind.

"Mari, our teammate has gone mad. Should we ask Orochimaru-sensei to change teammates?"

"It's better not to. After all, Muzan is a medical ninja and can treat mental illness."

Muzan's laughter abruptly stopped. He stared at them with a dark expression and punched each of them, sending them flying into the ceiling.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

"That's your lesson!"

He drove them out of the laboratory. If the lab was damaged during a fight, Director Harano would kill him!

They didn't plan to do any missions during this month. The only ones left in the village were D-rank missions, so they decided to take a break and prepare for the next battle.

Accompanying Anko and Mari, they came to the downtown area. Compared to the busy scene of the past, this area had rarely entered a period of depression.

Many merchants sensed the impending war, especially along the trade routes close to Konoha. Many rogue ninjas appeared, causing unnecessary trouble for caravans. Only local merchants or those protected by ninjas dared to transport goods.

After finishing the last bunch of meatballs, Anko made a long face, pouting and stretching out her hand.

"Prices have risen a lot recently, and the meatballs have almost doubled. Can you lend me some money?"

"But I don't have much money left..."

Looking at her empty wallet, Mari took out a few coins, completely tapped out.

"Are you two serious?"

"I have the nerve to say it, Muzan! You owe me extra money!"

Half of the bounty from their missions went to Orochimaru, and the remaining half was divided equally among the three of them. But Muzan withheld a portion of it.

According to his reasoning, when they encountered powerful ninjas, he was the one to defeat them, so he deserved the lion's share.

Therefore, the amount of money that fell into their hands was pitiful.

"Stop eating. The remaining funds are needed to purchase explosive tags and kunai."

The best business during the war was, of course, munitions. Ninjas needed supplies to survive in the wild or prepare a small amount of food pills, but they couldn't live without weapons.

When they arrived at the weapons store, they heard a group of people complaining.

"What the hell! Our lives are already tough, and these bastards from Sunagakure are still looking for the missing Kazekage!"

"We didn't do it. Who knows where their Kazekage went?"

"There has been a lot of activity in Sunagakure recently. Most of their ninjas were sent out to find the Kazekage. Is their village a joke?"

Some time ago, a group of ninjas from Sunagakure caused quite a stir. Many thought Sunagakure, known for raiding during autumn, would provoke a war. Unexpectedly, their Kazekage went missing!

Simply outrageous!

"The fuse has been lit."

The next period would be difficult for Sunagakure.

"Do you want to make a fortune?"

Seeing Anko and Mari eating in silence, Muzan decided against involving them in his plan.

Although the current price of explosive tags was rising, it hadn't reached an outrageous level yet. Muzan's research required not only technology but also substantial funds.

From the cooperation between Orochimaru and Danzo, it was clear that even a Kage-level powerhouse needed money for continuous research.

"Ahem, Anko, I remember you have some private money. Can I borrow some?"

"No money!"

After borrowing a lot, Muzan raised a significant amount of paper funds. Today was the day for his bloody battle with the weapons store.

Of course, if Konoha controlled these weapons, Muzan would sell everything he had.

All in.

He already had nothing, so more debt wouldn't change much.

As Muzan led them to all-in, the atmosphere in the Konoha Hokage's office was extremely tense. Everyone was looking at the Hokage.

"Sunagakure has gone too far this time! The disappearance of their Kazekage has nothing to do with us!"

Danzo had just finished speaking. Sarutobi Hiruzen and others looked at Danzo. If the Kazekage's disappearance was attributed to Konoha, it must have been Danzo's doing.

"You don't have to doubt me. I wouldn't target a mere Sunagakure."

Regardless of whether Konoha was involved or not, Sunagakure wouldn't miss this opportunity. Their so-called alliance was based on interests and strength.

Although Sunagakure was one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, its strength had always been the weakest.

Therefore, they often cooperated with Konoha. But if Konoha showed any sign of fatigue, Sunagakure would be the first to attack.

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