Before Tsunade could say anything, Xin spoke up. "I get it, I get it. If Hanzo tries anything, I'll hit him with a genjutsu and make him dance a poison-filled jig. If that doesn't work, I'll think of something else. I won't let him push us around."
"As long as you have a plan," Tsunade said with a sigh. "But don't be reckless."
Tsunade would rather the negotiations fail than see Xin get hurt by Hanzo. Hanzo's poison was no joke. Even she wouldn't dare take it lightly, and anyone else wouldn't stand a chance.
The group made their way swiftly toward the Rain Village, while the Anbu scouts monitored for any potential ambushes by the Sand Village.
Though Konoha hadn't fully withdrawn yet, Sand Village ninjas were still lingering in the Rain Country. Recently, they'd been quiet, but Tsunade couldn't shake the feeling that Chiyo, the crafty elder from the Sand Village, was planning something.
Fortunately, no Sand ninja appeared.
Soon, the group arrived safely at the Rain Village.
"Lord Hanzo, the Konoha team has arrived. Leading them is Tsunade of the Sannin," one of Hanzo's subordinates reported.
"Oh? They've come at last?" Hanzo rose, grabbing his scythe and slinging it over his shoulder.
"Let's go. I'll personally greet our Konoha guests. Let's see who they've sent for these negotiations," Hanzo said, making his way out.
"Um... about that..." The subordinate hesitated.
Hanzo frowned, sensing something amiss.
"Is it just Tsunade?" he asked.
The subordinate lowered his head. "Tsunade brought two kids and a group of ANBU, but no one else."
"Three people?"
That's it?
This is the negotiation team Konoha sent?
This is the respect Konoha shows me?
Hanzo paused, then let out a laugh-one filled with bitterness.
They weren't even taking him seriously.
If all three of the Sannin had shown up, Hanzo wouldn't have had much to say.
He respected the strength of the Sannin. Even if Danzo came, that would have been fine. A member of the Elder Council would also be a reasonable representative. As for the Third Hokage, Hanzo didn't even consider it.
With Konoha still fighting against the Sand Village, there was no way the Third Hokage would leave the village so easily.
But just Tsunade? What was the meaning of this?
Did they think so little of me, Hanzo?
Outside the walls of the Rain Village, Tsunade suddenly felt uneasy. Shikaku Nara, too, looked tense.
Only Xin seemed completely at ease, yawning lazily as if the seriousness of the situation didn't faze him in the slightest.
"Tsunade."
From the top of the village walls, Hanzo appeared, but he made no move to open the gates. Standing high above them, Hanzo gazed down at Tsunade with a cold and aloof expression.
Tsunade frowned. "Hanzo, what is the meaning of this? Don't tell me this negotiation with Konoha was a lie?"
Hanzo's face remained emotionless, his voice cold as ice. "I've already lost the war, and I have no intention of going back on my word. However, Konoha clearly underestimates me. Sending you, Tsunade, with two brats to negotiate? What an insult."
I knew this wasn't going to be simple, Tsunade thought, feeling anger bubbling up inside her.
"So, what do you want then?" she asked, frustration lacing her voice.
"Go back and tell the Third Hokage himself to come here. Or let Danzo and the elders come. You, Tsunade, are not qualified to represent Konoha on your own."
So Konoha wants to play hardball? Fine, let's play, Hanzo thought.
Let's see who cracks first.