In the Uchiha clan's meeting room, Yusuke was meeting with visiting Kumogakure ninjas.
Although Konoha and Kumogakure had previously been at war, Kumogakure had since surrendered to Konoha and even sent a team to participate in the joint Chunin Exams hosted by Konoha, signifying a temporary period of amicable relations between the two villages. Furthermore, as the host, Yusuke felt it was both courteous and proper to extend his hospitality to the visiting delegation.
The Kumogakure delegation consisted of four ninjas, led by the elite jōnin Samui.
She possessed striking features: short, vibrant yellow hair, exceptionally fair skin, and a captivatingly beautiful face, making her a rare beauty even within Kumogakure.
Given that the inhabitants of the Land of Lightning generally have darker complexions, a woman of her complexion was an uncommon sight. It's also worth mentioning that Samui is among the very few women in the ninja world whose physique could rival Tsunade's.
Kumogakure had chosen Samui as the jōnin instructor for their team due to her exceptional strategic mind and calm demeanor, traits that had earned her the trust of the Fifth Raikage and the Elders.
In an effort to achieve a favorable outcome in the joint Chunin Exams, she had brought six elite Kumogakure genin to Konoha. For this visit to Yusuke, she had brought three of her genin: Ōmoï, Karui, and Atsui.
"Yusuke-sama," Samui began, kneeling gracefully on a zabuton, her voice respectful and measured. She gestured towards several exquisitely wrapped sake jars that had been temporarily placed against the wall. "We have brought you some of Kumogakure's finest sake as a token of our esteem. Please accept this humble gift."
Kumogakure was renowned for its exceptional sake, and this particular special brew was exceptionally rare, highly sought after, and incredibly expensive.
Yusuke responded with a warm smile, "My sincerest thanks to the Fifth Raikage for this thoughtful gift. We are honored by your presence here in Konoha, and we hope that your village will achieve great success in the upcoming joint Chunin Exams."
After a brief period of pleasantries and polite conversation, Samui finally broached the true purpose of their visit. Through careful inquiries, they had learned that Killer B and Yugito were currently being held in Konoha's Military Police headquarters. Given Yusuke's considerable influence and standing within Konoha, they believed that if he were willing to facilitate their release, there would be little resistance within the village.
"Yusuke-sama," Samui continued, her voice maintaining its respectful tone, "due to several unfortunate misunderstandings in the past, Kumogakure and Konoha have experienced some friction. However, those conflicts are now behind us, and since Kumogakure's surrender, we have maintained friendly relations with Konoha. Therefore, we humbly request your kind consideration in allowing Killer B and Yugito to return to Kumogakure."
For Yusuke, Killer B and Yugito, having lost their tailed beasts, were not considered particularly crucial figures. However, this did not mean that he would readily agree to their return to Kumogakure.
Maintaining his amiable and affable smile, Yusuke responded slowly and deliberately, "Killer B and Yugito have been guests in Konoha for quite some time now, and they have become friends to many within our village. Please rest assured that both individuals have been treated with the utmost respect and afforded the highest level of hospitality during their stay. Konoha will not mistreat them."
Despite a flicker of anxiety that crossed her face, Samui remained outwardly composed. "Then, Yusuke-sama," she pressed gently, "under what conditions would you agree to their return to Kumogakure?"
Yusuke waved his hand dismissively, a playful smile gracing his lips. "Considering how well everyone is getting along, many people in Konoha have grown quite fond of these two individuals, and they would be sorely missed. Killer B, in particular, has served as a mentor and inspiration to quite a few of our up-and-coming rappers in Konoha."
Seeing that Yusuke was clearly evading a direct answer, Karui, known for her short temper and impulsive nature, finally lost her patience. "Enough with the evasions!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp and accusatory. "You're simply refusing to release them!"
Karui, with her dark complexion and vibrant red hair neatly wrapped in a white headband, was a striking figure. Both she and Ōmoï were Killer B's disciples, and their resentment towards their sensei's prolonged imprisonment in Konoha had been simmering for quite some time.
The moment Karui's outburst echoed through the room, Samui inwardly groaned, realizing that her impulsive teammate had just severely jeopardized their delicate negotiations. She quickly reprimanded Karui for her disrespectful behavior, simultaneously rising to her feet and offering a profuse apology to Yusuke for her teammate's transgression.
Yusuke, of course, wouldn't hold a genin's outburst against them. However, a rather intriguing idea began to form in his mind.
"Since all of you from Kumogakure are here to participate in the Chunin Exams," Yusuke proposed, a thoughtful expression on his face, "I suggest we make a deal. If any one of you manages to secure a place within the top three of the individual matches, I will grant Kumogakure the opportunity to redeem Killer B and Yugito. What do you say?"
Ōmoï, his expression serious and determined, immediately seized upon this unexpected opening. "Yusuke-sama," he stated, his voice firm and unwavering, "can we consider your words to be a formal commitment on behalf of Konoha?"
Ōmoï, with his distinctive white hair and dark skin, a common appearance amongst Kumogakure ninjas, stood tall and proud, a long katana strapped to his back.
Amongst the Kumogakure team participating in the exams, Ōmoï possessed the strongest individual combat abilities.
While typically known for his pessimistic outlook, the prospect of securing the freedom of his sensei and Yugito fueled a newfound resolve within him.
He was determined to shoulder the responsibility and secure a place within the top three of the Chunin Exams' individual matches.
The other Kumogakure ninjas immediately turned their gazes towards Yusuke, their hopes pinned on his response. This was their only chance to bring Killer B and Yugito home.
Yusuke responded with a confident smile, "My word is, of course, my bond. However, I must make it perfectly clear that this is merely an opportunity for you to redeem Killer B and Yugito; it is not a guarantee."
The Kumogakure ninjas exchanged meaningful glances, a shared determination to succeed in the Chunin Exams burning brightly in their eyes.
Karui, though still somewhat dissatisfied, muttered under her breath, "Such a miserly offer. Even if we win, we still have to pay a ransom to get Sensei and Yugito back."
Although Karui voiced her displeasure, Samui understood perfectly well. This was war, and the opposing side had no obligation to simply release prisoners of war without any form of compensation.
After leaving the Uchiha compound, the Kumogakure ninjas wore serious expressions. The weight of their mission—the potential freedom of Killer B and Yugito—rested heavily on their shoulders.
"You are all the strongest among Kumogakure's younger generation of ninjas," Samui addressed her team, her voice firm but laced with a hint of encouragement. "This time, you must give it your all, striving to secure a place within the top three of the individual matches."
Atsui, his youthful energy palpable, clenched his fist and declared with unwavering conviction, "Sister, rest assured! I'm already brimming with excitement; leave it to me!" Atsui's hair, like his sister's, was a vibrant yellow, a rare sight amongst the typically darker-skinned inhabitants of Kumogakure. Unlike his calm and collected sister, Atsui possessed a fiercely impulsive and passionate nature, a trait further emphasized by the kanji character for "hot" tattooed on his left shoulder.
Samui shook her head, letting out a soft sigh. "It's precisely your impulsiveness that worries me, Atsui," she cautioned, her voice tinged with concern.
"The Chunin Exams are not simply a test of raw strength; it's a competition involving dozens of villages and over a hundred teams. Any unforeseen circumstances, any single mistake, could lead to your elimination."
Turning her attention to Ōmoï, Samui offered words of both encouragement and reliance. "Ōmoï, although you've always been quite pessimistic, you are the most level-headed among the three of you. During the exams, I won't be able to offer you any direct assistance; the success of this mission will depend entirely on your ability to lead this team."
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