142. The Hokage Rock—my visage, Kisame Hoshigaki, shall be carved upon it.

Conference Room.

The final condition proposed by Kisame was even more unexpected than the previous two. As soon as he finished speaking, all eyes turned sharply toward Tsunade.

Tsunade had been deeply downcast, likely reminded of her late grandfather by the matter of the Hashirama cells, her head bowed in silence.

But upon hearing Kisame’s words, she suddenly lifted her head, her face a mixture of astonishment, confusion, and anger.

Facing Kisame’s third condition, Hiruzen Sarutobi had yet to speak, but Jiraiya could no longer contain himself.

“Kisame Hoshigaki, what do you mean? What do you intend to do to Tsunade?”

Suppressing his anger, he stared directly at Kisame, convinced that the latter harbored ill intentions, coveting Tsunade’s beauty and body.

“Jiraiya,” Kisame retorted with disdainful eyes, “do you think I’m as lecherous as you? Always thinking filthy thoughts whenever you see a beautiful woman.”

He sneered casually, “By the way, did you pick up your lechery from your master? I’ve heard the Third Hokage often used a telescope technique to spy on the women of Konoha, earning the nickname ‘lecherous old man’ among some villagers. A crooked beam makes crooked rafters — I bet you two master and student have even spied on Tsunade bathing, haven’t you?”

At these words, the expressions in the room grew strange, and the two who were publicly mocked—master and student—looked deeply embarrassed.

Jiraiya was momentarily speechless because he really had spied on Tsunade bathing before, only to be severely beaten by her and almost lose his life.

Hiruzen, now anxious, snapped at Kisame sternly, “Fifth Mizukage, please don’t talk nonsense. I have never done such a thing!”

After speaking, the Hokage covertly glanced at Tsunade from the corner of his eye.

Strangely, given Tsunade’s usual temperament, she would have been furious at such “teasing” long ago, but now she stared blankly at Kisame, her thoughts unreadable.

“Heh, Hokage, don’t be angry—I’m joking,” Kisame said with a forced smile, continuing, “My purpose in taking Tsunade is straightforward. Kirigakure is severely lacking medical ninjas. I need her help to establish a comprehensive medical ninja system in Kirigakure. Whether it takes one or two years, or three to five, once Kirigakure can nurture a certain number of medical ninjas like Konoha, she can return.

“And for Tsunade, this should be considered a noble cause, right? After all, doctors know no borders. If she is willing to help, I believe all the ninjas and civilians of Kirigakure will be forever grateful.”

“Do you think we’d believe your words?” Jiraiya immediately retorted in a low voice.

He knew Kisame’s grandiose speech was just a façade; there must be other motives hidden beneath.

He could not stand idly by and watch the goddess in his heart fall into enemy hands like this.

Hiruzen fell silent for a moment, then said, “Sorry, Fifth Mizukage, I fear I have no authority over this matter. It ultimately depends on Tsunade’s decision. If she refuses, no one can force her.”

Convincing Tsunade to agree? That was simple.

Kisame’s gaze burned hotly as he fixed his eyes on Tsunade and spoke:

“I, Kisame Hoshigaki, invaded Konoha purely in self-defense and retaliation, killing no civilians during the process. I negotiate with you in utmost sincerity, all for peace.

“Tsunade, if you agree to this final condition, Konoha and Kirigakure can shake hands and usher in a long era of peace.

“But if you refuse and the talks break down, you will become the greatest sinner. Konoha will be the first to reject you, and everyone will hate you.

“See, the Third Hokage knows this well. That’s why he deliberately pushed the ball to you—on the surface respecting your decision, but in reality forcing you to agree.

“Because he knows you cannot bear the consequences of refusing me.

“So, what are you waiting for? Come with me. You should know how much Shizune misses you. In Kirigakure, you can reunite.”

These words, a blend of threat and enticement, whispered like a demon’s voice, while also mocking Hiruzen Sarutobi at the side.

After hearing Kisame’s words, Tsunade was silent for a moment, then looked at Hiruzen, who immediately lowered his head guiltily.

She then glanced at Jiraiya, who was about to speak, but the giant toad perched on his shoulder whispered, “Little Jiraiya, endure it. You can’t change the situation right now.”

Finally, Tsunade looked back at Kisame, sighed softly, and said, “I will go with you.”

Just as Kisame said, she had no other choice.

Moreover, upon learning that the village’s higher-ups had long concealed from her the fact that her grandfather’s cells were used for human experiments, she had become utterly disillusioned with Konoha.

In truth, this disappointment toward the village had simmered within her heart for many years.

As her lover and younger brother had successively died on the battlefield, Tsunade’s heart gradually turned cold, and she no longer valued the village or the so-called Will of Fire as much.

In recent years, she often preferred to wander outside, homeless and rootless, rather than return to Konoha, a place filled with painful memories.

Now, leaving like this might actually be the right choice.

*Clap! Clap!*

Hearing Tsunade’s reply, Kisame joyfully applauded, “Excellent, the peace talks conclude successfully.”

Then he stood, donned the Mizukage’s straw hat, slung the great sword Shark Skin upon his back, and said to Hiruzen Sarutobi:

“Third Hokage, please find someone to guide me to the Forbidden Jutsu Library to select some ninjutsu. In the meantime, prepare the Hashirama cell specimens.”

“I’ll go,” Tsunade suddenly volunteered, seemingly eager to leave.

Without another word, she walked past Kisame and exited the conference room.

Kisame smiled and followed her.

The Konoha ninjas were left in silence.

Ten minutes later.

Within Konoha stood a mysterious place that all notable ninjas who visited later rose to fame in the ninja world—the Forbidden Jutsu Library.

In the original story, Orochimaru had surreptitiously learned the Eight Branches Technique and Impure World Reincarnation here, discovered by Sarutobi and leading to his rebellion after wounding the Anbu on the spot.

Orochimaru was Sarutobi’s most prized disciple, yet even he had to resort to sneaking to access forbidden techniques.

Now, Kisame, an outsider, brazenly walked into the Forbidden Jutsu Library.

Tsunade remained outside the door, head bowed, silently waiting.

Kisame quickly found the shelf storing Water Release jutsu scrolls and discovered the complete set of Second Hokage Tobirama Senju’s water techniques.

Tobirama Senju was an all-round genius, born with seven chakra natures, yet he chose to develop and master Water Release techniques.

Probably to counter the Uchiha Clan, who excelled in Fire Release.

Undoubtedly a master of Water Release, Tobirama’s improved techniques—such as Water Formation Walls and Water Dragon Bullets—not only simplified hand seals but also increased power.

His most formidable Water Release technique, Water Severing Wave, could even cut through the roots of the Divine Tree.

In understanding Water Release, Kisame felt inferior to Tobirama, as his mind was not sharp; he always believed brute strength could work miracles.

Their Water Release styles represented extremes—one of finesse, the other of power.

Now, having acquired Tobirama’s water jutsu legacy, Kisame might fuse the two approaches.

Thus becoming the strongest Water Release ninja in history.

“Tobirama’s Water Release techniques are too valuable to go without a worthy successor—I’ll accept them without hesitation.”

Kisame muttered to himself, then swept all the scrolls off the shelf into his Paradise Box.

The scrolls surely had backups, otherwise theft or fire would be catastrophic.

So Kisame didn’t bother copying them, just took them outright.

He then found the legendary Sealing Scroll—the massive scroll containing most of Konoha’s forbidden jutsu.

Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, Impure World Reincarnation, Multiplying Explosive Tags, Eight Branches Technique… a dazzling array of forbidden secrets.

Kisame also found scrolls for Flying Thunder God, Reanimation Technique, and Dead Demon Consuming Seal elsewhere in the library.

For Kisame, these forbidden or secret techniques were worth grabbing regardless of immediate use.

It was a great haul.

After his rampant plundering, Kisame left the Forbidden Jutsu Library satisfied.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

He smiled at Tsunade and kindly added, “You’re about to leave with me. Want to go home and pack first? I can help.”

“No need,” Tsunade said coldly and turned away.

Shortly after, the two returned to the Hokage’s office, where Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Konoha ninjas awaited.

“Namikaze,” Sarutobi ordered, and Minato Namikaze produced a briefcase.

Opening it revealed three vials quietly resting inside.

They contained Hashirama cells meticulously cultivated by Orochimaru, like green plants radiating vibrant life.

“Fifth Mizukage, these are the Hashirama cell specimens you requested—this is all there is.”

Sarutobi handed the case to Kisame reluctantly.

Kisame’s eyes flickered, sensing concealment but choosing not to expose it; greed must be kept in check.

Besides, most people couldn’t endure Hashirama cell transplants; two or three specimens were enough for his use.

After careful inspection, Kisame stored the specimens securely.

After this,

“Fifth Mizukage, we have fulfilled the three conditions you set. Now, please release the Konoha hostages as agreed.”

Sarutobi solemnly requested, eyes fixed on Kisame.

“Naturally.”

Kisame responded, stepping back ten meters.

Under Konoha’s watchful eyes, he arched his body and let out a beast-like roar from his throat.

Soon, he transformed back into his Tailed Beast form, causing several Konoha ninjas to recoil in alarm.

The next moment,

A human face appeared on Kisame’s chest—that was the door of the Paradise Box.

As it slowly opened, figures poured out like dumplings being dropped, landing on the ground.

Nearly all of Konoha’s captives were freed, roughly numbering close to a hundred.

These survivors reunited with their clans, tears of joy streaming.

“Someone’s unconscious here—quick, rescue them!”

The medical unit noticed a captive lying face down, seemingly in critical condition.

They hurried over, flipping him over to find he had been dead for some time.

More surprisingly, he was not from Konoha but wore the rain village forehead protector and a special diving mask.

“Is this… Hanzo the Salamander?!”

Sarutobi approached, pupils contracting sharply, and gasped aloud.

What? Hanzo the Salamander?

The name spread quickly; Konoha shinobi, seeing their Hokage’s reaction, soon fell into shock.

Could this corpse be the Rain Village’s legendary Half-God of the ninja world?

Among the crowd, Jiraiya and Tsunade were the most stunned.

They only glanced once and confirmed the identity—undoubtedly Hanzo.

The title “Legendary Sannin” was bestowed upon the three by Hanzo himself after he defeated them.

In their hearts, Hanzo was an almost invincible opponent, a near-divine perfect ninja.

Yet here, unexpectedly, lay Hanzo’s corpse.

There was only one explanation.

Kisame Hoshigaki had killed Hanzo.

Upon realizing this, all Konoha ninjas, including Sarutobi, sincerely felt that not fighting Kisame to the death had been a wise choice.

This terrifying monster had slain a demi-god—could he truly be… a god?

“Sorry, I didn’t notice and accidentally threw the body out.”

Under their horrified gazes, Kisame shot a chakra thread from his fingertip, binding Hanzo’s corpse and retracting it back into the Paradise Box.

He had not done it deliberately; time had simply made him forget.

Yet this small accident further intimidated Konoha, deepening their fear of Kisame.

At that moment,

The Uchiha and Hyuga clans, after searching among the freed captives, realized their respective clan heads—Fugaku and Hiashi—had not been released.

“Fifth Mizukage, what is the meaning of this?” the ninjas of the two clans asked cautiously.

“Don’t rush,” Kisame waved a finger, thought for a moment, then said deliberately, “This peace negotiation was a verbal agreement with no written documents. Upon reflection, it feels somewhat informal, lacking a certain… ceremonial significance.”

Ceremonial significance?

The Konoha ninjas exchanged puzzled glances, unsure what Kisame meant by that.

Kisame soon revealed his answer.

He glanced at the cliff behind the Hokage building and suddenly proposed to Sarutobi:

“Before releasing the last two captives, I have one small final request.

“I want a statue of Kisame Hoshigaki carved onto the former Hokage Rock as a symbol and witness of these peace talks!”

At these words, all in Konoha were stunned beyond belief.