Chapter 185: The Mere Konoha Is Insignificant Before Whitebeard

"Hoo!"

Both Nara Daikawa and the elder from the Hyuga clan's branch family let out a sigh of relief.

As long as the Uchiha clan was willing to accept their clansmen, that was enough for them. They had initially estimated around two hundred people. Proposing around six or seven hundred was just a tactic to negotiate with the Uchiha.

But they didn't expect the Uchiha to be so generous, allowing all their clansmen to come over.

In Konoha, even Hiruzen Sarutobi was afraid they might act irrationally and cause trouble. But the Uchiha didn't seem to care at all. Did they not realize that these combined clans could gather thousands of people?

Does the Uchiha clan truly not care at all? Or...

Nara Daikawa started having second thoughts, suddenly reconsidering the decision to move. What if this was a trap set by the Uchiha clan to annihilate them?

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in a cold tone.

Hiruzen looked at the crowd below, his face showing a frustrated expression.

"Otherwise, the Uchiha clan probably wouldn't even bother to glance at you. Even if Konoha were destroyed, they wouldn't care to say anything!"

"Get that bastard Danzo over here!"

Nara Daikawa could only envy them since it didn't concern him much. Though he appeared kind and approachable, he feared Konoha might become the next Land of Earth.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned, not expecting Danzo to move so quickly.

The main reason was the massive creature still in their village.

It was undoubtedly Danzo's doing.

"It's just that they're short on people over there now. Some positions must be filled, so that's why you lucky guys can tag along."

But Danzo's move was unexpectedly bold. What is that guy up to?

Do you still want an award from the villagers or a banner of appreciation?

He should be more concerned with the situation at home!

Signs of war are faintly rising outside, and now there's internal chaos in Konoha Village too.

These actions, with that monster lurking in the village, make you think it’s Naruto.

News spreads exceptionally fast in Konoha. Soon, the entire village knew about what Charlotte Linlin had done in the Land of Earth.

Two days later, the news about the Land of Earth had spread throughout Konoha Village through the merchant caravans.

So now they have no choice but to rely on Konoha's system to make up for it.

"Lord Hokage, Danzo's advisor seems to have gone to find Whitebeard!"

That guy sure knows how to see through people's minds!

Nara Daikawa looked at where Kakashi had left and wondered if that was a new jutsu Kakashi had developed.

Kakashi's reputation as a genius is indeed well-deserved, now with another powerful Lightning Release technique.

But for Lord Shikaku to return personally, this is definitely odd.

Who knows what kind of destruction that guy will cause?

And what is the danger that Kakashi mentioned?

Kakashi smacked his lips, and his figure instantly turned into an arc of electricity, disappearing before Nara Daikawa.

Who else but Danzo would use such foolish tactics?

Upon hearing this, he remained silent.

Originally, even Uchiha Reijin had not planned to return to the Shinobi world so soon.

An Anbu member suddenly appeared beside Hiruzen Sarutobi and spoke.

Nara Daikawa couldn't hold it in anymore, his face slightly flushed, realizing that Kakashi had seen right through his thoughts.

But he still wasn't ready to evacuate the civilians!

Seeing the doubts on Nara Shikaku's face, Kakashi smiled and said,

"These guys are just lucky!"

"Cough Don't worry, we don't have such intentions."

"Heh, just wait for the news. Konoha might get lively for a while."

Now he had returned purely due to the lack of manpower.

In his view, the best approach would be to lure them to the Forest of Death and handle it quietly.

"Don't overthink it; the Uchiha clan hasn't reached that level of twistedness."

With your way of doing things, how could anyone use you again?

"So, you'd better prepare early. If you die in this Konoha chaos, it would just be bad luck."

"Huh? Is this guy prepared?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt this guy was somewhat incompetent, no wonder he could only be a background character all his life.

Though the Uchiha clan has a decent number of people, their muscle-brained approach can't grasp the complexities.

If things escalate like in the Land of Earth, everyone would need to evacuate.

After all, such power is something only a Tailed Beast possesses. Konoha can't endure a second wave of attacks now.

"It's because Whitebeard took Naruto Uzumaki hostage, so Danzo's advisor immediately went to him."

The Anbu member explained.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression became unpleasant.

No matter how he calculated, he didn't expect trouble at Naruto's location.

There were two Anbu guards at Naruto's place, and he had planned to send him there temporarily.

Their opponent acted faster. They must have sensed Konoha's intention to move against them and took preemptive action.

It’s all Danzo’s fault for scaring them off and causing this mess now.

While Hiruzen Sarutobi was internally cursing Danzo,

The ground began to shake.

Hiruzen Sarutobi grabbed the window frame with both hands, steadying himself.

"Immediately initiate the highest level of alert, and have everyone move to the shelters."

"All Chunin and above, assemble in the Forest of Death. The Sarutobi clan members, evacuate the civilians and ensure their safety."

"Seal off all of Konoha; make sure nothing goes wrong at this time."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with a sharp glint.

"Gurararara, it looks like Konoha plans to make a move against us, but these guys don't seem all that impressive if they are still loudly announcing it at this time."

"They really underestimate me, Whitebeard, thinking they can scare me before a battle?"

"I haven't been frightened on the seas; do you think a bunch of kids will scare me into retreat?"

Whitebeard held a giant gourd of wine in his hand, specially crafted by Marco. It looked quite impressive and could hold a whole barrel of wine.

It ensured that Whitebeard wouldn't feel thirsty for a while.

"Hahahaha, even I didn't expect them to use such tactics."

"In that case, Pops, how about we give Konoha a show of force?"

"Let them see what the Whitebeard Pirates are truly capable of."

"Charlotte Linlin made pirates look bad by losing an arm in a place like this."

"What a joke! Let's show them the true spirit of the Whitebeard Pirates!"

Marco laughed, eager to show off his skills here. After all, he hadn’t had a chance to make a move since arriving in the Shinobi world.

He planned to act as Whitebeard’s vanguard and be the first to declare war on Konoha.

"Marco!"

Whitebeard shouted to stop Marco after hearing his words.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Pops?"

Marco looked puzzled.

"Make sure to protect Naruto. Don’t engage unless necessary. Our battle is to secure Naruto’s freedom."

"We're not here to destroy Konoha. I suspect things won't be that simple."

"Let’s break out of Konoha first!"

Whitebeard could see through things quite clearly.

For a brat like Uchiha Reijin to flee from Konoha, there must be some deep secret hidden within. It's not their business to investigate it.

Better to protect themselves and rescue Naruto first.

Whatever secrets there are, they can explore them later.

"Okay!"

Marco nodded. Though he couldn't fight, watching Pops showcase his prowess would be enough.

As for the old injuries on Whitebeard, he thought Konoha wouldn't require Pops to use his full strength.

A mere wave of his hand could likely turn Konoha from a thriving village to a pile of rubble.

Whitebeard sat on a big rock, constantly pouring wine into his mouth from the gourd.

The days ahead would likely not be so easy.

He might as well drink as much as he could now.

After a while, Marco had yet to go looking for Naruto Uzumaki.

Instead, Naruto Uzumaki came looking for them on his own.

"Pops! Pops!"

Naruto came running up, looking worried.

"Naruto?"

Whitebeard was surprised and remained seated.

"I’ve been hearing people in the village saying bad things about you lately."

Naruto came to Whitebeard's side, his face showing some confusion.

What’s wrong with the people in the village? Pops was fine in the village before.

How could things change overnight? They even said Pops would destroy Konoha.

How could that be?

How could Pops possibly do such a thing?

It was one thing for those people to call him a monster.

But Naruto wouldn't tolerate anyone slandering Pops.

After all, Pops was one of the few people Naruto could talk to.

"What did they say?"

---

Whitebeard chuckled, completely unconcerned, and patted the small rock beside him, signaling Naruto to sit down.

"Them..."

Naruto looked up at Whitebeard and suddenly realized that the old man was smiling.

All this slander, all these insults—Dad didn’t take them to heart at all.

Naruto wasn’t sure why, but that was the feeling Whitebeard gave him.

“What’s wrong? Gurararara, have you realized that I don't care at all?”

“Such pitiful insults from rats hiding in the shadows—they don’t faze me in the slightest.”

“If they have the guts, they should say it to my face!”

Whitebeard chuckled arrogantly.

These kinds of insults were considered outdated tricks on the high seas.

Out at sea, the competition was all about who had the stronger fists—only the strong had the right to speak.

It's only in places like this that such unsightly schemes are played.

But all these schemes have a fatal flaw!

And that is, as long as you are strong enough, these things won't pose even the slightest threat to you.

"You're so cool, Dad!"

Naruto's eyes sparkled as he moved closer to Whitebeard.

If only he had a heart as strong as Dad's.

Maybe he could make a lot of friends at school.

"Gurararara, I've always been handsome. When I was young, I attracted quite a few girls."

Hearing Naruto’s compliment, Whitebeard was instantly overjoyed.

He didn’t have many hobbies, but he loved it when his son admired him.

Especially Naruto—this guy always played along.

Looking at his bright little eyes!

The more Whitebeard looked, the more he loved him.

"Alright, Dad! Someone's already here."

Marco, feeling a bit helpless, patted his forehead to stop Whitebeard from continuing.

If he kept going, today would probably turn into Dad’s admiration convention.

“Hmph! You take Naruto and leave first!”

Whitebeard glanced around, and the naginata stuck in the ground was instantly pulled up.

Does Konoha really think they can block him with just this number of people? Are they underestimating him?

At the very least, they should bring over ten warships.

That might spark a bit of his interest.

“Huh? Take me?”

Naruto was stunned for a moment. How did this end up involving him?

Wasn't he here to convince Dad to leave? Why was he being taken along now?

“There’s no time to explain now. I’ll explain everything after we leave Konoha.”

Marco grabbed Naruto, holding him in his arms, as a pair of huge wings appeared behind him.

The wings flapped slightly, but just as Marco was about to take off, a cold gleam targeted him from afar.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

In an instant, countless shuriken flew toward them.

The wings formed from flames behind Marco were riddled with holes.

Marco's body froze for a moment, and he squinted, warily looking around.

"Put down Naruto Uzumaki! I’ll let you leave Konoha."

Danzo stepped out from behind a tree, his gaze fixed on Naruto.

The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—if it weren't for him, these two would already be in the bag.

Did he have to come here and stir up more trouble? Wasn't it chaotic enough already?

Danzo furrowed his brow slightly, feeling a bit anxious.

He had promised Hiruzen Sarutobi to deliver the Jinchuriki to him.

Right now, the Jinchuriki must not get into any trouble. There was no one left in Konoha who could host the Nine-Tails.

After all, the only one with the Uzumaki bloodline left was Naruto Uzumaki.

This guy was an extremely important strategic asset.

With a major battle on the horizon, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki must not fall into danger.

“Gurararara, are you threatening me? You little Konoha scum?”

Whitebeard looked down from above and glanced at Danzo as he asked.

One of his eyes was covered, and he didn’t look like a good person.

Dressed in a dark aura, when observed through Haki, all that could be seen was darkness.

It seemed like this guy held the executioner’s position in Konoha.

No wonder he dared to appear directly in front of him.

“Edward Whitebeard, do you know what will happen if you mess with Konoha’s Jinchuriki?”

“Before I change my mind, you better make the right decision.”

“In the face of Konoha’s might, you have no chance of resistance!”

Danzo wasn’t angry; he snorted coldly at Whitebeard.

Edward Whitebeard was already a trapped beast.

Even if he wanted to escape now, there was no chance.

“Then let me see your strength!”

Whitebeard swung the naginata in his hand, and a fierce wind started gathering around him.

Buzz!

Whitebeard simply made a slashing motion.

In an instant, a tornado was unleashed in front of him.

It directly blew away the ninjas hiding in the forest.

Sensing the danger, Danzo quickly dodged, faster than the eye could see.

If he had been in front of Whitebeard, he might have been smashed to bits by now.

“Hey, Brother Marco, you can actually fly, but I’m a little scared!”

Naruto looked fearfully at the ground getting farther away, feeling incredibly uneasy.

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