Demanding an Explanation from Hiruzen Sarutobi

Meanwhile, Tsunade, freed from the genjutsu, learned that Tianqi had been imprisoned. She, along with Jiraiya and Orochimaru, rushed to Hiruzen Sarutobi's office.

"Oh, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, you're back. How was your first mission so far from home? Are you getting used to it?" Hiruzen said with a smile as the three burst into his office.

"Old man, stop with the pleasantries. We're here today to know if there's any fairness or justice left in this village. Why was Tianqi arrested and imprisoned? You owe us a reasonable explanation today!" Tsunade demanded, her face filled with anger.

"Take a look at this, and you'll understand." Hiruzen paused for a moment before handing Tsunade a file. If anyone else had asked, he would have ignored them. But Tsunade was different. Not only was she the granddaughter of two Hokage, but she was also a princess personally appointed by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. Hiruzen couldn't disregard her words.

"I'd like to see what reason you have." Tsunade took the bag, opened it, and began reading the documents inside.

"Impossible, how can this be? Tianqi was with us. How could he have gone to the Land of Earth? This is impossible, it's fake!" After reading, Tsunade threw the documents to the ground, her face a mask of confusion, bewilderment, and disbelief.

Orochimaru and Jiraiya, unaware of Tsunade's reaction after reading, were surprised by her changed expression. They then picked up the documents from the floor and read them.

"This... this, this can't be right." After reading, both of them wore the same expression as Tsunade.

"Now you understand why he was arrested, right? Attacking the Land of Earth without authorization, disrupting peace, deliberately provoking war. Do you know how serious these charges are?" Hiruzen said to them.

"Teacher Sarutobi, is this situation true? Is there a possibility it's fake, that an enemy deliberately framed Tianqi?" Orochimaru analyzed.

"Yeah, yeah, I think it's definitely a frame-up," Jiraiya chimed in, agreeing with Orochimaru.

"Impossible. This was personally delivered by the Tsuchikage. I also sent people to investigate, and it's true that a Konoha ninja named Uchiha Tianqi attacked Iwagakure in the Land of Earth," Hiruzen's words shattered the last glimmer of hope for the three.

What they didn't know was that the entire ninja world was now aware that the Land of Earth had been single-handedly raided by a Konoha ninja. After all, walls have ears, and even though Iwagakure tried to keep it hidden, enemy ninjas still found out. Iwagakure in the Land of Earth had, for a time, become a laughingstock of the entire ninja world.

"Damn it! Who leaked this? If I find out who it is, I'll make them wish they were dead!" Ōnoki, listening to his subordinate's report, angrily smashed a teacup on the floor.

"This can't go on. Once our Land of Earth shows weakness, the other major ninja villages will seize this opportunity to escalate things. What should we do?"

"I've got it! Summon my orders. Find the small nations nearby who are mocking us and destroy them. Also, urge Konoha to give me a satisfactory response." After thinking for a long time, Ōnoki finally came up with a plan. He summoned his subordinates and issued his orders.

This would demonstrate our strength; hopefully, the major ninja villages won't cause trouble. Otherwise, the Land of Earth is truly in dire straits. Many ninjas have already been killed or injured. If another major war breaks out, Iwagakure might be reduced to a small ninja village.

"It's all Konoha's fault! Damn Konoha ninja, damn Uchiha Tianqi! If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have all these troubles!" Thinking of so many troublesome matters, Ōnoki began cursing Konoha and Uchiha Tianqi.

"Teacher Sarutobi, can't you think of a way to help Tianqi?" Tsunade knew that if these charges were proven, Tianqi would likely be unable to live in the village anymore. Unauthorized disruption of peace would surely lead to public outcry, as ordinary people disliked war. If the village descended into chaos, Tianqi's crimes would only worsen.

"Yeah, please help big brother Tianqi," Orochimaru and Jiraiya pleaded for Tianqi.

"Do you think I don't want to? The Land of Earth demands an explanation and requires Tianqi's death. The elders have decided to hand Tianqi over. Right now, it's already difficult enough to ensure Tianqi's safety within Konoha."

"Starting a war is definitely out of the question. Alas, all we can do now is try to negotiate with the Land of Earth and compensate them as much as possible. This compensation will likely bleed us dry, and I haven't even convinced the elders yet. This is driving me crazy."

Hiruzen sighed and said, "Now you know, right? The village is always fair and just. Don't bother me anymore. I will find a way to handle Tianqi's matter. You all may leave."

"Alright then, Teacher Sarutobi, you must protect Tianqi!"

Hiruzen nodded, and the three then exited the Hokage office building.

"This matter has gotten out of hand. I never expected big brother Tianqi to attack the Land of Earth while he was with us. I really don't know how he managed to go and come back so quickly over such a long distance," Jiraiya mused, confused.

"Hmm... I suspect he might have some kind of secret technique for high-speed movement, otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to return so quickly," Orochimaru analyzed calmly.

"But I truly admire Tianqi. In such a short period, he not only reached Iwagakure but also fought an entire village alone and emerged victorious and unscathed. His strength is truly immense," Orochimaru's expression shifted to one of pure admiration.

"Yeah, big brother Tianqi is truly amazing," Jiraiya nodded with a similar look of adoration.

"Alright, now is not the time to discuss how amazing Tianqi is. He's already been captured, and we need to think of a solution. With the strength he displayed attacking Iwagakure, if he's truly pushed too far, Konoha might be next after Iwagakure," Tsunade said, deeply worried. She was concerned for Tianqi, but also feared he might do something rash.

"What can we do? We have little influence and no high positions. What can we possibly do?" Jiraiya waved his hand helplessly.

"Position! I know who to go to!" Hearing Jiraiya's words, Tsunade rushed out.

"What's wrong with her?" Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru.

"You're asking me? How would I know what's wrong with her?" Orochimaru replied dismissively.

Tsunade and Jiraiya parted ways, and Tsunade went directly to her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki's residence. Hearing Jiraiya mention a high position, she thought of her grandmother.

Her husband was the God of Shinobi, the First Hokage, and she was the sister-in-law of the current high-ranking officials' teacher. If she were to plead for Tianqi, the higher-ups would surely listen. Even the Daimyo couldn't ignore her words. Going to her would surely save Tianqi. Tsunade excitedly rushed into Mito Uzumaki's home.

Meanwhile, in the prison cells, a peculiar individual approached Tianqi.

"Well, well, isn't this our Asura, Uchiha Tianqi? Why do you look so pathetic now?" Danzō said with a mocking tone.

That's right, the person who had arrived was Shimura Danzō, who had always disliked Tianqi.