Funding the enemy?
That hardly qualified as funding the enemy.
After the Second Shinobi World War, the Land of Rain was in ruins, and Amegakure had fallen into crisis.
Saving the Land of Rain would take an astronomical sum of money.
The amount being lent was no more than a drop in the bucket for the Land of Rain.
Besides, his own dear old dad wouldn't lend out that much money for nothing. He'd at least make them pay a hefty price.
The Land of Fire sat in the richest region of the Shinobi World. Its abundant resources had made it the wealthiest country around. Lending out a sum of money was nothing to them. In return, they could earn Hanzo's friendship—and get him to willingly stab Danzo in the back. Why not?
Though Hanzo's friendship wasn't much use.
Still, Hanzo was one of the strongest shinobi in the world, at least as far as the public knew. Who could say whether they might need him someday?
......
Konoha's main gate.
Tsunade had returned after barely a month of traveling.
A furtive-looking man followed close beside her.
The gate guards were suspicious of his identity, but he had come back with Tsunade, so they didn't press him with questions. They let the group pass right in.
Their destination was clear:
the Hokage Building.
The door to the Hokage's office boomed as it was kicked open.
Tsunade barged inside, looking furious.
The Third Hokage was reading some documents. Startled by the noise, he looked up.
"Tsunade? Weren't you traveling? Why are you..."
He hadn't finished speaking when he noticed Hanzo behind her.
The words caught in his throat. He froze, as if someone had suddenly grabbed him by the neck.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen. It's been a long time."
Only when Hanzo's chilly