Mei Terumi and Kakashi's Ambiguous Relationship

Looking at Chiyo kneeling on the ground before him, Jiraiya's expression was grave. By now, he understood what she meant.

"The Shinobi World will surely welcome a new peace!"

After saying that, Jiraiya walked around her and headed straight toward Sunagakure's entrance, with Naraku and Kakashi following behind him.

Facing the approaching trio, the Sunagakure shinobi silently made way for them.

Chiyo slowly rose to her feet behind them, then turned with a complicated look in her eyes and walked back toward Sunagakure.

Surrendering without a fight might have been somewhat humiliating, but it could minimize casualties to the greatest extent.

From the moment Jiraiya, Naraku, and Kakashi entered Sunagakure unharmed, it signified that Sunagakure had submitted to Konoha.

However, Naraku still noticed that some people within Sunagakure looked at them with killing intent in their eyes. He knew that even if Sunagakure had surrendered willingly, some blood would still have to be shed.

Inside Konoha, the Hokage Office!

"They surrendered willingly, huh!"

After listening to Kakashi's report, Tsunade murmured softly, and the worry in her eyes visibly lessened.

However, she did not let down her guard. She knew very well that Sunagakure had submitted to Konoha only because of the pressure they faced. If one day they gained the ability to resist, they would definitely retaliate against Konoha at the first opportunity.

And it was not just Sunagakure. There were also the other shinobi villages. Conquering Sunagakure was merely the first step in Konoha's unification of the Shinobi World.

"Inform Choza Akimichi and have him lead two thousand shinobi to Sunagakure..."

Tsunade rapidly issued one order after another. She had long since formed plans for dealing with Sunagakure.

"Oh, and notify Tenzo. Have him head to Sunagakure as well!"

Tsunade added one final instruction.

Very soon, under Tsunade's