Chapter 305: Danzo Honey Confidence
Tsunade froze, her body trembling slightly as Hyuga Hiashi's words settled in. It wasn't a scam or some ploy—Finn had genuinely saved Konoha Village. Her gaze moved slowly to Finn, disbelief and gratitude battling on her face.
Finn, noticing her stare, smirked and raised an eyebrow. "What? Do I not look like the type to save an entire village? Maybe I should start wearing a cape."
Tsunade realized she was still gripping his collar. Embarrassment flooded her, and she quickly let go, stepping back. "I… I didn't know…"
Finn chuckled, brushing himself off. "Relax. No harm done. But maybe next time, don't rough up the guy who bailed out your entire village, yeah?"
Before Tsunade could respond, Shimura Danzō's voice rang out, sharp and filled with anger. "Wait just a moment! Did I hear this correctly? Hyuga Hiashi, are you telling me that all of Konoha's funds—everything—was handed over to this man?" His lone eye burned with fury as he pointed an accusing finger at Finn.
Hyuga Hiashi stood his ground, though a flicker of unease crossed his face. "That's correct. Without Finn's intervention, Konoha would still be under Orochimaru's control. The decision was made to ensure the survival of the village."
Danzō's expression darkened. "Unacceptable! We could have sought assistance from other Kage-level shinobi—those who would demand far less in return. Instead, you squandered the entire treasury on a single mercenary!" He turned his ire to Finn, his voice sharp and commanding. "You! Return the money at once. Consider yourself lucky if I let you keep one percent as compensation!"
Finn's smirk widened, his amusement evident. He crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, as if pondering Danzō's outburst. "Huh. Interesting proposal. Tell me, do you always bark orders at people who could squash you like a bug? Or is today special?"
Hyuga Hiashi's face paled as he watched the exchange. He knew Finn's power—had seen it firsthand. The thought of provoking him into action chilled him to the core. "Danzō! That's enough!" he snapped, desperation leaking into his voice. "Finn's actions saved Konoha. Without him, we wouldn't even have a village to argue over!"
But Danzō wasn't listening. Confidence radiated from him, his faith in his secret weapon—the Sharingan eyes he'd stolen—unshaken. "Hyuga Hiashi, you've overstepped your authority. I will not allow this village to be plundered by greed!"
Finn's relaxed posture didn't change, but the air around him seemed to grow heavier. His eyes locked onto Danzō's, and his smirk faded, replaced by something far more chilling—a quiet intensity that demanded attention. "You think I'm greedy?" he asked, his voice low but resonant. "I didn't take your money out of charity. I earned it. I wiped out Orochimaru's forces and gave you your home back. If you think you can intimidate me into giving it up, then by all means…" He extended a hand, gesturing for Danzō to come closer. "Show me your 'anger.' Let's see how far it gets you."
The room fell silent, tension thick in the air. Even Danzō hesitated, his bravado flickering as Finn's words sank in.
Tsunade stepped forward, placing herself between the two men. "Enough," she said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of her authority. "Danzō, stand down. Finn's actions saved us all. Whether you agree with the cost or not, we owe him our thanks—not our threats."
Danzō clenched his fists, his pride refusing to back down, but even he could sense the danger. Finn wasn't bluffing.
Finn gave a mock bow. "Well said, Princess. Looks like you're not so bad after all."
Tsunade shot him a glare but said nothing, silently acknowledging the truth of his words. Danzō turned away, muttering under his breath, his plans foiled—for now.
Finn leaned back against a nearby pillar, his smirk returning. "So, what's next, folks? Because if you're done with the dramatics, I'd really like to enjoy a drink. Saving villages is thirsty work."