Chapter 171

"What!?" Tsunade exclaimed, her disbelief echoing through the room.

The atmosphere in the room was tense, and a collective gasp of surprise rippled through the crowd as she and others heard the shocking news.

Tsunade's expression underwent a sudden transformation.

"Pain didn't die? After facing an attack that powerful, can he still survive? This has to be a joke!"

"Yeah, it is beyond belief!"

"He's not dead even after that attack, which means Pain is nothing short of a monster!"

Panic swept through the room as the gravity of the situation dawned on them.

One of the ninjas fretted, "What can we do? No one in the village can match his power!"

"You're right, there's no one in the village who can contend with him right now!" the other ninja chimed in.

But another voice calmed the rising fears.

"Hold on, Lord Carnes is still among us. If he decides to intervene, Pain won't stand a chance."

All eyes turned to Carnes once again.

His recent demonstration of the "Almighty Push" had left a lasting impression on everyone present there, leaving them in awe and dread of the destructive power that had been unleashed.

They knew that the devastation Konoha Village would face if such an attack was used on them would be nothing short of overwhelming. It would be completely destroyed.

However, the reality was clear to them.

As much as they regarded Carnes as a savior and benefactor, he had no obligation to fight these powerful enemies on their behalf.

So, they remained silent, their expressions earnest, hoping that Carnes would choose to intervene once again for their village.

For everyone, their only hope was that Carnes would step up for the sake of their village.

However, Carnes' words shattered their hopes and plunged their hearts into despair. They crushed their hopes in an instant.

"My task here is complete... I won't intervene further."

These words were like a cold, hard truth, extinguishing the glimmer of hope in the hearts of these ninjas. They fell like a curtain of cold water on everyone present there.

Tsunade bit her lips, as a sense of helplessness crept over her.

Had Carnes fulfilled Jiraiya's dying wish?

Could it be that this is what he referred to as Jiraiya's last wish?

But if he didn't act, who in the village could possibly face Pain?

Tsunade's thoughts raced, as she tried to think of anything that she could offer to Carnes in exchange for his assistance.

What leverage did she have to ask this man to help Konoha?

Tsunade pondered desperately, her face flushing with frustration.

The safety of the village was paramount, and personal sacrifices were insignificant for her in comparison.

Especially, when Carnes possessed such extraordinary abilities, so getting his support was really important for her.

As Tsunade mustered the courage to speak, Carnes broke the silence once more, leaving her trembling.

"But you don't have to worry too much; someone will deal with Pain. He's no longer a threat to Konoha Village."

He reassured them, his gaze shifting to a specific direction, and the crowd followed his lead.

"Look!"

"Here comes that guy!" Carnes spoke.

And there, in the distance, a figure approached.

As they all questioned who this person was, three enormous toads, each of a different color, each bearing weapons on their backs, suddenly emerged in Konoha.

Perched atop these mighty creatures were two elderly toads, their appearance distinctly wise and regal.

And above all, a blond-haired young boy wearing a Konoha forehead protector, a striking red and black cloak, and a scroll secured to his back, stood with an air of unwavering confidence.

The entire village recognized the young boy.

They watched in awe, their hope rekindled by the arrival of this hero.

But Carnes was also very familiar with him.

It was none other than the son of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, and Uzumaki Kushina.

He was the reincarnation of the second son of the Sage of Six Paths, Ashura, a Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, a passionate and determined individual who aspired to become the Hokage.

And the ninja renowned for having the world's strongest jutsu, the "talk no jutsu"– Uzumaki Naruto.

Honestly, Carnes couldn't help but be moved when he saw him.

Technically, it wasn't the first time he'd crossed paths with Naruto.

In the past, he'd only seen the young ninja on the anime, but now he was standing before him in the flesh.

Decades had passed since their last 'meeting' since he last 'saw' Naruto.

Naruto's arrival caused an immediate stir in the village. It had set the entire village abuzz with excitement.

Tsunade looked at Carnes, with a hint of astonishment, her surprise evident.

"You...you know Naruto? And you seem to know him quite well. How is that possible?"

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