Konoha: The Honored One

"My lovely Tsuna, I'm worried you might belittle me," Gojo teased, his voice light and playful as he completely ignored Raikage. Instead, he cast a mischievous glance at the other Kages. "So, could I ask you all to pretend to be scared? Just for me?"

He said it on purpose, of course. The smile on his face might have looked innocent, but everyone present knew better. This was a warning.

"Boy, it's been years, and you're still as insufferable as ever," grumbled Onoki, his face hardening as a flicker of hostility crossed his eyes. He'd had more than his fair share of run-ins with Gojo in the past, and none of them ended well for the diminutive Tsuchikage.

Years ago, Gojo had waltzed into the Rock Village like it was his backyard, all to arrest someone for a mission. No negotiations, no pretense. Just Gojo being Gojo. Back then, Onoki had planned to take him down, his Dust Release primed and ready to counter Gojo's limitless abilities. But brute force wasn't enough. Not only did he fail, but Gojo also singed his beard in the process.

He never forgot that. Oh no, not for a second.

"Old man Tsuchikage, you're still alive?" Gojo asked with feigned surprise, swaggering over with one hand in his pocket. The other hand reached out—and before anyone could stop him, he grabbed Onoki's beard.

"You're quite spry for someone your age. But seriously, don't push yourself too hard. At this point, you should be browsing coffin catalogs, not playing Kage," he added with a smirk.

Onoki's guards leapt into action immediately. Kurotsuchi appeared beside Gojo in a flash, kunai at his throat. Her voice was low and dangerous. "You've crossed the line. Show some respect to the Tsuchikage."

Meanwhile, Akatsuchi erupted from the ground behind Gojo, his fist encased in solid rock. "You may be strong, but Tsuchikage-sama's spirit is unmatched!"

"Now, now," Gojo said, not bothering to move an inch. His cocky grin remained firmly in place. "No need to get worked up. It's all in good fun."

From her seat, Terumi Mei folded her hands under her chin and watched the chaos unfold. Her emerald eyes burned with annoyance. "Still as obnoxious as ever," she muttered. "If only someone would put him in his place."

She had her reasons to loathe Gojo. Years ago, he'd taken Six-Tails' Jinchūriki from Mist Village and refused to return stolen ninja tools. And if that wasn't bad enough, the man had the audacity to spank her. The memory alone made her fists clench.

Meanwhile, Gaara observed Gojo in his usual deadpan manner. "Gojo saved me," he thought, his fist tightening slightly. His respect for the man had grown since his resurrection, even if Gojo's antics were… grating.

To everyone's surprise, Gaara took a step forward. Sand began to swirl protectively around Gojo. "Temari. Kankuro."

Temari blinked. "Wait, are we… helping him?"

Kankuro was equally baffled. "Gaara… are you serious?"

Gaara's tone was firm. "We are allies with Konoha."

Temari groaned, unfolding her fan. "Fine. But I still hate frivolous men."

Kankuro unwrapped his puppet, Crow, and it hovered menacingly near Kurotsuchi. "Don't look at me. I'm just following orders."

Onoki snorted. "Kazekage, you're still young. Be careful where you place your trust."

"We are allies," Gaara reiterated, his voice steady.

Gojo flashed Gaara a cheeky grin. "Thanks, sand devil. You're a real pal."

The tension in the room was electric. Kurenai stepped closer to Tsunade, kunai drawn, ready for whatever might happen next. But it was clear to everyone—this wasn't just about Gojo's taunts. This was years of unspoken animosity between the villages bubbling to the surface.

And then there was Raikage.

"How dare you ignore me!" he roared, lightning crackling around his body as his chakra flared. The sheer intensity of it made the air feel heavy.

Raikage's eyes burned with fury as he launched himself at Gojo, fist cocked back. "I'll wipe that smug grin off your face!"

Gaara reacted instantly, his sand surging forward like a tidal wave. But Raikage's speed was unmatched. He blasted through the sand, appearing inches away from Gojo in what seemed like the blink of an eye.

Gojo, still sucking on his lollipop, tilted his head. "Wow. You're fast."

Raikage's punch stopped just short of Gojo's neck, the force of it sending shockwaves through the room. Dust and debris filled the air.

"Terrifying," Gojo said, his voice dripping with mock fear. Then he smirked. "But not enough."

Raikage's patience snapped. "I'll tear you apart!" he bellowed, his chakra surging even higher as he prepared another attack.

Before he could strike, Tsunade's voice cut through the chaos. "Enough!"

The entire room seemed to hold its breath as Tsunade leapt into action. Her foot slammed into the ground, creating a crater so large it made Raikage's earlier destruction look like child's play. The sheer force of it sent shockwaves rippling through the Iron Country.

"H-Hokage-sama…" one of the guards stammered, staring at the devastation.

Gojo clapped his hands. "Bravo, Princess Tsunade! That's what I call making an entrance."

Tsunade glared at him. "Shut up, Gojo."

The room was left in shambles, but somehow, Gojo managed to walk away unscathed, his lollipop still firmly in place and his ego even larger than before. The Kages could only glare, knowing full well they'd fallen into his game yet again.