Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer-Chapter 706: Konan’s Trump Card

The gatekeeper's eyes were fixed intently on Konan. After seeing Minato Namikaze's attitude, he realized that although these three might be disciples of Jiraiya, the new Hokage did not seem too keen on them.

But just because the Hokage wasn't particularly welcoming didn't mean they were insignificant. After all, they were still Jiraiya's students, and if anything were to happen to them, it could have severe consequences if Jiraiya got involved.

At the same time, the gatekeeper couldn't afford to treat them too well either. After all, showing too much favor could be seen as opposing the new Hokage.

Jiraiya, with his reputation, was highly respected in Konoha. People treated him with great regard, but his students were still just that—students. To maintain a balance between Jiraiya and the village, the gatekeeper had to respect the words of the Hokage more.

This left the gatekeeper feeling conflicted. He didn't want to get too involved with these three, hoping they would simply leave. But the situation had become more complicated with two gone and one staying behind. He could sense from Konan's determined expression that she had no intention of leaving quickly.

The more this dragged on, the more tense the atmosphere became.

"I'm not leaving," Konan said, shaking her head. Her gaze remained locked on the gatekeeper as she stepped forward, moving closer to the entrance of Konoha, even nearer than the spot where they had initially stood.

"Didn't you hear me? The Hokage doesn't want you here!" the gatekeeper said sharply, his expression shifting slightly. It was clear that Konan's defiance made him uneasy.

The other gatekeepers nodded in agreement, supporting their colleague's statement. To them, Konan seemed to be challenging Minato Namikaze's authority.

Minato had already clarified that they weren't welcome in Konoha, yet this girl was still trying to stay.

From their perspective, this was bordering on defiance of the Hokage's will.

The gatekeepers' expressions grew severe as they all focused their eyes on Konan as if trying to intimidate her into leaving.

"I want to go to Ichiraku Ramen," Konan stated firmly, her calm voice surprising everyone present. None of them had expected her to say that.

"Ichiraku Ramen?"

The gatekeepers exchanged confused glances, unsure what to make of her response. They had been guarding Konoha's gates for a long time, and while they were familiar with many who entered the village, no one had ever given such a reason before.

"You want to eat ramen?" one of the gatekeepers asked, baffled.

Konan calmly nodded. "I came all the way to Konoha just to eat a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen. I'm not here for anything else, unlike those two. Surely, you won't turn me away just for that?"

Her casual tone made it sound like the most straightforward request, as if nothing unusual existed.

The gatekeepers were stunned.

They had all eaten Ichiraku Ramen before and knew it was a well-known spot in the village.

But for someone to travel from another village just to eat there? That was unexpected.

For a moment, they stared at her, even more confused. They found it hard to believe someone would travel all this way just for ramen. It seemed almost absurd.

"This..."

The gatekeepers exchanged uncertain looks, each displaying the same confusion.

"I don't have the authority to make this decision," the lead gatekeeper said after a pause, shaking his head as he fixed his eyes on Konan. He was clearly at a loss. "But I can't go ask the Hokage again on your behalf. You should leave and come back another time."

"We can't let you in."

His voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Minato Namikaze only said we couldn't stay in the village. He didn't say I couldn't go in for a bowl of ramen," Konan replied, unfazed by the refusal. She remained resolute.

"I just want to eat one bowl of ramen."

"I heard about Ichiraku Ramen from Jiraiya-sensei."

"If you don't let me in, I'll make sure Jiraiya-sensei hears about this."

"Who knows what he'll think of you then."

Konan mentioned Jiraiya because she knew it was her best leverage. Her trump card wasn't Minato Namikaze, as she realized he wouldn't help, but rather her teacher, Jiraiya.

Everyone present was well aware of Jiraiya's status in Konoha. As one of the Legendary Sannin, he held a high position, and as the Third Hokage's former disciple, his standing in the village was unquestioned. No matter what controversies had surrounded the Third Hokage, none of them had tarnished Jiraiya's reputation. If Minato became Hokage, Jiraiya would hold even more influence as his mentor.

To offend Jiraiya would be to invite trouble for any of them.

Realizing this, the gatekeepers recalled how the trio had been allowed to meet with Minato earlier—because they had invoked Jiraiya's name.

Now, with the trio having split up, it seemed that Konan, at least, was trying to stay behind for one more reason: to eat ramen.

This was an awkward situation for the gatekeepers.

They could have easily turned them away if it had been any other visitor. But this girl was Jiraiya's student.

That complicated things.

"You won't be in trouble."

At that moment, Konan spoke again, her voice clear and calm. "I just want to eat a bowl of ramen. After that, I'll leave."

"You can accompany me."

"You can supervise me the entire time."

"I won't cause any trouble. I'll eat and go. I won't make things difficult for you."

Konan knew this was her last card to play.

She had to find a way to get into Ichiraku Ramen.

It was her chance to meet Ōtsutsuki Shiren potentially.

If she managein Konoha, then n would intervene to help.

But if, even after eating ramen, Shiren didn't show up, it would mean he didn't want her to remain in Konoha, and she would leave without regret.

Konan wasn't ready to give up so easily. She needed to take this final step and see where it led.

This was her last-ditch effort.

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Konan was determined to play her trump card—to go to Ichiraku Ramen and hope for a chance encounter with Ōtsutsuki Shiren, using this opportunity to make her case for staying in Konoha.