Chapter 136: The Harsh "Village-Selling Treaty"
Elvis did not rush to make his own demands. Instead, he uttered just three words with a calm yet oppressive air.
"Why?"
The moment those words fell, the atmosphere in the palace subtly shifted, turning cold and sinister.
To Hōzuki Mangetsu, who was still struggling to grasp the deeper implications, Elvis' question seemed like a direct challenge—either he distrusted Mizuki Ryosuke, or he had been provoked by Ryosuke's previous actions.
But before Mangetsu could react, Ryosuke merely smiled, his expression unwavering. Then, in an eerily composed tone, he responded with three simple words.
"Because it's me."
As soon as his voice fell, an even greater aura than before erupted from Mizuki Ryosuke, filling the hall with overwhelming intensity.
This was no ordinary intimidation—it was the kind of presence only possessed by individuals who had climbed to the pinnacle of the shinobi world.
"Good! Good! Good!"
At that moment, Elvis, the colossal feline leader, rose from his black-and-white throne, his beady eyes gleaming with amusement.
"I have three conditions."
"If Kirigakure can fulfill them, you may take what I possess."
Elvis' tone had changed drastically.
Unlike his earlier casual negotiations with Hōzuki Mangetsu, his demeanor was now completely serious.
Ryosuke's gaze sharpened.
"State them."
A solemn glint flashed in his eyes, but his voice remained as steady as ever.
"First—" Elvis' expression turned grave. "If my clan ever faces an insurmountable disaster, Kirigakure must provide unconditional aid."
Hōzuki Mangetsu stiffened at these words.
This was no trivial request.
Neither he nor Ryosuke had the authority to make such a promise on behalf of Kirigakure, especially given the political complexities within the Land of Water.
Yet, without hesitation, Ryosuke answered.
"Agreed."
His unwavering response sent shockwaves through the hall.
"Second—" Elvis continued, his gaze locked onto Ryosuke. "I require Kirigakure to grant my clan a foothold in the shinobi world."
Mangetsu's expression darkened instantly.
This wasn't just a demand—it was a declaration.
By making such a request, the Ninneko were making it clear that they no longer wished to remain in seclusion. They sought to use Kirigakure as a stepping stone to integrate into the broader shinobi world.
It was a politically explosive demand—one that would undoubtedly cause major upheaval.
"Agreed."
Once again, Mizuki Ryosuke's expression remained unchanged as he accepted without hesitation.
"What?!"
From the distant Mizukage Office, where the entire exchange was being projected, a collective gasp erupted from the gathered Jōnin.
Even Mangetsu, standing beside Ryosuke, was dumbfounded.
"Mizuki Ryosuke, have you lost your mind?!"
Mangetsu grabbed Ryosuke's arm, his voice filled with disbelief.
Even though Kirigakure was one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, its land technically belonged to the Daimyō of the Land of Water.
Kirigakure had no right to grant land to an external entity, especially not an entire warrior clan.
Was Ryosuke really planning to cede village land to the Ninneko?!
But Ryosuke merely pushed Mangetsu aside gently, signaling for him to remain calm.
Mangetsu let out a furious scoff but refrained from interfering further.
"Finally—"
Elvis leaned forward slightly, his massive body casting an imposing shadow.
"Kirigakure must provide my clan with material support."
The list of supplies he recited made Mangetsu's face turn pale.
This wasn't just a demand—it was outright extortion.
What Elvis requested was more than double what Mangetsu had initially offered.
It wasn't just an unfair deal—it was an astronomical price, one that no rational leader would accept.
Even with Ryosuke's connections, it was impossible to secure such vast resources alone.
There were only two possible explanations:
1. Ryosuke was making an empty promise, writing a blank check he could never cash.
2. He was outright selling out Kirigakure for his own gain.
Mangetsu clenched his fists.
To him, the answer was clear—Ryosuke was betraying the village.
As the realization sank in, he was about to curse out loud, but before he could, Elvis casually lifted a paw and pointed at him.
Instantly—
Mangetsu fell silent.
No matter how hard he tried to speak, no words came out.
A profound Yin Release technique—one powerful enough to suppress even a prodigy of the Hōzuki Clan.
At the Mizukage Office, the Jōnin watching the exchange wore grim expressions.
If Ryosuke's first agreement had been reckless, then these latest concessions could only be described as treasonous.
His actions were crystal clear—he was trading Kirigakure's resources and sovereignty in exchange for the Mizukage Secret Scroll and, by extension, his own rise to power.
Jōnin who had once admired Ryosuke now glared at him with undisguised contempt.
"Squad Leader Maeda!"
One particularly furious Jōnin turned to Maeda Yuanshi.
"A man like Mizuki Ryosuke is unfit to lead Kirigakure! I propose his immediate disqualification from the Mizukage candidacy!"
"No! Exile him from the village!"
The room erupted into chaos.
"He must be expelled!"
"There's no place for traitors in Kirigakure!"
The Jōnin were on the verge of demanding Ryosuke's execution.
But amidst the uproar, Maeda Yuanshi simply smiled.
"Relax. Keep watching."
His calm response stunned the room into silence.
"…What?"
The Jōnin stared at him in confusion.
The evidence was irrefutable—why wasn't he reacting?
But Maeda Yuanshi merely gestured toward the projection, urging them to pay attention.
And then—
"I accept your three conditions."
Mizuki Ryosuke's voice rang out once more, unwavering.
"However, I have a condition of my own."
Elvis grinned, clearly believing he had outmaneuvered Ryosuke.
"Name it."
Ryosuke's next words silenced the entire hall.
"In exchange, the Ninneko must pledge 100 mature warriors to serve as Kirigakure's official summons each year."
"Furthermore, Kirigakure will grant them full shinobi status, ensuring they receive equal rights and treatment as any human ninja."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Even Mangetsu, still bound by Elvis' jutsu, stared at Ryosuke in shock.
This wasn't just an agreement—it was a trap.
By securing a mandatory conscription of 100 Ninneko warriors every year, Ryosuke had effectively flipped the power dynamic.
Instead of Kirigakure being indebted to the Ninneko, the Ninneko would become dependent on Kirigakure.
This wasn't a treaty—it was a strategic conquest.
"Very well."
Elvis accepted without hesitation.
"…What?!!"
Mangetsu was completely dumbfounded.
And across Kirigakure, the Jōnin, who had moments ago been calling for Ryosuke's exile, were now utterly speechless.
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