Upon hearing Deidara's response, Mei Terumī rolled her eyes once more. You might as well just say I'm weak, not even worthy of being killed.
At this time, Kisame had also finished his battle. The Three-Tails had been absorbed to the size of a small pot, quivering in Samehada's mouth.
"What a delightful battle," Kisame remarked, still full of energy. The continuous absorption of the Three-Tails' chakra had not only kept him from tiring but had actually strengthened him beyond his usual state.
Seeing how easily Kisame had defeated the Three-Tails, the expressions of the Kirigakure group grew even more solemn.
Although they had witnessed their power before, such a level of combat strength was astonishing every time they saw it.
"What exactly are you collecting the Tailed Beasts for?" After a moment of silence, Mei asked.
"For peace."
"We aim to establish a unified ninja village across the world, and naturally, dangerous things like Tailed Beasts need to be collected first."
"So, would you like to join us?" Due to the alliance formed during the Kirigakure rebellion, Amegakure and Kirigakure had grown somewhat closer, and Deidara didn't mind extending an invitation.
But as expected, Mei shook her head. "Such things are too hard to believe, even if you're strong enough to think about unifying the ninja world."
She didn't continue, but her meaning was clear to everyone.
Deidara and Kisame turned to leave.
"It doesn't matter if you believe or not. When the time comes, you won't have the choice to refuse."
"If you insist on standing in the way, be prepared to be crushed."
They took the Three-Tails back to their base in the Land of Waves. Itachi, having recovered somewhat from his long rest, joined in the sealing process, slightly speeding it up.
"Ah! My neck feels stiff!"
After the sealing was complete, Hidan twisted his neck, predictably complaining.
Nagato ignored him and instead announced, "We've received a diplomatic letter from Konoha."
"They're requesting that Amegakure send personnel and military support to help fend off an attack from Kumogakure."
"What do you all think?"
"We definitely need to send people. After all, we're allied with Konoha now, and using them to weaken the other villages is part of our grand strategy."
"But with Konoha so weakened, what right do they have to speak to us in such a commanding tone?"
"If they want reinforcements, they should pay us!" Deidara suggested.
Hearing the word "money," Kakuzu perked up.
"Exactly, Konoha has to pay."
"In that case, let Hidan and me handle this support mission."
"There's a good chance to collect some quality hearts on the battlefield."
"I was hoping to go," Kisame said regretfully.
"No way! I have to go!" Kakuzu insisted, unwilling to yield when it came to money. Though the earnings would ultimately go to the organization, the old man simply enjoyed the act of making money. Perhaps it was just the simple pleasure of it, as the elderly often have empty hearts.
"Hey! Kakuzu!"
"Did you even ask for my opinion?" Hidan shouted, disgruntled.
"Shut up, Hidan!"
"Or I'll kill you!"
The two started bickering again, but everyone was used to it by now.
Deidara turned to Nagato. "Coincidentally, Orochimaru sent a message saying there's been progress in his research. Kisame and I will go check it out."
Nagato nodded. "Aside from the situation with Konoha, the organization has no pressing matters at the moment."
"But the little girl you brought back is constantly making a fuss in Amegakure, looking for someone. You should return soon."
"Tch! Women are such a hassle."
"You're not being honest, Deidara," Kisame teased.
...
Konoha Village.
Never since its founding had Konoha Village been so weakened. To fend off attacks from both Sunagakure and Kumogakure, Konoha had exerted all its efforts.
Seventy percent of the village's ninja were on the front lines, while the remaining thirty percent were busy with various missions like workhorses. The village's commission cut had increased to fifty percent, and with additional funding from the Daimyō, they managed to barely keep things afloat.
"What!"
Danzo slammed his hand on the table in anger. "Those people from Amegakure dare to ask for such an exorbitant price at a time like this! Five million ryō per day! Why don't they just rob us!"
Everyone else stayed silent, not daring to speak up. As the village's situation worsened, Danzo's temper grew increasingly volatile. Last time, he had beaten a Chūnin to death for accidentally offending him. So, it was best to play dead in situations like this.
Seeing no one dared to speak, Danzo's expression grew colder. Finally, his deputy, Ryoma Aburame, mustered the courage to speak.
"Hokage-sama, the support team from Amegakure includes a Kage-level and a quasi-Kage-level ninja, along with four elite Jōnin."
"The rest of the troops are also quite formidable."
"This price is relatively fair. It's clear Amegakure is sincere."
Ryoma Aburame was speaking the truth. With Kakuzu and Hidan leading the team, along with Zabuza, Haku, a Hōzuki Clan elite, and an original elite from Amegakure, plus several hundred elite troops, wasn't five million a day worth it?
Believe it or not, Kakuzu would smash your head in!
"But how will we handle the funding issue?" Homura Mitokado asked.
As dissatisfaction with Danzo grew in the village, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane had been reinstated by Danzo, mainly to serve as figureheads and squeeze out their remaining value, using their influence to stabilize the situation.
And how did Homura and Koharu feel about this?
They were more than willing. As long as they could continue to convert their influence into value, they were willing to do anything. After all, the reputations and influence politicians built up in their early years were meant to be cashed in later.
"Continue to apply for funds from the Daimyō," Danzo instructed Koharu Utatane.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"But the Daimyō has already provided extra funding multiple times this year, so the chances aren't high," Koharu replied with a pained expression. Danzo's favors weren't easy to earn, always involving increasingly difficult tasks.
"Tell Amegakure we'll pay the hiring fees later. For now, just send the support."
"I'm afraid that won't work. Amegakure's stance is firm: no payment, no support."
Bang!
Another loud slam on the table, and the Hokage desk, which had served through five Hokage generations, was split in half by Danzo's hand.
"Those people dare! How dare they!" Danzo gasped, clearly furious.
The pressure from Kumogakure was immense. They needed Jiraiya to hold the line in the Land of Rivers, and the alliance requests sent to Iwagakure and Kirigakure remained unanswered.
Damn it!
Was he really going to have to use that trump card?
Just as Danzo was at his wit's end, someone stepped forward.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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