At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku also chimed in supportively.
"Indeed, just as the Hyuga clan head said — the Fourth Raikage thinks he can buy back so many ninjas, two Tailed Beasts, and even himself… all for a mere 1.2 billion ryo? That's just insulting."
"What can 1.2 billion even buy? Not much at all. Honestly, we might as well sell them all to the black market. Plenty of people out there would pay top dollar for Tailed Beasts and experimental material."
The Fourth Raikage felt a fire burning in his chest as he heard these words.
1.2 billion isn't even enough to support your two clans for ten years?
This was going way too far. Now they were even threatening to auction them off on the black market?
That kind of place — where shinobi bodies were used for experiments and secrets were extracted — truly revealed the sinister nature of the Uchiha clan.
At that moment, Ryosuke looked at the grim-faced Fourth Raikage and spoke calmly:
"You've heard them — the Hyuga clan head wants you all executed, and the Uchiha clan leader is fine with selling you to the black market."
"But me? I'm offering you a chance — the opportunity to buy back your village's shinobi."
"You make the choice. Pick one for yourself, and for the shinobi behind you. After all, you're the Fourth Raikage — it's your right to decide their fate."
The Fourth Raikage was seething. This was utter humiliation. They offered him a 'choice' only to make him the scapegoat for all of it.
Truly, the Uchiha were a dark and despicable clan.
But anger aside...
The choices were clear: be executed, be sold, or pay a ransom — 6 billion in ryo, plus an additional 200 million as compensation.
Let's be real — it wasn't three options. It was one.
If it were just his own life at stake, he might've gambled.
But this involved every elite Jonin and Chunin that fought in the war from the Hidden Cloud. The Tailed Beasts too.
If they were all sold or executed...
He, as the Fourth Raikage, would go down as the greatest sinner in the history of the Hidden Cloud Village.
He clenched his teeth and finally gave in, reluctantly muttering:
"Fine. I accept your terms."
"We'll pay the ransom you're asking for."
Ryosuke's expression softened, a faint smile of satisfaction on his face.
"Good. Let's round it up to an even 6 billion ryo — and let's not say we didn't give the Hidden Cloud a chance to pay in installments."
"You'll pay 300 million ryo annually. Twenty years. After that, the debt is settled. You're free to return to your village right now and start preparing the funds — send them to Konoha when ready."
"Of course, we'll be keeping a few of your Hidden Cloud shinobi behind to assist in investigating that letter incident."
"I assume the mighty Fourth Raikage has no objections?"
What objections could he possibly have?
Just a few shinobi "helping with an investigation"... and they were even allowing the payments in installments.
It was clear now — they really expected to be paid.
The Fourth Raikage had actually considered stiffing them — go home and just refuse to pay.
Even if he agreed, there were plenty of factions back home who would reject such a heavy ransom.
But did he think that far ahead and believe the others wouldn't?
Did they seriously just let him and his men walk away without fearing they'd back out?
Unable to contain himself, he asked:
"You're just letting us go like this? Aren't you afraid we'll default on the payment?"
Ryosuke burst into laughter.
"Before you try that, you'd better consider what happens if you do. In fact, I hope you renege — then we'll have the perfect justification to annex the Hidden Cloud and the entire Land of Lightning into the Land of Fire."
"When you think about it, that deal is way more profitable than just 6 billion ryo."
"Of course, it's a bit of a hassle... we'd have to kill a lot more people."
Fugaku's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Ryosuke to harbor such ambition.
To annex the Land of Lightning into the Fire Country?
The profits from owning an entire nation far surpassed a measly 6 billion.
This man...
He truly is the one to lead the Uchiha into greatness.
The Fourth Raikage's expression darkened. His heart trembled.
They actually have such grand ambitions...
If they truly go through with this, many from the Hidden Cloud would rise in rebellion.
But with the strength Ryosuke just displayed...
That rebellion might just turn into a bloodbath.
"How dare you consider something like that? You Uchiha are monsters."
Ryosuke didn't get angry. He calmly replied:
"Why do you assume we wouldn't dare?"
"If you think the Uchiha are evil — how many Leaf shinobi have died at the hands of the Hidden Cloud?"
"Don't mistake me for someone like the First Hokage."
In Ryosuke's heart, Hashirama — the so-called God of Shinobi — was certainly powerful.
Madara, before his defection, had been his equal — perhaps just a notch below — but still capable of battling an entire village single-handedly.
The two of them could've unified the entire ninja world if they had worked together.
And with that, true peace would've come — there'd be no more sacrifice of Leaf shinobi.
The Fourth Raikage shuddered.
That man... the one hailed as the God of Shinobi.
Yes, he was a kind soul.
During the Five Kage Summit, he was the one begging everyone for peace on his knees.
But power-wise? He was a monster — far too merciful for his own good.
This Uchiha before him? His strength was terrifying — and his heart? Ruthless.
The Fourth Raikage, thinking back on the recent war and what Ryosuke had done, had no more desire to oppose him.
Seeing the Raikage fall silent, Ryosuke turned to the two clan leaders.
"Clan Head of the Hyuga, Clan Head Fugaku — are you both satisfied with this outcome?"
Fugaku nodded without hesitation.
"If you've said so, Ryosuke, and the Raikage himself has agreed, then it's settled. Let them go."
He was thrilled inside.
Ryosuke really pulled it off... scared the Raikage stiff.
Truth be told, Ryosuke wasn't some bloodthirsty butcher.
He wouldn't kill the Hidden Cloud shinobi — that could throw the entire ninja world into chaos.
The Hyuga clan head also nodded in agreement.
Their "good cop–bad cop" routine had worked beautifully.
Just look at how shaken the Raikage had become — truly satisfying.
He also admired Ryosuke greatly.
If only the Hyuga clan could produce someone like him…
With both of them in agreement, Ryosuke smiled and declared:
"Well, since both clan leaders agree — the Fourth Raikage may now take his shinobi and return home."
"After all, we don't exactly have dinner to spare for the Hidden Cloud guests."
Both Hiashi and Fugaku froze for a moment — not expecting Ryosuke to throw in such a jab.
They struggled not to burst out laughing.
The Fourth Raikage's face darkened. Furious. Embarrassed.
"Then please — release us immediately. We'll pass on dinner."
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