The Raikage's sudden action stunned not only Darui and the rest of the Land of Lightning's delegation but also Konoha's negotiation team, led by Tsunade. What's wrong with the Raikage? The Fourth Raikage, A, famous throughout the ninja world for his explosive temper and arrogance, had just struck his own guard over someone from Konoha!
"Lord Raikage!" Darui cried out, aggrieved.
A's eyes flickered, his many thoughts hidden from view. The entire hall fell deathly silent. C's face was a mask of bewilderment. Unlike the boorish Darui, he had already considered many possibilities, such as this boy's identity...
Hatake Kusuo sat quietly in the corner, looking perfectly at ease. Because he was only carrying his sword and not wearing his signature red clothes, his features weren't as obvious as the rumors described. After all, while not many ninja used swords, there were certainly a fair few.
'What's going on with that brat? Why did the Raikage's imposing aura weaken the moment he arrived?' Tsunade wondered. Previously, the Fourth Raikage's aggressive pressure had put Konoha's team on the back foot. But after Kusuo arrived, this slap from Raikage A had completely changed the tone of the meeting.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, while perhaps not outstanding shinobi themselves, had learned much about human nature in their old age. They knew with one hundred percent certainty that Raikage A's change in behavior was related to Hatake Kusuo.
"Please, continue. Don't mind me," Kusuo spoke up just then. His voice had the characteristic clarity of a young man, but if one listened closely, it was devoid of any emotion.
"Alright, let's continue," Tsunade said, fully supporting his words and immediately taking charge of the meeting again.
"Lord Hokage, where were we?" Seeing that even the Hokage of Konoha was restarting the negotiations at this boy's behest, C took a deep breath and prepared to cooperate. He was now certain that something had happened between his Raikage and this Konoha youth.
"Regarding the specific arrangements for troop withdrawal after the armistice," Shikaku Nara stated, sitting upright. As Konoha's chief strategist, he rightfully occupied the seat just below the elders.
Everyone instantly tensed. Troop withdrawal might sound simple, but in the current situation, it was a matter of great importance. The Akatsuki were involved in the Amegakure battlefield, and the Land of Water was tying up forces on another front. The longer Kumogakure could delay their withdrawal, the more pressure they could exert on the Land of Fire and Konoha. This would set the tone for all future treaties, reparations, and more.
Kusuo watched them with an amused look, understanding everything perfectly. No one spoke, each waiting for the other side to make the first move, trying to gauge each other's bottom line.
"I believe that since our side holds the advantageous position on the Amegakure battlefield and we initiated these peace talks for the sake of the ninja world, the Konoha side should withdraw first!" the Fourth Raikage, A, stated his position first.
"Impossible!" Shikaku Nara retorted sharply. Konoha was already at a significant disadvantage. If they withdrew first and the Land of Lightning went back on their word and launched an invasion, the entire Land of Fire would be in danger! Konoha would absolutely not allow that to happen.
"Hmph!" Darui glanced disdainfully at the Konoha delegation. "Why is it impossible? On what grounds? Our forces have achieved an overwhelming advantage on the battlefield. This peace talk is an act of mercy from our Lord Raikage. If you continue to be ungrateful, watch out..."
SLAP!
Another crisp sound. For the second time, the entire room was stunned.
"Lord Raikage!" Darui couldn't take it anymore. He stared at the Fourth Raikage's face in disbelief. A's expression had turned as dark as storm clouds. "Why? Why did you initiate peace talks when we have such a huge advantage, and now you won't even let us negotiate for sufficient benefits? Is it just because two of our ninja were captured? It's not that serious, is it!?"
Darui's voice was a mixture of grief and indignation. It wasn't just him; no one besides Raikage A knew how Mabui and Samui had been captured. The Konoha personnel exchanged glances. Although Darui's words were inappropriate, they were true—a fact that even Konoha had to acknowledge.
Raikage A's face was already impossibly dark. Hearing Darui's questioning again, his whole body trembled. What could he do? That monster is right here! If the negotiations fell apart, this kid could slaughter every single one of them! This time, without Mabui's Heavenly Transfer Technique, not even he, the mighty Raikage, could escape! If they died, what would happen to Kumogakure? What would happen to the Land of Lightning? This damned fool!
He had not revealed a single detail about his previous battle with Hatake Kusuo to his own country. One reason was the shame; his pride wouldn't allow him to admit his defeat. The second was to avoid causing panic. The Kage of a village was not just the pinnacle of power but also the symbol of its greatest strength. If the Land of Lightning and Kumogakure found out that their strongest shinobi had been defeated, half their morale would be gone.
"Since both sides are here to negotiate, all conditions and details can be discussed. If your side is unwilling to accept our terms, we can communicate and find a middle ground," C stepped in, sensing the tense atmosphere. His mediation brought a sigh of relief from everyone. The reason was simple: the Raikage's explosive aura just now had been terrifying! The almost tangible chakra, shimmering like heavenly lightning, had made him seem like a god of thunder descended to earth. In the current ninja world, who didn't know the Raikage's power and speed?! If he were to lash out, few in the room would survive.
"Konoha's position is clear. Your country must withdraw its troops first! At the very least, we must withdraw simultaneously. Konoha will not take a second step until we see signs of your withdrawal. As for further negotiations, I see no point in them otherwise," Shikaku Nara said, his tone firm. All of Konoha was firm. When it came to national affairs and the dignity and interests of the village, they would not yield an inch!
They had the confidence to back it up! They had two of the legendary Sannin: the Hokage, Princess Tsunade, and the Toad Sage, Lord Jiraiya! And on top of that, they had Lord Kusuo, whose strength was unfathomable, completely beyond normal imagination, a teenager who had already achieved countless astonishing feats of war! With these three supreme experts, Konoha had no reason to be afraid!
This was the confidence that top-tier power brought! Especially Lord Kusuo, who seemed to have already surpassed the category of "Kage." A strong sense of hope and ambition surged in the hearts of the Konoha people. The things the First Hokage hadn't accomplished back then—perhaps the Konoha of today could achieve them!
After Shikaku finished speaking, all eyes, including Darui's, turned to the Fourth Raikage, A.
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