The violent tremor that shook the island made Shikaku, Hiashi, Kankurō, and the others tense instantly.
That Water Dragon Bullet impact—
If it had been used offensively, its power would have been no weaker than an S-rank Ninjutsu.
Realizing this, none of them could remain calm.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique was considered a relatively common Water Release Ninjutsu.
Yet Shigure had used it not only for transportation, but with power so overwhelming that it shook the entire island.
Everyone present knew Shigure's reputation.
Even back in Konoha, he had displayed terrifying innate talent in Water Release. Coupled with his Bloodline Limit, the lethality of his Water Release techniques had long surpassed ordinary standards.
More importantly—
According to rumors, Shigure was an all-element ninja.
Water Release was merely the style he preferred to use most often.
"Let's begin," Shigure said calmly as he looked at Tsunade.
"We've already wasted enough time."
Those words made Tsunade's expression stiffen.
It sounded as though he had been waiting for her.
As if she were the one who had deliberately delayed the meeting for hours.
Tsunade looked at Shigure with a complicated expression.
On one hand, there was irritation from being kept waiting so long.
On the other… a sense of relief at seeing him again after such a long time.
The two emotions conflicted, making her expression unusually restrained.
"Then let's begin," Tsunade replied.
Just as she spoke—
"I agree."
Gaara suddenly opened his mouth.
The sound of his voice immediately caused Tsunade to frown.
Although this was a Kage Summit, Tsunade had no intention of considering the Hidden Sand Village's position at all.
It wasn't arrogance.
It was anger.
The Hidden Sand Village had once been Konoha's ally. First, they had allied with Orochimaru to launch an attack on Konoha, leading to the death of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Then, after betraying Konoha, they had defected to other villages without hesitation.
Any Hokage would harbor resentment toward the Hidden Sand Village.
"Little Shigure," Tsunade said, fixing her gaze on him.
"Tell me—what exactly are your plans?"
"Since you invited me here, you must already have a concrete strategy."
Tsunade knew Shigure well.
Among all the people she dealt with after becoming Hokage, Shigure was the one she understood best.
Shigure ignored Gaara completely and smiled faintly.
"Then I'll be straightforward."
"Konoha has finally regained its peaceful days," he said calmly.
"Those days should continue."
"Konoha should not interfere in the affairs of the Hidden Sand Village."
"After all," he continued, "the Hidden Mist Village has already reached an agreement with them."
Shigure leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking onto Tsunade.
"And I will not go back on my word—no matter what."
Forceful.
Utterly uncompromising.
Even Shikaku hadn't expected Shigure's stance to be this absolute.
Tsunade stared at him silently.
She disliked the pressure in his words, yet… the person standing before her was Shigure.
She had no desire to argue fiercely with him over the Hidden Sand Village.
For a moment, silence fell.
Shikaku glanced at Tsunade.
Seeing that she still hadn't spoken, he understood something clearly—
Remaining silent now would be equivalent to conceding ground.
And in negotiations like these, weakness was unacceptable.
"That's impossible," Shikaku said firmly.
"The matters between Konoha and the Hidden Sand Village have not been settled."
"We cannot simply let the Hidden Sand Village off the hook."
"Even if we abandon our alliance entirely," he continued, "the Hidden Sand Village must still provide sufficient compensation."
Shikaku's intent was clear.
Push all responsibility onto the Hidden Sand Village.
Then, the two great ninja villages would jointly divide the spoils.
As for who would take the larger share—
That would depend on what happened next.
That wasn't the important part.
It wouldn't affect Konoha's interests anyway.
Kuji turned his gaze toward Shikaku.
"Lord Shigure is speaking with the Hokage," he said calmly.
"Is it appropriate for a guard to interrupt at such a time?"
Under Kuji's steady stare, the pressure on Shikaku intensified.
Tsunade frowned and looked at Kuji.
"Konoha's guards are the Hokage's right-hand men," she said coldly.
"What they say represents my will."
Shigure raised a hand, signaling Kuji to step back.
Kuji obeyed without hesitation.
Tsunade then turned her attention fully to Shigure.
"You want to swallow the Hidden Sand Village whole?"
"Shigure, I'll be clear," she continued.
"That is absolutely impossible."
"Even if Konoha no longer places any expectations on Sunagakure—"
"The surprise attack they launched against Konoha must be met with a satisfactory explanation."
"I will not let this matter go."
Tsunade slowly stood up, her gaze sharp and resolute.
"Even if it means war," she said firmly,
"I won't hesitate."
War?
She was threatening him with war?
Shigure sighed lightly, as if helpless.
"If that's the case," he replied calmly,
"then we'll meet on the battlefield."
"Whether the Hidden Sand Village ultimately belongs to Konoha or the Hidden Mist Village—"
"That answer can only be decided through a true contest of strength."
He agreed to war without hesitation.
Even Kuji was momentarily stunned—
but the surprise quickly turned into unwavering resolve.
Kirigakure did not fear war.
At that moment, Shikaku suddenly spoke.
"Lord Mizukage, Hokage-sama," he said carefully,
"this doesn't necessarily need to escalate into war."
"Konoha will not contest anything the Hidden Sand Village has promised the Hidden Mist Village."
"However," he continued,
"the damage Sunagakure inflicted upon Konoha must be compensated accordingly."
"We hope the Hidden Mist Village will not interfere in this matter."
Shikaku didn't spare the Hidden Sand Village even a shred of dignity.
He openly ignored the presence of the Kazekage—
Gaara, who sat there representing Sunagakure.
Gaara clenched his teeth, his glare fixed firmly on Shikaku.
This man clearly intended to ensure that the Hidden Sand Village would never rise again.
If Shikaku's proposal were carried out, Sunagakure would not only have to provide vast amounts of gold dust annually to the Hidden Mist Village—but also compensate Konoha for past grievances.
Territory might even be ceded.
In such circumstances, even if the Hidden Sand Village still existed in name, it would be no different from annihilation.
"So that's how it is," Gaara said slowly.
"Our Hidden Sand Village is nothing more than a cake in your eyes."
"To be divided however you see fit."
As he spoke, the fury on Gaara's face could no longer be suppressed.
Anyone forced to sit and listen while others discussed carving up their homeland—
even arguing over it—would be enraged.
At that moment, Kuji released his chakra.
It locked onto Gaara completely.
The killing intent was undisguised.
Gaara turned to look at Kuji, his anger surging even higher.
A mere Kirigakure ninja dared to release killing intent toward him?
"Gaara," Shigure said calmly,
"allowing the Hidden Sand Village to listen in on this meeting is already an act of generosity."
"Do you still intend to voice an opinion?"
Gaara froze.
Listen in?
So he had never intended to consider Sunagakure's stance at all?
"Mizukage… very well," Gaara said, suddenly smiling.
"Indeed, in the end, everything depends on strength."
"Only those with strength have the right to speak."
He lifted his head, eyes burning.
"Then let battle decide the outcome."
"My Hidden Sand Village challenges both the Hidden Mist Village and Konoha."
"Do you dare accept?"
...
(End of Chapter)
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