"You're far more formidable than your teacher and the Third Kazekage. Those two certainly have a worthy successor in you."
The Third Raikage watched as Qingshui healed an arm injury that would typically cripple someone, all within a few breaths. His expression grew serious.
Qingshui's strength actually subtly surpassed his own.
Even after taking two-finger Nukite attacks, his arm was merely severely injured, and yet he healed it with Medical Ninjutsu in a few breaths. This medical ability absolutely exceeded that of Chiyo, who was considered a top-tier Medical Ninja in the Ninja World.
This meant that even a one-finger Nukite would likely struggle to kill him.
Unless the Third Raikage could continuously unleash such powerful attacks, inflicting damage faster than Qingshui could heal.
The Third Raikage knew that he wouldn't be able to defeat Qingshui.
"Still want to fight, Raikage-senpai? I can stay here and keep you two busy all day."
Qingshui shook his hand, a smile playing on his lips.
"Are you sure? In a few moments, three thousand elite Cloud Hidden Village ninjas stationed at the border will arrive. Don't get too arrogant, Sand Hidden Village brat."
The Third Raikage snorted.
"Is that so? Well, it doesn't matter. We've been fighting for so long that my companions should have already successfully led the people out. As for me... I don't think you two will be able to stop me."
Qingshui reached up and scratched his ear, then looked at A, who was locked in close combat with White Knight and Fatty.
There was no need to send a Puppet to stop the Fourth Raikage now. He could simply put on Big Ivan and fly away using the glider and Airflow Manipulation.
"..."
The Third Raikage was silent for two seconds.
Should he forcefully keep Qingshui from the Sand Hidden Village?
This guy was several years younger than his own son, yet he already possessed combat power at the very peak of the Ninja World. He would likely grow even stronger in the coming years, becoming even more terrifying.
Would that pose a threat to Cloud Hidden Village?
They were separated by half the Ninja World, and unlike Mist Hidden Village, they had never invaded or plundered the Land of Wind from the sea. Historically, there was no animosity between them.
A young man like this would certainly be cherished by the Third Kazekage and Chiyo in the Sand Hidden Village. If he were killed here, that would truly create a blood feud between them.
Not to mention, both nations actually shared common enemies—the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire.
These two countries were closest to the Land of Wind, making them Sand Hidden's direct competitors. And for Cloud Hidden Village, these two countries were also their rivals.
Furthermore, the Third Raikage wasn't even confident he could keep Qingshui.
If he was determined to do so, his own powerful physical defense might keep him safe, but others might not be so lucky, and there would inevitably be heavy casualties.
The most rational course of action was to let go of these thoughts and turn conflict into friendship.
It was just...
So unwilling!
"Stop fighting. Would you mind having a talk with this old man?"
The Third Raikage raised a hand, stopping A, and said to Qingshui, "Of course not."
After A stopped fighting, Qingshui likewise extended his hand, using Chakra Threads to retrieve the three Puppets to his side.
Big Ivan and Fatty were still relatively fine, not severely damaged, but Little Boy was now nearing complete dilapidation.
To hold off a Kage-level combatant for so long was already close to the limit of these three Puppets.
Adding one or two more might be enough. If he had seven or eight Puppets of this caliber, his combat power could double, and their overall might could rise to another level, capable of stopping Kage-level opponents.
This was also Ebizo's level of strength.
If he were just a bit stronger, he'd be comparable to Chiyo.
"Dad! I was about to win! Why did you tell me to stop?"
A was panting, a bloodstain on his shoulder from where Big Ivan had inadvertently grazed him, though he appeared mostly unharmed.
"Win what, you idiot!"
The Third Raikage shot A a displeased look.
Before today, he had been very satisfied with his son. His future achievements would certainly be no less than the Sannin, and he was a cut above Rasa and Karura of Sand Hidden, and Kitsuchi of Stone Hidden.
But now...
The Third Raikage looked at Qingshui.
This guy was several years younger than his own son, yet his strength was far superior.
"Uh..."
A scratched his head, realizing the situation.
They had been fighting for so long that Qingshui's accomplices must have already transferred all the Chinoike Clan members.
"To get the Chinoike Clan to join Cloud Hidden Village, this old man and the village put in a lot of effort. And you just came today and snatched the prize. That makes things very difficult for me..."
"My apologies, Raikage-senpai. But I think, at your age, you should understand that many things in this world aren't about reason. Or rather, the hardest fist is the strongest reason."
Qingshui chuckled.
After all, Cloud Hidden Village couldn't really do anything to him.
"You're right, might makes right."
The Third Raikage wasn't angry.
"But this time, it's not that your fist is harder, but that you landed this punch at the most crucial moment. I can concede your victory, but Cloud Hidden Village cannot lose.
Of the people you're taking, give half to me. Otherwise, I guarantee that fewer than half of your group will make it back to the Land of Wind safely."
Qingshui raised an eyebrow.
This old man... he actually makes a lot of sense.
Among the Land of Hot Water and its surrounding smaller nations, Cloud Hidden Village was the strongest, followed by Konoha.
If Cloud Hidden Village were to send out a large number of ninja, coupled with the entanglement of the Raikage father and son, who were both top-tier combatants, it would be difficult to get dozens of people back to the Land of Wind without losing a single one.
After all, it was a ninja clan, not all of them were ninja, so they simply couldn't compare to a ninja village's army, where everyone was a ninja. If they were intercepted by Cloud Hidden Village, some would certainly have to be left behind.
In that case, some individuals with the Ketsuryugan Kekkei Genkai would definitely be taken by Cloud Hidden Village.
"You should understand my meaning. You've shown strength that commands my respect, and Sand Hidden Village's strength also deserves my respect. Therefore, I'm willing to resolve this peacefully. I imagine you don't want your companions to bleed, do you?"
"You expect me to give up half the people with just a single sentence? If it were you, would you agree?" Qingshui countered.
"That's your business." The Third Raikage said, arms crossed and head held high.
"Half is impossible. But if anyone is willing to remain in Hell Valley, I can spare a few for you."
Giving up a few people for a safe journey back for the rest wouldn't be a loss.
After all, bringing anyone back at all would be pure profit.
A few people would make little difference to Cloud Hidden Village, whether they were there or not, but it wouldn't make much difference to Sand Hidden Village either.
"Alright."
"How can I trust that Cloud Hidden Village won't act again after I hand over the people? After all, Cloud Hidden Village is the village most fond of breaking promises."
"You're full of it!" The Third Raikage cursed.
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