"Impossible, you're blackmailing me!" The Raikage roared without a second thought, instantly rejecting the demand. His tiger-like eyes locked fiercely onto Ishikawa, fists clenched so tightly they trembled—ready to explode at any moment!
One billion ryo? Did this brat even understand the value of money? That was nearly a full year's military budget for Kumogakure!
And Tsunade—was she crazy, or did she think he was? How dare she demand such a sky-high medical fee? Was Raikage's life really worth that much?
"You can't afford it, yet you're still this aggressive? What, do you think Konoha runs a charity? Don't forget—we're enemies." Ishikawa gritted his teeth under the Raikage's oppressive glare, then quickly turned and signaled Kakashi and Tsunade to prepare to leave.
Ask for a high price, then settle low.
Sure, one billion was outrageous—but he didn't believe the Raikage would actually sacrifice himself.
At this point, although Kumogakure seemed to be at its peak after the three ninja wars, in truth, it was strong on the surface but hollow within. Other than the Fourth Raikage and Killer B, there weren't any Kage-level ninjas left to lead the village.
That's why Ishikawa chose to offend the Raikage if necessary—to force him to bow, letting Tsunade gain real benefits and leave Kumogakure no room to refuse future requests.
As the saying goes, wealth and honor lie in danger! Do you think it's easy to get stronger? I'm so jealous of those protagonists with cheat systems. Sure, they're common and cliché—but damn, they're cool...
"Wait!!" Just as Ishikawa was inwardly sighing, a sudden shout from Kumogakure's Amai cut through the tension.
Tsunade and Kakashi, who were about to speak, halted and looked up sharply, both instantly sensing something.
"One billion ryo is impossible... but if it's a consultation fee, maybe we can talk..." Amai stepped forward quickly to stabilize the situation. Then, turning to the Raikage, his gaze softened with a hint of pleading. "Lord Raikage, Kumogakure cannot afford to lose you."
The Raikage, of course, understood Kumogakure's real condition. But continuing this discussion over something as lowly as money was not his style.
Suddenly, a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes as he snapped, "If you want to start a war between Kumogakure and Konoha—go ahead and try."
"Threatening us? That's a cheap tactic." Tsunade sneered without missing a beat. "Konoha has never feared war. But just so you know—you'll be the first to die."
"Lady Tsunade is right," Kakashi added coldly. "Besides, once the Raikage falls, who knows if Kumogakure will even have the strength left to declare war? After all, Iwagakure, your eternal enemy, surely won't miss the chance to strike while you're down."
After the Third Great Ninja War, the five great nations were in a fragile balance. If war broke out between Konoha and Kumogakure now, the Fourth Great Ninja War could erupt.
Kakashi firmly believed that as long as Kumogakure wasn't run by fools, they wouldn't dare risk that kind of all-out war. Who could say which village would fall first?
More importantly, this was not the time to show weakness. Backing down now could lead to Kumogakure seriously underestimating Konoha's resolve—and bring war to their doorstep for real.
"You people... don't go too far..." The Raikage growled, his rage near boiling over—but deep down, he knew there was nothing he could do.
His threat of war had been just that—words. He wouldn't dare put it into action. Losing Kumogakure's Raikage might already be fatal, but even if he survived, there was no guarantee of victory in open war.
If Kumogakure truly had the strength to challenge Konoha, they would have turned the Byakugan Incident into a full-scale war. But in the end, they had swallowed their pride—because they knew the truth.
"Too much? You were the one who went too far first! When you have the upper hand, you use force, and when you don't, you want to reason. The world doesn't work that way." Ishikawa sneered, then quickly leaned in close to Kakashi's ear.
"Sensei, forget the money for now. I must get that Lightning Release technique the Raikage just used. I want to learn it."
Kakashi's pupils shrank as surprise filled his eyes. "Ishikawa, I suddenly realize I've underestimated you. I didn't expect you to be bold enough to covet Kumogakure's Lightning Release Secret Technique."
"Teacher, don't you want that same speed and strength the Raikage showed just now? I have a lightning-nature chakra too. With that technique, I'm confident I can become just as strong as him!" Ishikawa said with shining eyes, hiding nothing of his ambition or self-confidence.
This was a secret Lightning Release technique capable of elevating someone to the Kage level. With it, he could stimulate his nervous system and even train to master Kakashi's Chidori, plus its derivative forms.
Hiding his ambition now would be idiocy. Standing at the doorway of opportunity, not reaching out to grab it would make him a true fool.
"You're quite confident, kid." Tsunade chuckled, looking at Ishikawa like she was watching a naïve child.
As strong as the Raikage? What a joke. Did he really think just learning that technique would make him the second coming of the Raikage?
Such a childish dream… Many Kumogakure shinobi had practiced the technique, but in her knowledge, only the Third and Fourth Raikage had mastered it to such a terrifying level.
"But even if it's a fantasy… it might be worth entertaining." Tsunade suddenly smiled and turned to the Raikage.
"One billion—or five hundred million Ryo plus your Lightning Release technique. No bargaining." Tsunade got straight to the point, her voice cold and firm. "If you don't agree, then start planning your funeral. And maybe pick out your successor too while you're at it!"
"Tsunade, you—" The Fourth Raikage's rage erupted again, and he was about to shout in refusal.
But before he could continue, Amai stepped forward and stopped him with a meaningful look. "Lord Raikage, there seems to be no more room for negotiation. That Lightning Release Chakra Mode was likely copied by Kakashi's Sharingan anyway. Why not just agree?"
"Amai…" The Raikage glared at him, but when he saw the plea in Amai's eyes, he gritted his teeth and forcibly swallowed his fury.
He didn't know exactly what Amai had in mind, but for the sake of the village, he had to compromise.
"I'll give you the Lightning Release technique now. I'll return to the village and prepare the five hundred million ryo. Once you receive the scroll, treat the Raikage immediately," Amai said slowly, his tone filled with humiliation.
As he finished, Amai reached out and took the scroll the Raikage retrieved, then tossed it over.
"Very good. Let's hope you don't try any funny business," Tsunade said with a satisfied nod, her tone implying more than her words.
Kakashi caught the scroll, quickly unrolling it and examining the contents. Though his Sharingan had already copied some of it, a firsthand scroll was far more valuable for detailed study.
Next to him, Ishikawa stared at the scroll in Kakashi's hands, eyes full of awe and excitement. He hadn't expected negotiations to go this smoothly—and now, Kumogakure's Lightning Release technique was in their hands.
At that moment, Ishikawa felt as if a path had opened beneath his feet—a thunderous road stretching into the future.
A path to Kage-level strength…