Minato's words caused Yusuke to chuckle inwardly.
This seemingly honest and amiable man was quite the strategist, skillfully shifting the responsibility to the Kazekage.
Ōnoki, Mei Terumī, and Darui exchanged glances, recognizing that both Konoha's leaders were indeed formidable opponents.
If this line of reasoning were to be followed, the Kage Summit could be concluded, as any further discussion would be fruitless without the presence of the Daimyō of the Land of Wind.
After clearing his throat, Ōnoki, deciding against further circumlocution, turned his gaze towards Minato and Yusuke, stating directly.
"Regardless of the identity of the individual who conceived this proposal, it is utterly unacceptable to the other ninja villages; we three major villages merely serve as representatives of this sentiment.
Should the Hokage and the chief advisor of Konohagakure fail to accede to our demands, we propose that the matter be resolved through a contest of strength!"
"Should Konohagakure and Sunagakure emerge victorious in this contest, we, the assembled ninja villages, shall refrain from further interference in your affairs; however, should the three of us prevail, we request that Konohagakure relinquish its control over Sunagakure."
Following Ōnoki's statement, Mei Terumī added, "The adoption of a contest of strength serves as a means of averting a large-scale conflict.
Should you, esteemed representatives, prove unwilling to accept this proposal, we, the three major ninja villages, along with any other villages harboring similar grievances, will be compelled to resort to more extreme measures!"
Upon hearing the pronouncements of Ōnoki and Mei Terumī, Minato remained outwardly composed, while Yusuke's countenance grew serious, causing the temperature within the assembly hall to seemingly plummet.
Prior to their arrival, the two had strategized, with Yusuke assuming the role of the stern antagonist and Minato playing the part of the conciliatory protagonist.
"Extreme measures? I am eager to witness the nature of these so-called extreme measures!"
Yusuke coldly snorted, unleashing a surge of potent spiritual pressure that permeated the assembly hall, intensifying the atmosphere.
With the exception of those representing Konohagakure and Sunagakure, all those present found their breathing noticeably labored, and beads of cold sweat involuntarily formed upon their foreheads.
The most profound impact of this display of power was felt by Ōnoki, who happened to be seated directly opposite Yusuke.
Having endured the oppressive rule of Madara Uchiha in the past, Ōnoki felt as though he had been transported back in time, reliving the fear he had once experienced under the Uchiha's dominion.
As the assembly hall remained silent, Minato, with a smile, patted Yusuke on the arm, "Yusuke, perhaps we should first hear their proposal regarding the rules of this contest.
Konohagakure, too, yearns for peace; we should strive to avoid war if at all possible, although I am aware that you have been somewhat impatient for a confrontation."
Upon hearing Minato's words, Yusuke appeared to be persuaded, and he promptly retracted his spiritual pressure, causing those present to feel an immediate sense of relief.
After scanning the assembled individuals, Yusuke let out a cold laugh, "The Uchiha clan has never yielded to threats.
Let any individual dare to utter further insolent remarks, and they shall face the consequences of their actions."
Having felt the tangible weight of Yusuke's spiritual pressure, not a single individual among those present dared to voice any objections.
Mizukage Mei Terumī, whose pride had been wounded by Yusuke's rebuke, was firmly restrained by Ao and Chōjūrō, who stood behind her.
A person's reputation precedes them, and although few among those present had witnessed Yusuke's prowess firsthand, none entertained the notion that the power attributed to him in various accounts was merely exaggerated.
If Yusuke were to indeed disrupt the proceedings and engage in physical combat with those present, it is highly probable that no one would be capable of restraining him, and there was a distinct possibility that one or two Kage might perish in the ensuing conflict.
Ōnoki, being the most senior among those present, maintained his composure, and after composing himself, he began to speak slowly and deliberately.
"Regarding the proposed contest, after careful deliberation with the Mizukage and the Raikage, we have reached a consensus that each side shall field eleven ninjas for the competition, with the victor being determined by the first side to secure six victories. The stake in this contest of strength shall be the restoration of Sunagakure's independence."
Upon hearing this proposal, Yusuke let out a sardonic chuckle, "Is it not somewhat inequitable for three major ninja villages to challenge two?
Furthermore, eleven matches are excessive; why not settle the matter here and now, with a single contest between myself and your representatives?"
Ōnoki responded with a slightly embarrassed chuckle, "This is a matter of considerable significance, and to resolve it with a single battle would be overly simplistic.
After careful consideration, we have decided to conduct eleven matches, a format that more equitably reflects the comprehensive strength of each participating village.
Moreover, your assertion that three villages are challenging two is irrelevant; the issue is one of differing positions and alignments."
Ōnoki, Mei Terumī, and Darui had indeed given considerable thought to the number of matches in the contest.
They were well aware of Konohagakure's superior numbers of high-level combatants, especially Yusuke, who was virtually invincible in a one-on-one confrontation.
Therefore, they had decided to maximize the number of matches in the contest in order to enhance their probability of victory.
In their estimation, it was highly improbable that the combined strength of three ninja villages would be inferior to that of Konohagakure alone.
As for Sunagakure, it was essentially a defunct entity, possessing no formidable combatants of note, with the exception of Pakura, who was, in fact, a spy for Konohagakure.
Following Ōnoki's explanation, Yusuke and Minato exchanged a brief glance. Yusuke promptly employed the Genjutsu: drawing Minato into a shared illusory realm, where they engaged in a concise discussion.
After their deliberation, they concluded that Konohagakure possessed the necessary strength and resources to secure victory in this contest.
Given that Madara Uchiha and Orochimaru remained concealed in the shadows, they deemed that the time was not yet ripe to launch a full-scale war aimed at unifying the ninja world. Consequently, they resolved to accept Ōnoki's proposal.
"Since the Tsuchikage, Mizukage, and Raikage have expressed their desire to proceed with this contest, Konohagakure and Sunagakure shall accept your challenge," Minato stated calmly.
Upon observing Konohagakure's acceptance of the proposed contest, Ōnoki, Mei Terumī, and Darui exchanged glances, and a look of elation could be discerned in their eyes.
"In that case, let the contest commence in ten days' time," Ōnoki announced.
Turning his attention towards Mifune, who was seated nearby, Ōnoki continued, "The arrangements for the contest venue shall be entrusted to your capable hands, esteemed Commander Mifune!"
Following the signing of a formal agreement by the six principal figures seated around the conference table, along with Mifune, who served as the impartial arbiter, the Kage Summit was officially concluded.
The representatives from Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure resolved to remain temporarily in the Land of Iron, awaiting the commencement of the contest ten days hence, while simultaneously dispatching notifications to their respective villages, summoning their most skilled warriors to the Land of Iron to prepare for the impending conflict.
Meanwhile, Yusuke employed the Kamui space-time jump technique to transport the representatives from Konohagakure and Sunagakure back to their respective villages, thus eliminating the need for them to remain unnecessarily in the Land of Iron.
Upon their return to Konohagakure, Minato addressed Yusuke with a smile, "Your portrayal of the stern antagonist was truly exceptional; even I found myself momentarily intimidated by your demeanor."
Yusuke responded with a wave of his hand, "The credit for that performance belongs entirely to you; it was your insistence that I assume the role of the antagonist. You must understand that I am, in my everyday life, a remarkably affable and easygoing individual."
Minato responded with a wry smile, "The assumption of such a role, however, necessitates a certain level of authority and confidence.
My own abilities are insufficient to instill fear in those Kage. Within the entire ninja world, you are the only individual capable of effectively assuming the role of the stern antagonist before them."
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