The Konoha high-level meeting concluded in less than half an hour—less time than it took Shouta to find someone.
Everyone's opinions were surprisingly aligned—the Cloud Ninja Village's main target was certainly not Konoha.
Even if the Third Raikage grew arrogant enough to attack Konoha directly, there was nothing to fear.
Even without factoring in Akatsuki, Konoha had already begun preparing for war over a year ago.
The only question they needed to consider was how to participate in the war—passively or actively?
As for completely avoiding it, however you looked at it, that simply wasn't feasible.
Everyone attending the meeting was smart; no one would be so unrealistic.
Ultimately, a show of hands decided their course—to remain steadfast like a mountain and wait for the right moment.
While Konoha and Akatsuki continued waiting, the Fourth Raikage A and B finally returned to the Cloud Ninja Village.
"I'm back."
Before his son could even speak, the Third Raikage's voice reached him first.
"Yes, Father."
The Fourth Raikage mentally reviewed his words once more and faced the Third Raikage, who was currently working.
"Judging from your expression, things didn't go well?"
Slowly lifting his head, the Third Raikage clearly saw the displeasure on his son's face.
"It's not exactly that things went badly… It's just~"
"Forget it. Let me tell you myself."
"…"
Unable to find the right words, the Fourth Raikage could only recount everything in detail.
When he mentioned that Akatsuki wanted the Two-Tails, he couldn't bring himself to meet his father's gaze.
Yet the furious roar he'd expected never came, so he slowly lifted his head to face his father.
"Finished?"
"Does B have anything to add?"
The Third Raikage frowned as he shifted his gaze to B.
"They're too greedy."
"Just as annoying as Konoha's bunch."
This time, B responded normally, without any strange tone.
"Haha~ Well said."
Upon hearing this, the Third Raikage laughed heartily, finding B's straightforwardness amusing.
If only everything could be dealt with purely on instinct, life would be much simpler.
"Unfortunately, we still have to work with these irritating bastards."
After laughing, the Third Raikage frowned again. Asking for the Two-Tails—this matter was indeed difficult to handle.
Although he held significant authority within the village, the decision regarding the Tailed Beast's departure absolutely could not be made by him alone.
"Father~"
As the Fourth Raikage was about to speak again, the Third Raikage motioned for silence.
Exchanging glances with B, both obediently stood quietly without uttering another word.
"Gather the village's higher-ups. Conference room in five minutes."
After a long pause, the Third Raikage rubbed his temples and issued the order.
"Yes, Father."
The Fourth Raikage accepted the command and left with B. He was already used to his father's decisiveness.
"I hope everything goes smoothly~"
Two minutes later, the Third Raikage muttered to himself before rising and heading toward the conference room.
Creak~
As the conference room door pushed open, the previously chaotic noises inside ceased immediately.
The heated discussion earlier clearly showed that the Cloud Ninja Village remained united, without messy internal power struggles.
Within five minutes, all the available high-ranking members of the Cloud Ninja Village had arrived.
"There's no need to guess. I'll tell you right away."
Third Raikage A wore a serious expression as he walked forward and took the first seat under everyone's watchful eyes.
"The Akatsuki Village has made their intentions clear."
"They're after the Two-Tailed Beast."
With just two simple sentences, Third Raikage A caused an uproar. The conference room erupted into chaos like a bustling market.
"Who do they think they are, the Akatsuki Village?!"
"Do they really think they're worthy of a Tailed Beast?"
"If they don't want the Tailed Beasts, we can discuss other things."
"Just because they have a bit of strength, they think they can shake us down?"
...
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