Murmurs of discussion filled the room, but the Third Raikage made no move to interrupt.
He waited until the noise gradually faded before speaking up slowly.
"Done arguing?"
"Now let's talk properly. I don't want anything like this happening again."
A faint smile tugged at the Third Raikage's lips, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
Within moments, the meeting room had already divided into three factions.
Those who opposed handing over the Two-Tails were the most numerous, followed by neutral parties, with supporters being the fewest.
"Raikage-sama, I don't think handing over the Two-Tails is such a bad idea."
Tudai, one of his most trusted advisors, hadn't taken part in the earlier argument, but now his words shocked many.
Wasn't this the same Tudai who always acted in the best interest of the village?
"Did you receive—"
A burly man slammed the table and shot to his feet. Before he could finish his sentence, cold sweat was already trickling down his back. The Third Raikage's icy gaze pierced him, making his heart race with fear.
The fury clouding his mind cleared in an instant, and he chuckled nervously before sitting back down.
"There are a lot of people who disagree," said A calmly.
"Go ahead and explain your reasoning."
The Third Raikage shifted his gaze away, allowing Tudai to continue. His face betrayed no hint of his thoughts.
"This is how I see it," Tudai began.
"The Two-Tails is nothing more than a decoration for our Cloud Ninja Village right now, and we must assign multiple experts to guard it constantly."
"Given the current situation, the beast has become more of a burden to us."
"Besides, tailed beasts are notoriously hard to control. I doubt Akatsuki Village can find a suitable Jinchūriki in such a short time."
"We can always try to take it back after the war."
Tudai was simply being practical. Under current circumstances, the Two-Tails really wasn't that important.
"Tudai-sama, you're also basing that on the current situation."
"But personally, I believe from a long-term perspective, the value of a tailed beast far surpasses any temporary ally."
This time, the rebuttal came from someone much calmer, and his tone was polite as well.
"What both of you say makes sense."
"Anyone else hold different views?"
The Third Raikage didn't give Tudai a chance to reply further. He lifted his gaze and slowly swept his eyes around the room.
"If we give them the beast, we gain a powerful ally; if not, we can cultivate our own Jinchūriki."
"It's a tough decision. Raikage-sama, please make the call."
The neutral faction's stance was understandable—they could accept either outcome.
"Any other opinions?"
Three distinct perspectives now lay on the table. The Third Raikage scanned the entire room once again.
This time, there was complete silence, only the sound of breathing filling the air.
"Since all of you are done, allow me to say a few words."
The Third Raikage stood up, placing both hands on the table and leaning slightly forward, projecting an aura of dominance.
"You all know the current state of the village."
"Our military power has reached its peak."
"Do you honestly think the Daimyō will keep funding us for long under these expenses?"
"A month? Three months? Or maybe six?"
Each time he spoke another time frame, his tone deepened with growing intensity.
Seeing the furrowed brows around the room, his heart sank further.
Problems once overlooked were now pressing challenges they couldn't ignore.
The only solution he could think of was to expel it quickly.
There's no dumpling falling from the sky, let alone a free lunch in this world.
All of the Daimyō's efforts were purpose-driven.
"Once war breaks out—whether through fighting alongside us or helping relieve pressure—"
"We need a powerful ally."
"Akatsuki Village is our best option."
The Third Raikage fell silent after speaking—but there was no objection.
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade – Please bookmark: (m.