Although everyone present expressed disdain for the Akatsuki Village in words, they couldn't deny the strength of that 'small village.'
The performance Tsunade had personally put on several years ago had left too great an impression.
Combined with the Land of Rain's unique approach to economic development, the military strength of the Akatsuki Village had become genuinely formidable.
"Just a tailed beast we can't even use properly. If we give it away, so what?"
"In such a vast world of ninjas, surely we can find another tailed beast?"
The Third Raikage's meaning had become increasingly clear—the cost now would be repaid many times over in the coming war.
"Raikage-sama, then… how can you be certain that giving Two-Tails to the Akatsuki will guarantee their cooperation?"
One of the dissenters still refused to accept this outcome, grasping at straws with a foolish question.
"Hmph~ They wouldn't dare make enemies of us."
The Third Raikage sneered coldly, clearly too dismissive to elaborate further.
Unfortunately, this time he had badly misjudged.
If Yahiko had been a normal ambitious man, the wartime alliance between the Akatsuki and Cloud Ninja Villages would have been absolutely reliable after receiving the tailed beast.
At least until the war ended, the Akatsuki would have remained a solid ally of the Clouds.
But Yahiko had been placed by Konoha. Putting ambition aside, even the Cloud's threats of brute force no longer held any intimidation.
"B-but—"
The dark-skinned giant tried to argue further but found himself at a loss for words—he had been convinced.
"There's no need to say more. We mustn't focus solely on immediate gains and losses. Think strategically."
"This time, our Cloud Ninja Village has prepared for years. We won't repeat the failure of last time."
The Third Raikage slammed the table heavily, his voice booming.
"What if we reconsider?"
"The Akatsuki might simply be testing our limits. Perhaps trading the tailed beast for something else wouldn't be bad either."
There were many objectors. Unwilling to give up, they continued trying to change the Third Raikage's mind.
"Yeah, yeah."
"Every tailed beast was obtained through tremendous sacrifice by our ancestors."
Nods of agreement spread, each offering their own justifications.
"So think about it, given the Akatsuki's habit of constantly reiterating the same demand."
"How long would negotiations take? Who do you plan to send for this task?"
"You? You? Or perhaps you?"
The Third Raikage pointed one by one around the room. Those indicated all lowered their heads.
Yahiko was notoriously difficult—a fact already acknowledged among Cloud Ninja Village higher-ups.
Otherwise, why would they have sent B along with the Fourth Raikage?
"You raise objections, yet none of you can solve anything."
"Why don't one of you go ask the Daimyō for another year or so? We can wait until everything settles with the alliance first."
Seeing no one respond, the Third Raikage shook his head with a bitter smile.
"Tudai did raise a fair point here. It's easy to judge until you're walking in their shoes."
"Sigh~ Is there truly no better option?"
The dissenters knew appealing to the Daimyō wasn't realistic either.
"Do our warriors lack the confidence to win back everything we lose now—tenfold?"
"Losing the Two-Tails might just open the door for us to obtain the One-Tail, Three-Tails, or even—the Nine-Tails."
Determination burned fiercely in the Third Raikage's eyes. His hatred for Konoha had never faded from his heart.
That humiliation and pain could never be forgotten.
"The choice is yours."
Under the firm insistence of the Third Raikage, the opposition was finally convinced. At this point, handing over the Two-Tails was the best option available.
"Father, should I deliver it again?"
The Fourth Raikage, A, tested cautiously with a question. He wanted to get things settled as soon as possible.
"No. Let them come and take it themselves."
"Goodwill must come from both sides."
A faint smile tugged at the Third Raikage's lips. This would be the final test.
...
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