Under Sage Mode, it would be difficult to find anyone in the entire Shinobi World with higher poison resistance than Seiki.
As for Elder Chiyo, not only was she an expert in poisons herself, but her puppets were also immune to toxins. From this alone, she was clearly the most suitable ally to deal with Hanzo.
The problem was that no one else in the room understood these facts.
"Seiki, even if you defeated... cough... cough..." Fugaku vaguely skipped over a certain name, "...Sanshouo Hanzo is still an extremely formidable and dangerous opponent!"
Choza's expression was serious. "Sanshouo's Poison Mist is too strong. Ordinary people can't even display half their strength in front of him."
Pakura wore a conflicted expression. She really wanted to say that the poison mist had absolutely no effect on Seiki, but worried about revealing intelligence about Seiki, so she could only vaguely say, "If it's Seiki and Elder Chiyo, everything will definitely be fine!"
"That's Sanshouo Hanzo we're talking about..."
"Oh come on, they'll definitely be fine! You guys should have more confidence in Seiki!"
The Jonin present all felt surprised in their hearts. If it was just Seiki alone, they might suspect this was a plot by Sunagakure to encourage Seiki to take risks, but now even Sunagakure's Chiyo was involved. This could only mean Sunagakure had extraordinary confidence in Seiki!
It seemed that Sunagakure's decision to agree to send troops this time wasn't merely due to Seiki saving Sunagakure's people. There must have been some important developments during this period, and Seiki had played an absolutely crucial role in those events... Thinking thus, the way they looked at the "new commander-in-chief" became filled with even deeper respect and admiration.
Seeing everyone fall into silence, Seiki smiled. "For now, let's proceed according to this plan. Any changes afterward can be discussed when the time comes."
The meeting ended.
After everyone left, Seiki smiled as he turned toward someone nearby. "Elder Danzo, there was something I forgot to remind you about earlier."
Upon hearing those words that sounded all too familiar, Danzo instinctively refused, saying, "I absolutely will not go on a blind date!"
"Don't worry, it's not about that," Seiki said with a smile. "Nonou is currently under my command now. Please keep your hands well within boundaries, Elder Danzo. Otherwise, that would cause me a great deal of trouble!"
"That brat..." Anger surged within Danzo's heart, suddenly understanding, "So that's why the kid has been targeting me all day? It's a warning not to lay a hand on his people?"
"Hmph! He's definitely more decisive than the Third!" Danzo's eyes revealed wariness. Previously, he had repeatedly tested the limits without much consequence, but this time he barely stirred up a wave before nearly getting smashed ashore.
Not only did his plans fail, but he also lost face—and even some of his influence along the way.
Looking into Seiki's piercing stare, he didn't doubt for a second that next time, if he continued harboring intentions toward those close to Seiki, the blade coming for him wouldn't stop at severing his outstretched hand.
Thinking of this, some of his previously dark thoughts quietly dissipated.
"Hmph! I'm absolutely not doing this out of fear—it's purely tactical weakness showing. I'll definitely retaliate fiercely later."
Patience and concealment!
...
Back in Sunagakure,
After receiving Pakura's report, the Jonin of Sunagakure were somewhat incredulous.
"Seiki Jonin actually won? And in such a clean and decisive manner!"
"That elder Danzo really couldn't handle him!"
"Still, Kazekage-sama saw it from the beginning — he knew Seiki Jonin would be the victor!"
Rasa's expression was odd. His support for Seiki came mostly from seeing his future potential.
He truly hadn't expected Elder Danzo to suffer such a complete defeat so soon!
"As Kazekage, of course I see further than all of you." Rasa gave a calm, indifferent nod.
After some fawning, one hesitant Jonin asked, "Kazekage-sama, are we really going to take orders from Seiki Jonin? Although he is certainly impressive, he ultimately belongs to Konoha."
They originally wanted to incite conflict between Seiki and Danzo, hoping to strengthen Sunagakure's position.
But they never expected Seiki to exert such overwhelming psychological and strategic pressure, cornering Danzo so quickly.
Even more unexpected was how ineffective Danzo — who had a fearsome reputation across the shinobi world — turned out to be!
Now they'd ended up in an awkward spot.
Shaking his head slightly, Rasa reassured them, "Don't worry. Unlike that elder Danzo, Seiki Jonin isn't short-sighted enough to suppress allies before the war even ends."
On hearing this, the others felt slightly reassured.
"What truly concerns me is Iwagakure's response!" Rasa suddenly changed tone. "They must know our stance isn't entirely solid. If they decide to press forward aggressively, they might target us as their breakthrough point, forcing us to retreat with heavy losses!"
At his words, everyone's expressions darkened instantly.
"What? So we've become Konoha's shield?"
"No way! We absolutely cannot let that happen!"
Nodding slightly, Rasa added, "This is only my speculation. In any case, remain vigilant — our top priority should be self-preservation."
...
In Iwagakure,
"Sunagakure has officially mobilized forces? The allied commander is still that twelve-or-thirteen-year-old brat?" Kitsuchi gasped in shock upon hearing the intelligence report. "Have they all gone mad?"
Magze responded enthusiastically, "Looks like they're already desperate. Even if they join forces, there's no reason to fear them!"
However, Onoki shook his head, "If someone managed to achieve in Sunagakure what Danzo failed to accomplish over two years, can such a person really be underestimated?"
Kitsuchi recovered from his shock. "Indeed, we shouldn't underestimate such a person. No, we should regard them as someone whose importance cannot be overstated!"
They themselves had fought Danzo for two years and naturally understood just how formidable an opponent he was. Anyone capable of defeating Danzo and forcing him to relinquish power clearly wouldn't be anything but ordinary!
Magze asked, "Tsuchikage-sama, then how should we respond next?"
Onoki's expression grew serious. "First, contact Sanshouo Hanzo. Tell him I accept those conditions!"
Magze blurted out, "But Hanzo from Amegakure is clearly asking too much..."
Remaining calm, Onoki replied, "You gain nothing without sacrifice. Those unwilling to give anything will achieve nothing."
Hearing this, Magze could only grumble resentfully, "Hmph! I hope they choke on their own greed!"
After thinking for a moment, Onoki continued, "Try your best to recruit mercenaries and wandering ninja for this battle."
Kitsuchi hesitated. "Those guys have always been greedy for money; if the situation turns bad, they might flee midway or even betray us on the spot!"
"Then bury them in money until even the thought of fleeing or betraying feels painful!"
Hearing the resolute tone, Kitsuchi solemnly nodded and said, "I understand."
After a moment's thought, Onoki added, "We should ask Daimyo-sama to lend us his royal guards and the guardians of the land… No, better that I go in person."
Naturally, no one objected to Onoki's suggestion.
Onoki took a deep breath. "Also, contact Old Roshi and tell him I'm willing to admit defeat and apologize to him!"
Kitsuchi and the group of Jonin were both startled. "Father... are you sure?" / "Tsuchikage-sama, you..."
Onoki's expression remained unchanged. "Just do it. Compared to the village's interests, my personal honor and disgrace mean nothing."
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