Chapter 43 — Marrying Temari?!
The sarcasm in Su Li's tone was not subtle at all.
An infuriated Chiyo opened her mouth to refute him—but no words came out.
"Also," Su Li continued casually, "I'm the author of the comics. Since I can grant you power through them, how do you know I can't take that power back whenever I wish?"
Of course, that wasn't entirely true.Su Li himself wasn't even sure whether he could reclaim abilities granted through his manga.At present, it was impossible.Perhaps one day, under the right conditions, he could.
Just like before—when he couldn't duplicate comics—but later unlocked that ability after certain requirements were met.
"It turns out so…" Chiyo murmured. "No wonder Your Excellency is so fearless."
She believed him without question.In fact, it made perfect sense.
If Su Li truly had the ability to revoke what he had given, then there was no other way to explain his confidence in showing such a secret—even to a former enemy.
After all, Sand Shinobi had only just invaded Konoha not long ago.
"I see. I roughly understand your ability now," Chiyo said, narrowing her eyes. "You've told us so much—what exactly is your purpose?"
Although she now knew the origin of the manga, her expression remained tense.Things were never this simple.
A man with such a power—who could elevate the strength of an entire village through drawings—wouldn't simply share it for nothing.Such people were either madmen… or schemers.
And judging by their short exchange, Chiyo was certain Su Li was no fool.Which meant there was only one explanation left—This man definitely had a deeper plan.
As the representative of the Sand Village, Chiyo could not allow even the smallest risk to her people.
"Senior Chiyo needn't worry so much," Su Li said with a calm smile. "You're a smart woman—you've probably guessed by now, haven't you?"
Chiyo's brows furrowed slightly.
"As long as your Sand Village forms an alliance with Konoha in good faith," Su Li said lightly, "I don't mind sharing a few new abilities with you."
"I'm afraid this isn't just about a simple alliance, is it?"
Even under temptation, Chiyo remained composed.If Su Li's request were only that simple, he wouldn't need to ask—it was, after all, Sand's current purpose in coming here.
"Of course not," Su Li said, leaning back on his icy throne. "I want the Sand Village to acknowledge Konoha's dominance—not an equal alliance."
There it was—his true aim.
He wanted to unify the ninja world.
Because only through unification could he spread his comics efficiently and maximize their effect.If the entire world was under one rule, his influence—and his readership—would grow endlessly.
However, if he unified the world through endless bloodshed, his readers would die with it.That would be counterproductive.
So Su Li preferred persuasion to destruction—though he didn't rule out the latter if necessary.
After all, some people could only be convinced through force.
"This is impossible!"
Before Chiyo could even respond, Baki erupted in outrage.
An equal alliance was acceptable.But recognizing Konoha's supremacy?
That was no alliance—it was submission!Wouldn't that mean Sand Village was just a subordinate under Konoha's heel?
Where was their pride as one of the Five Great Nations?
"No…" Chiyo raised her hand and silenced him, her expression solemn."I agree."
Baki's eyes widened in disbelief.
No one understood the situation of the Sand Village better than Chiyo.Their internal and external troubles were piling up.They had no suitable candidate for Kazekage.Other forces were circling like vultures.
And if they refused?
Su Li's comics had already proven their worth.He had raised Konoha's overall power in an impossibly short time.
Even if Sand refused this alliance, Konoha could simply conquer them.In truth, Sand had no choice at all.
Better to bow now than to bleed later.
As for pride?Chiyo's lips tightened.
"Baki, this is my order. Anyone who disagrees—let them come to me directly."
People grew old.And Chiyo, who had seen countless deaths, no longer cared for vanity.Living—that was the most important thing.
If she could save her village, its children, its future…Then let the villagers curse her as a traitor.
She could bear it.
She could no longer bring back her son and daughter-in-law.But she could prevent others from suffering the same loss.
And for that—she was willing to carry all the sin and shame alone.
After the negotiations ended, she had already decided:when she returned to the Sand Village, she would end her own life to atone.
"As expected of Chiyo-senpai," Su Li said, a trace of admiration flickering in his eyes.He had expected her to agree, but not with such decisiveness.
However, that feeling of respect didn't last long—because Chiyo suddenly added,
"Your Excellency Su Li, though I have agreed, my word alone carries little weight. To strengthen the bond between Konoha and the Sand Village, I believe we should establish a more trustworthy relationship."
"A more trustworthy relationship?" Su Li frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I wonder…" Chiyo said softly, "does Your Excellency Su Li have a family?"
"…No."
Su Li's brow twitched. He had a feeling where this was going.
"That's good," Chiyo said, standing up. She walked over to Temari—who looked utterly stunned—and gently pushed her forward.
"She is the daughter of the Fourth Kazekage, Temari. If Your Excellency marries her, then the alliance between Konoha and the Sand Village will truly be unbreakable."