Ōnoki's face was ashen, trembling violently from sheer anger.
He pointed a finger at Uchiha Jin, struggling for a long time but unable to squeeze out a single word.
There was nothing he could do!
Uchiha Jin, standing before him, was completely Noncommittal. It was either they took the lead in expressing their stance and he would follow, or he would push Tsunade to become the Lord of the Land of Fire, since everyone in the Ninja World knew Tsunade's identity.
And regarding this,
Ōnoki was backed into a corner, because this was still a private conversation, and Uchiha Jin had not truly stated his position.
He couldn't push him!
Because, like the other Kage, now that they had such a good opportunity, he did not want to return to the era where the Daimyō held all the power.
Even if they had to learn how to manage a country in the future, it was far better than actively finding themselves a new 'father'.
Just as he was agonizing over this, Fourth Raikage spoke up proactively.
"Everyone, allow me to add something."
"My thinking is similar to the Hokage's. Our Yotsuki Clan also carries the bloodline of the Lord of the Land of Lightning."
"Kumogakure will also state its position last, otherwise..."
"Heh heh!"
Fourth Raikage immediately stated his position.
After hearing Uchiha Jin's words, his eyes instantly lit up.
Although he also hoped Kumogakure could directly control the Land of Lightning, if they pushed a Branch Family Member to become the Daimyō, Kumogakure might be able to control the Lord of the Land of Lightning for this generation, but what if it lasted for two or three more generations?
Would the future Lord of the Land of Lightning still listen to Kumogakure's orders?
At best, it would revert to the previous model where everyone was in a state of cooperation.
But even the happiest cooperation is not as good as the Village directly managing the country!
Therefore.
He chose to follow Uchiha Jin's lead!
Uchiha Jin: "..."
Looking at Fourth Raikage nearby, his expression also grew complex.
Good heavens!
The Raikage, this 'Brute,' actually has a good head on his shoulders. He really managed to take advantage of me this time.
He subconsciously looked at Ōnoki, seeing the old man's face growing uglier. He shrugged, too lazy to say anything more.
There was nothing he could do!
If Ōnoki hadn't underestimated him, Fourth Raikage wouldn't have been able to slip away so easily.
This was essentially picking up a rock only to drop it on his own foot—serves him right!
"Mizukage, what about you?"
Ōnoki, unwilling to give up, finally looked at Mei Terumī.
And regarding this,
Mei Terumī narrowed her eyes slightly, then smiled gently, saying, "I have only just become the Mizukage, and I'm still unsure about many things. When I came, Genji warned and reminded me that I wouldn't be able to handle major affairs concerning the Ninja World like this one. On the contrary, Ōnoki, you are a veteran..."
"So Genji told me to listen more to your opinions, old man. Therefore, Hidden Mist chooses to follow Iwagakure's opinion this time."
"Old man, what is Iwagakure's opinion?"
Hiss!
As Mei Terumī finished speaking, the corners of everyone present's mouths twitched even more.
Good heavens, another Noncommittal one!
Moreover, she used her youth and inexperience to show weakness, directly praising Ōnoki. Honestly, this move was truly a decisive blow!
Under normal circumstances, this would be a foolish move by Hidden Mist!
After all, every Shinobi Village has its core interests, and it's difficult for them to completely unite.
This time, however, was different!
Whether it was targeting the Akatsuki Organization or the chaos across the entire Ninja World, the interests of the Five Great Ninja Villages were essentially aligned. This highlighted the brilliance of Mei Terumī's strategy of Retreating in Order to Advance.
Uchiha Jin narrowed his eyes slightly.
Looking at Mei Terumī nearby, his mind began racing.
The methods this woman displayed were more sophisticated than in the original work. It seemed he would need to be careful of this woman and Hidden Mist in the future.
Rasa and Fourth Raikage both showed a faint smile.
Especially when looking at Ōnoki, their eyes were filled with sympathy.
There was nothing he could do!
This old man completely messed up this time!
He initially wanted to dig a pit for Uchiha Jin, but unexpectedly, he was subtly threatened, which allowed Kumogakure's Fourth Raikage to slip away, and now even the newly appointed Mizukage of Hidden Mist, Mei Terumī, had directly countered him using the tactic of Retreating in Order to Advance.
Furthermore, since Rasa had already stated his position, Ōnoki was completely backed into a corner. Now, refusing to state his position was absolutely impossible.
Ōnoki: "..."
At this moment, his face was as black as a Wok Cover, his whole body was trembling, and his mind was completely blank.
Damn it.
He had hunted eagles his whole life, only to have his eyes pecked out by an eagle today!
Frustrated, helpless, angry... But after pondering for a long time, he finally spoke coldly: "Rasa's view, I—agree!"
Ōnoki spoke through gritted teeth, enunciating every single word.
There was nothing he could do!
A loss is a loss!
He—accepted it!
As a Kage, he couldn't throw a tantrum in such a formal setting. After all, achieving the objective was more important than venting anger.
However, it was fine!
At least Rasa was taking the lead, so Iwagakure wouldn't be seen as the Guinea Pig.
"Since Iwagakure agrees, then Hidden Mist also approves!"
Just as Ōnoki angrily sat down, Mei Terumī of Hidden Mist immediately spoke.
She perfectly proved that she wasn't just talking nonsense earlier; this time, Hidden Mist would 'advance and retreat' together with Iwagakure!
Upon hearing this, Ōnoki rolled his eyes.
Heh heh.
You really don't have to!
This old man doesn't need this kind of 'respect' from Hidden Mist!
Although he was cursing internally, he just let out a cold snort and ultimately said nothing more.
Immediately after.
Following the statements from Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Hidden Mist, only Kumogakure and Konoha remained!
Fourth Raikage looked at the Composed Uchiha Jin. Considering that he had taken advantage of Konoha earlier, and that three 'Guinea Pigs' had already stuck their necks out, plus the fact that Kumogakure's current strength was severely damaged... he decided to let it go!
After pondering for a moment, he immediately stated, "Kumogakure approves!"
Finally.
Everyone turned to look at Uchiha Jin!
And regarding this,
Uchiha Jin coughed, then stood up with a look of helplessness.
"Sigh, this is truly a headache!"
"The Daimyō and Nobles have existed for so many years, yet unexpectedly, they have also reached their end in such an undignified manner, just like during the Sengoku Era."
"At this moment, my heart is heavy!"
"But—there's nothing I can do!"
"Although I wanted to save the Daimyō and the Nobles, who can stop the Four Great Shinobi Villages from all stating their position and deciding to completely end the Daimyō and Noble system at this moment?"
"As a responsible major power, Konoha cannot stop this mighty tide, no matter how reluctant we are."
"Therefore, we agree!"
"Konoha is willing to join the Four Great Shinobi Villages in taking over the banner of the Daimyō and Nobles with an attitude responsible to the country and the people, and to make greater contributions to the nation and its citizens."
At this moment, Uchiha Jin immediately stood up and began to lecture.
His words were resounding and powerful!
However, upon hearing these words, the four Kage couldn't help but feel a Black Sweat Line appear on their foreheads.