Fleeing from Konoha

"Raikage, what do you mean by that?"

Chiyo’s face was icy cold.

The murderous glares from Pakura and another Hidden Sand Jonin behind her were directed at the Raikage.

Darui and C, the two Jonin guards behind the Fourth Raikage, glared back defiantly, standing firm on the same front as the Fourth Raikage.

"The literal meaning. The Land of Demons proved its strength through military action. In contrast, the Hidden Sand, where even the Kazekage almost got captured on the battlefield, has completely embarrassed the Five Great Nations."

The words of the Fourth Raikage undoubtedly stung the hearts of Chiyo and the other Hidden Sand Ninja.

Mifune saw such a chaotic scene and also felt a slight headache.

Sure enough, hosting this kind of meeting was too heavy a burden for him as the general of the Land of Iron.

"Well, Acting Kazekage, although the statements from the Hokage and Raikage are somewhat aggressive, there is some truth to them. So, how about the upcoming vote being conducted by the four Kage?"

Chiyo’s expression was uncertain. She had hoped that this Five Kage Summit would use the names of the Five Kage and Five Great Nations to pressure the Land of Demons. However, she didn’t expect Konoha to first defect to the Land of Demons, and the Hidden Cloud also seemed to have its own plans, unwilling to unite with the Hidden Sand.

This Five Kage Summit has been truly disadvantageous in every aspect.

And she overestimated the determination of the other great nations.

It seemed they intended to use the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth as scapegoats, to watch and wait.

"In that case, the Hidden Sand will withdraw from this vote. Let the other four Kage make a fair decision."

Chiyo sighed; she had done her best to this point.

Although the Fourth Raikage’s words were unpleasant, they were also facts.

The Hidden Sand was the defeated party; how could it receive so much leniency?

Among the Five Great Nations, there are also the tricks of deceit. It’s impossible to achieve true solidarity.

Mifune nodded, feeling greatly relieved.

If the Hidden Sand insisted on being aggressive, it might eventually suffer bitter consequences.

He hadn’t expected the distrust among the ninja of the Five Great Nations to reach such a level.

Now that the Land of Demons is using the Land of Wind as a stepping stone, intervening in the power dynamics among great nations, Mifune, as a samurai, can’t predict what changes will occur in the future.

Adding another great nation doesn’t significantly impact the Neutral Country, the Land of Iron.

"Then, let me be the judge." Mifune took up the role willingly, looking at the vacant position of the Hidden Rock: "First, the Tsuchikage, as he left a message that he would fully support the Hidden Sand before departing, so the Land of Wind gets the first vote. Next is the Hokage, do you support the Land of Wind or the Land of Demons?"

Looking at the Third Hokage.

Hiruzen touched the smoking pipe in his hand, glanced at Hakushi, hesitated, then answered: "The Land of Demons."

Regardless of anything, Jiraiya must be rescued, and now he can only choose to trust the promise from the Land of Demons.

Apart from this path, there’s nowhere else to turn.

Thinking that one day he would be forced by a renegade ninja to this point, having to continually yield to his son’s murderer, Hiruzen felt some melancholy.

Perhaps, he really did make mistakes in the past.

Things shouldn’t have developed to this level.

Be it Sakumo or Minato, or letting Danzo’s actions result in the Uchiha Clan’s tragic demise, leaving Itachi to bear all the blame and go to the criminal organization as Konoha’s spy...

After returning, it would be time to consider the matters of the Fifth Hokage, Hiruzen thought to himself.

Konoha needs a new Hokage to lead the village forward.

After Hiruzen answered, Mifune nodded, eyes moving to the Fourth Raikage beside Hiruzen.

Now, the votes between the Land of Wind and the Land of Demons are tied at one each.

There are two Kage left to make their choice.

"Raikage, what’s your decision?"

Facing Mifune’s inquiry, the Fourth Raikage glanced at Chiyo and Hakushi, replied without hesitation: "Hidden Cloud abstains."

Abstain?

Not only Mifune was surprised, but Chiyo also stared at the Fourth Raikage in bewilderment, furrowing her brows deeper, unsure of what kind of game the Fourth Raikage was playing.

Hakushi sat there expressionless, unmoved.

"I see, Raikage abstains, then it’s up to the Mizukage’s crucial vote now."

Mifune gathered his thoughts, looking toward Yagura.

"You’ve certainly given me quite a dilemma, Raikage,"

Yagura didn’t immediately respond, instead, he gave a wry smile to the Fourth Raikage, seemingly mocking himself.

"Humph, such trivial matters are not worth Hidden Cloud and the Land of Lightning’s attention."

The vague response from the Fourth Raikage left everyone helpless.

Before the gathering, each village had already conducted internal meetings to decide which country to support at the Five Kage Summit.

Meaning the Fourth Raikage’s decision wasn’t solely his desire, but likely the result of Hidden Cloud’s high-level meeting.

The Fourth Raikage merely expressed the conclusion from Hidden Cloud’s leadership meeting.

"To be honest, the Hidden Mist has been isolated overseas, withdrawing from the Ninja Realm stage since the First Ninja World War, occupying a corner. Plus, the internal conflicts occurring a few years ago caused heavy losses, and it’s only recently recovering its strength, making it unsuitable to intervene in the complex political scene among nations. Hence, Hidden Mist’s choice is the same as Hidden Cloud’s, to remain neutral and abstain."

Yagura decisively and clearly stated Hidden Mist’s choice, bringing about a brief silence in the meeting room.