Fleeing from Konoha

The current result is: two abstentions, one vote for the Land of Wind, and one vote for the Land of Demons, ending in a tie.

This outcome was unexpected for everyone, even for Hakushi, who was slightly confused and unsure of how to proceed.

Chiyo’s clenched hand slightly loosened; although it didn’t meet her expectations, it wasn’t the worst result and was barely within Hidden Sand’s tolerable limits.

She glanced regretfully at Yagura.

If she could have gained his support, the vote would clearly have swung in favor of Hidden Sand.

Unfortunately, despite her negotiations with Yagura last night, regardless of how much she promised that Hidden Sand would pay Hidden Mist generously, Yagura wouldn’t accept the overture and didn’t declare support for either side.

She thought Yagura had already been won over by the Land of Demons, but evidently, Yagura hadn’t accepted their offer either and maintained a neutral stance.

In Hidden Mist’s current situation, neutrality is indeed the best choice.

"With this one to one tie result, does the Land of Demons still insist that the Land of Wind pay the aforementioned compensation?"

Chiyo’s gaze swept to Hakushi.

Faced with Chiyo’s question, Hakushi appeared slightly troubled, as if this result complicated things for him.

"Regardless, the Land of Wind is a defeated nation and the loan settlement issue hasn’t been resolved. The Land of Wind must provide an explanation to the Land of Demons."

After pondering, Hakushi’s tone eased somewhat.

Progress. Chiyo felt a wave of reassurance at this response from Hakushi.

Indeed, the Land of Demons doesn’t want another conflict with the Land of Wind. Their previous hard stance was merely to intimidate the Land of Wind.

"Then the Land of Demons needs to propose new compensation terms. Requesting the Land of Wind’s entire northwest region isn’t feasible; neither Hidden Sand nor the Daimyo will agree. If the Land of Demons insists on war, disregarding the Five Great Nations agreement, then Hidden Sand will accompany them to the end. At that time, other nations might intervene."

It was barely a win, but Chiyo knew this supposed win was merely a psychological comfort to preserve Hidden Sand’s dignity.

Seeing Hakushi indeed sitting there seriously contemplating, Chiyo too relaxed.

Just then, sensing the newfound quietness, Yagura interrupted Hakushi’s thoughts and spoke up: "I have a few words as the neutral party."

"Please speak, Mizukage."

Chiyo looked at Yagura with a rather relaxed mood.

Feeling that this difficult Mizukage wasn’t as unapproachable as rumored.

His neutral stance, to some extent, also helped Hidden Sand.

"Considering the Ninja Realm’s history, victors demanding compensation from the defeated to quell unrest between nations is fair. The reason for the stalemate between the Land of Wind and the Land of Demons is that both parties are dissatisfied with each other’s responses. How about both sides make concessions?"

Yagura smiled.

"How to make concessions?"

Hakushi asked.

"The Land of Demons demanding the entire northwest region of the Land of Wind is excessive and raises suspicion of ulterior motives. How about splitting the region in half and allocating one part to the Land of Demons? To my knowledge, the northwest region of the Land of Wind is mostly barren wasteland with severe lack of water and vegetation. This shouldn’t be too hard for the Land of Wind to accept."

Yagura looked at Chiyo.

Just as Chiyo was about to respond, Hakushi curtly rejected it first.

"Impossible! The entire northwest region of the Land of Wind is now under the Land of Demons’ control, including Kazami City that connects to the central region, which we acquired after Hidden Sand’s defeat. If we only gain half of the northwest region, the Land of Demons can’t recoup its losses. Moreover, Mizukage’s remarks make me suspect Hidden Mist has been won over by Hidden Sand to jointly oppress our small Land of Demons."

As Hakushi finished, the ninja from Konoha and Hidden Cloud couldn’t help but look at Yagura, agreeing with Hakushi’s statement.

Since the northwest region of the Land of Wind is indeed barren, the only valuable part is the gateway connecting to the central region—Kazami City.

If half of the northwest region were handed over, Kazami City would naturally be returned to the Land of Wind, making Yagura’s proposal likely inclined towards Hidden Sand.

"Just like the previous vote, Hidden Mist will remain absolutely neutral. As Mizukage, I won’t favor any side."

Yagura frowned, expressing dissatisfaction with Hakushi’s words.

"That vote means nothing; it might just be to lull the Land of Demons, deliberately crafted for my view. As for you, coming into power through a coup, Mizukage, every word you say is hard to trust."

"Equally, with renegade ninja manipulating the Land of Demons from behind, I believe you have ulterior motives and are untrustworthy. Regardless, the Land of Demons isn’t the sixth great nation and you are not one of the Five Kage."

Yagura snorted coldly, his childlike face full of vibrant anger.

Seeing Hakushi clashing with Yagura, Chiyo felt delighted; only one thought emerged—

The Land of Demons is panicking.