Fleeing from Konoha

In response, Admiral Mifune of the Land of Iron explained, "Due to urgent business, Lord Tsuchikage has rushed back to Hidden Rock overnight with his guards. However, before leaving, he left me a letter declaring his full support for all decisions made by Hidden Sand."

Upon hearing this, some were perplexed, while others were surprised.

Only on the Hidden Sand’s side did they appear relaxed, as Chiyo, having asked Mifune the night before, already knew Onoki the Tsuchikage’s decision, and now it was just a formality.

There was no one to doubt Mifune’s account either; such matters can be verified with Hidden Rock afterward. If Mifune were lying and altering the Tsuchikage’s decision, it would surely place the Land of Iron in an embarrassing predicament.

Seeing no one questioning, Mifune nodded and continued, "Then, please continue your discussions. Regarding the conflict between the Land of Wind and the Land of Demons, we need to draft a condition acceptable to both parties. Personally, I hope the Ninja Realm can permanently distance itself from war, valuing peace above all."

This was the usual neutral country statement, and no one refuted it. This is the Land of Iron’s way of dealing, and no one can expect it to favor any one country.

It is precisely for this reason that the Five Kage Summit is held here.

"Admiral Mifune’s speech greatly pleases me. Personally, I also hope that each country can value peace, allowing the Ninja Realm to quickly return to a peaceful and friendly state. However, some countries don’t seem to desire peace in the Ninja Realm. Don’t you agree, Acting Kazekage?"

After Mifune finished, Hakushi smiled and spoke to Chiyo.

"Stop making baseless accusations here; this was a war long conspired by your Land of Demons."

"I won’t acknowledge such groundless claims without evidence. You were the first to act, Hidden Sand, and that’s already an uncontested fact. So, after a night of deliberation, how does Hidden Sand plan to compensate our Land of Demons to offset the losses we’ve suffered in this war? Remember, after yesterday, there’s only six days left until war resumes."

Hakushi reminded Chiyo, smiling broadly while his eyes remained calm without a hint of anger.

"In any case, the Land of Wind will not agree to such unreasonable demands."

"So, that means no deal."

"No, I mean that since we can’t agree, how about resolving it with a vote?"

"Vote?"

Hakushi slightly raised his eyebrows.

Chiyo smiled and said, "That’s right, have the Five Kage vote between the Land of Wind and the Land of Demons. If the Land of Wind receives more votes than the Land of Demons, then the compensation for the Land of Demons will be decided by our Land of Wind. Otherwise, it’s the opposite."

As a neutral party, Mifune also thought this was a good proposal. Endless arguing would ultimately leave the matter in an unwanted parallel line, preventing consensus on both sides.

"Acting Kazekage has proposed a solution, what is Mr. Hakushi’s opinion?"

Mifune asked for Hakushi’s opinion.

Hakushi relaxed his brows, tapping twice on the table, and after some deep thought said, "No problem, it’s indeed a feasible plan. But I have one condition."

"Please state it."

Mifune nodded.

"Having the Five Kage as voters is a bit biased. I believe Acting Kazekage, as a party involved, should relinquish his voting rights. Otherwise, it’s extremely unfair to the Land of Demons."

Hakushi, after saying this, was immediately opposed by Chiyo.

"The Five Kage have always been connected, the Five Great Nations are above the Ninja Realm – that’s an unchanging fact. So naturally, as Acting Kazekage, I also have voting rights. The Land of Demons’ rejection – does that mean they’re provoking the Five Great Nations together?"

"Stop pretending here; the Land of Wind is a defeated nation. A defeated nation doesn’t have the right to shout here. If Acting Kazekage insists on doing this, then the Land of Demons will demand its rightful voting power."

Hakushi remained adamant, looking straight at Chiyo.

"This is nonsense; this is the Five Kage Summit, not your Land of Demons’ military briefing room!"

"The Land of Wind is a defeated nation. Hidden Sand must forfeit its voting rights in order for me to believe in the fairness and justice of the Five Kage. Otherwise, I won’t acknowledge such results."

The atmosphere entered a tense cold war phase.

The guards were also sweating coldly; only a few managed to stay calm.

The confrontation among ninjas of the Five Kage level exerted enormous pressure even on Jonin.

This tense atmosphere lasted about half a minute when a cough drew everyone’s attention.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, spoke slowly under everyone’s gaze:

"I think the representative from the Land of Demons makes a valid point. The situation is exceptional this time; Hidden Sand was defeated on the frontline battlefield. As the defeated nation, if they demand voting rights at this point, it will inevitably draw criticism. Personally, I support the Land of Demons’ representative’s opinion."

Chiyo never expected Konoha to be the first to break the balance.

Even knowing Konoha was coerced by the Land of Demons into such a decision, she felt extremely annoyed.

After Hiruzen spoke, the Fourth Raikage on the other side, who had had his eyes closed, also opened them and stated assertively, "I agree with Konoha’s view. A defeated nation has no reasons to pick and choose here. If you want to gain the rights belonging to a Five Kage member at the Five Kage Summit, then show the necessary strength. Ninjas should abide by actions and strength—I don’t see this from Hidden Sand now. I’m doubtful whether the Land of Wind can assume the duties of one of the Five Great Nations at the moment."