I'm sorry, I really feel bad for hearing those words.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, standing to the side, were both looking down, seemingly lost in thought.
This mattered to no one else.
All they cared about was whether the negotiations between Aoyama Ryuun and Kumogakure would succeed.
If it failed—
They had already prepared their plan; they would use this incident to completely tarnish Qingshan Liuyun's reputation.
Even if they couldn't destroy his name entirely,
They certainly wouldn't let Qingshan Liuyun walk away unscathed.
The thoughts of those outside had no influence on the conversation taking place between Aoyama Ryuun and the Third Raikage.
"In that case, let's make a deal."
Kumogakure itself possessed overwhelming military power; aside from Konoha, it was the second-strongest shinobi village.
Two perfect Jinchūriki were not a trivial matter.
Not everyone was like Qingshan Liuyun, someone capable of overwhelming tailed beasts at will.
"However, how do you intend for us to discuss this?"
Even among allies, there were always dominant sides and subordinate ones.
Two shinobi villages could not become equals just because they signed an alliance.
"It's very simple."
Clearly, the Third Raikage had thought everything through before coming.
So when he heard Aoyama Ryuun ask, he answered in a deep, stern voice:
"I can promise you this: as long as you remain in Konoha, Kumogakure will never initiate a war with Konoha. Furthermore, my son, A—Yotsuki A—will become the next Raikage."
"This treaty remains valid for as long as you live."
Qingshan Liuyun blinked, slightly surprised.
The agreement was indeed unusual.
It was obvious that Kumogakure was here because of Qingshan Liuyun himself.
Outside the door, Koharu and Homura's faces turned instantly sour.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression became troubled and complicated.
But for Qingshan Liuyun, this was something worth being pleased about.
After all, Kumogakure was giving considerable face with such terms.
At this moment, Yotsuki A, the Third Raikage's son, stood up.
"Senior Liuyun, we agree with everything my father said, but there is also something I hope you will accept!"
"Speak."
Becoming the next Raikage,
It showed that although Yotsuki A was reckless, he was not completely foolish.
"I would like to challenge you once every few years. Only by fighting strong opponents can one truly grow stronger."
"..."
After quietly observing Yotsuki A, Qingshan Liuyun let out a faint smile.
The second half of that statement was nothing but pretext; the real motive was hidden in the first half.
Claiming it was to make him stronger was clearly nonsense.
Yotsuki A simply wanted to gauge Qingshan Liuyun's strength regularly.
If there was ever a chance to surpass him, then the treaty would mean nothing.
"Worthy of being the son of the Third Raikage—truly like father, like son."
Qingshan Liuyun gave him a look of approval.
Such "calculations" weren't even real calculations.
If anything, Qingshan Liuyun found it amusing.
"Heh-heh…"
Yotsuki A scratched his head awkwardly.
She clearly realized her little scheme had been exposed.
She had assumed Qingshan Liuyun would refuse.
But to her surprise, he nodded.
"I agree."
"…Huh?"
You figured out what I was plotting, and you still agreed?
Yotsuki A froze for a moment, but seeing Qingshan Liuyun's calm and confident expression…
He fell silent.
This was the pride of the strong—unshaken confidence, fear of nothing.
"Senior Ryuun, the alliance between Konoha and Kumogakure is officially established."
Seeing Yotsuki A's serious expression, Qingshan Liuyun simply smiled and let it pass.
After the agreement was fully settled,
It was time for Kumogakure's party to take their leave.
But at that moment, Yugito—who had barely spoken before now—opened her mouth.
"Well, since this alliance has just been finalized, why don't I stay in Konoha for a while? It would be good for cultural exchange between our two villages."
As she spoke, Yugito sneaked a glance toward Aoyama Ryuun.
Noticing Qingshan Liuyun's strange look,
Yugito immediately looked away and adopted a serious posture.
"..."
Something was off.
Her words sounded reasonable, but somehow Qingshan Liuyun still felt something wasn't right.
On Kumogakure's side, after glancing between Yugito and Aoyama Ryuun,
The Third Raikage's expression grew strange.
Yotsuki A, on the other hand, was deeply moved.
"Yugito, isn't this too much trouble for you? I—"
Bang!
Before he could finish, the Third Raikage slammed his fist down on his son's head.
"Idiot!"
He let out a weary sigh.
How was his son this dense? Even he understood what Yugito meant.
"Ow! Boss, why did you hit me?!"
Yotsuki A was completely stunned.
The Third Raikage never pulled his punches.
That hit nearly made Yotsuki A burst into tears.
"Be quiet."
Too annoyed to bother explaining, after scolding A, the Third Raikage turned to Yugito.
"Be careful while you're in Konoha."
Then, the Third Raikage departed with A and Killer Bee.
When they opened the door and saw Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura standing outside,
He didn't even spare them a glance as he walked straight past.
Only after Kumogakure's group left did Homura and Koharu finally explode.
"What kind of attitude is that?! We are elders of Konoha!"
Infuriating—absolutely infuriating!
They had been completely disregarded.
"Ahem."
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly, reminding them to mind themselves.
After all…
"Do either of you intend to complain about the Raikage?"
The Third Raikage may have left, but Yugito was still present.
She gave Homura and Koharu a very dangerous look.
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