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"Do you truly believe I don't dare?"
When had Ōnoki ever endured such humiliation?
Only Uchiha Madara, back in the day, had managed to make the stubborn Ōnoki lower his head.
Even a monster as powerful as the Third Raikage had been seized by an opportunity Ōnoki created, relentlessly overwhelmed and ultimately killed by human wave tactics.
Faced with Kazuki's repeated warnings and threats, Ōnoki flew into a rage, slamming the table and rising to his feet.
To be precise, he stood on his chair, as that was the only way to make himself appear slightly taller.
A person's height tends to decrease somewhat with age and the aging of the body.
Ōnoki was one of those who had shrunk quite significantly.
"Of course I know you dare," Kazuki said with a soft laugh. "But without absolute confidence, do you think I would sit here waiting for you to threaten me, or even try to detain me? I'm certainly not a rash brute like the Third Raikage, who chose to stay and fight to the death himself while letting his guards escape."
Truth be told, Kazuki genuinely couldn't understand the Third Raikage's bizarre decision. Of course, another person known for such questionable tactics was Senju Tobirama.
It was almost unbelievable—a fierce individual renowned for his impeccable offense and defense, whose powerful physique alone could wear down the Eight-Tails, would actually choose to cover the retreat himself when pursued by enemies, ordering his guards to flee.
What the hell? Since when was that the Raikage's job?
If the Raikage stays behind to hold off enemies whenever they're encountered, what's the point of having guards? Are they just for show?
Senju Tobirama's case was somewhat more understandable, as Kinkaku and Ginkaku were hot on his heels with a large force in pursuit.
Faced with the choice of staying behind himself or having his students do so, he chose to sacrifice himself and let his students escape.
But Kazuki had one doubt: how could someone who possessed the Flying Thunder God Technique possibly be surrounded and killed? If he couldn't win, why couldn't he just flee?
In the world of Naruto, such perplexing tactical decisions were unfortunately not uncommon.
"Ōnoki, sometimes you shouldn't overestimate yourself. You might take a fall. At your age, one misstep could spell disaster for Iwagakure. If I recall correctly, you haven't even cultivated a successor yet, have you?"
"..."
These words infuriated Ōnoki.
He was angered by Kazuki's harsh tone, but also by his own actions—why had he sent his son to the Land of Rain?
Kitsuchi were still alive, even if he wasn't the most ideal candidate for Tsuchikage, he would at least have been capable of stabilizing the village and avoiding foolish mistakes. That would have been enough.
But now, with Kitsuchi dead and no suitable successor in sight, Ōnoki found himself cornered by Kazuki's pointed remarks.
"Enough!! Uchiha Kazuki, are you truly here to provoke me? Do you wish to declare war on Iwagakure on behalf of Konoha?"
Ōnoki had reached his limit.
"No, I'm merely reminding you that Iwagakure should refrain from meddling in such affairs. Otherwise, Konoha can respond in kind. Compared to Konoha, hasn't Iwagakure offended far more smaller villages?"
Kazuki shrugged and innocently spread his hands. "I'm just stating facts. How did this escalate to talk of war?"
Being too hot-tempered isn't good, especially at your age. It's easier to make mistakes when you're irritable.
"I've said it before—I have no choice in this matter. And what does that have to do with Konoha?
That's Iwagakure's problem! Your Land of Earth's problem!
Since the daimyō is the political leader, why can't he just enjoy his life in the capital instead of interfering in the village's affairs?
What kind of ridiculous conflict requires you to act as a mediator? Does Kusagakure even deserve that?"
"Don't forget, Iwagakure has also sold out Kusagakure numerous times. Would you believe me if I said Konoha could easily offer a few incentives to make Kusagakure turn around and accuse you, begging Konoha to uphold justice for them?"
What Iwagakure can do, Konoha can do too—and even more effectively, in a way that's far more grating.
Would you like to test that theory?
A fickle village like Kusagakure would pounce on any bone thrown their way, regardless of who threw it.
"What exactly do you want?" Ōnoki's patience was wearing thin.
The smile vanished from Kazuki's face. He tapped the table lightly twice with his finger.
"It's simple. Tomorrow's matter has nothing to do with Iwagakure. I don't want to see anyone from your village popping up to spout nonsense. Since Kusagakure wants an explanation, I'll give them one—one that will make them see things clearly. It's about time everyone remembers that Konoha's blades are still sharp and lethal."
"Kazuki, this is Iwagakure, not Konoha."
How could Ōnoki accept Konoha killing Kusagakure representatives right in his own village, especially when Iwagakure was supposed to be acting as a mediator?
"It seems we can't reach an agreement," Kazuki said. "In that case, I hope you can protect them indefinitely, old man. Farewell."
If there's no agreement, there's no point in further discussion.
Goodbye. Iwagakure and Kusagakure can play their games without Konoha. We're not sticking around.
Kazuki had no interest in wasting more words on Ōnoki. He stood up and left the Tsuchikage's office. To the people waiting outside, he said:
"Let's go. The Tsuchikage isn't negotiating in good faith. Our mission is complete. We're returning to the village."
"????"
Everyone from the Uchiha clan was momentarily stunned.
Even the Iwagakure shinobi were bewildered. The talks hadn't even started yet—how could they be over?
Wasn't this supposed to be a mediation between Kusagakure and Konoha, facilitated by Iwagakure?
"Understood."
Shisui and the others obediently followed orders. Without hesitation, they followed Kazuki out of the Tsuchikage's office building and headed straight for the village gates.
"Tsuchikage-sama!"
The Tsuchikage's secretary rushed into the office in a panic. "The Konoha delegation...They have already left the village."
"Damn it!! He actually dared to do it!!"
Ōnoki had been so bold because he believed Konoha would prioritize its reputation. Even if displeased, they would stay and follow protocol—negotiate first, then leave after reaching an agreement.
How they dealt with Kusagakure afterward, whether through retaliation or other means, would be a separate issue.
Moreover, with the threat of the Akatsuki organization looming, Ōnoki didn't believe Konoha would actually want to pick a fight with Iwagakure.
But Kazuki didn't play by the rules. He left without a second thought.
"Don't bother with them. Konoha's lack of sincerity won't affect us. Just relay the news of their departure to Kusagakure. Tell them the Konoha Hokage's Advisor is furious and plans to ambush them on their way back. Advise them to be cautious."
Spreading the word that a high-ranking official from a major village threatened to ambush representatives of a minor village would undoubtedly damage Konoha's reputation.
Ōnoki wanted to see whether the Third Hokage and Tsunade were willing to sacrifice their dignity and let Kazuki continue causing trouble.
"Reckless fool!!"
And he claimed he wasn't a rash brute like the Third Raikage? How was Uchiha Kazuki any better?
Utterly incomprehensible.