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Shisui had initially intended to proceed ahead to scout the situation, confirming it was safe before Kazuki brought the main group forward. But before he could even voice the suggestion, Kazuki cut him off.
"Unnecessary. Let's proceed directly."
Not to mention that A had little reason to cause trouble at this juncture, but even if he did try something, Kazuki wasn't afraid of him. If A brought too few people, they posed no threat. If he brought too many, they still couldn't stop Kazuki from leaving.
"Yes, sir."
Kazuki was brimming with confidence, unfazed by the possibility of Kumogakure attempting anything. Shisui could only swallow his concerns and follow obediently. However, both his and Itachi's gazes sharpened. One began scanning their surroundings with heightened vigilance, while the other fixed a watchful eye on Mabui and Samui.
The moment Kumogakure showed the slightest sign of hostile intent...
Shikaku's attention also settled on Mabui and Samui, maintaining constant vigilance against the two women while simultaneously preparing himself to either engage in combat or take them hostage if necessary.
Such tense standoffs were an unavoidable aspect of any high-level meeting. Mabui and Samui were acutely aware they were being watched. Yet, they comported themselves with striking composure.
Even under this intense scrutiny, they couldn't help but feel a flicker of respect for Kazuki. They knew Raikage A had arrived early precisely to guard against the possibility of Konoha playing tricks or setting a trap. After all, caution was paramount; you never knew if the other party might stab you in the back for a bit of gain.
In stark contrast, Kazuki seemed utterly indifferent to such precautions, approaching openly and without subterfuge.
Mabui's gaze toward Kazuki grew subtly brighter. Even Samui, whose impression of him had been less than favorable, felt her demeanor soften a fraction.
Sometimes, women were peculiar creatures. A small, external factor could lead them to form a highly negative impression of you. Yet, an unintended, minor action could just as easily alter their perception or deepen your impression in their minds.
---
"Lord Raikage, the Konoha party is approaching. Their numbers are few."
From a distance, the Raikage's guards had already scouted the situation and promptly reported it to A.
"Mmm."
A gave a curt nod. "Dispatch one squad to maintain constant surveillance of the perimeter. At the first sign of any unusual activity, sound the alarm immediately."
Of his two guard squads, A decided to deploy one for patrol and sentry duty, keeping the other by his side for personal protection. With Mabui and Samui's return, he held a numerical advantage. However, in terms of raw combat strength...
The Raikage didn't feel they were at a disadvantage.
---
Leading his group to the designated meeting point, Kazuki paid no mind to the Raikage's guards dispersed around for reconnaissance and alert duty. He offered a faint smile. "I hadn't expected the Raikage to be faster than us."
"This old man also arrived not long ago," A replied, starting off with an outright lie. Whether anyone believed it was unimportant; the point was to state his position.
"Lord Raikage."
Mabui and Samui bowed respectfully before moving to stand at A's side.
"Let's sit and talk. Please."
A had already prepared everything necessary: chairs, a table, and freshly brewed tea. While the shinobi world lacked items like spatial rings, they did have sealing scrolls, which served as functional substitutes for storage. Granted, the cost of using such items was somewhat prohibitive, deterring average shinobi from employing them casually.
Mabui seamlessly resumed her role as the Raikage's secretary. She stepped forward to pour the prepared tea, placing cups on either side of the table.
Kazuki and A sat facing each other. A's thick, caterpillar-like eyebrows twitched. "I hadn't imagined the two of us would ever sit together for tea."
"Nor had I imagined a rough-hewn fellow like the Raikage would have an appreciation for the tea ceremony," Kazuki remarked, picking up his cup and taking a delicate sip.
"Ahem!!!"
A, who had just lifted his own cup, choked before he could even take a drink.
Behind the Raikage, Mabui and Samui struggled not to roll their eyes.
Behind Kazuki, Shisui, Itachi, and Shikaku's expressions flickered momentarily before swiftly returning to neutrality.
Crack!
The teacup shattered in A's grip. Scalding tea dripped down his palm. A appeared furious, his fist clenched as he roared, "Uchiha Kazuki! If you were from my village, I'd beat you senseless for that remark alone!"
"Fortunately, I'm not from Kumogakure. And of course, you couldn't beat me anyway. So save your breath. Neither of us are the type to sit quietly and savor the moment. Let's forgo the tea and get to the main business."
Having tea during a meeting with others was one thing, even if one didn't understand it. But having tea with you, Raikage? That was truly hard to swallow.
One person understood nothing about it and had zero interest in the tea ceremony. The other was a crude hothead, a powder keg of a temper. Putting them together for tea? Wasn't that just torturous?
Better to discuss the important matters quickly, then everyone can return home to their mothers—or, for those without mothers, to their wives. Those without wives could find their girlfriends. At least Kazuki could do that. As for A...
He seemed to have been single for decades.
If memory from the original story served, this old fellow had seemed somewhat interested in Tsunade. Unfortunately, even Jiraiya hadn't had a chance, let alone the Fourth Raikage.
"Hmph!!!"
With a disgruntled snort, A shook the tea from his hand, discarded the ceramic shards, and sat back down, clearly displeased. He crossed his arms, prominently displaying his disproportionately large muscles.
The dignified Raikage, with a penchant for open-chested attire. Truly one of a kind. Does having massive muscles grant one such audacity?
Since Kazuki was cutting straight to the point, A saw no reason to waste further words. He decisively got down to business.
"Iwagakure's economy has been severely impacted by the outbreak of war between Kirigakure and Sunagakure. Coupled with their excessive military expenditures, this economic strain will inevitably lead to various internal problems within their village. I believe you understand that when internal pressure becomes too great and contradictions cannot be resolved internally, the best method is to launch an external war.Iwagakure has now reached that very point. A new war could erupt at any moment. Whether Ōnoki is willing or not, he will be forced to fight."
"Mmm."
Kazuki nodded slowly, signaling for A to continue. He hadn't reached the crucial part yet.
'What a difficult young man to deal with, A grumbled inwardly before proceeding. "If Iwagakure seeks to resolve its internal pressure and conflicts through war, their primary target would undoubtedly be the Land of Fire. However, your Konoha has already taken defensive measures, making a surprise assault by Iwagakure essentially impossible. Therefore, Ōnoki will most likely shift his target—perhaps to the surrounding minor nations. Launching a war, especially against minor nations and their hidden villages, would be contemptible. It would also violate the agreement among the Five Great Shinobi Villages. However, given the current turbulent state of the shinobi world, no one would bother to enforce such rules. The moment Iwagakure launches an external war will be our opportunity. I wish to join forces with Konoha to attack Iwagakure together."
"While the Land of Earth's territory is barren, like the Land of Wind, it possesses numerous valuable mineral deposits within its borders. I believe these are resources Konoha needs, correct?"