The other four shouted as well, "We agree! We all agree!"
At their words, the magnetic spikes surrounding them stopped growing.
"Daimyō-sama, we can save you!" cried the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Shut up! If I don't speak, do you think I'm mute?" the Fire Daimyō barked back. "Third, I've long felt you were unfit to be Hokage. If the Fourth hadn't died suddenly, would Nanmo have reached this point? Seven years ago, I wrote you personally—told you Hyūga Shigeo was innocent! Tell me, what has he ever done against Konoha?"
"He… he killed Danzo!" Hiruzen replied.
"Danzo? That Root ANBU rat? The man who said Konoha needs roots to feed itself? Hah! You think I didn't know about his filth? Even I had heard of his crimes. If not for his usefulness, I would've dismissed him long ago. Those Elder Council relics disgrace the Fire Country's name!"
He jabbed a finger toward Hiruzen. "Sarutobi Hiruzen, I accept the fivefold compensation to Nanmo—but you will step down. And today, before these ten witnesses, you will apologize to Hyūga Shigeo!"
Hiruzen's face burned crimson. Back when Minato Namikaze became Hokage, it seemed he had stepped down voluntarily, but in truth it was under the Daimyō's pressure. When Minato died, and there was no suitable successor, the Daimyō had grudgingly allowed Hiruzen to return.
Now… could he really say no?
Still defiant, Hiruzen muttered, "Hyūga Shigeo, don't forget—you owe me a mission. Here, I want you to—"
"I refuse."
"You—"
"What? I have the right to refuse anything from you," Shigeo said coldly. His golden chakra shimmered faintly, radiating killing intent. Even now, the old man wanted to talk terms? Who did he think he was?
They were all trapped in the Jiton (Magnet Release) field—like turtles in a pot. On the Daimyō's side, the magnetic spikes had stopped growing, but still pinned them down, ready to pierce if they moved. On the other side, the spikes continued to grow around the Five Kage. They could counterattack with greater force, but doing so would kill the five Daimyō instantly.
That knowledge alone forced them to agree to Shigeo's fivefold compensation.
Whether it was the Allied Shinobi assault or today's five-man siege, the truth was clear—they were no match for him. They couldn't even land a hit. With his control of the Tailed Beasts, Sennin Mode (Sage Mode), and immeasurable chakra reserves, any single power of his could destroy them.
Hiruzen's face burned with shame. He was only grateful the magnetic barrier blocked the outside world's view. If the surrounding shinobi saw this, where would his dignity go?
"Fine, I'll apologize!" he said finally. "I'm sorry, Hyūga Shigeo. I misunderstood you. The Sky Country's attack on Konoha had nothing to do with you. As for Shimura Danzo, he brought his end upon himself. From this day forth, you are not considered a traitor of Konoha. Whenever you wish, Konoha will welcome you home."
Before everyone, the over-sixty-year-old Hokage bowed deeply.
Across from him, the Fire Daimyō exhaled, relief in his eyes. He stepped aside from the others, straightening his robes. "Hyūga Shigeo-dono, is this satisfactory? You and I have ties—had you not saved the Third Princess, she'd have perished long ago. For that, you are a friend to the Fire Country, not an enemy."
He forced a stiff smile.
The Earth Daimyō, seeing this, barked, "Third Tsuchikage, enough. Since I promised fivefold reparations, I'll see them done. Apologize."
If an apology could solve this, why hesitate? It was just words.
Ōnoki's face turned pale as clay, his back aching. Grinding his teeth, he spat, "Fine. I'm sorry. Happy?" Then he turned away, closing his eyes in sullen silence.
Before the Water Daimyō could speak, Ao of Kirigakure stepped forward. "Brother Shigeo, this was indeed a misunderstanding. The other four villages agreed to the alliance—how could we refuse? We lost, fair and square. Our Daimyō has already accepted the payment. On behalf of Kirigakure, I promise we will never invade Nanmo again. I sincerely apologize."
He bowed deeply.
The Wind Daimyō looked at Rasa and coughed lightly. "Sunagakure must also act with reason. Wrong is wrong."
Rasa had always held doubts, but the Fourth Raikage's provocation—and their personal grudge—had clouded his judgment. He'd once tried to silence Shigeo to protect his secret, but now it was clear—he had no power to do so. With the other three having apologized, he couldn't stand alone. Besides, Nanmo's expansion now bordered his sea routes; future cooperation was inevitable.
Better to bow than break.
He apologized as well.
Only the Lightning Country remained. Both its Daimyō and the Fourth Raikage, A, were infamously stubborn.
Shigeo stood atop the magnetic spikes, his golden chakra radiating across the dome, illuminating everything in a divine glow. Looking down upon them, his gaze locked onto the Lightning Daimyō.
That man had screamed the loudest earlier, when the One-Tail's chakra blast struck. Clearly, his bravery was only skin-deep.
Under Shigeo's cold stare, the Daimyō crumbled. "I'll pay… I'll pay the compensation! Raikage, apologize!"
He couldn't meet A's eyes and turned away.
The Fourth Raikage snorted but finally muttered, "...Sorry."
And that was that.
Shigeo exhaled slowly. "Since we've reached an understanding, then let's sign an agreement. I do trust that none of you would go back on your word—but with a treaty, if someone tries anything dishonorable, I'll have justification to act."
In other words: if they dared break their promise, he would have reason to march his armies without restraint.
(End of Chapter)
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