The More People Die, the Better

This winter, the heavy snow in Demon Country was bitterly cold, while howling winds sent snow swirling outside the window.

In the quiet room, everyone sat in a circle beneath a hideous four-headed statue.

After Hidden Rock Village lost Ōnoki's leadership, his eldest son, Kitsuchi, the young successor, took over.

Land of Lightning was temporarily absent, represented only by a provisional appointee. After the loss of the Fourth Raikage, the country was trapped in an oppressive turmoil. The various factions fought fiercely, and no one could win the others' support. In the end, they arrived at a decision characteristic of Hidden Cloud: whoever could avenge the Third and Fourth Raikage by killing Tsunade would become the Fifth Raikage.

Sand Hidden Village had Chiyo holding down the fort, and the death of the Third Kazekage seemed to have little effect.

Among the many factions present, Hidden Mist was the strongest.

Rain Hidden Village came next. Its leader, Salamander Hanzo, had not died in battle.

"Our most urgent task now is closer cooperation."

The Priestess attending the meeting looked at the man who had spoken, the one wearing a special Tengu Mask—the Uchiha Mask.

"What do you mean by closer cooperation?"

Chiyo of Sand Hidden Village spoke.

"A loose alliance is not enough to deal with Konoha's threat. We should form a more closely integrated whole."

"I refuse!" Kitsuchi slammed the table and rose, speaking in a deep voice.

The current situation was extremely unfavorable for Hidden Rock Village. Forming a more closely integrated whole also meant losing its autonomy.

"Fourth Earth Shadow Lord." The Uchiha Mask looked at Kitsuchi and said, "Aside from surrendering completely to Konoha, Hidden Rock Village has no other path left. Are you not planning to avenge your father?"

They had him cornered.

Kitsuchi clenched his fists,