"Why?!"
The people of Kumogakure were fierce and headstrong, believing in repaying kindness and settling grudges without hesitation. To them, although the war had been brutal, Kumogakure had not been completely defeated.
Had their comrades who died on the battlefield earned nothing more than a flimsy peace agreement? There was no promise of compensation, no public mourning for the fallen. Even the Raikage's speech never mentioned the rank-and-file ninja who had staked their lives on the village.
"What do our lives even mean to him?" Another young ninja clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms.
Yet their discontent showed only in their eyes.
Around the Raikage Building, dozens of jonin in dark armor spread out in a semicircle. They were the Yotsuki Clan's personal guards, each with an unfathomable presence, surrounding the Second Raikage like stars around the moon.
Under that terrifying chakra pressure, the common-born ninja could only feel their throats go dry, no matter how fiercely anger burned in their hearts.
Standing high above them, the Second Raikage took in every gloomy, hateful, yet frightened expression below.
A faint, contemptuous smile tugged at his lips.
A pack of lowly expendables, he sneered inwardly. What do you know about the bigger picture? Kumogakure is what it is because
our Yotsuki Clan's Lightning Release sustains it.
Since you survive beneath the wings of the strong, you should be prepared to be sacrificed at any moment. These peace talks will give the Yotsuki Clan more time to consolidate its gains. As for your compensation—the weak have no right to negotiate.
"A, we should be leaving." The Raikage turned toward the quiet young man beside him.
"A" had his head slightly bowed, his face displaying just the right measure of obedience and humility. Glancing at the lifeless common-born ninja