Threatening with Death

After Kakuzu left, the four people who had remained silent finally spoke.

Oyashiro En said, "Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness, but you have set a very bad precedent. If having money means one can do whatever one wants, governing the country will become very troublesome in the future."

Kawaigawa Aonobu said, "No merchant is without deceit. I think Kakuzu has ulterior motives. For a merchant who depends on Peach Country for survival to suddenly want to leave Peach Country—no matter how you look at it, that isn't a wise move."

Sayo was even more direct. "Peach Country is at a critical time. Kakuzu knew the country lacked money, yet he proposed this kind of deal. He's taking advantage of a crisis. His crime deserves death!"

Takemoto Masamasa said nothing, but the disdain in his eyes was unmistakable. He clearly looked down on Kakuzu.

"Everything you said makes sense."

Shiraishi Yoshijo nodded. "But the country really does lack money. Kakuzu may be exploiting a loophole, but perhaps he merely wants a taste of power. He's only a merchant; there's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill, much less break the rules."

Whether Kakuzu was driven by sentiment or had other schemes, Shiraishi Yoshijo did not care.

Would an eagle soaring through the sky care about an ant on the ground?

Of course not.

If Kakuzu truly threatened Peach Country, did he really think Shiraishi Yoshijo was a man who kept his promises?

He simply did not want to break the rules he had set himself.

Just then, an Anbu suddenly appeared in a Body Flicker.

"Your Majesty, Imperial Consort Uchiha Mikoto requests an audience outside."

There was no need to think about it; she had obviously come for the Uchiha Clan. Shiraishi Yoshijo said blandly, "I won't see