"Damn brat..." Chiyo flew into a rage. However, the Third Kazekage gave a slight wave of his hand, temporarily suppressing Chiyo's anger.
Before the Third Kazekage took office, he had been captured by Hanzo of the Salamander, leaving him with little prestige and an unstable position when he first assumed power.
But over the past decade or so, he had worked diligently and devoted himself wholeheartedly to strengthening the Sand Shinobi. Coupled with the tremendous success of the River of Rain Plan and the environmental transformation of the Land of Wind, as well as his cultivation of many outstanding young shinobi, Sunagakure had seen enormous growth in both its economy and military strength, even far surpassing its former peak.
Thus, his authority throughout Sunagakure had now reached the point where his word was law. Though Chiyo was still his elder, she held this Kazekage in great respect.
"Jōnin Sarutobi, there is no need for meaningless sarcasm. Sunagakure will certainly pursue strategies that serve our own interests. Nothing will change because of someone else's words."
"I have no intention of hiding it from you, nor is it something that can be concealed. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire has indeed contacted Sunagakure. He has even contacted all Four Great Ninja Villages. I believe Konoha is well aware of that."
"Whether for self-preservation or for the development of our villages, Konoha will always remain an obstacle that we Four Great Ninja Villages cannot overcome."
"You want Sunagakure and Konoha to sign a non-aggression pact. But in truth, we signed one during the previous Shinobi War. That was when Sunagakure had been defeated."
"So, let's speak frankly. If you want us to accept it, Konoha must at least show us its strength!"
The Third Kazekage's expression was grave, his eyes locked tightly