Ōnoki of Both Scales.
The Third Tsuchikage.
The longest-serving Kage in Iwagakure's history, and the Tsuchikage who had single-handedly led Iwagakure to prosperity and strength—
At least, that had been the case before the war broke out.
But now, Iwagakure was in an extremely awkward position.
Among the Five Great Ninja Villages, Kirigakure was Lin Qing's stronghold.
The Hokage, Tsunade, was as close to Lin Qing as if they wore the same pair of pants.
The Kazekage, Rasa, had allied with Lin Qing long ago. Whenever it came to taking action against the Daimyo and the conglomerates, he was always the first to charge ahead.
Even Kumogakure, though its relationship with Lin Qing was not as close as Konoha's or Sunagakure's.
After all, Lin Qing had personally beaten A senseless right in front of them.
But in terms of interests, Kumogakure was bound most tightly to Lin Qing through the Research Institute.
It could be said that they rose and fell together.
Of the Five Great Ninja Villages, four stood behind Lin Qing. Only Iwagakure had chosen to stand against him during the war.
That was because Ōnoki had truly never expected Lin Qing to win.
But a loss was a loss.
After news of the battle reached him, Ōnoki had prepared himself to shoulder all responsibility. He had merely waited for Lin Qing to come and kill him, trading his own death for Iwagakure's survival.
But...
No one came.
Lin Qing nodded at Haku. After exchanging a few words, Haku returned to lead the Extermination Army into the Country of Demons' governmental system.
After Haku left, Lin Qing looked at Ōnoki.
Ōnoki met Lin Qing's calm gaze.
Before coming, he had prepared countless arguments. But now that he was truly standing before Lin Qing, he did not know where