"Alright, I'll drink." After only a few seconds of thought, Yahiko made up his mind. To him, joining forces with the other side would be a major step toward his dream. He would not give up here.
"Yahiko!" Nagato cried out softly, wanting to reach out and stop him, but Yahiko raised a hand to block him. "It's fine, don't worry."
As he spoke, he picked up the cup before him and drained it in one gulp. Then he set it down and smiled. "So, Lord Yuhiko, we can continue our discussion now, right?"
Across from him, "Yuhiko" revealed a sinister smile. "Of course. Of course we can continue talking... Attack!"
The sudden command caught everyone in the hall off guard. In an instant, ninjas wearing Amegakure forehead protectors rushed out from all around them—there were no fewer than nearly a hundred.
"Bastard, you really never intended to negotiate in good faith!" Nagato shouted angrily, kicking the table in front of him away. At the same time, he yelled, "Protect the leader! Engage the enemy!"
The twenty elite fighters they had brought quickly took up positions, forming a circle around Yahiko at its center.
Taking advantage of the moment, Nagato hurriedly whispered, "Yahiko, I'll get you out of here."
But right before his eyes... "Pwah!" Yahiko suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood, clutching his chest as pain crossed his face.
"What's wrong, Yahiko?" Nagato reached out to support him, anxiety filling his expression. "Was it that cup of wine just now?"
He immediately realized what had happened.
Chaos and the sounds of battle rang throughout the hall. The men Yahiko had brought were all elites, and for the moment, they managed to hold back the enemy's assault. But among the enemy crowd was a group of mysterious ninjas wearing