"Everyone, let's continue discussing the topic we didn't finish earlier."
"How should the Land of Fire's territory be divided among us?"
The Fourth Raikage raised one hand slightly. He seemed quite pleased to have taken the position of leader among the Kage.
Of course, the people seated below might not agree. At least, that was what the Fourth Raikage himself believed.
The three Kage exchanged glances, but none of them voiced an opinion.
In their view, it was best not to be the first to speak on such a sensitive matter.
If anyone said too much, it would arouse the others' dissatisfaction.
If they said too little, it would be disadvantageous to their own country.
Therefore, no one intended to be the first to share their thoughts.
"Oh? Dividing up the Land of Fire's territory? What's going on?"
Mingyou, who had joined midway through, was completely baffled and had no idea what was happening.
"Ahem." The Fourth Kazekage cleared his throat and smiled at Mingyou before beginning his explanation.
"Brother Mingyou, it's like this. Because of the wars and grudges between our countries over the years, there have always been many conflicts between us."
Very quickly, Fourth Kazekage Rasa gave Mingyou a brief explanation.
"Oh? Hahahahaha!"
The smile on Mingyou's face grew wider as he listened. In the end, he could not hold it in and burst out laughing.
"May I ask, Fourth Kazekage, who came up with such a foolish suggestion?"
"This..." Rasa was immediately left speechless. Unwilling to offend Ōnoki, he gave no answer.
Although Mei Terumi and A frowned deeply, they instinctively turned their gazes toward Ōnoki.
Ōnoki's old face flushed red, turning the color of pig liver. He fixed Mingyou with a blazing glare.
"Brat! I was the one who proposed it."
"What exactly do you mean? You've gone against me again and again. Do you really want everyone in the Land of Earth to join forces with the Land of Fire and hunt down your Uchiha clan?"
"Oh, so it was proposed by the thousand-year-old... ah, no, by the Third Tsuchikage." Mingyou raised a hand over his mouth in feigned surprise. "Since you were the one who proposed it, then I don't find it strange at all."
Mei Terumi lifted her beautiful eyes slightly. Before Ōnoki could erupt, she asked first, "Brother Mingyou, don't leave us hanging. What exactly is wrong with this proposal? Tell everyone directly."
Mingyou nodded. His gaze calmly swept over the Kage as he spoke in a deep voice.
"First, I would like to ask you all: during the previous Ninja World War, did your countries have a similar agreement?"
"I believe the answer is yes. After deciding how to divide the cake, everyone was supposed to give it their all and take down Konoha together. That was your original purpose in deciding to attack Konoha."
"But what was the final outcome of the Third Ninja World War?"
"I don't need to say it. You all know perfectly well that it ended in failure—a complete defeat."
"In the First Ninja World War, Hashirama Senju suppressed all opposition. In the Second Ninja World War, Tobirama Senju and others gave their lives."
"Oh, I seem to have gone off-topic. The first two Ninja World Wars were chaotic periods, and they were not cases of your four countries joining forces to attack Konoha."
"Let's mainly discuss the Third Ninja World War. During that war, Konoha's main fighting force should have been the Fourth Hokage Minato, Might Dai, and others, who fought desperately in resistance."
"Now, here is the most important point. During the Third Ninja World War, did the combined strength of your four countries truly fail to defeat Konoha alone?"
"I believe you all know the answer. No, it did not."
"Your four countries also produced countless talented people and possessed many powerful ninja. How could the combined strength of four nations possibly still fail to defeat one Konoha?"
"The key was that all four of your countries wanted to be the fisherman."
"You all wanted the ninja armies of other countries to take the lead, wanted ninja from other countries to die, and then wanted your own countries to reap the rewards."
"Even if you agree on how to divide the cake this time, can you guarantee that the same thing will not happen again?"
After Mingyou's remarks, every Kage present wore an unpleasant expression.
Everyone had originally been peacefully discussing an attack on Konoha.
Yet Mingyou had casually torn away the thin facade covering the countries' true intentions. No one could possibly look pleased.
Mingyou was bold because of his strength. With an ability like Kamui in hand, he could leave whenever he wished.
"Brother Mingyou, in your opinion, how should we resolve this matter?"
The Fourth Raikage forcibly suppressed the anger on the verge of erupting and squeezed out a smile, though it looked even worse than crying.
"There is no solution. This is an unsolvable problem. I said all this only to remind you not to think things are too simple, and especially not to underestimate Konoha."
Mingyou shook his head slightly, then looked provocatively at Ōnoki. "Am I right? Thousand-year-old... no, Mr. Ōnoki."
"Do you still intend to mobilize your entire nation to hunt down my Uchiha clan? If you do, then I, Uchiha Mingyou, accept it right now. I'll be waiting anytime."
Ōnoki snorted coldly and glared furiously at Mingyou. "Uchiha brat, I truly cannot match your sharp tongue."
"But just as you said, I have now formed a grudge with you. No matter how this war ends, you will be placed on the Land of Earth's wanted list!"
As he spoke, Ōnoki floated into the air, clearly intending to make a move.
He had served as the Third Tsuchikage for many years and had never suffered such humiliation.
"Wait, Third Tsuchikage. Could you give me some face? Let's not fight here anymore."
The Fourth Raikage, A, stood up again to stop him. He cupped his hands toward the other Kage.
"Everyone, let's end today's discussion here. Please return to your guest rooms and rest first."
"I will immediately send people to discuss a solution, then invite you all to deliberate and decide together."
Mei Terumi nodded slightly. She stood and slowly walked outside. "No problem, but it would be best to resolve this soon. The Land of Water still has many important matters waiting for me to handle."
"Then I will leave as well." The Fourth Kazekage gave Mingyou a hesitant glance, then led his two guards outside.
Ōnoki floated to a point five meters away from Mingyou, his eyes filled with fury as he glared at him.
"Hmph! The Fourth Raikage is protecting you now, but if I discover that you have left this place, I will hunt you down with all my strength."
After speaking, Ōnoki led Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi as he floated outside.
"No problem, old man. I'll keep you company anytime."
Mingyou answered loudly, without the slightest fear.
Wasn't it just Ōnoki? As long as Mingyou remained alive in this world, Ōnoki would never be able to threaten the Uchiha clan's safety.
Before you continue