Although they had not joined the allied forces, after reading the intelligence report, Kazekage Rasa took action.
He sent envoys bearing lavish gifts and expressed his willingness to "establish friendly relations with Las Noches."
Kumogakure initially took a hard line. Third Raikage A even threatened to flatten Las Noches himself.
But one morning, thirty severed heads appeared outside Kumogakure's gates-all belonging to Kumogakure spies stationed around the Land of Rain.
Delivered alongside them was a single message:
"Next time, it will be the Raikage Building."
Kumogakure fell silent.
Kirigakure... gave no response.
That was because Kirigakure was now embroiled in internal strife.
Although Fourth Mizukage Yagura had been freed from the genjutsu, his body and mind had suffered severe trauma, leaving him unable to govern.
With Liuyu's covert support, Mei Terumi was fighting the conservative faction for power.
Of the Five Great Nations, only Konoha still insisted on "negotiations."
But everyone knew it was only a matter of time.
Meanwhile, Liuyu's bounty on the black market skyrocketed.
Three hundred million.
Four hundred million.
Five hundred million.
It finally settled at five hundred and fifty million ryō, surpassing the bounty records of every previous member of the Five Kage.
The photograph on the bounty notice showed Liuyu in profile, standing on the tower's terrace.
White robes, black hair, and eyes as impassive as a god's.
A line of small print appeared beneath it:
"Master of Las Noches, Uchiha Ryūha.
Strength assessment: Super Kage Level. Threat level: nation-destroying.
Note: double bounty for capture alive."
Everyone who saw that line laughed.
Capture him alive?
Who would dare?
The top-floor hall of Las Noches's main tower.
All the core members of the Akatsuki were present.
Yahiko sat in a wheelchair, his face pale.
Although Haschwalth had transferred his injuries away with his ability,