The Dispute Between Villages

Outside Konoha

Chiyo wiped the sweat from her brow and smiled when she saw Konoha's gates. "Konoha truly lives up to its name. These gates are magnificent—the materials are even better than those used for our professional tourist attractions."

Gaara nodded. That was indeed true. Otherwise, why would they call Konoha the hegemon of the Shinobi World? He was truly envious. When would their Konoha branch village have buildings like these?

Sasori's eyes gleamed. What incredible materials! If he used them to make puppets, he could create puppets no worse than Chiyo's Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets!

Just then, the Kirigakure delegation arrived as well. Terumi Mei, at their head, touched her straw hat and gave a soft hum. "So the Kage of Konoha's branch village has arrived. How disrespectful of me."

Her voice deliberately rose with a provocative edge. After all, everyone in the Shinobi World knew that Sunagakure had disappeared and been renamed Konoha's branch village.

"Hmph, likewise, Mizukage-sama. You're merely another worker working for the Hokage. The two of us are no different." Chiyo snorted.

Their treatment was practically identical; it was only a matter of title. Terumi Mei clicked her tongue upon hearing that. "At your age, you're still coming out to pay tribute? Does your branch village have no one left?"

"That's still better than you dressing up so gaudily. Other than a few rotten fish and shrimp, what does Kirigakure have?"

"What do you mean, rotten fish and shrimp? Those are deep-sea fish, not the kind of trash you see in shallow waters! You don't understand anything!" Terumi Mei bared her teeth like a cat with its fur raised.

"At the end of the day, it's just food." Gaara said flatly.

Beside her, Zabuza drew the Kubikiribōchō and pointed it at Gaara. "Hey, broken