Ch. 161Two and a Half Billion in Silver?
Chapter Summary: “2.5 Billion Silver?”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Inoichi Yamanaka verifies that Yamanaka Fu’s memories from the previous two hours have been completely erased, with a fabricated memory of Killer B being knocked unconscious inserted to make the deception seamless.
- Impressed by Fu’s abilities and loyalty, Uchiha Izuna recruits him to serve directly at his side.
- Izuna plans to stage the memory-erasure scene as part of a negotiation with the Kumogakure delegation, intending to convince them that Killer B’s memories have already been destroyed.
- Shikaku, Kakashi, and the Kumogakure envoys arrive. Dodai begs Izuna not to alter Killer B’s mind and offers one billion silver to secure his release.
- Izuna rejects the offer, mocks Kumogakure’s moral arguments, and uses his Susanoo’s pressure to intimidate the delegation.
- Samui challenges Izuna by suggesting that Konoha depends too heavily on a Jinchuriki. Izuna responds angrily, accusing Kumogakure of hypocrisy and making it clear that Konoha will not be threatened.
- Overwhelmed by Izuna’s power, Samui collapses, while Dodai raises the offer to 1.5 billion silver.
- Izuna withdraws his pressure and declares that Killer B will only be returned for 2.5 billion silver, setting the price for the exchange.
Character Developments
- Uchiha Izuna demonstrates both strategic cunning and overwhelming authority. Although he intends to return Killer B safely because of the Demonic Seed implanted in him, he manipulates the situation to maximize Konoha’s financial gain.
- Yamanaka Fu proves his competence and loyalty by flawlessly carrying out the memory-erasure deception. His willingness to serve Izuna marks a new position of trust and importance.
- Inoichi Yamanaka acts as Fu’s evaluator and mentor, confirming the authenticity of the altered memories and supporting Fu’s recruitment.
- Dodai shifts from diplomatic persuasion to desperate bargaining as Izuna’s intimidation makes clear that moral appeals will not work.
- Samui initially attempts to provoke Izuna but becomes physically overwhelmed and emotionally affected by his strength, developing an unexpected admiration and attraction toward him.
- Killer B remains unconscious and largely passive, but his value as both a Jinchuriki and the Raikage’s sworn brother drives the negotiations.
Significant Themes
- Power and intimidation: Izuna’s overwhelming strength allows him to dominate the negotiations and force Kumogakure to increase its offer.
- Deception and political strategy: The fabricated memory wipe demonstrates how psychological manipulation and staged evidence can be used in diplomacy.
- The value of Jinchuriki: Killer B is treated simultaneously as a powerful military asset, a political bargaining chip, and a person important to the Raikage.
- National pride and hypocrisy: Izuna rejects Kumogakure’s attempt to claim moral authority while seeking to recover a valuable weapon.
- Respect for strength: Samui’s reaction reflects Kumogakure’s cultural admiration for power, even as Izuna’s dominance frightens her.
Character Interactions
- Izuna recruits Fu after witnessing his flawless execution of the memory alteration.
- Inoichi validates Fu’s work and helps him maintain the appearance of a successful operation.
- Izuna confronts Dodai’s appeal to inter-village friendship and dismisses the one-billion-silver offer as insulting.
- Samui verbally challenges Izuna, prompting an even more aggressive display of power and intensifying the confrontation.
- Dodai ultimately abandons persuasion and raises the ransom from one billion to 1.5 billion, only for Izuna to demand 2.5 billion.