Haggling

As Mizuki spoke, he glanced at Karin beside him. This little girl's constitution allowed others to bite her body, absorb her chakra, and heal their wounds. In reality, it was a process of transferring life-force depletion. Otherwise, Karin's mother would not have died simply from being bitten so many times and having too much chakra absorbed from her.

"Now, though, the situation isn't so optimistic. If you want Gaara to come back to life, Elder Chiyo of your village will most likely face certain death. Trading one life for another is the only choice."

One-for-one and one-for-one-hundred differed in how ability and life force were distributed, but the "one" performing the technique was certain to die.

"No way!"

Kankuro, who had been somewhat distracted until then, was instantly shocked.

"Elder Chiyo, is that true?"

Chiyo's eyes narrowed into slits, making her look as though she had fallen asleep. After a long while, she finally broke the oppressive silence.

"Kankuro, don't you want your younger brother, the Fifth Kazekage, to return to life?"

"Of course it would be best if Gaara were all right. But if you aren't here, Elder, what will happen to Sunagakure?"

Chiyo had silently supported Sunagakure for years. Though many people were dissatisfied with her, and many of her fellow villagers dared not voice their anger, no one could truly feel happy at the prospect of Chiyo's death.

Within any organization, there were always those who felt overlooked and resented those in power. Yet when Chiyo was about to die, no one could bring themselves to rejoice.

It was like a large family: the parents holding it together might be domineering and unreasonable, but when they were about to be gone, the children left behind would not be cheering in delight. All that remained was confusion and