Knowing Shame Is Close to Being Brave

Mizuki's simple, brutal exchange left the Sunagakure shinobi caught between laughter and tears.

"That's it?"

"What else did you want? I did everything as requested. If you don't want it, give it back."

Mizuki's indifferent attitude immediately made Kankuro tighten his grip on the "Cross" in his hand.

The appearance was merely Mizuki's little indulgence. It would not have mattered if it had looked different, but this made it seem more high-end.

This piece of junk was actually a trophy Mizuki had acquired from Hidan long ago—the Bloody Triple-Bladed Scythe.

One small portion of it had been made into gloves by Tsubaki, which Mizuki was now wearing on his hands.

Another portion had been taken by Hatake Kakashi and made into a longsword, which now rested on Sasuke Uchiha's back.

The remaining handle and final blade fragment of the Bloody Triple-Bladed Scythe had become the thing in Kankuro's hands.

Originally, Mizuki had intended to send it to the Land of Rain as a sacred relic to reward his followers, one of the means he used to win hearts and gather faith. But before he could present it, he had handed it over to Sunagakure as a bargaining chip in this deal.

This sort of passive transaction truly tested Mizuki's quick wits.

If not for the current situation, Mizuki would never have shown the Sunagakure shinobi a pleasant face.

Still, it was difficult to refuse an old woman's final request to her face.

So many Konoha shinobi were watching, along with his own students and disciples. He could not go too far, but obtaining benefits from Mizuki would not be easy either.

The two young Sunagakure shinobi—Temari and Kankuro—were somewhat dissatisfied, while Chiyo remained calm.

"Jonin Mizuki has fulfilled my request, but everyone understands that giving a man a fish is