Paper Release Clone's Midnight Negotiation and Border Turmoil in the Land of Wind

The air in the Hokage's Office seemed to have been drained by the words "messenger of God."

Baishi did not move.

He simply sat behind the broad desk, looking at the humanoid figure constructed from countless sheets of paper before him. His gaze was as calm as a deep pool.

The Meridians in his body still sent waves of needle-like pain through him, but not even the slightest twitch of muscle could be seen on his face.

This was an extreme stillness.

It was so quiet that the faint rustling of the paper figure's edges rubbing against the air could be heard.

"An exchange?"

Baishi finally spoke. His voice was not loud and was even somewhat hoarse, revealing no emotion.

He had not asked how the other party had infiltrated the building, nor had he questioned her identity. This unconventional response was itself a form of silent pressure.

The paper woman—or rather, Konan's clone—did not seem to care about Baishi's coldness.

"Yes, an exchange." Her voice was flat, without any human fluctuation in tone. "My master can provide Konoha with a steady and sufficient supply of Dragon Whisker Grass."

She paused, seemingly waiting for Baishi's response.

Baishi remained silent. He merely raised his hand and gently pushed aside a report on upgrading the inn's security, his movements unhurried.

That action carried more weight than any words. It said: I heard your bargaining chip, but it isn't important enough to make me stop my work.

Konan's clone seemed to understand the meaning.

"In exchange," she continued, "Konoha needs to do two things."

"First, formally acknowledge Akatsuki's legitimate status in the Land of Rain and notify the Five Great Nations of this in the Hokage's name."

"Second, exert diplomatic pressure on the Land of Wind and force it to lift its military