Familiar recipe, familiar taste.
Resource?
Do the Land of Lightning and the Kumogakure have this?
Nothing is impossible, but even they themselves are not enough; otherwise, how could banditry be so prevalent in Kumogakure?
What if there are no resources?
We can only compensate with manpower!
Especially regarding the situation in Kumogakure, don't they know what's going on?
If Ren hadn't insisted on half of it being in cash, they were certain that the entire 1 billion yen would have been converted into manpower.
Six months ago or last year?
It must have been last year, when the Kumogakure had just finished paying off their debts through part-time work and had accumulated a little bit of capital.
Now they have to take on new debts again.
I continued working to pay off my debts.
Kumogakure, they'd probably be secretly wishing Ren would have streetlights!
Except for Ren, who still had a smile on his face, everyone else's faces fell, but there wasn't a single word of objection or questioning.
The image of Ren catching the Eight-Tails like a chick is still vivid in my mind; only someone whose brain is filled with the seawater beneath their feet would dare to object.
It's true that Konoha is rich now, but with Izumi's Sharingan awakening, many projects that were originally progressing slowly have turned into money-devouring behemoths.
Furthermore, Konoha now offers incredibly generous treatment and countless benefits to both ninjas and civilians.
With the upcoming Joint Chūnin Exams, Konoha's cash flow is facing a slight strain.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to make a windfall and alleviate financial pressure is a good option.
"The third condition."
After Ren finished speaking, he paused deliberately to see the ninjas' reactions below.
As expected, the Hidden Cloud Village ninjas' expressions grew even uglier, and their movements intensified.
It seemed that it wanted to vent its anger on the Eight-Tails.
If you can't defeat the strong, then bully the weaker ones; that might at least alleviate your resentment.
After thinking about it for a moment, I realized that apart from a bunch of laborers, Hidden Cloud Village didn't seem to have anything of value.
The market in the Land of Lightning was already opened up in the agreement following the war.
All that's left of Kumogakure is probably the title of one of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
Seeing the numerous ninjas struggling to control their expressions, looking as if they had all lost loved ones, Ren spoke up.
"During my time as Hokage, Kumogakure must always be in sync with Konoha in all matters concerning the Shinobi World!"
It's not that Ren is particularly kind-hearted, but rather that there's really nothing of value left in Kumogakure.
The previous figure of 1 billion ryo was based on intelligence, which Ren estimated to be the bottom line that Hidden Cloud Village could roughly withstand.
If they add more, Ren is afraid that Kumogakure will be unable to sustain itself and will completely collapse!
The Cloud Village ninja breathed a sigh of relief as soon as Yuuki spoke.
Fine!
Even if the future is tough, we can still persevere.
Just hang in there, it'll pass. It's not the first time anyway!
Darui quickly expressed his opinion as well.
"Rest assured, Hokage, the Hidden Cloud Village Hokage always keeps its promises and will absolutely fulfill what it has pledged!"
Ren smiled and nodded, then said.
"Given the friendship that Konoha and Hidden Cloud Village have built up over the years, I believe Kumogakure can do it. There's no need to sign an agreement. I trust you, Raikage!"
I believe you are a smart person.
Friendship?
What kind of friendship is this? Is friendship just about clinging to the Kumogakure, eating its flesh and drinking its blood?
Do you want my bone marrow too?
Darui had absolutely no desire to speak.
Seeing this, Ren wasn't surprised. If their positions were reversed, he definitely wouldn't be in the mood to respond either.
Fortunately, I am the stronger one.
"Well then, Raikage, I shall take my leave now. Congratulations on the successful retrieval of the Eight-Tails by Kumogakure! Finally, I wish Kumogakure continued prosperity!"
Don't forget to sprinkle salt on the meat after cutting it.
Ren reverted to his wicked nature, and without waiting for Darui and Hidden Cloud Village's reply, he found his direction and flew away from the place.
After Ren's figure completely disappeared.
Dodai came to Darui's side and gently comforted him.
"Lord Raikage, do not be discouraged. My grandfather and father also experienced the fear of being dominated by Konoha. As long as we persevere, Hidden Cloud Village will surely rise again after several generations!"
Darui stared at the Dodai with dead fish eyes.
Are you trying to comfort me or discourage me, you old rascal?
So, if this happened to me, there would be absolutely no hope for the Hidden Cloud Village!
The truth is painful, but Darui has to admit it's true.
The greatest contribution I, the Fifth Raikage, can make is to ensure the complete preservation of Kumogakure.
After letting out a silent sigh, Darui looked at the sealing work, which was nearing its end, and said softly.
"Go and tally up the losses from this operation!"