Hidden Mist Bows Down

Across the vast sea, the two ships representing opposing sides still maintained a measured distance, just as they had every day for the past month. But the atmosphere in the air was completely different from the tedious, tense stalemate of before.

On Sunagakure's representative vessel, Baki looked over the encrypted scroll freshly delivered from the village by a ninja hawk, recording Azure Reef Island's astonishing victory. Though he had already known the outcome, his chest still rose and fell slightly as he read it again, and an indescribable sense of excitement and pride welled up within him. He carefully put away the scroll and turned his gaze toward the Hidden Mist Village ship across from them. The anxiety and helplessness in his eyes were gone, replaced by a steady calm born from absolute confidence in their strength.

Sure enough, it was not long before the Hidden Mist Village ship once again raised signal flags requesting talks. This time, Baki could even detect a trace of barely concealed panic and submission in the slightly stiff movements of their flag bearer.

The talks were once again held on the temporary platform between the two ships. The sea breeze was still salty and damp, but the balance between offense and defense had already reversed.

The Hidden Mist Village's elder representative had long since lost all arrogance and mockery. In its place was a stiff expression that desperately tried to hide, yet still revealed, a measure of embarrassment and pallor. He even skipped the opening pleasantries, cleared his throat, and went straight to the point. His voice no longer carried that lofty tone; instead, it held a faint, barely perceptible urgency.

"Jonin Baki, after... careful and sincere renewed deliberations among our village's higher-ups, we believe that the misunderstandings and tensions caused by poor communication