Failure Meant Death

Jingyi's hand paused as he picked up a piece of grilled meat. He smiled, put it into his mouth, and replied casually:

"Could it succeed?"

The Third Kazekage seemed not to have expected Jingyi to answer with a question. He froze slightly.

Could it succeed?

The difference was only one word, but the meaning was worlds apart.

That ended the topic. The Third Kazekage did not press further, and their conversation dwindled. Once they had eaten and drunk their fill, they left the barbecue restaurant and returned to their respective lodgings and homes.

The moment the Third Kazekage returned to his residence, Ōnoki arrived, along with the Third Raikage.

Both men knew that the Third Kazekage had gone to see Jingyi. Since he had sought Jingyi out, he was bound to have asked about the Rinnegan research.

Thus, all they needed to do was ask the Third Kazekage. There was no need for each of them to take turns seeking out Jingyi.

If Jingyi had been willing to speak, the Third Kazekage would know about it, so asking him was no different.

If Jingyi had not been willing, then no answer would come even if they took turns asking him.

The Third Kazekage looked at the two men who clearly did not get along, yet had come together.

After making tea and pouring hot cups for Ōnoki and the Third Raikage, the Third Kazekage stated concisely:

"'Could it succeed?' Those were Jingyi's exact words."

It was not anything shameful, so there was no need to hide it.

The Third Kazekage directly relayed Jingyi's words to them.

"Could it succeed?"

Ōnoki lowered his head and sipped his tea.

The Third Raikage rested the hand propped against the table beneath his chin with great interest. After savoring the meaning of those words,