After Tsunade's earth-shaking act of kneeling, Hiashi alone said he would return to his clan and consult the elders before deciding. The other clans, led by the Aburame and Inuzuka Clan, all compromised and agreed to hand over their secret technique scrolls. Their additional condition was that the stakes be made clear to the recipients, who must strictly vet anyone chosen to use them.
The Hyuga Clan could preserve the Byakugan of clan members who passed away, leaving some room for compromise on that front. Tsunade struck while the iron was hot and immediately ordered the major clans' secret technique scrolls, along with the Scroll of Seals, to be escorted to the handover point.
The rain cleared, and Tsunade returned to the Hokage's office.
After so many setbacks, they had finally made a breakthrough.
She pushed open the window and breathed in the fresh air after the rain. For the first time in ages, a smile graced her lips.
Heavy footsteps sounded in the corridor, then the door opened.
Two lifeless faces appeared in the window's reflection.
They belonged to the Konoha Advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
Tsunade frowned.
"So the ones coming to demand answers finally showed up."
Utatane Koharu immediately launched into a scolding. "Tsunade, do you realize what a foolish decision you've made?!"
Tsunade calmly closed the window, then turned around. "What are you talking about?"
Utatane Koharu shouted, "Stop playing dumb!! Handing the techniques Konoha has passed down through generations to outsiders—do you want to wipe Konoha out?!"
Tsunade stressed, "It's an exchange, not a gift!"
Mitokado Homura said darkly, "Is there a difference? Even if the Five Great Shinobi Villages stand on equal footing, their foundations in ninjutsu are hardly comparable!"
Tsunade said, "This was a consensus reached by all Five Kage at the