"I suggest you abandon any thoughts of negotiating with the Akatsuki, Lord Shin."
Just as Shin's suggestion silenced the court, Sai arrived before them on a black eagle he had drawn.
"The latest news: Madara Uchiha has slaughtered all the nobles in the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth. Their blood has stained the rivers near their capitals red, and Madara Uchiha has officially declared war on the entire shinobi world."
As Sai delivered the latest news, everyone fell silent again, but greed flickered in the eyes of Sato Takeshi, Shinhiko Kōzuki, and the others.
Edo Madara's actions had undoubtedly put an end to these nobles' hopes. On the other hand, the destruction of the leadership in the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth meant that both countries had become prizes ripe for the taking in the eyes of the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Water.
If they could defeat the Akatsuki, the remaining three great nations could divide those two countries among themselves with full justification.
Edo Madara's intimidation, coupled with the enormous gains they could foresee, had successfully united these people around Hokage Madara.
"Lord Hokage, the Land of Iron's samurai army has arrived in the Land of Fire. The ninja armies of the Land of Water and the Land of Wind have long been ready. We need only your command to launch our attack on the Akatsuki!"
Just as Sai's news silenced the advocates of peace talks, Jiraiya appeared in the court—all preparations for war were complete. How could they possibly back down now?
"We depart in one day, once the Land of Water's daimyo arrives in the Land of Fire."
Edo Madara had terrified these daimyo out of their wits. With war now imminent, the Land