Meanwhile, Jiraiya and Kakashi Hatake had left.
Naturally, they had no idea that Hiruzen Sarutobi had already made a decision and taken action beyond anything they expected.
The two headed purposefully toward their first stop, where they would handle their first matter of business.
And that first stop was...
Sunagakure's guest quarters.
Inside the bedroom, Baki was counting his private savings, piled in bags of all sizes.
"This still isn't enough."
Coming from a small country, even an Elite Jonin had little money to spare. A few Explosive Tags might be enough to wipe out his savings.
Giving gifts to Konoha in the Land of Fire was even further out of the question.
He might have better luck finding two beautiful women to send to the other party's bed.
Money certainly wasn't a realistic option.
"Ugh!"
Baki held his forehead and fell silent.
How could he persuade Konoha to help them without making his village look utterly desperate?
But after thinking it over, he was already seeking someone else's protection. What was the point of talking about dignity? Only those who survived had the right to talk about it.
Yes, that was the truth. Baki kept desperately trying to convince himself, hoping he could accept the reality that they no longer had any room to bargain.
The Kazekage was dead, and spies had infiltrated their village. Their only remaining hope was for the Kazekage's three children to grow up.
But would anyone give them that time?
No. None of their enemies were fools, especially the warlike Kumogakure.
"If we have to be their dogs, so be it."
Baki rubbed his forehead. There was no other choice. The only worthwhile bargaining chip they had was Gaara, their Jinchūriki.
But they certainly couldn't hand him over. He was their next seal. Beyond