From Gamamaru's secret guidance and the brothers' arduous training in Senjutsu, which gave them the power to oppose Kaguya, to witnessing the suffering of ordinary people firsthand and resolving to save the world and end the wars, Hagoromo laid it all out.
Finally, Hagoromo played his strongest card.
"That's not all."
"We brothers have already formally allied ourselves with the Knights."
"Every oppressed force resisting them now stands on our side."
"We came here today neither to call you to account nor to test you, but because we sincerely wish to join forces with you Celestial Dragons."
"Set aside every barrier and put our past antagonism behind us. Together, we can stop Mother, end the sacrifices, save this world from imminent destruction, and preserve your rule as Celestial Dragons."
His words were frank and clear, every statement true, without a trace of deception.
Yet the Five Elders remained skeptical, their expressions hesitant and their hearts wavering.
Only when a subordinate's urgent announcement came from outside the hall was their last lingering hope of escape shattered.
"Report! My five lords! An envoy from Her Highness Hara has arrived in person with new orders!"
"The entire shortfall in sacrifices is to be made up! Effective immediately, Celestial Dragons will fill the shortfall in sacrifices to the God Tree! Execute this order at once, without fail!"
Boom!
The announcement struck like a thunderclap in the Main Hall.
The Five Elders shuddered violently, their faces turning deathly pale in an instant, as though all their strength had been drained away.
What they feared most had finally come!
Hara truly showed no mercy. She was going to use the Celestial Dragons to fill the shortfall in sacrifices!
All their past obedience, all their humility, all their submission were worthless before absolute power.
Their so-called pact