A's face was grim as he ordered in a low voice, "Send an official diplomatic letter to Konoha immediately!"
"Demand that Konoha hand over every piece of classified intelligence, every record, and every secret concerning the Uzumaki Clan!"
"And share all the materials on the Uzumaki Sealing Technique and Barrier Forbidden Technique in Konoha's possession! They are not to withhold a single detail!"
The secretary shook their head slightly and stated the reality bluntly. "Lord Raikage, they will never agree."
"Won't agree?" A snorted, a threatening glint flashing in his eyes.
"Then prepare for war!"
"Mobilize two thousand elite frontline shinobi and station them on the Land of Fire's border! Make it clear we're ready for a confrontation!"
"Contact Kirigakure's leadership as well. Our two villages will join forces and put pressure on Konoha from every direction!"
"Let's see whether Konoha dares refuse me under pressure from the Two-Village Allied Forces!"
The secretary remained composed and spoke softly, puncturing his scheme with a single remark. "Lord Raikage, have you forgotten? Konoha's Hokage is Tsunade now, not Hiruzen Sarutobi."
A's brows drew together sharply, impatience written across his face. "So what if it's Tsunade? She's just a woman. Would she dare take on both our villages head-on?"
"You misunderstand." A faint smile curved the secretary's lips as they explained slowly. "Given Lady Tsunade's fierce temperament, her protectiveness toward her own, and her refusal to compromise..."
"If you send two thousand troops to pressure her, she'll simply mobilize four thousand elite Konoha shinobi and station them at the border too, confronting you with twice your numbers without yielding an inch."
"Then the situation will become a complete deadlock. We won't gain a thing, and we'll end up condemned for provoking trouble. The losses would outweigh the gains."
"If it really comes to