"What an interesting man. Such a flawless scheme, and all he wanted was to demand a so-called ransom from me?"
Konan took the letter and unfolded it. It read as follows.
[Our Land of Waves advocates peaceful development. You have repeatedly sent people to wreak havoc here. Are you deliberately trying to provoke a war?
As Beiming, Prime Minister of the Land of Waves, I was duty-bound to capture them myself. They are now fish on the chopping block, and I can kill them whenever I please.
However, heaven cherishes all life, and I have no desire to slaughter people needlessly. As their leader, if you value your subordinates, send an envoy with 200 million to apologize and make amends. I will await your envoy in the Land of Waves.
--------Written by Beiming.]
Konan frowned as she read the letter's contents.
"The way he talks, he doesn't seem afraid of us in the slightest. The Land of Waves..." Konan thought for a moment, then shook her head. "I've never heard of it."
Yahiko slowly opened his eyes, their irises covered in concentric rings. "A coastal country near the Land of Fire. Since it has no ninja village of its own, it doesn't warrant a separate label on the world map."
His explanation only confused Konan further. "A power without even its own ninja village dares make such a demand of you, Pain?"
"Hmph. It seems the Land of Waves has changed hands, and its new ruler is no weakling. You know how strong Deidara and Sasori are. Capturing both alive is enough to prove that he has Kage-level strength."
Konan nodded. "Then what should we do? Are we really going to send an envoy to the Land of Waves with the ransom, apologize, and buy their freedom?"
"There's no hurry.