"What did you say!?"
After hearing the news, the Third Raikage's face nearly twisted with rage. He had never expected A to fail, or Konoha to dare make such outrageous demands of him.
A ransom of 150 million ryō to recover the Fourth Raikage, Killer B, and Dodai was not expensive. Their status would make them worth that amount anywhere; if they were sent to the Underground Bounty Station, they would certainly fetch even more.
But the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, Kumogakure's swordsmanship, and some Lightning Release Ninjutsu would represent a tremendous loss for Kumogakure.
There were also several thousand tons each of copper and iron, along with chakra metal and a whole list of other mineral resources. They were essentially demanding two years' worth of Kumogakure's supplies.
Moreover, these things had to be delivered to Konoha before they would release the prisoners. This time, Kumogakure had no option to pay in installments.
"Bastards! Kumogakure will never sign such humiliating agreements!"
The hot-tempered Third Raikage smashed a large hole in the desk, then continued shouting, "Prepare for war immediately! Konoha has gone too far!"
"Lord Third Raikage, please reconsider. Konoha is already prepared for war. If we make any unusual moves, the Fourth Raikage, Lord Killer B, and Lord Dodai really will never return."
The Raikage's advisers, the secretary from the Raikage's Office, and the others took turns trying to dissuade him. Konoha had already detected the Fourth Raikage's covert moves, and Konoha's Wood Release user, Nawaki, had now led Konoha Ninja to the border of the Land of Hot Water. They would gain nothing.
If their side made any unusual moves, the Fourth Raikage and Lord Killer B would die instantly. Moreover, the Fourth Raikage possessed many of Kumogakure's secrets.
"Lord Third Raikage, we should negotiate with Konoha again.