"Why hasn't the Barrier Team arrived yet? What on earth is happening outside?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was deeply anxious, but he remained calm on the surface.
Seeing him like this, many others calmed down as well.
That was one of a leader's roles.
"Mizukage, do you know anything about this barrier?"
Mei Terumi gave a wry smile. "Although the Kazekage kept trying to join forces with me against Konoha, he was also wary of me, so he never told me most of his plans. I don't know what this barrier is, either. All I knew was that he would make his move today. That was why I tried to find a way to warn you earlier."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Regardless, on behalf of Konoha, I will never forget your help today. From now on, Kirigakure will be Konoha's staunchest ally! Once this is over, I will do everything I can to help Kirigakure escape its current predicament."
"You're too kind, Hokage. Whatever our differences, we all stand on humanity's side. With an outside enemy before us, continuing to fight among ourselves is hardly wise. That is why I refused the Kazekage's proposal, not because I wanted a reward for helping you."
Mei Terumi spoke with righteous conviction and unyielding pride.
She even left Hiruzen Sarutobi feeling ashamed...
"If only everyone had your sense of the greater good and could see the situation clearly, Mizukage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and said no more.
As for Rasa, it was still better not to kill him if possible.
Otherwise, the hatred between Sunagakure and Konoha might become impossible to resolve.
So he immediately ordered his men to restrain Rasa.
Powerful as Rasa was, with injuries that severe, he could no longer cause any trouble.
That was what most people thought.
Then things went terribly wrong.