It was the kunoichi Samui.
At the same time, a system notification sounded in Xuandou's mind:
[Ding! A kunoichi with outstanding aptitude has been detected.] [Name: Samui Strength: Jōnin Overall rating: S-rank]
Xuandou's gaze swept over Samui's two Chibaku Tensei, and he could not help quietly swallowing.
The sight reminded him of a poem from his previous life:
Peaks clustered together; waves surged in fury.
He cleared his throat, suppressed those ill-timed thoughts, and raised a hand to signal everyone behind him to stop.
Then Xuandou walked forward alone.
Among the Kumogakure contingent, Samui hesitated briefly before stepping forward as well.
The two stopped several paces apart, meeting each other's eyes.
"Miss Samui, I've heard much about you."
Xuandou spoke first.
"I came to negotiate, not to fight."
"My original intention was to peacefully incorporate Kumogakure. War benefits no one."
Samui's gaze lingered on his face for a moment, as though judging the truth of his words.
Her expression remained cool, but the wariness in her eyes eased slightly.
She knew the man before her was telling the truth.
With Hidden Xuan Village's strength, there was no need to negotiate with her. They could simply crush them by force.
His willingness to sit down and talk showed that he truly did not want a war.
"Please go ahead, Lord Xuandou."
Samui's voice was neither servile nor overbearing.
Xuandou nodded and began laying out his terms:
"First, Mabui, who originally came from Kumogakure, is currently helping the Land of Lightning handle its domestic administration."
"If Kumogakure accepts incorporation under the Uchiha, its funding can be restored through the Land of Lightning's tax revenues."
Someone's eyes brightened slightly in the crowd.
Kumogakure had been struggling financially over the past few years.
The daimyō had cut its funding, the village's expenses