Chapter 56 : Cunning Raikage?

Boom! Boom—!

In the midst of their fierce battle, the earth trembled violently, leaving everyone on the sidelines feeling the ground shake beneath them.

The soil and rocks beneath their feet crumbled and shattered like fragile tofu.

Kazuhiko and the Third Raikage stood at the epicenter, surrounded by total destruction.

Uzumaki clan members and Cloud Shinobi watched in awe, their earlier speculations now confirmed.

"This is Kazuhiko-sama's power! Mastered with such incredible strength!"

"Indeed, only Kazuhiko-sama could defeat the Third Mizukage and safeguard the Land of Whirlpools!"

The Uzumaki people gazed at Kazuhiko with excitement, while the Cloud Shinobi, who knew the true might of the Third Raikage, were equally astonished.

"He blocked Lord Raikage's punch head-on! His defense is remarkable!"

"Is this the power of a Kage? No wonder he could defeat the Third Mizukage!"

"So young, yet so incredibly powerful!"

Ignoring their astonishment, the two combatants faced each other, Third Raikage's fingers halted mere inches from Kazuhiko's chest, unable to make further progress.

Kazuhiko's right foot rested on Raikage's left shoulder but was similarly held back by Raikage's formidable strength. Neither side could breach the other's defense, but their eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

"Hahaha, I'm delighted! Truly delighted!"

Kazuhiko and the Third Raikage separated, and Raikage regarded Kazuhiko with admiration.

"Incredible! I never expected your physical defense to be this formidable! No wonder you managed to break through the ice ninjutsu!"

Third Raikage was clearly impressed that his four-finger strike couldn't penetrate Kazuhiko's defense.

"Raikage's defense surprised me too. He truly lives up to his reputation as the 'strongest spear' and 'strongest shield.'"

Kazuhiko reciprocated the compliment, acknowledging Raikage's skill.

Raikage's defense and offense had indeed caught him off guard, and he now had a better understanding of the Third Raikage's renowned abilities in the ninja world. This was precisely why he had chosen to confront this attack.

"Hahaha, I'm very satisfied with this exchange. Don't worry; the Land of Thunder will keep its word."

"Wait, we'll deliver your wagyu beef and sake as soon as possible."

Third Raikage glanced at the assembled Cloud Shinobi and said, "Let's go!"

With that, they departed, heading towards their designated rendezvous point.

Kazuhiko looked at Raikage and his group as they departed. He had wanted to invite them for a meal, but he couldn't help but admire their determination.

Turning to the Uzumaki clan members gathered around, Kazuhiko surveyed the ravaged forest.

"Let's go."

The Uzumaki people were filled with joy and excitement. Their eyes no longer held just admiration but now looked at Kazuhiko with reverence, akin to the way one might look at a God.

In fact, if Kazuhiko were to establish a church or the like, he'd have nine fanatics out of ten and one priest.

Maintaining some semblance of reason amid the excitement, Kiyoshi asked, "Kazuhiko, why would the Cloud Shinobi give us such valuable resources for nothing? Wagyu beef and sake are highly prized in the ninja world!"

Kazuhiko smiled and glanced at the clan members, who were puzzled and eager for an answer.

"It's quite simple; you can all see that these are gifts."

"But remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch in the world. When someone gives you something for nothing, it's either to compensate for something or lick a dog (to manipulate you)."

"Kazuhiko-sama, what does 'licking a dog' mean?" Someone in the crowd asked curiously.

"Never mind that!"

"When a nation sends gifts for no apparent reason, it's either because they have a hidden agenda or they want to secure your support."

Upon hearing Kazuhiko's candid explanation, Kiyoshi and the elders finally grasped the situation.

"The Land of Thunder wants to enlist our support to contain Konoha!"

Kiyoshi stated with conviction as he looked at Kazuhiko.

Kazuhiko nodded, "Exactly. That's why they're going to great lengths to strengthen the Land of Whirlpools, and that's precisely why I appointed the Third Raikage as the referee."

"I wanted him to see the potential of our nation and understand my strength."

"Only then will he believe that the Land of Whirlpools is worth investing in and that we can pose a threat to Konoha."

"So, after my battle with the Mizukage, they sent us these gifts as a sign of goodwill."

"So that's it!"

"Thanks to Kazuhiko-sama for explaining. It's quite complex; I never would have figured it out..."

"I didn't expect Raikage, despite his rough exterior, to be such a shrewd person..."

The clan members behind them also understood the situation and appreciated Kazuhiko's insight. They recognized the importance of thinking strategically and vowed not to let the Land of Whirlpools face such a crisis again.

Everyone nodded earnestly.

"Yes, Kazuhiko-sama!"

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