Chapter 235: 500 Million Per Village? Why Don’t You Go and Rob Them?

"The Raikage's powerful Lightning Release techniques are well-known throughout the ninja world. The strongest spear, the strongest shield—legendary, aren't they? Yet no one is asking the Raikage to strictly prohibit their use in Kumogakure," the Third Hokage said sharply.

He turned his gaze toward the Mizukage. "As for you, Mizukage… your village boasts strong Bloodline Limits. Do I even need to list examples?"

The Mizukage raised an eyebrow, remaining silent. The room was growing tense.

Ōnoki, however, couldn't stay quiet. Slamming the table, he shouted angrily, "What do you mean by this, Hokage? Prohibiting Dust Release? Are you out of your mind?"

Ōnoki's anger was justified. Dust Release was the cornerstone of his power. Without it, he would be significantly weakened. The idea of banning his most valuable technique was both insulting and ludicrous.

The Third Hokage didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled. "Then why do you demand that Konoha restrict its use of puppets? If you can keep your Dust Release, we can keep our puppets."

The logic was unassailable. If other villages could freely use their signature techniques, Konoha had every right to do the same.

The Kazekage, who had initiated the summit, found himself at a loss for words. His proposal had been flipped on its head.

"Hokage," the Raikage interjected, "the Five Kage Summit is not a place for such petty arguments. We're not asking Konoha to completely prohibit the use of puppets—only to refrain from using them in war or for attacks on villages. Surely you can see the reasonableness of that request?"

"And," the Raikage added, "we're willing to offer compensation for Konoha's restraint."

The Third Hokage's expression darkened. "Compensation? Are you serious? How can Konoha agree to a restriction like that, regardless of the price? You're asking us to give up a significant strategic advantage."

Ōnoki and the Raikage exchanged glances, their expressions hardening. It was clear they intended to pressure Konoha into compliance.

"Hokage," the Mizukage said softly, but with menace, "you don't want to see the consequences of rejecting us."

The Third Hokage leaned forward, a smirk playing on his lips. "Consequences? What's next—are you planning to unite and attack Konoha?"

The Raikage chuckled darkly. "Not quite. But we can unite to provide the Sand Village with supplies, extending the war indefinitely. And we can restrict Konoha's ninjas from operating in our territories. How do you think Konoha would fare under those conditions?"

The implications hit like a thunderclap.

If the four villages supplied Sand with resources, Konoha would be forced into a prolonged conflict. Worse, barring Konoha from operating in their territories would cripple its economy. Without cross-border missions, many Konoha ninjas would be left unemployed, creating chaos within the village.

The Third Hokage's hands clenched under the table. He knew Konoha couldn't afford such consequences. These villages weren't bluffing—they had the means to follow through.

Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke. "I hope you won't regret this."

The Kazekage's face lit up, thinking he had achieved a breakthrough. But his moment of triumph was short-lived.

The Third Hokage leaned back, lighting his pipe with deliberate calm. Exhaling a puff of smoke, he said, "500 million. Each village will pay 500 million ryo. If you can provide that compensation, Konoha will promise not to use puppets in war or for attacks."

The room fell silent.

The Kazekage froze in shock. Ōnoki sucked in a sharp breath, while the Raikage and Mizukage exchanged incredulous looks.

"Five hundred million per village?!" Ōnoki exploded. "Are you out of your mind? Why don't you just go rob us instead?"

The Hokage shrugged. "If you can't afford it, you can choose not to participate. Nobody is forcing you."

Ōnoki was livid, practically shaking with rage. "This is outrageous! Do you think any village here can afford that?"

The Hokage's voice was calm but firm. "You're the ones making demands. You want us to give up a decisive weapon. That comes at a price."

The Raikage stepped in, trying to de-escalate. "Hokage, 500 million per village is absurd. Let's be realistic. What about 50 million per village?"

Even 50 million was a steep ask for most villages, as evidenced by the Kazekage's pained expression. Sand Village, already struggling to maintain the war, would barely be able to scrape together such an amount.

The Third Hokage shook his head. "Fifty million? For a power that can change the tide of war? That's laughable. No deal."

Ōnoki slammed the table again. "Then what's your price? Name something reasonable!"

The Hokage's eyes narrowed. "You want reasonable? How about this: stop targeting Konoha. If you can't, then pay the price. Otherwise, prepare for the consequences."

The room was at an impasse.

The Hokage's refusal to budge frustrated the other leaders, but none of them could deny his logic. Konoha had every right to defend its interests, and if the other villages wanted to impose restrictions, they had to pay dearly for them.

In the lounge, Shinki was already preparing his next move. The puppet strike from the night before had delivered a clear message to the Sand Village, but he wasn't done yet. If the Five Kage insisted on targeting Konoha, he would ensure they learned just how costly that decision could be.

The meeting adjourned with no resolution in sight. As the leaders left the room, the tension between them was palpable. Konoha had drawn a line in the sand, and the other villages had to decide whether they were willing to pay the price—or face the consequences of their demands.

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