Chapter 231: The Hokage of Our Village Really Doesn’t Have a Very Good Eye

Cloud Village and Iwa Village had always been at odds, constantly causing trouble for one another. Their relationship was akin to fire and water—hostile by nature.

Ai (A), however, didn't expect Shinki and Kitsuchi to engage in sarcastic banter, completely ignoring his attempts to join the conversation.

"Why is the tension rising between them?" he wondered, his face showing his growing frustration.

Meanwhile, Yagura observed the scene with great interest, while Rasa sat quietly, closing his eyes as if meditating. His aloof demeanor made it unclear whether he was actually sleeping.

Shinki turned his attention back to Kitsuchi with a smirk. "Your father doesn't have the best judgment, does he? Putting his trust in Hanzo of the Salamander—what was he thinking?"

Kitsuchi raised an eyebrow, seizing the opportunity to turn the jab around. "As far as I know, the Hokage of your village also recognized the so-called 'demigod.' Does that mean the Hokage's judgment is just as poor?"

Kitsuchi smirked, eager to see how Shinki would respond.

Shinki, however, nodded in agreement with surprising ease. "You're absolutely right. The Hokage of our village doesn't have the best judgment either."

Kitsuchi was stunned into silence.

In the conference room next door, the Third Hokage's face darkened. Onoki struggled to suppress a laugh, though his amusement faded quickly when he remembered Shinki's earlier remarks about his own poor judgment. The Third Raikage, however, let out a hearty chuckle, enjoying the spectacle.

For the Third Raikage, there was little joy to be found. Not only was his subordinate being ignored by his peers, but his authority was being subtly undermined. Worse, his own son's failure to command respect was painfully obvious.

The Third Kazekage, always quick to capitalize on an opportunity, mocked Sarutobi Hiruzen openly. "It seems your protégé has quite the personality, Hokage."

Other leaders exchanged amused glances, though the Third Hokage remained stoic, refusing to take the bait.

Kitsuchi, unwilling to let Shinki get the last word, shifted gears. "If I'm not mistaken, that's a Hokage robe you're wearing. Is it true that the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has rewarded you? Have you already been chosen as the Hokage candidate for your village?"

His tone was sharp, a clear jab at the Third Hokage.

Shinki smiled faintly, unperturbed. "Hokage candidate? Sorry, we don't have such a thing in Konoha. But speaking of successors—what about you? As the son of the Tsuchikage and a prominent representative of the new generation in Iwa Village, shouldn't your father have gotten you a Tsuchikage robe by now?"

He paused for dramatic effect, then added with mock sincerity, "Oh, I forgot—the Tsuchikage doesn't wear robes. What do they wear in Iwa Village? Should I send you one as a gift?"

Kitsuchi's face turned red with anger, his composure cracking under the verbal assault.

Ai, who had been quietly stewing in frustration, couldn't hold back any longer. He burst out laughing. "This is priceless! Kitsuchi, how about I send you two Tsuchikage robes? Your village could probably use the financial help anyway."

The dig was too much for Kitsuchi to ignore. He turned to him, his voice cold. "Are you provoking me, Ai?"

"Yes, I am," he replied with a wide grin. "What are you going to do about it?"

Unlike Kitsuchi, Ai's position as the Raikage's successor was already secure. His father had groomed him as the next Raikage from the moment he displayed potential. Kitsuchi, on the other hand, was still competing for his place, making Ai's mockery all the more cutting.

The tension in the lounge was palpable, with Ai and Kitsuchi glaring daggers at each other. The arguments between the guards had grown so heated that it seemed more dramatic than the actual Five Kage Summit itself.

Sensing the escalating hostility, Mifune, the moderator of the summit, stepped in. "Ahem. The Five Kage Summit is about to begin. I suggest everyone remain calm and composed."

The guards begrudgingly quieted down, though the atmosphere remained charged with tension.

Kitsuchi let out a frustrated snort, turning his back on Ai and distancing himself from Shinki as well. "This is ridiculous," he muttered under his breath.

Meanwhile, in the conference room, the Third Hokage was grappling with his own frustrations. The Third Kazekage, unwilling to miss an opportunity, continued his subtle attacks.

"The Hokage of Konoha seems to have his hands full," the Kazekage remarked. "Perhaps we should start without him."

Before the Third Hokage could respond, Onoki deflected the attention. "Let's get to the matter at hand. Kazekage, you initiated this summit—please, share your concerns."

The Third Kazekage nodded, seizing the floor. "I believe everyone is aware of Konoha's recent battlefield tactics. Hundreds of remotely controlled puppets were air-dropped onto our camp, causing devastating losses. This attack forced us to abandon key battlefield positions and retreat into the Wind Country."

He continued, his tone growing more severe. "I've received intelligence suggesting Konoha plans to repeat this strategy against other villages, with Sand Village as the primary target. This threat cannot be ignored."

The Third Hokage slammed the table in anger. "Kazekage, your village initiated this war! Don't twist the facts!"

The Third Raikage smirked, relishing the chaos. "Hokage, calm yourself. Let the Kazekage finish."

Onoki nodded in agreement, though his expression was grim. The Third Mizukage, meanwhile, remained silent, content to observe the brewing conflict.

With the weight of the room against him, the Third Hokage had no choice but to hold his tongue for the time being.

The Third Kazekage continued, driving his point home. "Imagine, if you will, what would happen if such an attack landed on your villages. The devastation would be unimaginable. This reckless use of puppets must be addressed."

Though the focus remained on Konoha's tactics, the tension in the room made it clear that the Five Kage Summit would be anything but smooth.

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