Chapter 347: The Inevitable Outcome
Chapter 347: The Inevitable Outcome
"Does anyone have any objections to the terms proposed by the Land of Water and the Land of Snow? Yes or no?"
Hyuga Fuji's indifferent voice echoed through the hall, and the entire room fell into a suffocating silence.
No one dared to make a sound.
The representatives of smaller nations exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes filled with hesitation and fear.
Even though Hyuga Fuji wasn't exuding any visible pressure, nor did he deliberately release his aura, the mere thought of his past feats—of the many nations that had been wiped out—was enough to send chills down their spines.
Kitsuchi, who had originally intended to argue with Yagura, also fell silent. Memories of Hyuga Fuji and Jigen's earth-shattering battle, as well as his own utter helplessness, resurfaced in his mind.
Raikage and Tsunade thought back to their fight against Nagato. Even that overwhelming Ten-Tails Jinchūriki had refrained from acting against the Land of Snow because of Hyuga Fuji's presence…
In the end, Tsunade exhaled deeply and was the first to speak.
"The Land of Fire has no objections. Let the terms take effect."
The others gradually snapped out of their daze.
"The Land of Earth has no objections."
"The Land of Waterfall has no objections."
"The Land of Grass has no objections."
…
One by one, the nations voiced their reluctant agreement, their words tinged with bitterness.
Hyuga Fuji listened, his expression calm as his gaze swept across the room. Finally, his eyes rested on one representative who had yet to speak.
"What about the Land of Lightning?"
His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.
Under Hyuga Fuji's gaze, Raikage felt an unprecedented pressure.
"We… The Land of Lightning has no objections either."
With the final acknowledgment, silence once again filled the hall.
Hyuga Fuji nodded slightly. "Then the terms take effect immediately."
Everyone stiffened and quickly nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Hyuga Fuji gave Yagura a look, silently signaling for him to take over from here.
Yagura understood and gave a slight nod in response.
The next moment, Hyuga Fuji's figure faded, as if merging into the air itself, vanishing from his seat. His departure eased the tension in the room slightly, but the heavy weight in everyone's hearts remained.
Tsunade stared at the empty seat where Hyuga Fuji had sat, filled with countless thoughts.
The outcome was inevitable.
That kid barely spoke, yet just by being here, no one dared to oppose him.
His very existence was like an insurmountable mountain that forced everyone to look up in awe.
If one day he stood before the nations with this same overwhelming presence, how many would dare to resist?
Some preparations needed to be made in advance…
Meanwhile, Raikage sat motionless, his fists clenched tightly.
No. The Land of Snow's influence was growing too strong. If this continued, the Land of Lightning would have no chance to counterattack. Their cooperation with Shirosiki had to be expedited.
This was a gamble.
But if they didn't take the risk, the Land of Lightning would lose its future entirely.
"Settled in mere seconds… It really pays to have powerful backing…"
With a sigh, Yagura glanced around the room at the various complex expressions.
"Everyone."
His voice broke the silence, a smile on his face. "Now that the terms have taken effect, the next discussion will be about implementation. I hope we can all cooperate."
Tsunade, seeing his cheerful expression while comparing it to her own frustration, had an urge to punch him in the face. But instead, she simply offered a polite smile.
"The Land of Fire will cooperate as much as possible, but I hope there will be some flexibility in implementation. After all, every country's situation is different."
"Of course, I understand."
Yagura returned the smile.
With their exchange, the atmosphere in the room grew more "harmonious." The ten-day-long negotiations, full of disputes and delays, wrapped up in a matter of minutes.
Everyone walked away with a "satisfactory" outcome.
…
After the meeting, Raikage assigned Mabui to return to the Land of Lightning and oversee affairs while he prepared to leave for the Land of Rain without delay.
This was only the halftime break.
Time was running out, and every passing second could determine the fate of the Land of Lightning.
Mabui was worried, but she knew Raikage's decision was final. She simply nodded and quickly assembled a team to return home. She also arranged for someone to use the Transformation Jutsu to take on Raikage's appearance as a decoy to conceal his movements.
Meanwhile, Raikage himself, accompanied by a few trusted subordinates, quietly left the venue and made his way toward the Land of Rain.
After several days of travel, they reached the country's border. Instead of heading directly to Amegakure, Raikage first sent one of his men ahead to contact Shirosiki's subordinates and arrange a meeting location.
The designated meeting place was a remote valley, surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountains, ensuring secrecy.
By the time Raikage arrived, Shirosiki was already waiting.
A man clad in a black cloak and wearing a mask, his entire presence radiated an aura of mystery and danger.
I can't gauge his strength…
This was Raikage's first time seeing Bayakushi, and he was taken aback by the sheer depth of the man's abilities.
So this was the power of the Ōtsutsuki's lunar heritage…
He was just a synthetic being, yet he possessed such immense strength. It seemed Jigen had hidden far more secrets than he had let on.
Bayakushi allowed Raikage to size him up for a moment before slightly bowing his head, speaking in a calm tone.
"Raikage-sama, I've long admired your reputation."
Raikage nodded, getting straight to the point. "Let's cut the nonsense. What's your plan for dealing with the Akatsuki and the Land of Snow?"
"If it's feasible, the Land of Lightning is willing to provide whatever resources you need—military support, financial backing, anything."
Bayakushi stared at him for a moment before a strange smile spread across his face.
"Simple. We'll just need your life. We'll handle the rest."
Raikage's expression darkened.
Before he could react, another voice rang out.
"Lord Nagato, he's yours."
Nagato?
Raikage's eyes widened in shock.
Before he could even process the name, a familiar figure suddenly appeared before him, moving so fast he couldn't react.
A hand, swift as lightning, pressed against his face.
The Rinnegan's cold, indifferent gaze met his.
A terrifying surge of power exploded from Nagato's palm.
Boom!
Raikage felt an irresistible force flood his entire body. He was completely restrained, unable to move a single muscle. His consciousness began to fade, and the last thing he heard was Shirosiki's eerie laughter.
"Lord Nagato, how long will it take to turn Raikage into one of your Pains?"
"If we're keeping his soul intact, half a day."
"Then we'll need to find a quiet place for the process. I'll make the arrangements."
Raikage's mind was in utter chaos.
He had walked right into a trap.
Bayakushi… was working with the Akatsuki?!
Weren't they supposed to be at war with the Land of Earth?
He tried to summon his chakra, but his entire body had already been sealed by Nagato's technique.
"Damn it…"
Raikage gritted his teeth, his heart filled with unwillingness.
He couldn't fall here.
He still had to lead the Land of Lightning.
He still had to avenge his brother.
(End of Chapter)