"Fifty million? You think you can dismiss me with fifty million?"
The Third Hokage's thoughts were clear—this demand wasn't just about puppets; it was a challenge to Konoha's position. The sheer arrogance of offering such a sum for restricting such a decisive tool was insulting.
The Hokage glanced at the gathered Kage, realizing something important. The puppets belong to Shinki. The restrictions are on Shinki. And the compensation? That's Shinki's.
For the Hokage, it was bitter knowing that while he bore the political weight, Shinki would reap the financial rewards. But he wasn't about to give the other villages an inch.
"One hundred million!" the Hokage declared, his voice firm. "One hundred million per village. That's the bottom line. If you won't pay, we're done talking."
He stood abruptly and left, slamming the door behind him. His exit marked yet another suspension of the Five Kage Summit.
As the door closed, Onoki fumed. "Greedy old man!"
Despite being older than the Hokage, Onoki muttered insults, his irritation boiling over. His village's finances were in shambles, and the idea of paying a hundred million was absurd.
The Raikage, however, laughed. "It's good news for us. He's willing to negotiate. If it's just about money, we can talk."
Onoki narrowed his eyes. "Good news? The village can't afford that! You think Sand Village can come up with one hundred million? They're broke!"
The Raikage shrugged, unbothered. "Not my problem. The Kazekage started this mess. It's up to him to find a way."
The Kazekage looked visibly uncomfortable. He knew Sand Village's economic situation better than anyone. Their coffers were nearly empty, and this war had drained what little remained.
As the saying goes, A man with money is a man; a man without money is just a mess. The Kazekage found himself firmly in the latter category.
"Let me be clear," Onoki growled, his anger directed at the Kazekage. "Your village started this. Don't expect us to pay your share."
The Raikage smirked, enjoying the tension. "Good luck, Kazekage. You're on your own."
Back at the residence, the Hokage met with Shinki, relaying the events of the summit. "They're pushing to prohibit puppets in war, but they're offering compensation. Of course, it won't be anything close to five hundred million."
The Hokage exhaled, clearly frustrated. "The Raikage and Mizukage are threatening to support Sand Village and prolong the war. They're even talking about banning Konoha's ninjas from entering their territories for missions."
Shinki grinned, finding amusement in the situation. "Threats? They're just trying to send us money with more steps. Keep negotiating. Drag it out for a few more days."
The Hokage blinked, surprised at Shinki's calm. "Drag it out? Why?"
Shinki's grin widened. "Let Sand Village enjoy a little… surprise. Once they feel the pain, we'll see if their allies are still so eager to haggle."
That night, as the Five Kage debated compensation like merchants haggling in a market, Shinki's crow puppet arrived over Sand Village. Flying high, cloaked by darkness, it remained undetected by the village's sentries.
Sand Village's unique geography, built like a bowl in the desert, made it defensively strong against ground attacks. But this strength was also a vulnerability—any large-scale assault from above could trap its inhabitants.
At 4:00 a.m., when the village was at its most vulnerable, the crow puppet hovered silently, its glowing green eyes scanning the terrain below. Then, with a flick of its claws, it released a scroll containing its deadly payload.
The scroll unfurled as it descended, activating mid-air. A swarm of smaller puppets burst forth, each primed with explosive seals. The crow puppet swiftly retreated, disappearing into the night.
Moments later, the explosions began, rocking Sand Village. Fire illuminated the darkness as the carefully timed assault unfolded. Panic spread like wildfire, and the once-calm village descended into chaos.
Back in the Iron Country, the Five Kage Talks resumed the next day. The debate over compensation continued, with no agreement in sight.
Meanwhile, news of the attack reached the summit by midday. The Kazekage, visibly shaken, struggled to maintain his composure as reports of the destruction poured in.
Shinki, seated in the lounge, casually flipped through a book, a faint smirk on his lips. Let's see how eager they are to negotiate now.
>>>>>
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