Mastermind of the Akatsuki

"Shikaku, Raikage-sama, shouldn't we hear what Yugakure has to say?"

At these words, both Shikaku and the Fourth Raikage were taken aback. When did the negotiations between Konoha and Kumogakure require the input of Yugakure?

Although the Land of Hot Water behind Yugakure is not small in area, its overall strength is negligible. If it weren't for the need for a buffer zone between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning, Yugakure would have long been divided between Konoha and Kumogakure.

In fact, if this meeting hadn't been held in Yugakure, the leader of Yugakure wouldn't even have qualified to attend.

However, due to the strength of Amegakure, both Konoha and Kumogakure paused their discussions, turning to the leader of Yugakure seated at the head of the table, waiting for him to speak.

They were also curious to see which side the leader of Yugakure favored.

Under the watchful eyes of the Fourth Raikage and Jiraiya, the leader of Yugakure glanced around anxiously, knowing that what he was about to say would surely offend both Konoha and Kumogakure, drawing hostility from both sides.

But if he did not take a stand, Yugakure would forever remain in the shadow of the great nations.

Taking a deep breath, the leader of Yugakure began, "Shikaku-sama, Raikage-sama, Yugakure has indeed signed an alliance treaty with both Kumogakure and Konoha, but it is you who first violated the treaty. Yugakure does not require compensation from either Konoha or Kumogakure, but we ask that you withdraw your troops from the Land of Hot Water."

The leader's words brought expressions of surprise to the faces of both the Fourth Raikage and Shikaku, followed by frowns.

The other shinobi present were also taken aback.

How dare Yugakure do this?

Had they not considered the consequences of offending both Konoha and Kumogakure?

Even if Konoha and Kumogakure did not send forces to attack the Land of Hot Water, they could easily subdue Yugakure with just a few Anbu teams, launching a military operation at any time.

After a moment of thought, the shinobi present gradually realized this and turned to Yahiko, who was not far away.

Given the courage of the leader of Yugakure, he would never dare to break away from the control of Konoha and Kumogakure, but if he had the backing of Amegakure, that would be a different story.

While the overall strength of Amegakure may not be comparable to the Five Great Shinobi Villages, its top-tier combat power could certainly rival them, especially in this conflict between Kumogakure and Konoha, which could easily influence the outcome.

Thinking of this, the Fourth Raikage's expression darkened as he said, "Leader of Yugakure, are you sure you do not need Kumogakure's protection? Do you really think you have the ability to protect the Land of Hot Water?"

Under the pressure from the Fourth Raikage, the leader of Yugakure forced himself to respond, "The war between your villages has already brought devastation to the Land of Hot Water. So, we do not want to sacrifice for other shinobi villages any longer."

The leader's statement undoubtedly stripped Kumogakure of its last shred of dignity.

If it weren't for the concern of losing respect, the Fourth Raikage might have acted immediately in the conference room, but for now, he could only exert pressure through his gaze and demeanor.

At this moment, Byakuya looked at the Fourth Raikage and said with a mocking expression, "Raikage-sama, it is not appropriate to openly threaten the leader of Yugakure in front of everyone since he has the right to make his own choices."

The Fourth Raikage retorted bluntly, "This is likely because your Amegakure promised them something, isn't it?"

Byakuya nodded slightly and replied, "Raikage-sama is indeed quite astute. Then I will be straightforward: we are not interested in the war between Konoha and Kumogakure, but the conflict cannot continue on the territory of the Land of Hot Water."

The Fourth Raikage sneered, "That sounds nice, but why did you join Konoha previously and kill the two-tailed jinchuriki from my village? Kumogakure will not forget that debt."

"That was because Kumogakure was the aggressor, and Jiraiya paid a high price…"

Seeing Byakuya and the Fourth Raikage getting into a heated argument, Yahiko quickly stepped in, saying, "Raikage-sama, please forgive Byakuya's offense. We genuinely want Konoha and Kumogakure to coexist peacefully.

During the days leading up to this meeting, our Akatsuki organization carefully studied the reasons behind the past wars between Konoha and Kumogakure. It always boils down to the struggle for control over the Land of Hot Water, fearing that the control of the Land of Hot Water would threaten both the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning.

If Yugakure can free itself from the influence of Kumogakure and Konoha and maintain neutrality, the war between Konoha and Kumogakure will not erupt."

Upon hearing Yahiko's words, the Fourth Raikage's expression softened considerably.

Yahiko's expression was quite similar to Byakuya's, clearly indicating a coordinated front in front of the Raikage. However, if Amegakure insisted on intervening, Kumogakure would really lack the strength to reignite the war.

Jiraiya, on the other hand, fell into deep thought as he carefully considered Yahiko's words. Yahiko was correct; most of the conflicts between Konoha and Kumogakure stemmed from the issues in the Land of Hot Water. If the Land of Hot Water could maintain neutrality, it would be beneficial for both sides.

Yahiko's realization of this point demonstrated his growth over the years, perhaps even surpassing his teacher. However, the Third Hokage and the advisors would not easily accept this outcome, as they had long been unwilling to relinquish control over the Land of Hot Water.

Controlling the Land of Hot Water would allow Konoha to effectively curb Kumogakure's expansion. But Konoha's attempts to control the Land of Hot Water were no different from Kumogakure's invasion; one was an overt invasion, while the other was merely a covert one.

With this thought in mind, Jiraiya felt uncertain about how to continue the negotiations. After a soft sigh, he turned to Yahiko and the Fourth Raikage, saying, "If Kumogakure is willing to withdraw its troops from the Land of Hot Water, then Konoha will also be willing to pull out."

Upon hearing Jiraiya's concession, the ninjas present shifted their gazes towards the Fourth Raikage. Under the scrutiny of so many eyes, even a powerful figure like the Fourth Raikage felt immense pressure. Internally, he was reluctant to give up the benefits in the Land of Hot Water, nor did he want to withdraw his troops.

After all, the Land of Hot Water was virtually the only direction for Kumogakure's expansion. Other directions were either across vast oceans or permafrost-covered wastelands, which could not sustain Kumogakure's growth.

Currently, Kumogakure's system relied heavily on external expansion; failing to engage in war would easily lead to internal strife, as evidenced by the previous rebellion of Kin and Gin. Those two had attacked the meeting venue due to dissatisfaction with Kumogakure's treaty with Konoha, resulting in the death of the Second Raikage and subsequently the Second Hokage of Konoha.

After a prolonged silence, the Fourth Raikage glanced at his companion, Killer Bee, then surveyed the ninjas from Konoha, Yugakure, and Amegakure, and slowly said, "If Konoha truly intends to withdraw its troops, then Kumogakure can also withdraw from the Land of Hot Water.

However, to ensure the security of Kumogakure at the borders, neither Konoha nor Amegakure will be allowed to station troops within the Land of Hot Water..."