I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 404 The poorer you are, the more you should go all in! (Applause)

"I thought this kind of treatment was just a pipe dream, but I never thought it would actually come true."

Inside the Hokage Building's conference room, an elderly man in monk's robes held a report in his slightly trembling hands. He tried his best to lift his droopy eyelids, as if that would allow him to see more clearly.

Beside him was a young man with a gray buzz cut, whose eyes were constantly scanning the surroundings, as if everything in Konoha was new and exciting to him.

The two were envoys from Kirigakure to Konoha. The old monk was Kirigakure elder Genshi, and the young man was Kirigakure Jonin Ao.

Opposite them were Tsunade and Tatsuma, as well as Kato Dan, who was on display. Kato Dan was shirtless, showing the scar on his left waist.

Actually, calling it a scar isn't accurate, because there are only a few interwoven dark red lines there. If Kato Dan hadn't been so indifferent to scars, there wouldn't be a single mark left on his body.

After all, it was Tatsuma and Tsunade who were treating him; it was just a matter of removing a few scars, which was not a big problem for the two of them at all.

Tsunade's attention was not on the visiting Genji and Ao, but on her gaze meeting Kato Dan's, though her eyes kept involuntarily moving downwards.

Kato was somewhat embarrassed, since exposing himself in front of strangers would be inappropriate for anyone except those with certain fetishes.

In addition, Master Yuan saw not only his physical body, but also various video materials he left in the archives, including some slices of his original organs or muscles.

There's always a feeling of being completely naked, inside and out, which makes Kato Dan feel somewhat insecure.

Tatsuma, on the other hand, displayed his infectious smile. Compared to before, his body fat percentage was significantly higher, and his plump face, combined with that infectious smile, was something no one would find offensive.

His hair, which hadn't been trimmed in a while, was incredibly frizzy, and his naturally curly hair had turned into a clump of dry white seaweed, making him look somewhat comical.

Yuan Shi didn't read very fast. After a while, he put down the documents in his hand and looked at Tsunade and Tatsuma. He suddenly felt a little dazed. That young mistress looked somewhat similar to that rogue ninja from Kirigakure.

But when his gaze slowly focused on him, the completely opposite aura made Master Yuan wonder if he was just seeing things.

Moreover, it seems unlikely. He had inquired beforehand and learned that the boy's name was Sakamoto Tatsuma. He had been frequently traveling in the ninja world for many years and seemed to have no opportunity to go to the Land of Water.

Upon closer inspection, it didn't seem quite right. Recalling the slightly blurry photos left from the battlefield, Master Yuan realized that he was probably overthinking it.

"Gentlemen, I would like to ask, is our Mizukage also capable of undergoing such surgery? Will it affect his health or strength after the procedure?"

Hearing Yuan Shi's somewhat breathless question, Tsunade patiently listened to it, then took out another document and said, "Actually, we had already done an assessment before you contacted Konoha."

You might find this offensive, but I believe you wouldn't be indifferent to similar news. This is our assessment of Lord Mizukage and the treatment plan we've devised based on the information we have. You can take a look first.

Master Yuan nodded, not at all surprised. After all, the borders of the Land of Water had been forcibly opened, impacting the economy and culture, and intelligence was being lost in constant communication. It would be strange if Konoha didn't have a countermeasure.

Of course, other villages might respond more through military strategic planning, but a solution like Konoha's is something perhaps only Konoha could come up with.

Yuan Shi thought of the woman in front of him, who was the granddaughter of the First Hokage. Given her personality, she might actually prepare a solution in the event of such a situation.

It seems quite normal that Tsunade, who inherited his bloodline, also inherited his will.

Putting aside his brief doubts, Master Yuan continued to review the documents. After all, the current priority was to treat the Third Mizukage, and he couldn't give up this opportunity because of unfounded suspicions.

After all, the Mizukage's injuries were too severe. Although he could barely stay alive and even handle some government affairs, he could no longer participate in battles.

The village's Kage may not have many opportunities to take action, but that is not a reason for the village's Kage to lack combat power. Kirigakure needs a healthy and powerful Mizukage.

However, as he looked around, Yuan Shi's aged face showed some obvious fluctuations. He looked up and said, "Konoha seems to have a fairly detailed understanding of our Mizukage's injuries."

Tsunade was taken aback, unsure how to respond. Tatsuma smiled and continued the conversation, saying, "Purgeing the rogue ninja group is an internal matter for Kirigakure, but the participants are not limited to Kirigakure ninjas."

Tatsuma didn't explain it too clearly, but Genji and Ao exchanged a glance and both understood the same thing: Konoha's intelligence most likely came from Kumogakure, which had participated in the war at the time.

Both of them felt a surge of indignation. If it weren't for the intervention of the Cloud Ninja, Yagura and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen wouldn't have needed to focus on fighting and could have continued to protect the Mizukage.

Those few people might not be as strong as that rogue ninja, but they served as a shield. It would be better for the Mizukage to be injured or for one or two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to die than for the Mizukage to be injured.

After all, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen can be replaced at any time, but the Mizukage...

It can be said that the man named Takasugi Shinsuke was the murderer, while the other rogue ninja and Cloud Ninja were accomplices!

Swallowing his anger, Master Yuan calmed himself down and, pointing to the documents, asked, "In your proposed plan, the Water Shadow needs to take anti-rejection drugs for a long time. What are the ingredients of this drug?"

"We cannot disclose the ingredients to Kirigakure. This is Konoha's intellectual property. Of course, you can use all the testing methods you have to verify whether the drug is harmful or effective."

I can recommend several methods, such as organ transplantation in laboratory mice, or fixation with steel nails after bone fracture. These can all be used to test our anti-rejection drugs. Rest assured, there are no purchase restrictions on anti-rejection drugs until Your Excellency is cured.

Tatsuma's originally infectious, sunny smile was now tinged with a businesslike air, and Genji nodded politely in return before looking at Tsunade.

After all, Tsunade, being older, should be the one in charge, but Tsunade gestured towards Tatsuma and said, "He's the one who researched and developed the medicines and technologies. Just talk to him."

Don't look for her; you'll only prevent her from appreciating beauty.

Upon hearing this, both Master Yuan and Qing were slightly surprised. After all, Chen Ma seemed to be underage. They never expected that the two countries of Water and Fire, separated by thousands of miles, would have such similar geniuses.

Unfortunately, their genius from the Land of Water went astray and has now become a source of regret for the entire Hidden Mist Village leadership. Now, they hold small meetings every three days and large meetings every five weeks to discuss why the Hidden Mist Village has lost so many young talents.

Takasugi Shinsuke is a prime example; he brings it up at every meeting, especially since the Third Mizukage seems to have forgotten that he was the culprit who seriously injured him.

If one could receive the same attention and cultivation from the village from a young age as Sakamoto Tatsuma, one might also become a pillar of the village.

However, the Mizukage's recent strange behavior seems to have aroused dissatisfaction among some people, including Yagura Karatachi, who has held opposing opinions to the Mizukage in meetings.

Thinking about the mess in the village, Yuan Shi felt he shouldn't have lived so long. If he had left early like his peers, he probably wouldn't have so many troubles now.

It took Master Yuan several moments to come to his senses. As he got older, his thinking speed slowed down. When he wanted to get back to business, he looked at Chenma and said, "Since our arrival, Konoha has treated us with great courtesy, which has truly flattered this old man."

However, it's best to make some things clear beforehand. Konoha shouldn't be so generous as to have ulterior motives in treating the Mizukage this time, right?

Furthermore, I may have to say something that will disappoint Konoha: once the Mizukage recovers, he will undoubtedly reinstate the closed-off policy. If Konoha were to offer assistance for the sake of trade routes, I'm afraid we would be unable to meet his demands.

Master Yuan spoke very politely, but he was simply stating his principles and bottom line. After all, with his limited medical knowledge, he could not possibly conclude that he no longer needed to rely on Konoha's power just by looking at a successful case or a surgical plan.

Their Mizukage still needs to be treated by Konoha, so a gentle tone is necessary, and of course, the bottom line must be firmly adhered to.

Moreover, Master Yuan had a premonition that after this incident, Mizukage Genmi might make some adjustments and become less extreme, which would give Kirigakure a great opportunity.

However, the Hidden Mist Village, having suffered a severe blow, needs to recuperate and rebuild before it can plan for development. Therefore, the decision to re-seal the Land of Water is not something that can be compromised.

"Master, my teacher often taught me that ninjas should broaden their horizons and not be confined to one country or one village. Healing the Mizukage is beneficial to the stability of the ninja world. How could Konoha take advantage of the situation?"

On behalf of Konoha, I assure you that Konoha's demands will not involve the actual interests of the Land of Water or Kirigakure. This time, Konoha aims to be friends with Kirigakure, and I believe Kirigakure will reciprocate with generosity.

As soon as Tatsuma finished speaking, Master Gen clapped his hands and exclaimed, "As expected of the First Hokage's granddaughter, Tsunade's resolve is beyond the reach of ordinary people. Lord Tatsuma is also the successor of Tsunade's ninja way. I admire you greatly."

Tsunade: ? ? ? Did I teach you? Oh well, let's just say I did.

A moment of doubt flashed through her mind, but after confirming that Yuan Shi was not mocking her, Tsunade also showed a proud expression.

Tatsuma's implication was quite clear: Konoha only needed tangible returns and would not expect the immeasurable long-term benefits of a trade route. Similarly, he would not bring the intelligence pressure that comes with the existence of a trade route to Kirigakure.

It's just some tangible benefits. Kirigakure isn't Sunagakure; it's not so poor that it can't afford to give. It's just that how much to give needs to be discussed carefully.

Master Yuan also knew that this meeting was a test of each other's attitudes. Now that they had a better understanding of each other's positions, they could send back information and confirm more in-depth cooperation matters.

"Then it's settled for now. However, we also hope that Konoha will be considerate of Kirigakure's recent setbacks and not let some minor interests delay the cooperation between the two countries and the two villages."

Master Yuan chuckled and said, "When a country or organization should plead poverty and when it should flaunt its wealth, there are very specific rules to follow."

When two countries are in a competitive phase regarding their interests or national strength, they must appear wealthy and powerful even if they are poor. However, when they enter a phase of peaceful development, especially when they have to sacrifice their own interests, they must desperately feign poverty even if they are rich.

Although Kirigakure has not had any peaceful diplomatic affairs for many years, Master Yuan has obviously not forgotten them. Tatsuma Yemen simply nodded and said, "I will convey your request to the village."

However, Master Yuan must also understand Konoha's situation. After all, Konoha participated in the Second Shinobi World War, and only a few years have passed. Having suffered from various attacks, Konoha needs to seek opportunities for recovery and development.

"Let's all understand each other."

"Long live understanding."

(End of this chapter)