Yes, the Hokage

The Raikage's expression first turned to confusion, then disbelief, and finally solidified into an almost angry, cornered silence.

"You want Kumogakure to provide Sunagakure with trade routes?!"

“It’s an open route, not a provision,” Rasa corrected him. “When caravans from Sunagakure and Konoha enter the Land of Lightning, they will pay taxes as usual, but the transit tariffs will be significantly reduced—to 30% of the current rate. At the same time, the tax rate on Sunagakure goods sold within Kumogakure cannot be higher than that on similar goods sold locally in Kumogakure.”

Raikage's face twitched violently, but he no longer gave the impression of a live volcano that could erupt at any moment, but rather of an old, rusty Optimus Prime. Although his imposing presence remained, he was no longer able to move much.

Feng Lan watched his changing expression and nodded inwardly. As the saying goes, it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. Luo Sha can be used to refine gold dust, so what Sunagakure lacks most is not money, but supplies and trade channels. Of the two, the latter is more important.

Furthermore, this passage is tied to Konoha. If Kumogakure were to turn against them in the future, Konoha couldn't possibly stand idly by. But...

A slight smile played on his lips: "Still too green."

Rasa's conditions were drafted with his help. Although they seemed to be for the good of Sagakure, what was the reality?

This trade route is from Sunagakure to Konoha to Kumogakure. At first glance, there seems to be no problem, since the Land of Fire, the largest country, is between the Land of Wind and Lightning. No matter how you look at it, this is the safest and fastest way. However, he only said that Kumogakure should reduce tariffs, not that Konoha couldn't raise tariffs.

Once this trade route is officially established, and the tax rate is adjusted, not only will Konoha reap huge profits, but Feng Lan himself will also be among them.

Otherwise, what would be the point of all this hard work and running around for so long? You don't really think it's just for Konoha, do you?

Seeing that Lei Ying was still silent, Feng Lan decided to put in even more effort.

"Lord Raikage," he began, his tone as relaxed as if he were discussing the weather, "When your brother was taken away by the Akatsuki in the Cloud Thunder Gorge, his favorite enka score was also with him. I heard that he copied it by hand, and there are a few lyrics he wrote himself. Although the rhymes are not very neat, it is clear that he put a lot of thought into it."

The Raikage's jaw clenched so tightly it made a grinding sound.

“I heard from the people of Amegakure Village…” Feng Lan added with a smile, “Those enka scores are still well preserved, but if he were to be locked up for another year or two, the paper might get damp and… then it’s hard to say.”

This was clearly more insidious than Rasa's threat. The Raikage had sworn before his father's portrait to protect his brother. He had already lost his father in his life and could not afford to lose his brother as well.

When Fenglan mentioned this ridiculous sheet music, it was as if he was saying, "Do you know what he fears most? It's not death, it's not being imprisoned, it's being stripped of everything that allows him to live."

Killer Bee's body was unharmed, but what about his spirit?

Fenglan knew that he performed songs and rapped with Teacher Ajin every day. Although he wasn't so engrossed in it that he forgot about home, it was definitely not like he was suffocating little by little as she had threatened. But Leiying didn't know that.

In the Raikage's mind, his younger brother sat in a prison cell, surrounded by nothing. That optimistic soul, which had been so optimistic even after becoming a Jinchūriki, was trapped in darkness, and his soul was slowly dying.

He had been stalling since entering the meeting room, because as long as he didn't sign, there was still a chance to rescue Killer Bee. But Feng Lan's words told him: Time is not on your side. Every day you delay, Bee's world shrinks a little, and even if you do manage to rescue Killer Bee in the end, he won't be the same person anymore.

At that moment, Onoki and Yagura, who were the first to understand Feng Lan's unspoken meaning, couldn't help but tremble. It wasn't because Feng Lan was ruthless—there were many people more ruthless than him in war—but because this guy's control over people's hearts was too precise and too experienced, completely unlike the mentality one would expect at his age.

He didn't need force; he used only words and momentum to firmly restrain this raging bull, leaving the Raikage, who would fight at the slightest provocation, only able to gasp for breath.

Looking at Minato Namikaze, who is the same age as Fenglan, his eyes were now clear and intelligent, but his mind was full of question marks.

In response, Fenglan said, "Who told me to be so familiar with the plot and know what kind of relationship you two brothers have? After all, you're time travelers, so this is all the cheat code you have left."

The surroundings fell silent again, and all eyes were focused on Raikage.

"One year." After a long silence, the Raikage finally squeezed out his voice through clenched teeth, "The transit tax will be reduced to 30% of the current rate, with a one-year trial period. If any caravans from your two countries dare to cause trouble within the Cloud Village, the agreement will be terminated immediately."

"Deal." Luo Sha extended his hand.

The Raikage looked at the hand but didn't shake it: "If even a single hair is missing in this contest, Kumogakure and you will be locked in a life-or-death struggle!"

After making his harsh remarks, the Raikage sat there like a statue, seemingly declaring that he had no interest in what followed and was only waiting for further negotiations with Sunagakure.

"So..." Yagura continued, "Is it my turn to bring this up again? What exactly does Konoha want in order to get those six ninja swords back?"

“Yes, we were interrupted by the Raikage and Tsuchikage before, so it’s time to get back to this topic.” Feng Lan said with a smile, “Konoha’s demands remain the same: Kirigakure will hand over the bloodline limit ninjas that are useless to you, and we will return the six ninja swords. Isn’t that a perfect solution?”

Logically, the Raikage and Tsuchikage should have tried their best to stop Konoha's plan, but the Raikage is now in a state of decline, having a weakness in his younger brother Killer Bee, while Onoki is intimidated by the information that Madara might still be alive. Most importantly, Konoha has now revealed another trump card, namely the Edo Tensei Twins!

Not only did they fail to use this incident to force Konoha to retaliate, they also gave Konoha three months. During these three months, who would dare to be the first to provoke them?

Therefore, this time, both sides chose to remain silent.

“Hmm…” Yagura pondered for a moment, “The price for all the bloodline limit ninjas is a bit too high. How about I give you the entire Kaguya clan (also known as the Taketori clan)? Their bloodline limit, Shikotsumyaku, is both offensive and defensive, and is quite powerful. If properly trained, it will definitely become a great help to the village.”

[Damn, you look like an honest, simple-minded boy, but you're actually incredibly wicked.]

Feng Lan couldn't help but roll her eyes. This Kaguya clan wasn't Kaguya Otsutsuki, but a bloodline limit family from the Land of Water. Kimimaro, who was kidnapped by Orochimaru, was the last member of this clan.

But the most profound impression Feng Lan left on them was definitely not the strange and unpredictable bones, but madness.

This clan was absolutely insane, attacking anyone they saw. Even the Uchiha, no matter how crazy they were, only thought of rebelling when they were driven to the brink of despair. But these guys attacked Kirigakure with the full force of their clan just for the thrill of battle, and the result, of course, was the annihilation of their clan.

Yagura and his gang came to exchange for ninja swords, which was a risk-free and highly profitable deal. They also planted a time bomb in Konoha. It can only be said that none of the guys who can sit in the position of Kage are good people.

If Feng Lan hadn't been familiar with the plot, she would have really been tricked by this guy, but now...

"It's a pity," Feng Lan shrugged. "I don't think it'll work. Kaguya's sixth daughter is so outstanding... cough cough, I mean, a workaholic. Let's leave her to the Mizukage to command. But..."

He glanced at Mei Terumi provocatively: "There's a kid in there named Kimimaro who has a lot of potential. He could be used as a bargaining chip, at least to get a ninja sword."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed, and Mei Terumi suffered an even more crushing defeat.

"Hmm?" Sure enough, Yagura's eyes narrowed. "Advisor Fenglan... seems to be quite familiar with the situation in our Kirigakure."

Just as he had thought, Feng Lan's selection of Kimimaro this time was not entirely for Kimimaro. Although this guy was a well-trained, extremely loyal and powerful subordinate, he did not lack manpower, and Kimimaro was at most an extra.

His real goal was to arouse Yagura's suspicion and further muddy the waters of Kirigakure.

As expected, Yagura fell for it. Of course, he couldn't be blamed. Kirigakure has always maintained a closed policy for the Blood Mist Village. Ninjas from other villages would be killed on the spot if they even got close, let alone infiltrate. Although this caused a lot of inconvenience, it was indeed the best in terms of secrecy.

Since there were no outsiders in the village, anyone who looked unfamiliar could simply be killed, making it completely airtight.

In this situation, Feng Lan not only showed that he knew a lot about the Kaguya clan, but he could even specifically ask for a particular member. This seems very suspicious, doesn't it?

Yagura narrowed his eyes, names and images flashing through his mind, and he even turned his head to look at his two guards.

Mei Terumi's complexion had returned to normal, and she tried her best not to appear guilty, but her heart was beating faster and faster.

Seeing Yagura and Mei Terumi's performance, Feng Lan's lips curled up slightly. Even the worst outcome of this situation would make Yagura suspect that the Kaguya clan and Konoha had long been colluding to incite those guys to rebel ahead of time.

The best outcome would be for Kirigakure to fall into chaos, allowing them to seize the opportunity to reap the benefits.

Hehehe, you little brat, you were showing off in front of me last night, weren't you? Haven't you heard that the abbot is petty? Now I'll let you fly if you try to show off!

Chapter 125 Mei Terumi's Determination

The moment Yagura's gaze swept over, Mei Terumi held her breath, trying her best to show a puzzled expression, as if she was also curious about why Fenglan knew about Kirigakure.

Zabuza Momochi's reaction was much more straightforward: "Hey! How did you find out about Kirigakure?"

"You need to be a little more polite." Obito stepped forward, his face ashen.

Feng Lan waved his finger, signaling Obito to go back, still sporting that smiling tiger demeanor: "Guess?"

"you!"

Zabuza, still young at the time, had never been treated like this before, but before he could retaliate, Yagura stopped him: "You have no right to speak here!"

"Yes……"

Zabuza could only obediently retreat, but he felt wronged and angry. Why could the guards of Konoha speak from beginning to end, and they were almost replacing the Hokage, while he was scolded just for saying a word for the village?

Taking advantage of Yagura turning her head away, Terumi Mei glared angrily at Feng Lan, only to see Feng Lan give her a provocative smile. Startled, she quickly lowered her head, knowing that if Yagura saw this, she would be even more unable to explain herself.

Although Yagura didn't notice this detail, he did have some suspicions about Mei Terumi. The reason was simple: Kirigakure was really short of people. He only had a few people he could use. Even if he didn't completely trust those confidants, there was at least a certain level of trust between them. If he eliminated them, then Mei Terumi would be the only one left.

After considering his options, he realized that now was not the time to settle accounts completely, so he continued, "I can offer some more bloodline limit ninjas... not all of them, but including Kimimaro, in exchange for these six ninja swords. However, Advisor Fenglan must return one ninja sword first."

The most important thing right now is to secure the position of Mizukage. Without the protection of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, a Mizukage is not really a Mizukage. Only when the position is secure can we catch the traitor.

“Returning a ninja sword is no problem, but Lord Mizukage should at least offer some kind of guarantee,” Feng Lan said with a smile. “While someone as respectable as you is unlikely to take a ninja sword from us for free, this is, after all, an agreement between villages, and there should be some compensation…”

He habitually rubbed his fingers together, which immediately drew a roll of his eyes from Mei Terumi.

This time, however, she wasn't so lucky and was caught red-handed by Yagura.

The seemingly harmless little boy's gaze sharpened, and he immediately made a decision: "That hero from Sunagakure is currently serving as a liaison officer alongside Advisor Fenglan."

“That’s right.” Feng Lan narrowed his eyes; he already knew what Yagura was planning to do.

“Then, I’ll also send one of my trusted confidants as a contact person and hostage for the subsequent transactions,” Yagura said calmly. “Mei Terumi, you go.”

Upon hearing this, Mei Terumi's face, which had finally regained some color, turned deathly pale again. How could she not understand? She had been discovered!

Although from Yagura's perspective, Terumi Mei was colluding with Fenglan, and sending her there would be like letting a tiger return to the mountain, he did it anyway. This move was a risky one: sending Terumi Mei, the leader, away, and then eliminating her subordinates while she was away.

Now, it is Feng Lan who has been outmaneuvered. Can he accept Mei Terumi? Theoretically, no, because without Mei Terumi, the resistance would be easily wiped out, which does not meet his need to further disrupt the situation in Kirigakure.

But could he refuse Mei Terumi? The answer is no, because Yagura had already pointed out the precedent of Pakura, and the Mizukage's offer of a hostage showed great sincerity. If he refused, it would seem like he had ulterior motives.

Although Konoha is being developed into a ninja world judge, many things still cannot be discussed openly, otherwise it will only become a target of public criticism.

"can."

After quickly analyzing the situation, Feng Lan didn't even hesitate. He immediately unfolded the sealed scroll and took out the Broken Blade - Decapitation Blade.

Yagura's throat bobbed. For a moment, he even had the urge to transform and snatch the scroll, but looking at Minato Namikaze, who was sitting calmly on the sidelines, and then at Obito, who was eyeing him menacingly, he finally gave up the idea.

If I act now, I might really die.

Although Feng Lan looked frail, he had trained with Dai and Jiraiya for so long that he could use the Lotus Flower if he gritted his teeth. A single sword was no problem for him—at least, just holding it was no problem for him.

"Obito." He handed the Executioner's Blade to Obito. "Return it to the Mizukage. Handle it with care."

He wouldn't personally deliver the knife; what if Yagura really decided to take him hostage in exchange for it? It would be such a loss. For someone like Fenglan, his own safety is his top priority.

"Yes."

Obito immediately accepted the order and handed the Executioner's Blade to Yagura with both hands.

Yagura examined it for a moment, and after confirming that it was a real sword, he breathed a sigh of relief and tossed it to Zabuza behind him: "From today onwards, you are the new master of the broken sword, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."

"Yes!"

Zabuza immediately knelt on one knee. Although his face was wrapped in bandages, his eyes were full of excitement: "Your subordinate will certainly not fail in your mission!"

Wow, this kid's got some skills.

Feng Lan narrowed his eyes slightly: [Firstly, he appointed a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist to solidify his position; secondly, he had just reprimanded Zabuza, and now he was using the Executioner's Blade to appease him and resolve his dissatisfaction. It seems Yagura has realized that this straightforward boy is unlikely to plot a rebellion; thirdly, he also used this opportunity to temporarily expel Mei Terumi, who was trying to resist him, from the village, freeing him up to deal with the leaderless rebels... What a brilliant three-birds-with-one-stone strategy!]

As someone who has become the Mizukage, he must have some understanding of political maneuvering, though of course, he's no match for our great benefactor, Maple.

Yagura certainly won, but did Fenglan lose? All he gave up was a captured ninja sword, and the Executioner's Blade was arguably the most useless of the seven swords. Although he hasn't gained anything yet, don't forget that he still has Kisame as his trump card that he hasn't used.

What would happen if Kisame, the divine warrior, were to descend from the sky while Yagura was focused on dealing with the rebels? Hmph!

After Konoha and Kirigakure completed their dirty deal, the Five Kage Summit came to an end. In the end, the summit was just to resolve the issues between Kumogakure and Sunagakure. For now, the two sides have reached a temporary consensus. As for the rest, let Rasa handle it himself. Fenglan doesn't plan to interfere anymore.

I've been planning for him for so long, and we're practically on the last step, the shogun. If Rasa still loses after all this, he shouldn't be the Kazekage. He should just sell Sunagakure to me and go retire.

Feng Lan is his ally; she helps him for personal gain, not because she is his father.

Luo Sha naturally understood this as well, and did not try to ask for help. To put it bluntly, even a dog should bite. If he had to trouble Feng Lan with the follow-up matters, he might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes.

Therefore, he was the first to leave, but before leaving, he still exchanged a few pleasantries with them to show that he had not forgotten the location of Sunagakure.

The other Kage then left one by one. Raikage glared at Feng Lan, seemingly wanting to remember him. Onoki smiled and nodded at them. Although he hadn't gained anything from this meeting, he hadn't been tricked or harmed by Feng Lan either. There weren't many people who could escape unscathed from this guy who was sore on the head and oozing pus from the bottom.

Finally, Yagura, who was the only one left following Zabuza, said coldly, "Hokage-sama, Advisor Fenglan, once I have resolved the matters within the village, I will use appropriate bargaining chips to exchange for other ninja swords."

The implication is that as long as you don't interfere with my efforts to quell the rebellion, the transaction will still be valid afterward.

When Minato left, the atmosphere was somewhat strange. The Five Kage Summit was supposed to only allow three people from each village to attend, but Konoha had four entering and five leaving. If this MapleStory continued to stay, Mifune even suspected he might abduct a few samurai from the Land of Iron.

Furthermore, the relationship between the two new additions, Pakura and Mei Terumi, is quite awkward. The two were at odds over their respective villages in the tavern last night, but now they have become rogue ninja trainees.

As soon as Sunagakure prepares to turn against Konoha, Pakura will be a genuine rogue ninja. As for Mei Terumi, it will be even faster; as soon as Yagura returns to the village, her status as a rogue ninja will be confirmed.

But unlike Pakula, she showed no sadness or confusion, because Mei Terumi was not betrayed by the village; on the contrary, she was determined to save her village!

So on the way back to the inn, Mei Terumi pondered how to break the deadlock, but the more she thought about it, the more desperate she became. As someone sent to Konoha by Yagura as a liaison officer but in reality a hostage, she certainly couldn't leave easily. If she tried to run away... please, that was the Yellow Flash, and it wouldn't be easy to catch her with one hand.

Even if she could escape here and return to Kirigakure before Yagura, she wouldn't have time to organize more, because the resistance's current strength is insufficient, and a rash coup would only result in total annihilation.

Therefore, after much thought, she could only rely on external help. Who could she rely on? It seemed that only Feng Lan could help her, because she couldn't even leave without Feng Lan's consent.

Since this is the only path to take, no matter how difficult it is, we have to try. Therefore, Mei Terumi has been working on her arguments, thinking about how to persuade Fenglan to cooperate with her.

Although she knew it was like asking a tiger for its skin, she had no choice but to do it now. After all, there was still hope if she tried, and if she did nothing, she would only wait to die.

Drinking poison might allow one to live a little longer before dying, but if not drinking poison would mean immediate death, most people would probably choose to drink it, since as long as one lives, there is hope. Moreover, Mei Terumi's hope doesn't just belong to her alone, but to the entire Hidden Mist Village.

She walked at the very back of the group, her boots crunching evenly on the snow, blending with the footsteps of the people in front of her, sounding like the metronome of a group that was falling apart.

Why am I walking here?

The question lingered in her mind, but she couldn't find an answer.

Three hours ago, she was the Fourth Mizukage's bodyguard, the youngest high-ranking combatant in Kirigakure, and the one standing behind Yagura to protect the Mizukage at the meeting. No matter how suffocating the Blood Mist Village was, at least she was still one of their own—she had a position, a status, and someone watching over her.