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"They're just kids…" Ōnoki said instinctively.
"Ahem!" Kazuki coughed, caught off guard.
To think he'd hear such an excuse in the ninja world.
Kids?
Did Ōnoki even think before speaking?
Kazuki's reaction made Ōnoki's dark face flush slightly, though his complexion hid it well.
Even he hadn't expected himself to say something so… embarrassing.
The term "kids" didn't hold water in the ninja world.
Countless children graduated from the academy at a young age and stepped onto the battlefield. Underestimating someone because they were a "kid" had led to the downfall of many ninjas.
In short, in the ninja world—especially outside the village—never underestimate anyone, even a child. They might take your life the moment your guard is down.
Kazuki's expression turned odd. "What do you think would happen if word of this got out?"
"…"
I'd be laughed to death!
"Deidara and Kurotsuchi left the village secretly to tail someone. I had no idea. If I'd known, I wouldn't have let them leave."
"Uh-huh," Kazuki replied.
And? Did Ōnoki think a single sentence would sweep this under the rug?
Uh-huh, my foot!
Ōnoki was so furious he wanted to punch Kazuki's smug face.
"What price do I need to pay to take Deidara and Kurotsuchi back?" he asked, cutting to the chase.
Beating around the bush with this kid was pointless. Being direct was the best approach.
"That depends on what the Rock Village is willing to offer," Kazuki said, kicking the ball back.
Since Ōnoki cared so much about his granddaughter and disciple, what price was he prepared to pay to get them back?
Don't try to fool me, Ōnoki. I, Uchiha Kazuki, am not that easy to deceive.
Cunning little brat.
Ōnoki cursed inwardly.
In negotiations like this, the one who made the first offer was at a disadvantage.
Kazuki held firm, knowing he had the upper hand—after all, the hostages were in Konoha. If Ōnoki wanted them back, he'd have to name his terms.
Once Ōnoki laid out his offer, Kazuki would decide whether to release them.
"Kazuki, this meaningless talk is a waste of time. What exactly do I need to do to take them back?" Ōnoki pressed.
Negotiating terms was out of the question—it would only let Kazuki lead him by the nose, something Ōnoki refused to allow.
Deidara and Kurotsuchi were important, but as the Tsuchikage, he couldn't let himself be manipulated.
Otherwise, one misstep could cause the Rock Village to take a major fall.
"What does the Rock Village have to offer Konoha?" Kazuki asked with a chuckle.
"People? Sorry, Konoha has plenty of those. Your village, on the other hand, is short on population, so let's not bother with that. Money? I doubt the Rock Village's finances are in great shape. Same goes for supplies."
Despite the Rock Village's military strength being among the top of the five great ninja villages, their economy was lackluster—only slightly better than the Sand and Mist Villages.
The Rock Village's growth was tied to their heavy investment in military development. While Konoha and the Cloud Village might allocate a portion of their revenue to military expenses, the Rock Village poured in a much larger share, sometimes even more than half.
After years of recovery, Konoha's economy had stabilized. The village's finances were no longer as strained as they were when Tsunade first became Hokage.
As a result, Kazuki had little interest in petty offers of money or supplies.
"We'll release them if the Rock Village does one thing for Konoha," Kazuki said, raising a finger and wagging it.
"What thing?" Ōnoki asked warily.
He didn't need to guess—it wouldn't be anything good.
Ōnoki would rather Kazuki demand a hefty sum of money or a batch of supplies, like in the past, than agree to some vague "favor."
That was a massive trap, one that would be hard to climb out of.
Unfortunately, Kazuki wasn't interested in money or supplies, leaving Ōnoki in a bind.
"So, the Tsuchikage agrees?" Kazuki said, surprised by the quick response. "That's not like you, Ōnoki."
Ōnoki snorted. "If I don't agree, will you release Deidara and Kurotsuchi?"
"Nope," Kazuki said, shaking his head decisively.
Why would he let go of hostages who'd practically delivered themselves to him?
They were caught fair and square, and now Ōnoki had come begging. Why would Kazuki let them go so easily?
It wasn't like he'd gone to the Rock Village to kidnap them.
The fault lay with Ōnoki's side—no one could argue otherwise.
"Fine, name it. As long as it's something I and the Rock Village can do without harming the village, we'll help Konoha with this favor."
"It's not about can do—it's about must do," Kazuki corrected.
Still trying to play games at a time like this?
Kazuki wasn't falling for it. "I can guarantee it won't harm the Rock Village's development or put you at a loss. You can rest assured, Tsuchikage."
As if I'd believe you.
Ōnoki had no interest in arguing semantics with Kazuki. If he didn't agree to the condition, Konoha wouldn't release the hostages. He had no choice but to nod.
With the terms set, Kazuki grinned, showing two rows of gleaming white teeth. "I need the Rock Village to publicly denounce the Grass Ninja Village on Konoha's behalf and then openly eliminate their leadership, replacing them with new people."
"What? Impossible! The Rock Village will never do that!" Ōnoki exclaimed, nearly jumping out of his chair.
What a vicious move!
Just days ago, the Rock Village had colluded with the Grass Ninja Village to give Konoha a show of force. Now Kazuki was demanding that Ōnoki publicly condemn the Grass Ninja Village and send forces to openly attack and wipe out their leadership.
What kind of nonsense was this?
The Rock Village had already turned a blind eye to the Grass Ninja Village's affairs, which was bad enough. Doing this would utterly ruin their reputation.
No small nation or village would dare ally with the Rock Village in the future, fearing they'd be betrayed and "cleaned up" too.
Kazuki's move was ruthless.
If Ōnoki agreed, the Rock Village's image among smaller villages would be tarnished forever.
"Fine, then. If that's the case, Konoha will have to keep them," Kazuki said. "Don't worry, Tsuchikage. I'll make sure to tell Deidara and Kurotsuchi that you chose the Grass Ninja Village over them."