'Couldn't they at least find a new wound to rub salt into?'
The Third Mizukage felt utterly exhausted.
Even with his deep-seated composure, he found himself at a loss for words and retreated into silence.
'You two talk first. When you're done venting, I'll speak.'
However, Tsunade lost interest when he offered no resistance.
She closed the scroll, sat back in her chair, and said, "Lord Mizukage, the Kirigakure's withdrawal is inevitable. Let's discuss the matter of losses.
I'll give you a chance to recoup your losses."
The Third Mizukage's eyes widened slightly as he sized Tsunade up.
Recoup his losses? Was she suggesting a gamble?
"Let's make a bet."
'A gamble? Isn't that just handing the Third Mizukage a free pass to leave? Is it worth getting worked up over half the profits?'
But then Raj realized Tsunade wasn't that foolish.
While her gambling habit stemmed from restlessness, it was also a way for her to test her luck.
With such a massive windfall at stake, she couldn't be foolish enough to just hand the money over.
"How does this gamble work?"
"This isn't your typical wager. The loser gets to dictate the terms. Even though I'm the 'big fat sheep,' the loser actually wins according to the rules. You still have a fifty percent chance of gaining the right to decide the compensation."
Tsunade offered this explanation with a perfectly straight face.
Clearly, she was supremely confident in her gambling luck, believing it only applied to the outcome of the gamble itself.
Raj felt deeply uneasy.
She genuinely might win the dice roll and end up losing the right to determine the compensation.
Fortunately, the Third Mizukage was more level-headed.
"I apologize, but I never gamble. Let's just discuss the compensation terms directly."
National affairs shouldn't rely on such trivial luck.
"Hmph, too scared, are you?"
Tsunade set down the dice.
"Lady Tsunade..."
Minato couldn't help but glance sideways and offer a word of caution.
At some point, Lady Tsunade had begun to openly acknowledge her terrible gambling luck, even taking pride in it.
Her words had also become increasingly erratic and unpredictable, making her subordinates' lives a constant headache.
Moreover, Guy had just been carried back, and his condition still needed Tsunade's examination...
"Alright, I still have patients to attend to. Let's wrap this up quickly. Kumogakure has agreed to help us against the Iwagakure, providing both financial support and ninja tools. What about you?"
"We can also assist against Iwa."
The Third Mizukage felt deeply uncomfortable.
'The Raikage is being far too generous! Not only is he helping us fight Iwa, but he's also offering ninja tools and money? Is this war or charity?'
"That won't be necessary. Kumogakure alone is sufficient to handle Iwa. Are you interested in Sunagakure?"
...
'Who doesn't know the Land of Wind is an arid desert? Sending Kiri Ninja there to fight Sunagakure? Only a commander with brain damage could come up with such a plan! Tsunade, are you trying to get Kirigakure killed?!'
The Third Mizukage narrowed his eyes at Tsunade, who sat calmly in her chair.
Judging by this, Konoha isn't worried about the situations with Iwa and Suna.
They believe Kumogakure's involvement is enough to handle both nations.
Offering money? As an island nation, the Land of Water's resources pale in comparison to the Land of Lightning's.
If it were just about losing the war, we could compensate them and consider it a painful loss.
'But they still hold four of our swords!'
Knowing Tsunade's reputation for squeezing every last penny, she'll probably charge us for the bandages on the sword hilts!
'Kirigakure doesn't have that kind of money.'
"I have an idea, meow."
The three of them immediately turned to look at him, especially Minato, who nearly said aloud, 'Don't cause trouble.'
"Speak," the Third Mizukage said, his gaze fixed on Raj with keen interest.
Information about this creature was scarce, and any interaction was an opportunity to gather intelligence-such as what kind of cat it was and how intelligent it might be.
"The Three-Tails, the Six-Tails, or members of the Snow Clan or Corpse Bone Pulse, meow."
Raj licked his paw.
The first two were Tailed Beasts.
Though their current location...
Within Kirigakure was unknown, it was unlikely they would be offered in a trade.
As for the latter two... The Third Mizukage fell silent.
He was not the Fourth Kazekage, manipulated by Obito.
While Kirigakure's control was strict, its foundations were clear: both the Snow Clan and Corpse Bone Pulse were vital components of the village's military strength.
Surrendering them would undermine Kirigakure's very foundation.
"Impossible."
"If this won't do and that won't do, are you trying to weasel out of your debt, Mizukage? You're making things very difficult for us, meow."
With a swipe of his paw, the table collapsed.
Tsunade shot a cold glance at the wreckage, silently adding it to the bill, then nodded.
"Mizukage, Raj is right. You must offer proper compensation. Otherwise, Kirigakure will need a new Mizukage. As for the other Ninja Blades, we're perfectly capable of taking them by force."
A blunt threat, but highly effective.
After witnessing Konoha's daring raid to kidnap him, the Third Mizukage realized the Flying Thunder God duo was unstoppable.
If they truly wanted the blades, they could easily take them.
Though it pained him deeply, he knew he had to cut his losses.
"We can provide Konoha with funds, ninja tools, and Exploding Tags. In exchange, we request the four Ninja Blades in your possession, along with access to certain Ninjutsu from the Land of Water," the Third Mizukage proposed.
"Meow~ We only have the Blunt Blade and the Executioner's Blade. The other two aren't with us," Raj lied, his eyes wide and innocent.
Tsunade nodded in agreement.
Though the crackling sounds of Lightning Release echoed outside, they would never admit the truth.
As for the Blunt Blade and the Executioner's Blade... They were returning them because these blades weren't particularly valuable.
After studying their construction, Konoha's advanced technology and abundant resources would make it easy to replicate a few.
The Lightning Blade and Samehada, however, were irreplaceable.
"Then I'll trade Kirigakure's Lightning Release Ninjutsu and swordsmanship techniques for the Blunt Blade and the Executioner's Blade," the Third Mizukage quickly accepted reality, even offering the Thunder Blade: Kiba's associated Ninjutsu and sword techniques as part of the deal.
Naturally, Tsunade rejected his initial terms.
After further haggling, Kirigakure added the Water Prison Technique and Water Shark Bullet Technique to the exchange.
With these matters settled, Tsunade left the tent to check on Guy.
As for the Third Mizukage, he declared his intention to visit his "fellow prisoner," the Third Raikage.
To put it simply, the two had once been allies.
Raj generously offered to guide him.
When they found the Third Raikage, he was teaching Kakashi, a young Konoha prodigy.
Kakashi's talent for Lightning Release was exceptional, but he had been struggling with unanswered questions.