Chapter 80: Chapter 80 : Do you understand?
Before Kazuhiko spoke, the Third Hokage felt compelled to address the matter directly.
"Dear Uzumaki Clan Head, we are aware of the reason for your visit to Konoha. The unexpected attack by the Hidden Mist Village on the Land of Whirlpools put us in a difficult position. Regrettably, due to a lack of information, we couldn't offer immediate assistance, which was a grave mistake on Konoha's part. Elder Danzo is in charge of our main intelligence, and I, on behalf of Konoha, apologize to you for his oversight."
The Third Hokage stood up and bowed to Kazuhiko, showing sincere remorse. Danzo quickly followed suit, offering his apologies as well. "I deeply regret my failure to act promptly, resulting in our inability to help the Land of Whirlpools in time."
Kazuhiko, seemingly unaffected, remained seated, occasionally sipping sake while enjoying his meal.
A flash of anger crossed Mitokado Homura's eyes as he began to speak, but the Third Hokage interrupted him. "I understand the Clan Head's anger. Even though we had previously reprimanded Danzo and Koharu for their actions, we can comprehend the Land of Whirlpools' frustration."
The Third Hokage maintained a reassuring smile, almost as though he were asking for Kazuhiko's forgiveness.
Kazuhiko remained unresponsive, continuing to eat his meal.
The Third Elder, noticing the Kazuhiko's subtle cues, became incensed.
He slammed the table and retorted, "Do you believe your understanding is enough? It is you who require our forgiveness, and your apologies are almost meaningless! You knew that the Mist Village would attack us and, in advance, we reached out to seek your help. But what was your response? You claimed the Mist Village was merely bluffing, intimidating us! Yet, the Mist Village launched a full-scale assault. Thanks to our Clan Head's preparations and strength, we repelled them and even obtained a Tailed Beast!"
The third elders directly chastised Konoha. The information about the Tailed Beast was strategically leaked by Kazuhiko to emphasize their newfound strength and deterrence, akin to countries possessing nuclear weapons.
The revelation of the Tailed Beast acquisition surprised the Konoha elders. They turned their attention to the Land of Whirlpools and Kazuhiko, with Danzo himself displaying disbelief.
The Third Hokage, already aware of some details, showed no astonishment. The silence that followed confirmed the authenticity of Kazuhiko's statement.
Mitokado Homura, donning glasses, commented, "Given that your land suffered no losses and you gained a Tailed Beast, should you not be grateful to Konoha?"
These words stunned the Uzumaki elders, leaving them at a loss for words. Some Konoha elders supported the sentiment, suggesting that the Land of Whirlpools should express gratitude to Konoha.
Kazuhiko, observing the Uzumaki elders' speechlessness, shook his head. "Indeed, you are still inexperienced compared to the cunning of Konoha."
Kazuhiko put down his chopsticks, attracting everyone's attention. "Your words lack clarity and reasoning. The defeat of the Mist Village was the result of the Land of Whirlpools' collective efforts. Why should we thank Konoha?"
"We defeated the Mist Village, secured the Tailed Beast, and achieved that through our own strength. Why should we thank Konoha, which failed to support or aid us in our time of need?"
"What are we thankful for? Grateful for Konoha's delayed assistance? Grateful for Konoha's betrayal of its allies? Or should we thank Konoha for silently condoning the invasion by the Mist and Cloud Shinobi?"
As Kazuhiko's words grew sharper, the Konoha elders became visibly displeased.
The Third Hokage attempted to interject, but Kazuhiko raised a hand to halt him. "I haven't finished speaking. Please do not interrupt someone's speech casually; it is impolite. Wait until I've concluded, and then you may respond. This is the most basic of etiquette."
With a stern expression, Kazuhiko faced the Third Hokage. Ignoring the latter's increasingly grim countenance, he continued, "If there is anyone we should be thankful for, it is the people of the Land of Whirlpools, our own, and Mito-sama. We owe nothing to anyone present here. Do you understand?"
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