Chapter 23: Chapter 23 : Dumbfounded Makato!!
Tobirama summoned all the clan heads for a meeting with a clear purpose in mind.
"Isn't the Hidden Cloud Village trying to stall and evade their debts?"
"I intend to send troops to the border of the Land of Lightning to see if they dare to deny their obligations."
"Everyone," he addressed the gathered leaders, "the Hidden Cloud Village appears unwilling to honor their debts. I propose deploying troops to their border to apply pressure. Who is in agreement, and who disagrees?"
The authority of Senju Tobirama was unmatched, even compared to the Third Hokage's era.
Throughout his reign, he had to meticulously explain his decisions to each clan. Should any dissent arise, he employed various means to persuade them.
Why did this persist?
Was it due to insufficient prestige?
Moreover, with figures like Danzo causing trouble, few dared oppose openly. Privately, however, frustration simmered towards these two.
Contrasting this with Orochimaru's assault on Konoha, where the Third Hokage stood alone atop the roof in battle. Save for a few Anbu stationed outside the Four Purple Flame Formation, no one came to his aid.
Might Guy, eager to assist, was restrained by Kakashi.
Senju Tobirama operated differently.
Though he convened meetings ostensibly to gather opinions, in reality, it remained a one-man show.
Would anyone dare to challenge this?
"Excellent. Since there are no objections, we shall mobilize our forces accordingly," Tobirama declared.
At this, a clan head from a smaller clan voiced a hesitant query, "Mobilize with great fanfare?"
"Indeed," Tobirama affirmed. "Our primary objective is to ensure the Hidden Cloud Village fulfills their contractual obligations. We do not seek war. A larger display will exert greater pressure on them."
"What if Kumogakure refuses to give it to us?"
"Wouldn't it be better if they refuse to give it to us? Then we could use that as a pretext to start a war."
Glancing calmly at the speaker, Senju Tobirama asked, "Are you afraid?"
The Uchiha clan leader replied, "What's there to fear? If Kumogakure dares to defy us, we'll go to war."
The Hyuga clan leader added, "That's right. In Konoha, we fear no enemy."
The Shimura clan head scoffed, "They're just reckless men from the Hidden Cloud Village. I'm not afraid of them."
"Alright then, since no one fears war, what are we waiting for? Go back and prepare. In three days, we'll officially send troops to the border of the Land of Lightning."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Konoha swiftly regrouped its forces and prepared to attack Kumogakure with great fanfare.
That very night, the Hidden Cloud Village spy sent out the information under cover of darkness.
Three days later, as Tobirama Senju personally led the Konoha ninjas to the border of the Land of Lightning, the Third Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village received the information from his spies.
"Pah~"
Upon seeing the intelligence, the Third Raikage couldn't help but smash his desk to pieces.
"Those bastards in Konoha are really pushing it."
Ai was greatly annoyed.
Not only did Konoha not follow his expectations, but Tobirama Senju himself led the team to the Land of Lightning. Wasn't this provocation?
Seeing the furious Third Raikage, his secretary tried to calm him: "Lord Raikage, Konoha might not actually intend to go to war with us."
"I know, but I dare not take that chance."
In the recent war, while Kumogakure suffered heavy losses, Konoha also faced difficulties.
If they were to go to war with Kumogakure again, would Tobirama Senju not worry that other nations might take advantage of the situation?
The conflict between Kirigakure and Iwagakure has finally ended, and Sunagakure has been prospering for quite some time. Is the Second Hokage really not concerned?
Yet, the Hidden Cloud Village dares not take any risks.
If war were to break out with Konoha again, the losses would be devastating.
"Damn it, Tobirama Senju, that old man has impeccable timing."
The Third Raikage cursed angrily, then turned to his secretary and ordered, "Issue the order to prepare the compensation outlined in the contract immediately. I won't give Konoha the chance to provoke war."
"Yes, Lord Raikage."
As Tobirama Senju led the Konoha ninja forces and slowly approached the border of the Land of Lightning,
The Third Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village had been waiting there for some time.
"Hokage-sama, what brings you here?"
This time, the Hidden Cloud Village had brought a considerable number of people.
If Konoha were to take the compensation without moral scruples and still seek conflict, Kumogakure would not be defenseless.
"Do you believe me if I say I'm here for sightseeing?"
Who the hell travels like this?
Does anyone travel to another country with an army?
Anyone who believes that is a fool.
"I don't believe it."
"Since you don't believe me, why don't you hand over the compensation? Or should I fetch it myself?"
The Third Raikage clenched his fists so tightly that the veins on his forehead seemed ready to burst.
He kept reminding himself to stay calm, to restrain himself, because losing control would spell trouble for the Hidden Cloud Village.
"Give it to him."
With gritted teeth, Ai uttered these three words to his secretary before turning his gaze towards Konoha.
Shortly after, the secretary instructed several Kumogakure ninjas to deliver the prepared compensation and supplies to Konoha.
Senju Tobirama wasted no time. With a decisive wave of his hand, he summoned the clan head and they departed swiftly.
For a moment, both sides resembled factions in society, poised to wage war over territorial claims. Yet, in the next moment, as Konoha withdrew, Kumogakure followed suit, vanishing without a trace.
"Konoha, just wait. I, the Third Raikage, will not forget this humiliation."
After settling the so-called compensation, the Hidden Cloud Village faced challenging years ahead. Witnessing his subordinates' dwindling morale, the Raikage wished he possessed the eloquence of his predecessors.
Since the first generation, none of the Raikage had been known for their oratory skills. They could lead in battle but struggled to inspire with words.
Fortunately, he had Makato, a capable secretary.
"Makato, you have a way with words. Tonight, after dinner, help me lift their spirits."
"Me?"
Makato was taken aback by the Raikage's request. He was merely a civilian secretary, accustomed to handling paperwork and conveying orders.
Boosting the morale of these battle-hardened ninjas? He wanted to decline, but he knew refusal would mean losing his job, replaced by someone more compliant.
After considering it, he didn't outright refuse but responded tactfully, "Lord Raikage, I'm just a secretary. I'm afraid they won't heed my words."
"It's simple. I'll promote you now. From this moment on, you'll be the Secretary-General of the Raikage's Office."
Upon hearing about the promotion, Makato's eyes brightened, and he asked, "Excuse me, Raikage-sama, what exactly does the Secretary-General do?"
"Well,"
Raikage Ai hesitated briefly before answering, "Basically, still a secretary."
Makato: ???
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