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The conference room still seated six individuals—the Kage of the other villages, along with the Third Hokage.
Kazuki had no intention of hiding these matters from him.
Despite having his dirty laundry aired out by Kazuki, which had humiliated him greatly, the Third Hokage still shamelessly insisted on participating. Fortunately, Kazuki didn't reject his involvement, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.
As for the matter regarding Hatake Sakumo…
The Third Hokage could no longer be bothered. He had given up—completely given up!
After all, he was the Third Hokage of the village. It wasn't easy for the village to hold him accountable for past misdeeds. At worst, Kakashi would lose all faith in him and cut ties entirely.
Strangely enough, the longer one wallowed in defeat, the more it became a habit. The Third Hokage was nearly accustomed to the taste of resignation.
Kazuki raised an eyebrow and said, "The item belongs to Konoha. I suggest it be kept here."
He knew someone would inevitably oppose, so he might as well get the ball rolling.
"No!"
Sure enough, as soon as Kazuki finished speaking, Ōnoki frowned and objected:
"Kazuki, this isn't personal, nor is it directed at Konoha. It's just that there are too many unreliable people in your village. I don't trust Konoha to safeguard this Sharingan."
Ōnoki's words were cutting, and his gaze lingered pointedly on the Third Hokage.
Who's unreliable? Everyone knows. No need to spell it out.
"..."
The Third Hokage wanted to curse.
Might as well just say my ninja registration number outright!
"I agree with the Tsuchikage."
The more secrets he learned about Konoha, the more A looked down on the Third Hokage—and the old men who had once danced to his tune.
A bunch of incompetent fools who ruin everything they touch.
With them around, even the safest place could become a liability.
Thus, the Sharingan could not remain in Konoha.
What the hell…
The Third Hokage's composure shattered completely. If Ōnoki's distrust merely angered him, A's agreement and contemptuous glare broke his defenses entirely.
What nearly made him spit blood was Yagura and Rasa nodding in silent agreement.
The Third Hokage was no longer trustworthy—neither were his old cronies. Therefore, Obito's Sharingan was better off in another village.
'Hahaha…'
Outwardly, Kazuki remained expressionless, but inwardly, he was laughing his head off.
Exposing the truth about Hatake Sakumo had not been in vain—the Third Hokage was now permanently branded as untrustworthy.
"Since you all believe Konoha is unreliable, I'll leave the decision to you."
Kazuki adopted an expression of frustration and suppressed anger, making it clear that he was furious yet helpless.
Dragged down by useless teammates—what else could he do?
No need to name names. The one nobody trusted was obvious.
"Sunagakure currently lacks the resources to guard it."
After some thought, Rasa chose to withdraw.
It wasn't that he wanted to, but Suna was in no state to take on the responsibility.
Already impoverished and forced into an elite-focused strategy—yet failing to master its essence—the village had just lost another batch of skilled shinobi.
They couldn't afford further risks.
So Rasa bowed out, leaving it to the other three villages.
"Kirigakure also withdraws."
Kiri had suffered enough disasters. Their situation was no better than Suna's. If the Akatsuki targeted them next, they'd be finished. Better to pass the burden elsewhere.
Had it not been for fear of retaliation, Yagura wouldn't have wasted time sitting here—much less handing over village spoils.
In the past, if someone had told him an organization could threaten Kiri, Yagura would've scoffed.
An organization strong enough to challenge an entire village? Ridiculous!
But after witnessing Akatsuki's power, he no longer dared to underestimate them.
In fact, he was more worried about a revenge-driven Obito or other Akatsuki members fixating on Kiri.
"So it's just the two of us?"
Ōnoki hadn't expected Suna and Kiri to back out after Konoha's withdrawal.
But given their circumstances, it was understandable.
"In that case… I don't trust Iwagakure's defenses. I propose the Sharingan be stored in Kumogakure.
With the joint seals placed by each village, there should be no concerns about Kumo attempting to crack them to study the Sharingan."
"I have full confidence in my village's ability to protect it."
The rivalry between Kumo and Iwa was nothing new. Given Kumo's domineering nature, they would never pass up such an opportunity.
"..."
Ōnoki's eye twitched.
As insufferable as ever. The Third Raikage was a nuisance, and the Fourth is no better!
"Hmph!"
After a tense internal debate, Ōnoki ultimately gave up arguing with A and conceded.
Fine. If Kumo wants it, let them take it.
Just hope the Akatsuki doesn't find it—or better yet, targets Kumo instead. Let's see how smug you are then.
"Ahem."
With the matter settled, Kazuki cleared his throat to regain everyone's attention.
"Despite the earlier unpleasantness, I hope we can all keep this secret. If the Akatsuki obtains this Sharingan, none of us benefit."
The simplest solution would've been to destroy it.
Yet Kazuki didn't suggest it, and the others ignored the option entirely.
"Lord Third, can you handle the sealing?"
Finally, Kazuki couldn't resist twisting the knife.
You're not needed for decision-making—just sit there like a mascot. But when it comes to labor, that's your job.
"..."
You're really something, Uchiha Kazuki.
Even Ōnoki, who had been glaring at A, momentarily forgot his irritation as he watched the Third Hokage's aggrieved expression.
Misery loves company—and seeing someone worse off does ease the pain.
No matter how resentful or humiliated the Third Hokage felt, if it was for the village, he had no choice but to comply.
Since he was proficient in sealing techniques, Kazuki dumped the task on him.
Set whatever seals you want. Just get it done.
The rest is none of my concern.
With major decisions finalized, Kazuki left the trivialities to the Third Hokage and Nara Shikaku.
Let the old man contribute while he still can.
Otherwise, once he returned to the village, he'd likely sink into depression.
After all, losing over a hundred elite clansmen in Amegakure was no small matter for the Sarutobi. He'd have a wonderful homecoming.
With the bulk of the work delegated, Kazuki prepared to return to Konoha once Kiri delivered the Byakugan.
As the frontline commander, he needed to ensure the safe return of the several-hundred-strong transport unit.
As for the Third Hokage? He'd have to stay behind to complete the sealing. Only when that was done could he go home.
The Five Great Shinobi Villages' joint offensive against the Akatsuki had ended in mutual devastation.
Overall, Konoha didn't lose out—nor did Kazuki.
The Uchiha, however, profited immensely, as their name had been cleared.
Konoha also gained substantial benefits and extorted a hefty sum from the others.
Had the Third Hokage not stubbornly dragged a hundred Sarutobi elites into battle, this round would've been an absolute win for Konoha.