This led to a unified thought among the people of Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure:
With Konoha's help… could we really live better lives?
Just as the crowd murmured with curiosity, Rasa stepped forward, lifted the microphone, and took a deep breath. His expression turned solemn, his voice firm, sincere.
"To the people of Sunagakure—our village lives in the harshest environment in the entire ninja world. Sand surrounds us in every direction. Sandstorms and droughts constantly reduce our living space."
"Water and fertile land are our greatest challenges. Many families—civilians, children—can only bathe in sand."
"But now, after negotiations, Konoha has agreed to assist us in reforestation. We will use our oasis as the center and plant trees outward from there. Even Iwagakure and Amegakure have pledged to help us build a waterway from the Land of Rain to divert water to the Land of Wind!"
As soon as those words left Rasa's mouth, the citizens of Sunagakure erupted in chaos.
"My god! I'm still dreaming, right? Konoha, Amegakure, and Iwagakure are actually going to help us expand our oasis and bring in water!?"
"This… this feels unreal. The Land of Rain floods all year. If they help divert water to the Land of Wind, both countries' environments could improve."
"Us merchants call this true win-win cooperation!"
…
The people of Sunagakure were overwhelmed with emotion—but Rasa wasn't finished.
"Everyone, we of the Sand Village are not ungrateful."
"Since the Rain Village, Konoha, and Iwagakure are willing to help us solve our problems and improve our lives, we will do everything we can to repay that kindness."
"Though Sunagakure lacks water, we are rich in minerals and black oil resources!"
"With the organization and support of Konoha, we will return the favor by supplying those materials, so that we all prosper through this alliance."
Once Rasa finished, cheers erupted across Sunagakure, Konoha, Iwagakure, and even the guests from Amegakure.
"That's amazing! We get snowfall in Konoha during winter and produce a lot every year. With black oil, we don't need to chop wood to keep warm anymore!"
"In Amegakure, it rains nonstop. There's barely any wood to burn, and too many have frozen to death in past winters. If we had black oil, things would be different…"
"Iwagakure is all stone. We have some ore and trees, but they're hard to mine or cut. These resources could change our lives!"
"...Tch. My brother died by Iwagakure's hands..."
"Sand ninjas killed dozens of ours back during the last war…"
Despite the goodwill, bitter voices still lingered in the crowd. But Rasa could finally relax. He knew not everyone would agree—but at least many people supported his words.
At the edge of the arena tunnel, Uchiha Hikaru leaned silently against the wall, watching everything unfold.
The true cause of the Ninja World Wars was the unequal distribution of resources.
You couldn't expect all villages to suddenly speak openly and sincerely.
But if someone—one person strong enough to tip the balance—could force everyone to the table, real change could happen.
People might resist at first. But as life gradually improved, the next generation would carry less hatred than the last.
As for those extremists, the kind who refused to let go of vengeance?
They were short-sighted. Sacrifices would be inevitable.
After all, they'd been given a better future. If they still insisted on dragging the world into chaos, then... justice would find them.
Just then, Ōnoki of the Hidden Stone raised the microphone before the Raikage could speak.
"Let an old man speak first," Ōnoki said. His voice was raspy, but steady. "To the people of Iwagakure—and to everyone in the ninja world—I've seen the worst of humanity."
"I lived through the Warring States Period. I survived three ninja wars."
"And after all that, I've come to understand one truth: War only brings more pain. You lose your friends, your family, your homeland. And even if you win... what's left?"
"Just more death. More grief."
"The hatred between ninja villages has lasted far too long. The older I get, the more helpless I feel."
He straightened, staring directly into the crowd.
"But now—for the first time—I see hope. I see a chance for hatred to end with your generation."
"Some of you might still feel rage. You want revenge for past crimes. That's fine."
"If you hate Iwagakure... then hate me. Come after me. My life is right here."
"I've lived long enough! If you have the skill to kill me, do it. But be ready to pay the price. I'm still a Kage!"
His words silenced the murmurs.
The people who'd been whispering about revenge—those who'd lost loved ones—were now frozen.
Could they really assassinate a Kage? Even if they did, what about the consequences? His family? His successors?
Was it really worth it?
Maybe... maybe it was better just to live. Peace wasn't so bad.
Then, finally, the Raikage stepped up. His fists were clenched, electricity crackling faintly around him. He forced himself to ignore his irritation toward Ōnoki.
"Everyone in the ninja world—my thoughts are the same as Iwagakure's."
"If you have a grudge against Kumogakure, then come for me. My life is here. Take it."
"If you manage to kill me, Kumogakure won't retaliate."
As Ai spoke, arcs of bright-blue lightning surged across his body. It wasn't just a speech—it was a challenge.
Tsunade glared at him instantly, her eyes narrowing.
Damn it, idiot! If you can't make a speech like Ōnoki, then just shut up!
The Raikage realized his blunder and quickly dispersed the chakra. The lightning faded. His tone calmed.
"To everyone in Kumogakure—our village is high in the mountains. We have supplies, yes, but only enough for daily life. Not enough to thrive."
"I'm sure you've all seen what life in Konoha is like. Starting now, we'll begin importing goods from Konoha too. When you return home, you'll live better."
"And we won't just take—we'll give back as well."
"We'll no longer restrict exports of Thunder Wine or rare medicinal herbs—our specialties from the Land of Lightning. From now on, anyone will be able to buy them!"
"Let's move forward. Together."
Back at the tunnel entrance, Uchiha Hikaru rubbed his forehead and sighed.
Tch… barely passable. Ai's first half was rough, aggressive, tone-deaf.
But at least the second half didn't piss people off.
Good enough—for now.
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Send Power Stones
Bonus Chapter at 150 Power Stone
Second Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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