The implication is that sending Karai back to the Hidden Cloud won't change anything. He might die on the way back.
"Damn it!"
The Fourth Raikage clenched his fist, watching his subordinate die was truly frustrating.
Since that's the case, negotiations with the Nokizaru Group are the only option.
Next time, he will bring people to completely annihilate the Woods Village and retrieve the Secret Jutsu Scroll.
"Don't worry too much, Raikage. When I went out earlier, I saw someone in the street who might have a way to heal Karai's injury."
Amayi hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Hmm? Quickly, who is it?"
The Fourth Raikage hastily asked upon hearing there was someone who could heal Karai.
If this is the case, then there's no need to bow down to the Nokizaru Group.
"One of the Konoha Sannin, Lady Tsunade. She is traveling in this small town and temporarily staying in another nearby inn."
Amayi revealed the person's identity.
"Tsunade!?"
The Fourth Raikage was first surprised, then frowned deeply.
"Indeed."
Amayi nodded.
Honestly, he didn't want to mention this because asking for help from another ninja village would be a loss of face for the Raikage.
But Amayi, considering Karai's life was at stake, felt that the next steps depended on the Raikage's decision.
"In that case, go find Tsunade to treat Karai."
The Fourth Raikage didn't ponder for long and decided to seek Tsunade's assistance.
As for losing face, the Fourth Raikage was mentally prepared.
No matter how much disdain he faces from Konoha's Sannin, it's better than bowing to a bounty hunter and losing the Five Kage's dignity.
◎
At the center of the Great Forest of the Land of Bear lies the Hidden Star Village.
On the territory belonging to the Hidden Star Village, the housing style remains relatively simple and unadorned, just a refurbishment of the original Hidden Star Village buildings. Whether hospitals, Ninja Schools, or the office of the Hoshikage, these important places are not considered very refined.
Within the Hidden Star Village, even decent-sized streets are rarely seen, and the ninjas and villagers seem to live peaceful lives, rising with the sun and resting with its setting.
Yet all this peaceful appearance is merely a facade.
Near the Hoshikage's office, inside a massive water tower, lies a secret path leading to the depths underground.
Compared to the above ground village, beneath the Hidden Star Village is where the true secret of the village lies.
Houses made of cement and steel are far sturdier than wood construction and less susceptible to decay. Moreover, there are extensive streets, commercial areas, schools, hospitals, weapon manufacturing military factories, and large warehouses storing food and supplies—it's all here.
More people live underground than on the surface.
No one could imagine that beneath the Hidden Star Village lies a town far larger than the village itself.
The small town now has a population of tens of thousands, settled here.
Despite its modest scale, opening up such a town underground is a vast undertaking.
Even using Ninja Techniques to excavate, it's not a task that can be accomplished overnight.
After all, considering the sturdiness of the underground space and the collection of light sources, it's a project that requires a tremendous amount of time and money.
The underground space is illuminated by a special glowing bulb that collects sunlight from outside and is powered by Chakra, ensuring long-lasting light and preventing people from living in darkness. Plants here also effectively perform photosynthesis, ensuring sufficient oxygen.
The underground town is the true Hidden Star Village today.
The simple village outside is merely a guise to fool outsiders.
Many things here should not be casually exposed to the light.
Although the Land of Wind lost the war, it has allowed the Land of Demons to enter the sights of major nations.
Now, both the nearby Land of Wind and the Land of Earth have become extremely sensitive to any actions of the Land of Demons.
Even forcing the Land of Wind to sign a compensation agreement took considerable time and effort. If it were announced now that the Hidden Star Village has become a subsidiary force of the Land of Demons, it would certainly face interference from both the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth.
Due to a decade of the witch's preaching and benevolent acts along with the Land of Demons' rise, the Land of Bear, similar to the Land of Shadow, has started flourishing with the witch's culture, causing the Daimyo and nobility to lose much of their authority over the populace.
The Land of Demons is just a step away from taking over the entire Land of Bear.
"You're living quite well here, Akakage."
The middle-aged man sitting in the office appears ordinary in every respect, like a farmer who regularly tends to his fields, belonging to the unremarkable type.
But he is the leader of a group within the intelligence agency of the military forces of the Land of Demons.
Code name: Ugly Ox.
The mission of his group is to ensure the Land of Demons can smoothly take over the Land of Bear. They've been active in the Land of Bear for many years, currently handling the wrapping-up work.
Opposite him is a young man with a cold demeanor and handsome features.
Sitting there, he appears silent and aloof, not taking Ugly Ox's teasing to heart.
His name is Akakage, also a member of the intelligence agency under the military of the Land of Demons.
Now he's the new leader of the Hidden Star Village. Outwardly, he submits to the Daimyo of the Land of Bear, while secretly collaborating with Ugly Ox, waiting for the right time to capture the Land of Bear.