Saving Uchiha, Starts by Flipping The Table

What now? It seems like Konohagakure might decline. 

Don't look at me, I don't know either—let's wait! 

Samui and Mabui exchanged glances, patiently waiting for Yan's response. 

Besides, the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure didn't even know about this yet! 

Even if Yan disagreed, the Fifth Hokage might not necessarily refuse, right? 

"I'm sorry." 

The two of them still heard the words they least wanted to hear. 

Yan placed the invitation on the table and said with regret: 

"Although our village hates the Akatsuki as well and would love to wipe them out, the village is currently struggling with its own issues and doesn't have the extra strength to do this. So regarding Raikage's invitation, I can only say sorry on behalf of the village." 

"Oh, by the way, right now I handle all external affairs for the village. I represent the village and the Hokage." 

You don't need to hold onto any hope of going to Tsunade! 

If I refuse, it means Tsunade refuses as well. 

Konohagakure simply doesn't have the capacity to participate in this, so you'll have to find another way, Kumogakure Village. 

This was definitely not good news. 

Samui and Mabui looked at each other, and Mabui stepped forward, speaking sincerely: 

"Although your village has experienced some unfortunate events recently, surely it hasn't reached the point where you can't send any forces to participate in this operation, right?" 

Previously, Konohagakure had gone through an earthquake, and the whole ninja world's nations and villages were eagerly watching the spectacle, happily enjoying the show. 

Eating snacks and sipping soda—what fun! 

Konohagakure finally managed to reach some stability. They believe we've suffered heavy losses. 

After all, it was quite a mess! 

But to say you can't send even a few people? That doesn't seem right, does it? 

After all, you're still one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. If you squeeze a little, surely there's something you can contribute. 

Why refuse so quickly? 

"No, you've misunderstood."

Yan's face showed some awkwardness as he hesitantly said:

"Konohagakure didn't suffer much in terms of manpower. Even after cleaning out some of the people who were damaging the village's interests, we're still one of the five great ninja villages, so it's not like we're running out of capable people. What I'm talking about is that the village's finances are tight, and we don't have the extra funds to support a military operation like this."

Short on people?

What kind of joke is that? Konohagakure might not have the most ninjas of the five great villages, but we're certainly not that far behind Kumogakure Village or Iwagakure Village.

Tsunade is constantly troubled by ninjas in the village who can't find work and is racking her brain trying to figure out how to provide for them.

What we're short on is money!

Money!

Do you get it?

How can we launch any military action without money?!

"Uh..."

Samui and Mabui had considered many possibilities, but they never expected Yan to come out with something like this. The corners of their mouths twitched slightly, finding it hard to believe that Konohagakure could be this strapped for cash.

Seeing their speechless, doubtful expressions, Yan just shrugged, spreading his hands and sighing:

"As embarrassing as it is, I won't hide it from you. Our Hokage is stressed out every day over money. There are a lot of ninjas in the village to support, but the village's budget is a bit tight."

"So, in this matter, your village might want to figure something else out. Konohagakure really can't help."

"We..."

"Ladies, do you really think that if Konohagakure wasn't in such a financial bind, we'd be throwing out intelligence on Akatsuki? Or selling off information about the Sage's Eye? Think about it carefully. Your village is interested in the Sage's Eye, and so is Konohagakure, but unfortunately..."

"..."

After being sent out of the Hokage's office, Samui and Mabui were still in a bit of a daze. They had prepared for all sorts of challenges before coming, but none of what they imagined happened.

All they got was Yan complaining about how broke they were!

Konohagakure was too poor to dare initiate any military action, so they were just opting out of the whole thing.

Demanding money like mercenaries?

That would be too undignified. After all, Konohagakure is one of the five great ninja villages. If we're going to ask for money, there needs to be some tact.

How could we just flat out ask for money?

"Let's report back to Raikage-sama first."

Mabui sighed. Given the current situation, they didn't know what to do, so they had no choice but to relay the message back and let Raikage decide.

Will they give up on Konohagakure as an ally or offer a helping hand?

These weren't decisions that two Jonin like them could make.

Not long ago, Konohagakure captured several spies from Kumogakure Village. 

To avoid misunderstandings, Samui and Mabui stayed put. 

The two of them patiently rested at the accommodations arranged by Konohagakure while waiting for news from their village. 

"How are the talks going?" 

After Yan sent Mabui and Samui off, Tsunade arrived with Shizune. 

"I think it's going okay. Now we just need to see if Raikage is willing to cooperate and how determined he is. If Raikage is serious about dealing with the Akatsuki and wants to unite the other villages to take action, then he'll willingly hand over the money. He might even discuss with us how to keep this under wraps." 

Yan had Raikage figured out perfectly. 

Want revenge? 

Want benefits? 

Want the Rinnegans? 

Then pay up! 

Just send the money over, and we at Konohagakure will stand by your side in Kumogakure Village. 

If you don't pay? Then you're on your own. 

"Cough cough!!!" 

Seeing Yan act so cocky, Tsunade nearly choked and said with an exasperated look, 

"Do you really think Raikage is that foolish? Does he think he's a big, fat sheep for you to slaughter?" 

"No, no, no, Raikage isn't stupid. The stupid one is you. You have all these ways to make money but are stuck on how to do it." 

Yan raised an eyebrow at Tsunade, shaking his finger in a teasing manner. 

"Come help me massage my shoulders, and I'll give you some advice." 

You're looking for trouble, aren't you? 

Tsunade opened her mouth, looking shocked. 

Is this kid so bold that he dares to mess with me now? 

Shizune couldn't help but laugh. 

She thought Yan was getting more interesting, even daring to tease Hokage-sama! 

And he had a way of pressing the right buttons, making it hard for Tsunade to blow up. 

Noticing Tsunade was about to explode, Yan quickly backed off. 

"As long as Raikage is serious about going after the Akatsuki, as long as he wants the five great ninja villages to act together against them, he will pay. And he'll sign a confidentiality agreement with us, demanding that we at Konohagakure keep this a secret." 

Yan spoke confidently. 

Konohagakure needed money, and so did Sunagakure Village and Kirigakure Village. 

Even Iwagakure Village might jump in! 

Even if Kumogakure Village has money, they won't be easy targets and will definitely want Konohagakure to keep it quiet. 

This way, they could pull in Konohagakure, and then persuading the other villages would be much easier. 

If they laid everything out in the open, the other villages would see Konohagakure asking for money and would surely chime in with, 

"Pay up!"

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