Chapter 233: I Don't Like Consolation Prizes
As many began to stir with anticipation, the leader of Takigakure cast his gaze across the room, eventually stopping at the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water.
"Takigakure casts its vote for the Land of Hot Water. Not only has it achieved remarkable success in economic development, holding a pivotal position as an economic hub in the ninja world, but it has also played a key role in promoting regional peace and stability. By eliminating the rampaging Jashin cult, I believe they are qualified to serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council."
Upon hearing this, a voice of dissent rang out in the hall. "The Jashin cult originated in the Land of Hot Water. Rewarding them with a promotion instead of holding them accountable defies common sense."
"But as far as I know," the leader of Takigakure replied with a calm smile, "your country also had people involved with the Jashin cult. At this moment, are you speaking for justice or to protect those who should be held accountable? I can't quite tell."
The small-country representative being questioned furrowed his brows. "Are you insinuating something? Who are these 'certain people' you speak of?"
"I'm not targeting anyone specifically," the leader of Takigakure said with a faint smile. "I'm merely discussing facts."
Some representatives in the room grew visibly grim.
The Jashin cult's rise was due in part to the inaction of the Land of Hot Water, but support from other countries also played a major role. The promise of immortality was an irresistible lure for many nobles. Thus, no matter how sinister the Jashin cult seemed, as long as they continued researching a technique for immortality, they had a steady stream of supporters.
Previously, the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water had maintained a tacit understanding with these factions, refraining from acting against the cult. They were all waiting for the cult to produce a "perfect masterpiece." Yet, for reasons unknown, the Daimyo recently turned on the cult, launching a large-scale purge, just as the cult's strongest members were wiped out and could no longer resist.
The death of Hidan, the cult's "holy son," and the destruction of their research into the immortality technique left the Land of Hot Water with many enemies. Naturally, there were those unwilling to see the Land of Hot Water rise further.
But reality does not bend to individual wishes.
"I trust the judgment of the leader of Takigakure. Kusagakure casts its vote for the Land of Hot Water as well..."
"Amegakure follows suit..."
It was clear that the Land of Hot Water had come prepared.
Many in the room stiffened, their gazes shifting toward the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water, eyes glinting with calculation.
What was thought to be a fair contest suddenly seemed one-sided. Three of the five non-permanent members—Takigakure, Kusagakure, and Amegakure—had all thrown their support behind the Land of Hot Water. Those who had hoped to compete wore bitter smiles, while those who opposed the Daimyo's actions furrowed their brows, choosing to remain silent.
If Takigakure alone had supported the Land of Hot Water, there might have been room to argue. But with Amegakure and Kusagakure backing it as well, no one dared to stir trouble without the endorsement of a major nation.
Many quietly observed the situation, thinking to themselves:
"The Land of Hot Water's tourism industry is thriving, and with its proximity to the Land of Fire, its economy is strong. Amegakure and Kusagakure, having been scarred by repeated wars, have seen their infrastructure devastated time and again, making it hard for them to develop economically. Partnering with the Land of Hot Water makes sense."
"Although Takigakure enjoys natural defenses, in this era of international alliances, they cannot afford isolation. They must see the Land of Hot Water as a valuable economic ally."
With these thoughts in mind, many representatives who had initially planned to compete sighed in resignation.
Economic strength was still strength.
Though the Land of Hot Water's ninja forces were weak, its economic clout was among the best in the ninja world. It was not surprising that they won the seat.
In the end, the Land of Hot Water secured the final non-permanent Security Council seat by a wide margin.
"Thank you all for your support, and thank you to the representatives for their votes..."
With the outcome decided, the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water finally breathed a sigh of relief. He was delighted not only to have secured this position for his country but also to have fulfilled his mission and avoided death.
With the non-permanent members selected, Tsunade stood and declared, "Let's move on to signing the charter."
At last, the moment had come to formalize the alliance.
Even Tsunade herself felt a twinge of excitement as she retrieved the United Nations Charter. She was the first to sign her name.
Raikage and Ōnoki followed suit.
Then, the Daimyo and the leaders of the various villages and nations stepped forward one by one, signing their names to the document, affirming their commitment to the charter's principles and goals.
They pledged to dedicate their chakra and resources to improving their citizens' livelihoods and strengthening their nations, while ensuring the laws of the alliance were upheld.
When the document had made its rounds and returned to Tsunade, she looked down at the thirty-plus names on it, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Unlike the previous five-nation alliance, this time, nearly all the nations of the ninja world had joined.
"This time, I didn't let you down, did I?"
Tsunade glanced briefly in a certain direction before lowering her gaze, preparing to conclude this historic conference that would shape the future of the ninja world.
…
Konan knocked gently on the door. After receiving a response, she entered, finding Nagato waiting by the window. Her tone was complex. "The alliance conference has ended successfully. Amegakure is now a non-permanent member and will soon receive substantial resources for development."
"Is that so?" Nagato murmured, gazing at the perpetually rainy skies. "That's good. Let's keep our actions separate from Amegakure's future. Let them grow in peace."
"Understood," Konan nodded.
Silence lingered between them for a while, until Nagato finally spoke again. "What do you think of Tsunade and Hyuga Fuji's relationship?"
Konan pondered for a moment before replying in a low voice, "I don't think they're simple enemies. There's an odd understanding between them. Every time Hyuga Fuji acts, Tsunade reacts swiftly and effectively."
"This alliance conference was clearly aimed at him. Even if he didn't want to attend, he should've tried to sabotage it. Yet it feels like he intentionally allowed it to succeed."
"Indeed," Nagato mused, his voice calm, "they're not simple enemies. Perhaps the same applies to us."
His tone carried a newfound clarity, devoid of the frustration he'd once felt after losing to Hyuga Fuji.
"One could argue that Tobi saved me last time, but in truth, Hyuga Fuji let us go."
Nagato's gaze sharpened. "It's just a theory, but I believe Hyuga Fuji has already offered the ninja world a path forward. If our vision for the future surpasses his, he will step aside. If we fail, he'll reshape the ninja world in his own image."
"Like a consolation prize," Konan remarked, her expression faintly amused. "It's as if he's saying, 'Go ahead and try your way. If you fail, I'll clean up the mess.'"
Nagato cast one last glance at the rain-soaked landscape before turning away. "But I don't like consolation prizes. Tobi has returned—let's welcome our new ally."
"Alright," Konan replied, following him out.
(End of Chapter)