Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

Chapter 72: Please, Don't Be So Rigid About Gender

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"Just... why?"

A deathly silence descended upon the Raikage's meeting room. Everyone stared at the copies of the *Konoha-Kiri Treaty*, bearing the official seals of both Konohagakure and Kirigakure, bewildered and speechless.

"This is absurd. Have those Mist lunatics lost their minds?"

"They signed this treaty with Konoha without even sending an envoy to negotiate with us in Kumogakure."

"Are we that hated?"

It wasn't just the alliance between Kirigakure and Konoha that stung. Attached to the treaty was Kirigakure's official statement condemning Kumogakure, declaring economic and cultural sanctions, and an investigation into the assets of Land of Lightning citizens within the Land of Water... Fortunately, the Land of Water was an isolated nation, and Kumogakure's assets there were limited.

But money aside, what about their pride?

This was a resounding slap in the face to Kumogakure in front of all the shinobi villages, a humiliating blow to their reputation.

Had the Great Kumogakure Co-Prosperity Sphere plan crumbled before it even began? Had the Raikage's entrepreneurial venture met a premature demise? A's breathing grew ragged as he crumpled the Konoha-Kiri Treaty in his fist.

A felt a pang of bitterness.

They had both toiled to establish footholds in Kumogakure. Konoha attracted all the high-quality refugees, leaving Kumogakure with the dregs who only boosted the crime rate.

Setting that aside, if they could have swayed Kirigakure to join the Great Kumogakure Co-Prosperity Sphere, some sacrifices would have been worthwhile. A short-term loss for a long-term gain.

But instead... Kirigakure, like a heartless lover, ran off and snuggled up with Konoha, the very village that had tormented them for so long.

"Elder Advisor, what do you suggest we do?"

Elder Advisor had kept his eyes closed since A entered the meeting room. Finally, he opened them and spoke words no one expected:

"The alliance between Kirigakure and Konoha... may not be a bad thing for us."

"?"

"Why do you say that?"

Elder Advisor spread the Konoha-Kiri Treaty on the table, pointing to the clause about investigating the assets of Land of Lightning citizens in the Land of Water.

"The Third Shinobi World War just ended. Every village's military budget is at a historic low. For now, we don't need to worry about a large-scale war."

"Kirigakure issued this clause to sanction us economically. Do they not know how much of our wealth is actually tied up there, how much damage they can truly inflict?"

"No, they know better than anyone. They issued it for superficial reasons, a meaningless gesture."

"Therefore, we shall respond in kind. Expel all businesses and assets from the Land of Water and Kirigakure. This strong response will, at least, preserve our village's face."

The other elders nodded in agreement.

Everyone was currently focused on recovery. It would take time to rebuild their forces for another large-scale war. Therefore, localized skirmishes and these "sanction wars" became the norm.