Chapter 230: Dividing the Rain
Ragnar's words still echoed inside the negotiation tent.
"As defeated nations, you must recognize the Land of Fire as your sovereign."
"The Lands of Wind and Earth will become vassal states."
"You will pay tribute every year."
"And you will obey any orders issued by Konoha without question."
When he finished speaking, silence fell once again.
Even the Konoha shinobi present looked stunned.
Hatake Sakumo pressed a hand to his forehead.
Ragnar really dared to say anything.
In truth, even if Konoha had won the war, it was impossible to force other great nations into complete submission like that. At most, they could ensure peaceful coexistence and favorable political terms.
But Ragnar's proposal…
That was closer to humiliation than negotiation.
Across the table, the reactions were even stronger.
Onoki and the Third Kazekage stared at Ragnar as though he had just turned into a ghost.
Agreeing to kneel during negotiations would only damage their personal dignity.
But accepting these conditions?
That would humiliate their entire nations.
For Onoki, the moment was particularly unsettling.
Ragnar's words stirred a memory he had tried to forget.
More than twenty years earlier, when he was still a young ninja apprentice, the Land of Earth had been weak. Enemy nations invaded constantly, and Iwagakure had been on the verge of collapse.
Back then, the Tsuchikage had taken him to Konoha to seek assistance.
They had hoped to gain the support of a certain legendary shinobi.
Uchiha Madara.
The result had been humiliating.
Madara had dismissed them completely and suggested something very similar to what Ragnar was saying now.
That Iwagakure should recognize the Land of Fire as its master.
That they should pay tribute annually.
That Konoha should stand above them.
The memory had become a lasting shadow in Onoki's mind.
And now—
Ragnar was saying almost the exact same thing.
The resemblance was terrifying.
Onoki clenched his teeth.
Could this boy really become the next Madara?
If Ragnar continued to grow stronger for another decade…
Would the future of the entire ninja world fall into Konoha's hands alone?
The thought made his blood boil.
The Third Kazekage slammed the table again, his anger finally exploding.
"Rakshasa!"
"Do you look down on Sunagakure?"
His hair stood on end from rage, his entire expression twisted with fury.
"If you're talking about the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth becoming vassal states, then why didn't you mention the Land of Rain?!"
For a moment, the Konoha shinobi thought the negotiations had collapsed entirely.
But the next moment…
They realized something strange.
Despite the fierce tone, the Kazekage's complaint sounded almost… defensive.
It was less like a declaration of war and more like a desperate attempt to redirect Ragnar's attention.
Even Hanzo glanced at him strangely.
The Rain Country was obviously the weakest of the three nations involved.
That was exactly why Hanzo had remained silent until now.
But the Kazekage had just pushed the conversation in that direction.
Hatake Sakumo quickly stepped in before things escalated further.
"Tsuchikage, Kazekage-dono," he said calmly, "this is only a discussion. There's no need to become angry. Negotiations should be conducted peacefully."
Onoki glared at him.
"Hatake Sakumo," he said coldly, "you call this normal negotiation?"
Even he, who had endured Ragnar's insults earlier, felt his patience running thin.
Before Sakumo could respond, Ragnar spoke again.
"Perhaps I should visit Iwagakure one day."
His voice was casual.
"Maybe drop a few meteors on the village while I'm there."
Onoki's face turned pale with fury.
That wasn't negotiation.
That was naked threat.
Which village in the shinobi world could casually withstand a meteorite strike?
Even Dust Release could only destroy one at a time.
Meanwhile, the Kazekage suddenly felt a strange sense of balance.
If the Tsuchikage suffered the same humiliation he had just experienced…
Then at least he wasn't alone.
Onoki noticed the Kazekage's expression and cursed him silently.
Useless fool.
Hatake Sakumo observed the scene carefully.
The arrogance of the two Kage had already been suppressed.
Now was the time to continue pushing.
"Rakshasa," he said calmly, "please continue."
Ragnar nodded slightly.
"As for the question about the Land of Rain…"
He glanced at Hanzo.
"For small countries like the Rain Country, there's only one logical choice."
"To align themselves with a stronger nation."
He leaned back slightly.
"As leaders of major villages, you should understand that."
Then Ragnar added calmly,
"Konoha values peace very much."
"And we remain loyal to our allies."
Hanzo immediately seized the opportunity.
"Rakshasa-sama speaks well," he said smoothly.
"The Land of Rain is willing to align itself with the Land of Fire."
"Rain Village is also willing to follow Konoha's leadership."
"All we ask is protection."
The statement came without hesitation.
Hanzo had endured countless battles.
He understood exactly when pride must be swallowed.
For the Rain Country, becoming Konoha's ally was far better than being carved apart by the Wind and Earth nations.
His words instantly changed the atmosphere.
The Kazekage and Tsuchikage exchanged looks.
They had already anticipated this.
If Konoha secured the Rain Country completely, then the sacrifices their forces had made during the war would become meaningless.
Onoki spoke immediately.
"The Rain Country may return to the influence of the Land of Fire."
"But this war was fought on Rain territory."
"Our forces suffered heavy losses."
"Rain must compensate us."
He paused before adding,
"And in return, we are willing to sign a peace agreement with Konoha."
Hatake Sakumo's expression tightened slightly.
This was exactly the situation he had feared.
If Konoha abandoned the Rain Country to satisfy Wind and Earth, Hanzo would revolt.
But if they protected Rain completely, the two major nations might unite against Konoha later.
Either choice carried danger.
Tsunade slammed her hand on the table.
"That's ridiculous," she said sharply.
"You invaded their territory with your armies."
"You lost soldiers because you couldn't win."
"And now you're asking the victim to compensate you?"
"That's nothing but bandit logic."
Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. That's just robbery."
Hanzo glanced at them briefly.
The two Konoha shinobi speaking on Rain's behalf surprised him slightly.
Then he turned back toward the two Kage.
"Kazekage. Tsuchikage."
"If Rain must compensate you…"
"What exactly do you want?"
Onoki answered immediately.
"The southern territory of the Rain Country will belong to the Land of Wind."
"The northern territory will belong to the Land of Earth."
"The rest will remain under your control."
Tsunade laughed coldly.
"So you had already decided how to divide the country before coming here."
Hanzo's expression darkened.
Did they really think he had earned the title "Demigod of the Shinobi World" for nothing?
Just as the tension began rising again—
Ragnar slowly stood up.
His hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
His gaze moved between the Tsuchikage and the Kazekage.
His killing intent surged once more.
"So," he said quietly,
"You two want to carve up the Rain Country right in front of us?"
The air inside the tent grew cold.
Ragnar's voice dropped even lower.
"Tell me something."
"Do you think Konoha…"
"Is here to watch you bully our allies?"
The blade at his side gleamed faintly.
And in that moment, the negotiation table once again felt dangerously close to becoming a battlefield.
End of Chapter 230