As the actual ruler of Takigakure, the Takigage was naturally beyond surprised to hear the God King's words.
He never expected such a proposal.
Had he not witnessed the God King's overwhelming destructive power...
And were it not for the village's current state of powerlessness after being devastated by Kakuzu, he would never have considered himself unable to protect his home.
If they had the protection of such a powerhouse, Takigakure might not regain its former vitality immediately, but they would certainly gain a reliable shield.
This was undeniably beneficial to the village.
Although he would have a superior to answer to and would have to follow the God King's orders, protecting the village was his greatest wish at this stage.
As for whether he remained the undisputed leader of Takigakure, it no longer seemed important.
But even with such clear benefits, and though he could accept the terms, he knew that becoming a subordinate meant receiving protection at a price.
There was always a cost.
"I wonder, as your subordinates, what would you require us to do?"
Hearing this, one of the ninjas behind the Takigage couldn't help but speak up.
"Lord Takigage, is this really wise?"
The Takigage waved his hand dismissively.
"Say no more. I am the Takigage; I will make the decision."
Hearing the Takigage speak with such finality, the ninja could only fall silent.
Ryōsuke looked at the Takigage and answered.
"Since you are becoming my subordinates, you will naturally do whatever I command. Of course, I certainly won't ask you to commit suicide."
"Furthermore, once you become my subordinates, betrayal is strictly forbidden. You should understand the consequences of such an act."
Ryōsuke understood that their desire to serve was driven by a need for sanctuary.
However, Ryōsuke didn't object. Having more hands available was always useful, and besides, there was no one in this world he couldn't protect if he chose to.
Hearing this, the Takigage felt it was just as he had expected. These were the standard duties of a subordinate.
If he, as the Takigage, ordered his men to do something, they were expected to obey. Betrayal was never an option, and those who did were naturally purged.
After several minutes of silent contemplation...
He finally spoke slowly.
"On behalf of Takigakure, I am willing to become the God King's subordinate. I ask only for your protection; our situation is currently very dire."
Without investment, how could there be returns?
The Takigage was gambling, but he knew there were few opportunities in life to follow someone this powerful.
The God King had said he wouldn't send them to their deaths, which meant he likely wouldn't demand things beyond their capabilities.
Even if the work was grueling or difficult, that was fine.
As long as the village could find peace.
Ryōsuke watched the Takigage, seeing the man's clear desire for safety.
"Very well. From this day forward, Takigakure is a subordinate organization of The Illuminati."
"I will provide you with protection. If you find yourselves in trouble, you may seek aid from the Uchiha clan in the Leaf Village."
He wouldn't even need to intervene personally; with the Uchiha clan involved, there were few problems in the shinobi world that couldn't be resolved.
The Takigage and the two ninjas behind him were struck with shock.
The God King actually had a connection to the Uchiha—the clan currently regarded as the most powerful in the world.
They had heard rumors that the clan was once suppressed within the Leaf Village, but under the leadership of Uchiha Ryōsuke, they had overthrown the Third Hokage and Danzō.
This clan had even gone as far as to completely crush the aggressive Cloud Village.
A realization suddenly dawned on the Takigage.
"Could it be that my Lord is...?"
The God King might very well be the strongest man of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Ryōsuke himself.
No wonder he possessed such terrifying destructive power. Seeing it in person was even more harrowing than the rumors suggested.
If the God King had unleashed such a strike against the Cloud Village's allied forces back then, a single hit likely would have wiped out the vast majority of their ranks.
The range of that attack was simply too vast, and the distance it covered was so great that escape was nearly impossible.
Ryōsuke spoke with an air of calm indifference.
"You seem to have guessed my identity, but there is no need to speak it aloud. Just remember: betrayal will not be tolerated."
Now the Takigage was certain. It really was that legendary figure. No wonder his strength was so peerless.
His heart swelled with excitement; he had definitely won this gamble.
"God King, please feel free to command us. Takigakure will do its utmost to fulfill any task within our power."
He still didn't dare to make grand boasts, only promising what he knew they could deliver.
Meanwhile, the other two Takigakure ninjas were also vibrating with excitement. Their leader had made the right call. Since the other party was an Uchiha, the idea of being subordinates didn't feel like a loss at all.
Takigakure was currently just a small village, while the Leaf Village where the Uchiha resided was the world's premier power. Being linked to the strongest clan in the shinobi world was a development they welcomed with open arms.
In the future, just invoking the name of this clan would likely be enough to keep anyone from daring to strike at Takigakure.
Ryōsuke was satisfied with the Takigage's response.
"Excellent."
"If you require support, simply go to the Uchiha. I believe they will help you, provided the request is reasonable."
"Now, from this moment on, Fū belongs to me."
"Without question, God King."
The Takigage was delighted to have received such a guarantee.
Originally, the Tailed Beast was a deterrent against invasion, but now that they had a massive backer, the Tailed Beast was no longer necessary.
Furthermore, there was no guarantee Fū would be able to control the beast in the future.
Most importantly, Fū couldn't serve as immediate combat power for the village right now anyway.
He looked at Fū with a wide smile.
"Fū, follow the God King from now on."
Fū was a child of Takigakure; if she followed the God King, it would only strengthen the bond between the village and their new patron.
Fū agreed with visible excitement.
"I will, Lord Takigage!"
She had no desire to stay in the village anyway, as it had always felt stifling and unkind.
Following the God King felt like a much better path.
Ryōsuke was pleased. The Takigage was sensible, and Fū was more than willing to come along.
"Takigage, go back and handle your village's affairs first."
"I will be taking Fū and leaving shortly."
"As you wish, God King."
"God King, we shall take our leave now."
The Takigage felt a lingering headache as he turned away.
Kakuzu had caused a massive catastrophe for the village. He had to return to settle the displaced villagers, so he led his men back toward the ruins.
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