"Tsunade is going along with his reckless behavior." The voice carried barely restrained anger.
In Konohagakure, the Third Hokage frowned upon the decision to engage Sunagakure after receiving intelligence that war had already begun. He was deeply dissatisfied with their unilateral actions.
"Has the intel from Root been verified?"
"The information is accurate," an ANBU operative confirmed respectfully. "Furthermore, the loss of the Three-Tails, along with internal instability within the Land of Water, has been confirmed. The Fourth Mizukage has returned to his country."
"The Kirigakure forces in the Land of Waves have also shifted to a defensive stance and are showing signs of withdrawal."
This piece of good news brought a trace of relief to the Third Hokage's expression.
"Send envoys to establish contact with Kirigakure. Also, have Minato prepare to support Jiraiya in the Land of Lightning."
Mitokado Homura inquired, "We still have two thousand reinforcements withdrawn from the Land of Grass. Should we have Orochimaru support Tsunade's front?"
The Third Hokage deliberated for a moment before slowly shaking his head.
"With the Uchiha Police Force being deployed elsewhere, Konohagakure's internal security is lacking. Tsunade and the others will have to handle Sunagakure. You will oversee the logistical arrangements."
Despite his displeasure at their reckless actions, the Third Hokage ultimately refrained from making things difficult for them.
"Understood, Lord Hokage."
However, the situation in the Land of Rivers was developing beyond even his expectations.
At the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Wind, after a brief battle, the two sides sat down once more for negotiations.
This time, however, an additional delegation had arrived from the Land of Wind.
"..."
"We may advocate for peace, but we do not fear war."
"During the truce, Sunagakure not only sent shinobi disguised as bandits to attack towns, causing casualties among civilians and Fire Country nobility…"
"But also violated the Tailed Beast Treaty by conspiring with Kirigakure to unleash the Three-Tails in the Land of Rivers."
Hearing Nara Moriki's impassioned accusations, Chiyo and the Fourth Kazekage's expressions darkened.
While such actions were common among the Great Shinobi Villages, they were taboo in the eyes of the feudal lords.
Shinobi wars were not permitted to endanger nobility, and the use of Tailed Beasts outside their designated villages was strictly prohibited.
Danzo had personally delivered all the evidence to the Wind Daimyo, leveraging Fire Daimyo's authority to hold Sunagakure accountable. As a result, the Land of Wind had dispatched envoys, forcing another round of peace talks.
"As such, we demand that Sunagakure unconditionally withdraw its forces and pay 5 billion ryo in reparations for initiating this war and for the destruction of Fire Country's border towns."
"5 billion ryo? Impossible! If it's war you want, we will not back down!" Chiyo shot to her feet, her fury resembling that of a mother lion protecting her cubs.
Although the Wind Country envoys had made it clear that the war must end—given its severe impact on the nation's economy and the Daimyo's prestige—the demand of 5 billion ryo was beyond outrageous. Even if Sunagakure were completely emptied of resources, they could never raise that amount.
Pakura, standing beside Chiyo, narrowed her eyes at the three Konoha representatives, clearly siding with Chiyo.
"And how do you plan to fight?" Danzo's voice remained indifferent. "Do you think you can win? You should know that when Konoha fought against the other four nations simultaneously, Sunagakure was still suppressed. Now that our war with Iwagakure has ended and the other two nations are engaged in peace talks…"
Each word struck like a hammer. Chiyo's fury gradually turned into grim silence.
With Konoha's resolve for war and the pressure from the Wind Daimyo, Sunagakure found itself in a completely passive position.
The arrogance they had displayed in the last negotiation was gone.
At this moment, a Wind Country envoy finally spoke.
"5 billion ryo is too much. Sunagakure's annual state budget is only 2 billion ryo. We hope Konoha can make some concessions. The Daimyo does not wish for the war to continue, and we assume your Daimyo shares the same sentiment."
Nara Moriki did not answer but glanced at Danzo, who was orchestrating everything.
His eyes gleamed with satisfaction—this was the kind of negotiation he had envisioned.
Danzo leaned forward, pressing his hands against the table as he slowly stood up.
"We do not desire war. Therefore, as an Elder of Konoha, I am willing to make a decision—reducing the reparations to 4 billion ryo."
Sweeping his gaze across the room, he continued, "The payment can be made over five years, at 800 million ryo annually. Sunagakure may also provide mineral resources, gold sand, or magnetic ores as collateral. This is the greatest concession Konoha is willing to offer. Otherwise, we will claim our compensation through war."
The Wind Country envoys exchanged glances before turning to Rasa, who had remained silent.
"What do you think, Lord Kazekage?"
Chiyo opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing. Instead, she fell into contemplative silence.
After a long pause, Rasa finally spoke in an emotionless tone.
"Fine. So be it."
Thus, the negotiations concluded with Sunagakure's reluctant compromise.
On the way back to camp, Tsunade seemed to be in an excellent mood.
"No wonder they call you a schemer. Your heart is as black as they say."
"At this stage, only the ambitious few still wish to continue the war," Danzo mused.
Noticing Tsunade staring at him intently, he raised an eyebrow.
"What? You don't have to look at me like that. Once we return, would you be interested in running for Hokage? I can back you—as repayment for this negotiation."
Tsunade studied him with surprise before scoffing indifferently.
"Looks like you really have changed. But a Senju Hokage? I'll pass."
...
Three days after the treaty was signed, in a secluded valley in the Land of Rivers, Rasa stood waiting with two shinobi by his side.
"Got held up dealing with some matters," Danzo finally arrived, fashionably late.
"Did you invite me here just to mock me?"
Danzo chuckled. "You're a smart man. No need for pretenses."
"What do you want?"
"How about the title of a great Kazekage?"
A flicker of ambition flashed through Rasa's eyes. "And what's the price?"
"Right now, nothing you can afford. But once you've solidified your position as Kazekage, we'll talk."
"..."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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