Chapter 131 Compensation to Kumogakure
Chapter 131 Compensation to Kumogakure
The atmosphere in the meeting room remained heavy. Although Danzo had stepped down, the mess he left behind still needed to be cleaned up.
The letter of condemnation from the Land of Lightning weighed heavily on everyone's hearts, while the Hidden Cloud Village insisted that the attackers were Konoha ninjas, demanding huge compensation and even hinting that they might take action at the border if they were not satisfied.
"Kumakuya is asking for an exorbitant amount."
Koharu, looking at the list of demands, frowned deeply: "They not only want to compensate us for so-called 'emotional distress,' but they're also demanding that we open up our electromagnetic railgun technology. They're clearly just using this as an excuse to cause trouble!"
"The technology must never be given away."
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses, his tone resolute: "As for the attack, we must shift the blame. If we admit that someone within Konoha instigated it, it will be a diplomatic incident, a serious matter."
"so……"
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag on his pipe and glanced at everyone present.
"We must insist on one point—the attackers were either wandering ninjas or foreign spies in disguise. Although it happened within the Land of Fire, this only indicates loopholes in our security management, not that it was a premeditated attack."
This is a political move to cut losses.
As long as the official background is not acknowledged, this is just a security incident, not a trigger for war.
"As for compensation..."
The third generation looked at Nishikawa Tetsuya with a questioning look in his eyes.
"Nishikawa Tetsuya, you are the main person in charge of this trade. How do you think we should negotiate?"
Nishikawa Tetsuya, who had already prepared his response, immediately said, "Lord Hokage, the Cloud Village's goal is very clear: they want money and technology. We certainly won't give them the technology, so we can only try to get them to give us money."
"My suggestion is to give them a 30% discount on their existing appliance orders."
"30% off?" Xiaochun, turning the dorm, gasped in pain. "That's a huge profit margin!"
"Advisor Koharu, you can't do it that way. A 30% discount is the price we sell to the villagers of Konoha. At worst, we'll earn a little less, but it's better than not earning anything at all."
Nishikawa Che explained, "If we don't offer them some incentives, Yunyin will definitely keep going on and on. Besides, although a 30% discount reduces our profits a bit, once they take these appliances back and get used to using them, the future maintenance, consumables, and upgrades will generate a steady stream of income."
"Taking a step back to advance is also a form of long-term binding."
The third generation nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in their eyes.
"Alright, we'll do as you say. Tell Yunyin that this is our apology for the accident that occurred within our territory, and also a special favor for the sake of friendship between our two countries. As for any other unreasonable demands, reject them all!"
"yes!"
After dealing with Kumogakure, the only remaining problem is Amegakure, which is just as troublesome.
Hanzo's letter put Konoha in a very difficult position. If not handled properly, that old fox Hanzo might actually side with other countries, after all, he has quite a few neighbors.
"Over at Amegakure..."
The Third Generation pondered for a moment, then looked past everyone and at the middle-aged man sitting next to Mitokado Homura, who had been resting with his eyes closed.
The man had a thick beard and looked somewhat languid, but his eyes were as deep as the sea.
The current head of the Nara clan, the leader of the Jonin team, and the Hokage's most trusted strategist—Nara Shikazumi.
"Shikano, as the village's strategist, what do you think of Hanzo's letter?"
Nara Shika slowly opened his eyes, rubbed his neck somewhat reluctantly, and sighed.
"Lord Hokage, Hanzo's true thoughts are actually written in the letter."
When Shikano stood up from his seat, he didn't exude the same imposing aura as Fugaku; instead, he displayed a calm composure that suggested he had a clear understanding of the situation.
"His return of Danzo's secret letter was partly a gesture of goodwill, but also a test of our bottom line. If we admit that the letter is genuine, it would be tantamount to admitting that the Konoha leadership wants to split Amegakure."
"Therefore, we must have only one attitude—to deny everything to the death."
"Refusing to admit it to the death?" The third generation raised an eyebrow.
"That's right."
The deer pointed to the scroll, a playful smile playing on its lips:
"Although Danzo's name is on the letter, there is no seal of his, nor any authorization from the Hokage. This is a poorly made, dubious letter of provocation, forged by some people with ulterior motives to damage the relationship between Konoha and Amegakure."
"Not only do we not acknowledge it, but we also want to 'thank' Hanzo for reminding us and say we will thoroughly investigate this act that undermines peace."
"Of course, just talking isn't enough."
"Instead of sending money and weapons to Amegakure, we should send them something else," Shikaku said.
"We can provide a batch of civilian technology assistance to Amegakure Village."
"For example, water purification equipment, medical devices, or other tools to improve people's lives. These things are urgently needed by Amegakure and can help Hanzo stabilize public sentiment, but he can't turn these things into weapons to attack us."
"Using civilian technology to secure peace is more reliable than simply forming an alliance."
After listening, the third generation slowly nodded.
As expected of the head of the Nara clan, this move saved face, provided substance, and also deepened influence over Amegakure through technological export.
"good!"
The decision was finalized after three generations of approval.
"Reply to Hanzo according to the shinobi's strategy, telling him that Konoha values peace but will never accept slander. We are willing to deepen our friendship through trade and aid, but we have never seen this letter before."
……
The Land of Rain, the base of the Akatsuki organization.
The ruins have been cleared, the injured comrades have been treated, and the lingering smell of gunpowder in the air has been masked by the damp scent of earth.
"Phew... I'm finally back."
A red figure descended from the sky and landed heavily on the open ground in the center of the base.
Jiraiya was soaked to the bone, his hair was disheveled, and his eyes, which were usually always smiling, were now bloodshot.
Looking at the main building, which was somewhat damaged but still stood tall, and the disciples who were busy repairing the building, he finally felt relieved.
"teacher!"
Yahiko, who was directing the movement of timber, was the first to spot him and excitedly ran over.
"You're back. Are you alright? What about the border..."
"I'm fine."
Jiraiya waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the three of them.
Yahiko's arm was wrapped in bandages, Konan's clothes were torn, and Nagato's eyes were more profound than before.
Although they were injured and had faced life and death, their spirit and energy had completely changed.
No longer the fledgling bird that needs shelter, but a fledgling eagle that has weathered storms.
"It seems you've been through a tough battle."
Jiraiya walked up to Yahiko, looked at the electromagnetic cannon in his hand, and a complex look flashed in his eyes.
"Is this the weapon Che gave you?"
"Yes, teacher."
Yahiko stroked the gun, his eyes filled with both gratitude and lingering fear.
"If it weren't for it, we might not have made it to your return."
"Rain Ninja..."
Jiraiya clenched his fist. On the way, he received a letter from Nishikawa Tetsu, brought by Kosuke.
He already knew roughly about Danzo and Hanzo's collusion from Nishikawa Tetsu's letter.
These two old bastards are actually using these children's lives as pawns.
"I'm sorry, it was my carelessness."
Jiraiya lowered his head, his voice slightly hoarse, "If I hadn't fallen for the trap and left, you wouldn't have..."
"Teacher, please don't say that."
Nagato walked over, a strange light flashing in his Rinnegan eyes.
"This attack taught us a lesson."
"What?"
Nagato looked at the electromagnetic cannon, then glanced in the direction of Amegakure in the distance, his tone calm yet firm.
"In this world, if we want to protect our dreams and make others listen to our reasoning, first of all, we must have the strength to make them listen."
"so……"
Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato exchanged a glance and bowed to Jiraiya in unison.
"Teacher! Please give us even more rigorous training!"
"We must learn everything, whether it's ninjutsu, taijutsu, or tactics! We must become stronger! Strong enough that no one dares to easily attack our homeland!"
Jiraiya looked at the three determined children, paused for a moment, and then smiled with satisfaction.
"Good! That's ambitious!"
He laughed loudly and patted his chest.
"Since you're all so prepared, then I'll go all out! The training ahead is going to be very tough, so don't come crying and begging to quit!"
"Absolutely not!"
Through the rain, the voices of the four travelers echoed through the valley.
……
In Konoha, it had already gotten dark.
Nishikawa Tetsu walked out of the Hokage Building and took a deep breath of the cool night air.
"Finally...it's over."
He stretched, feeling his bones cracking all over.
Although the process of this battle with Danzo was thrilling, the result was better than expected.
With Danzo stepping down and Root disbanded, the Police Department's position became more secure, and the Research Institute's development was no longer hindered.
Even the troubles of Cloud Village and Rain Village have been transformed into a delicate balance.
To be honest, he genuinely felt that this small price was well worth it to bring Danzo down.
"Che!"
A familiar call came from ahead.
Minato Namikaze stood under a streetlamp, carrying two takeout bags in his hands, a warm smile on his face.
"You haven't eaten yet, have you? I bought some food, want to come to my place to eat together?"
"OK."
Nishikawa Tetsu walked over with a smile.
"By the way, where's Kushina? Why isn't she with you today?"
"She was kept behind by Lady Mito for special training in sealing techniques." Minato scratched his head, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes. "She's been working really hard lately."
"That's a good thing."
Nishikawa Tetsu patted Minato on the shoulder.
"Only by becoming stronger can you take control of your own destiny."
The two walked side by side on their way home, their shadows stretched long by the streetlights.
"By the way, Che."
Minato suddenly asked, "Do you really think Lord Danzo will let this go?"
He had already received news from Fugaku that Danzo had been dismissed.
"Won't."
Nishikawa Tetsu answered very decisively.
"A man like him will never stop craving power as long as he has a breath left. But now his teeth have been pulled out and his claws have been clipped."
"As long as we remain stronger than him, he can only watch us shine from the shadows."
Nishikawa Tetsu stopped and looked back in the direction of the Hokage Building.
There, the lights still shone brightly.
"Moreover, a new era has begun, Watergate."
"Our era."
met free