Afterwards, the group dispersed and headed towards their respective tents. Nara Luming, Akimichi Torifu, and Yamanaka Kumokai quickly came forward to meet them.
Nara Luming asked, "Ryun, how did it go? What did the Hokage say?"
Uchiha Ryun smiled and replied, "Done!"
Tsunade snorted and said, "Ryun put in a lot of effort to convince the Hokage this time!"
"Lady Tsunade is right. Ryun worked hard. After we return to the village, I'll treat everyone to my family's barbecue shop. Eat as much as you want, until you're full! Drinks are on me!" Akimichi Torifu laughed heartily.
Nara Luming also nodded. "That's only fair. Thanks to Ryun, we'll get what we deserve."
Yamanaka Kumokai agreed. "Exactly, Ryun. Without you, I wouldn't even understand why we fought this war!"
Uchiha Ryun waved his hand. "Not at all. Many Uchiha also died. Talking to the Hokage about this was for our own sake too."
Nara Luming shook his head. "It's different. The rest of us were too afraid and chose to protect ourselves. But Ryun was willing to speak up for the entire village. Speaking of which, I, Nara Luming, deeply admire you for that."
He understood the risks involved in this persuasion. If it failed, it could leave a bad impression and earn the Hokage's resentment. That's why he had chosen to protect himself.
"Enough, Luming. What do you mean by that? Did you forget the Uchiha and the Ino-Shika-Cho are already allies? We rise and fall together, right?" Uchiha Ryun smiled warmly.
Nara Luming was stunned. He keenly sensed that Uchiha Ryun's words about "rising and falling together" carried deeper implications.
He meant that now the Uchiha and the Ino-Shika-Cho were on the same boat, even if they weren't part of the Hokage's faction...
His eyes lit up as he looked at Uchiha Ryun, suddenly thinking, What if Ryun became Hokage... Instantly, Nara Luming's face turned pale, and he cut off that thought.
But once an idea takes root, no matter how much you try not to think about it, it keeps resurfacing.
Akimichi Torifu laughed. "Ryun, you're right. We're on your side!"
Yamanaka Kumokai nodded in agreement. Seeing this, Nara Luming sighed. "What a hassle. But Torifu is right. Ryun, we're with you."
Uchiha Ryun smiled. He smiled very happily. "Good, then it's settled. After everything is over, Tsunade and I will make sure to take full advantage of your generosity, Torifu."
"Deal. Come as you please. See if you can eat me out of business!" Akimichi Torifu patted his chest.
After chatting for a while longer, seeing that it was almost time, Uchiha Ryun and Tsunade put on their Konoha guard uniforms and headed to Hiruzen Sarutobi's tent.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in black combat gear, and Danzō Shimura, in full military attire, emerged from the tent.
Danzō Shimura nodded at Uchiha Ryun, who returned the gesture. Danzō meant, Don't worry, I've handled things with the Hokage.
Uchiha Ryun's nod expressed his gratitude to Lord Danzō.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. "Let's go, everyone. Time to meet the Sand Village's leadership and make sure they pay dearly!"
"Yes," the three replied in unison, following behind Hiruzen Sarutobi as the four of them headed to a negotiation house at the border.
The clans of Konoha watched them until their figures disappeared into the distance.
At the border negotiation site
There stood an earthen building that resembled a relay station. Currently, only Pakura, Chiyo, Ebizō, and Chiron were inside.
As for Rasa? Well, Chiyo had claimed the village was still in danger and sent him back to guard it. He wasn't brought along.
High EQ: Guarding the village.
Low EQ: Kicked out of the inner circle.
Hiruzen Sarutobi brought Danzō Shimura, Uchiha Ryun, and Tsunade to the relay station.
No other shinobi were brought. Why? Because Ryun's Susanoo was enough to make anyone think twice.
If they dared to act, Ryun alone could wipe them out! This was the advantage of overwhelming strength!
Chiyo understood this too, so she didn't bring any other shinobi either. She sighed inwardly. With power, you really can do anything.
Konoha's luck was too good. First, there were Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, two supreme powerhouses who suppressed the four nations. Now, there was Uchiha Ryun, who slaughtered a thousand men. Why didn't Suna have such strong shinobi?
Knock, knock, knock!
The relay station's door was knocked. Chiyo narrowed her eyes. They're here! Pakura moved to open the door, but Chiyo stopped her. "I'll do it myself!"
She stood up and walked unsteadily toward the door. She deliberately put on this weak act to evoke sympathy from the Third Hokage, hoping it would reduce Suna's reparations.
Admittedly, if this were before Hiruzen Sarutobi listened to Uchiha Ryun's advice, he might have actually pitied them and agreed to waive the reparations.
But now? Hmph...
Chiyo opened the door and immediately saw Hiruzen Sarutobi. Then, her gaze shifted to Uchiha Ryun behind him. A trace of wariness flashed in her eyes.
However, having been a Suna elder for so many years, she remained composed. She smiled and said, "Ah, Lord Hokage. This old woman's legs aren't what they used to be. Please forgive the delay."
She opened the door wider and gestured for them to enter. Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't speak, only nodding slightly. This reaction puzzled Chiyo. Did playing weak fail?
She sighed and straightened her posture, dropping the act since it was useless anyway.
The group walked to the negotiation table. Chiyo signaled Pakura and Chiron to serve tea, then moved to take the seat of honor.
Just then, Uchiha Ryun smiled. "Lord Hokage, let me help you sit." With that, he guided the Hokage to the seat of honor.
Chiyo's face darkened. Uchiha Ryun's eyes shifted from three tomoe to the six-tomoe pattern of the Mangekyō Sharingan. Chiyo lowered her head and took the guest seat opposite Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent, closing his eyes as if meditating, waiting for Chiyo to speak first.
The other six stood facing each other: Uchiha Ryun opposite Chiron, Tsunade opposite Pakura, and Danzō Shimura opposite Ebizō.
The negotiations began.
Pakura first poured tea for the Hokage, then for Chiyo. After that, she stood behind Chiyo, facing Tsunade.
None of the eight spoke. In negotiations, the side that speaks first loses composure and puts themselves at a disadvantage.
Time passed minute by minute. Konoha had the upper hand and could afford to wait, but Suna couldn't. Finally, after a long hesitation, Chiyo spoke.
"Respected Lord Hokage, shall we discuss the post-war agreement?" Chiyo asked.
Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a noncommittal "Hmm" and said nothing more. After all, he knew negotiation tactics well.
Chiyo sighed and took out a prepared agreement, handing it to Hiruzen Sarutobi. The Hokage didn't even glance at it, passing it directly to Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun accepted it with both hands and opened it. What he saw shocked him. He gave Chiyo a strange look. Chiyo's expression stiffened slightly as she sipped her tea.