"Raikage-sama, how about we negotiate for peace? Continuing this war without benefit only brings suffering to the people of both nations. It would be better to restore friendly relations and become good neighbors." Akatsuchi spoke calmly, his expression natural.
"Do you think the losses of these past months can be settled just because of your words, Akatsuchi? If you want to talk, have Ōnoki come himself. You are not qualified." The Third Raikage, A, said coldly.
Akatsuchi fell silent for a moment before replying, "Very well. Tomorrow, in the Land of Iron. I hope Raikage-sama will not break the agreement."
With that, he turned to leave without delay.
The Third Raikage A remained seated in his chair, deep in thought. He did not order Akatsuchi's capture to threaten Ōnoki, as doing so would not only disgrace Ōnoki but also bring shame to the entire shinobi world.
Watching Akatsuchi's retreating figure, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Ōnoki has a good son. To enter the enemy camp alone and remain composed even in front of him.
After a brief moment, the Raikage smiled bitterly and said, "Withdraw the troops to the border of the Land of Frost. Prepare for negotiations tomorrow."
"Yes!" A and Yugito responded with a bow.
Once everyone else had left the tent, the Raikage pondered what Ōnoki would do tomorrow.
-----
Land of Earth, Iwagakure Camp
"Son, you're saying that A agreed to negotiate, but the condition is for me to meet him in the Land of Iron?" Ōnoki stroked his chin, his large nose wrinkling.
"That's right, Father. According to reports from our border scouts, the Kumogakure forces have already retreated to the border of the Land of Frost. In my opinion, he also intends to negotiate. This isn't a trap." Akatsuchi analyzed.
Ōnoki was short in stature, but his small frame contained immense power. His presence was no less imposing than the Raikage's.
After a brief moment of thought, his eyes narrowed. "Good! We'll set out immediately! The army will remain at the border of the Land of Hot Water. At the first sign of trouble, we march straight into the Land of Iron!"
Ōnoki cared little about neutral nations.
As long as it served his ambitions, even the Land of Iron or Konoha were fair game. This wasn't the era of Hashirama Senju anymore.
Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju were relics of the past. In today's shinobi world, power ruled all!
Akatsuchi bowed and immediately relayed the orders to the troops, positioning them at the border of the Land of Hot Water.
Both sides acted with unspoken understanding, stationing their forces at the borders near the Land of Iron. If negotiations went awry, they would invade immediately.
This terrified the Land of Iron's Mifune and daimyo. The daimyo hastily ordered his samurai to fortify the palace, leaving the civilians to fend for themselves.
Both nations submitted requests for negotiation, asking the daimyo to provide a location for the talks.
The daimyo breathed a sigh of relief and tasked Mifune with arranging the details, also appointing him as the mediator.
Though a samurai, Mifune was a quasi-Kage-level fighter, his iaido technique peerless. His greatest strength was not his swordsmanship but his analytical calm in battle, no matter how dire the situation.
Upon receiving the message, Mifune quickly selected a sturdy inn with a pleasant view, reserving the third floor—typically reserved for the daimyo and his relatives—for the Raikage and Tsuchikage's meeting.
----
The Next Day
Raikage A and Tsuchikage Ōnoki arrived simultaneously in front of the inn in the Land of Iron.
Raikage A was tall and muscular, his very presence imposing pressure on the civilians passing by.
Tsuchikage Ōnoki crossed his arms. Though short, his Light-Weight Rock Technique allowed him to hover at the Raikage's eye level. His authoritative aura silenced the crowd, who hurried past.
"Little potato, you made it!" The Third Raikage A opened with a taunt, his face full of disdain. Of course, this wasn't genuine contempt—just pre-negotiation banter.
"Hmph. All brawn and no brain, you brute. As a Kage, I look down on you." Ōnoki shot back, refusing to lose face.
A snorted and turned away, while Ōnoki faced the inn.
Though A mocked Ōnoki verbally, he respected his strength. The Dust Release, capable of disintegrating matter, was something even he doubted his body could withstand.
Ōnoki, in turn, feared A's speed, strength, and durability. He worried A might kill him with a Lightning Choke before he could even use Dust Release.
Mifune opened the inn's doors—already cleared of patrons for the occasion.
"Greetings, Raikage and Tsuchikage. I, Mifune, have been appointed by the daimyo to mediate these negotiations." Mifune bowed slightly, his expression neutral.
Both Kage studied him. The legendary iaido master, said to be so fast that shinobi couldn't even form hand seals before being cut down. The Land of Iron's guardian.
Acknowledging his reputation, the two Kage nodded politely.
Mifune led them to the third floor, where food was served. A scribe stood by to record the discussion, while Mifune leaned against the wall, observing the Kage and their guards.
"Please begin your negotiations." Mifune's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.
"Raikage, we're both adults. This war benefits neither of us if it continues." Ōnoki took the initiative.
A nodded. "But my fallen subordinates—"
"Don't act like only you lost people. Did we in Iwagakure not suffer casualties too?" Ōnoki cut him off sharply.
A grimaced. He needed a spokesperson. He glanced at his son, A, only to find him staring at the floor.
Like father, like son—neither was eloquent. He then looked at Yugito, who spoke up after a pause.
"Tsuchikage-sama, you're right. Both sides suffered losses in war. But let's not ignore the fact that we traveled much farther from the Land of Lightning than you did from the Land of Earth. Shouldn't you at least compensate us for travel expenses?"
The Third Raikage nodded. Exactly, he wanted to save face.
Ōnoki's face reddened. "Nonsense! You were the invaders, and now you want us to pay your travel costs? How shameless!"
Unlike Hiruzen Sarutobi, Ōnoki had ambition but no naivety. Paying pointless reparations was out of the question.
The Third Raikage's expression darkened as he glared at Ōnoki.