Konoha's proactive negotiation request appeared somewhat delicate in timing to Kirigakure leadership. Just after Kirigakure pushed one Land of Fire border conflict, even if not entirely from Kirigakure's own will.
As the attacked party, under circumstances where overall situations had not fallen into disadvantage, Konoha so rapidly proposing peace talks inevitably aroused suspicion.
Regarding this anticlimactic conflict's follow-up, Genshi originally planned maintaining silence, not expressing any stance to muddle through.
Though quite negligent, it proved very useful. After all, Kirigakure remained overseas. Konoha's cross-sea expedition costs proved expensive while Kirigakure, relying on geographical advantages, faced less defensive pressure.
However, if Konoha proactively extended olive branches, Genshi also believed trying proved worthwhile. For a considerable period in the foreseeable future, vitality-damaged Kirigakure needed rest and recuperation, adopting conservative steady strategies.
However, dispatching whom as envoy became a matter requiring careful consideration.
In operations rescuing Fourth Mizukage, Ao established first merit. However, he was not a suitable Kage candidate. Even possessing Byakugan, his strength proved insufficient commanding respect, difficult supporting village leadership responsibilities.
As for Zabuza Momochi and Mei Terumi...
Zabuza that year stained himself with excessive compatriot blood during graduation exams. Not an ideal choice.
Then, remaining was only Mei Terumi.
"Mei, this Konoha negotiation will be your responsibility."
"Ao will lead ANBU support from rear."
Genshi carefully explained matters requiring attention during negotiations plus bottom lines, repeatedly emphasizing safety procedures.
Genshi instructed, "Konoha's core demands can be roughly predicted. Nothing more than border stability, stopping harassment, and such. However, still must consider whether the other party possesses revenge possibilities."
"Until Ao confirms safety, you personally absolutely cannot easily approach core negotiation areas."
Mei Terumi, slightly hesitant, departed accompanied by numerous Kirigakure shinobi.
Konoha's side was closer to Tea Country's affiliated territory. When Kirigakure's force arrived at predetermined areas, Konoha people had already arrived first.
Ao's led squad cautiously reconnoitered surrounding environments. After confirming Konoha deployed no ambushes, they dispatched two shinobi toward already-erected conference tents for final safety confirmation.
Only after receiving all-safe signals did Mei Terumi organize her composure and walk toward the conference tent.
When she entered the tent and saw Konoha's chief negotiator, she was slightly startled. The person Konoha dispatched appeared somewhat younger than her.
"I am Konoha Jōnin, Shuji," that black-haired youth introduced himself.
"Kirigakure Jōnin, Mei Terumi," Mei Terumi elegantly seated herself.
Shuji spoke directly. "First, I represent Konoha thanking Kirigakure for responding to this peace talk invitation."
"Border sustained conflicts prove beneficial to neither party."
"Your arrival presumably also represents Kirigakure on this point possessing consensus with Konoha."
"Therefore, this conversation is established under the premise of stopping conflicts. Your side should have no objections, correct?"
What's with this guy, talking to himself? Isn't his attitude somewhat too forceful? Mei Terumi inwardly grumbled.
However, what he said seemed accurate. Should she refute...
As Kakashi's peer, born from Bloody Mist, Mei Terumi's combat experience far exceeded diplomatic negotiations. Momentarily, she proved somewhat speechless, uncertain how responding could both not weaken Kirigakure's momentum while steadily advancing negotiations.
She cleared her throat while rapidly thinking, cautiously organizing words. "This is negotiation your side requested opening. Whether completely premised on this perhaps still should..."
Shuji slightly raised eyebrows. "Oh? Could Kirigakure wish border combat states continuing to maintain?"
Mei Terumi, whose thought process was interrupted, felt somewhat annoyed but tried maintaining calm. "Not so. Our side likewise hopes achieving results beneficial to both villages."
"This is precisely the goal we need reaching," Shuji calmly took over conversation. "And this goal obviously needs establishing on war cessation foundations to possibly realize."
"Therefore, with ceasefire as premise, continuing our dialogue—your side agrees. Can I understand it this way?"
Uh... Looking at the opposite person's unchanging, seemingly indifferent calm expression regardless of receiving affirmative or negative answers, Mei Terumi felt helpless.
She unwillingly took a deep breath, indicating, "Yes, our side agrees proceeding with dialogue under this premise."
Cannot lose temper, she silently warned herself. Konoha's current situation proved excellent, just held joint exams with Sunagakure and Cloud Village, demonstrating influence.
Forces they assembled in the east also proved strong. Even possessing geographical advantages, achieving equivalent defensive effects required Kirigakure continuously investing massive resources and manpower.
After receiving affirmative response, the opposite youth showed a gentle smile, as though previous faint oppressive coldness never existed.
"Truly excellent. Then this meeting's goal is already achieved." He produced a scroll. "This is our side's drafted specific negotiation details proposal. Please review."
Mei Terumi looked at the scroll Shuji extended. Her eye corner involuntarily twitched slightly. What was this?
What do you mean negotiations already concluded?
Though thinking thus, ultimately this was also results Kirigakure wished achieving. However, this guy's so aggressive attitude inevitably caused some worry—Konoha wouldn't subsequently propose excessively harsh demands, would they?
With somewhat unwilling feelings, she accepted the scroll, carefully reading. However, to her slight surprise, listed clauses overall appeared fairly equitable.
"Cease all infiltration and sabotage operations targeting the other party."
"Sign peace treaty prohibiting both sides' shinobi or officials from issuing mutually hostile commissions."
"Establish simple border incident communication and handling mechanisms..."
Shuji briefly described Konoha's requirements, awaiting Mei Terumi's response.
"These basic clauses, Kirigakure can generally accept," Mei Terumi said after reviewing documents, raising her head. "However, some specific details our side believes require further discussion and adjustment."
"For example, clauses requiring our side completely withdrawing all Wave Country bases and personnel seem not entirely fair to Kirigakure, also involving some practical security considerations."
"Plus, regarding communication mechanisms' specific levels and response times..."
Shuji also did not mind Mei Terumi beginning to raise rebuttal and revision opinions, only responding composedly.
Their current negotiations ultimately remained preliminary contact and draft consultations. Subsequent processes still required respective villages' highest-level review and approval before formal treaties took effect.
That process inevitably involved more pulling.
However, before that, Shuji already tested out intelligence he wanted knowing.
Uchiha Obito probably not only lost Kirigakure control. If the village's highest leader still harbored hostility toward Konoha, Mei Terumi could not easily pass previous conditions.
Even on peace consensus, only symbolic resistance occurred.
Therefore, Obito probably already lost Mizukage control.
Then Kirigakure's calm after hired shinobi also made sense.
Confirming this point, Shuji also gained understanding regarding what results these talks might achieve.
His attitude grew increasingly composed, composed enough that Mei Terumi felt she somehow erred somewhere.
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild