"So you've been negotiating for nearly twenty days, yet there's no progress at all?"
In the Kazekage's office, after listening to the full negotiation results, Ryuji couldn't help but stare wide-eyed.
"Interest exchanges between nations involve many factors. Every small item must be carefully considered before a decision can be made," The Third Kazekage said with the tone of an experienced person. "Diplomacy between Shinobi Villages, though not comparable to nations, still involves city-level interactions. How could decisions be made so quickly?"
"..."
Ryuji opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but after seeing the Third Kazekage's expression, he ultimately closed his mouth.
As the saying goes: ask for the sky-high price, settle for ground-level bargaining.
Even ordinary business between people is like this, let alone interest exchanges between factions.
Ryuji understood that diplomatic negotiations required caution, but the current situation was that Konoha had no choice, and Sunagakure's proposed conditions were not unacceptable.
On the contrary, for most people in Konoha, merely sending a delegation to study the medical and education training systems was far more acceptable than demanding tangible benefits.
After all, most people could only see the present, not the future.
With absolute initiative, even if they couldn't finalize things, they definitely wouldn't end up with twenty days of negotiation without any progress.
For things to develop like this, something must be off.
Ryuji pondered for a moment, then asked, "...Who came from Konoha?"
"Jonin Nara Shikaku."
Hearing this, Ryuji felt enlightened.
'No wonder there'd been so little progress. Konoha had sent their grand strategist.'
"Let me handle tomorrow's negotiation."
"You?"
The Third Kazekage eyed him suspiciously. "I must admit your talent in puppet design, but diplomatic negotiation requires broad perspective and experience, and..."
"Come on, your people have been negotiating for twenty days with no progress, yet you still talk to me about broad perspective and experience?" Ryuji retorted. "Anyway, it's settled. If I can't succeed tomorrow, then your people can take over."
"...Alright."
…
Coming out of the Kazekage's office, the blazing sun hung high. Hot winds blew, stirring up sand.
Ryuji waved his hand and strode towards home.
He had only just arrived in Sunagakure today. After handing over the prisoners, he came directly to the office.
After understanding the negotiation situation, it was time to handle matters back in the former Roran.
"Welcome back, Master."
At the doorstep, the red-haired woman in a maid outfit opened the door from inside and stood respectfully.
Ryuji wasn't surprised.
Since Aka was created, she had never been absent when he returned.
Sometimes he wondered: when he wasn't home, did Aka just stand behind the door waiting?
Otherwise, how could she be so punctual every time?
"Prepare some food for me. Bring it directly to the workshop later." Ryuji handed his mantle to Aka and went straight to the underground workshop.
"Yes."
...
On the way back, Ryuji had already planned the work order.
Thus, when he descended to the workshop, he quickly got busy.
First, handle the Roran's work.
Namely, crafting the Ugo Ring and the Gate of Life and Death.
The outer ring of the Ugo Ring could be made using an ordinary furnace; Ryuji had already forged it.
What needed 3D printing was the base plate, engraved with magic circles, for setting the Philosopher's Stone.
This was simple for the 3D printer, taking less than a minute.
Next was the Gate of Life and Death...
Ryuji put away the core base, then took out Adamantium, Vibranium, Chakra Metal, and other ordinary metals.
Most were ordinary metals; the Adamantium and Vibranium were only about the size of an infant's fist.
This was Ryuji's entire stock, rewards from consecutively checking-in on full moons.
One was extremely hard; the other absorbed kinetic energy.
Ryuji needed to smelt them together with ordinary metals and Chakra Metal, producing an alloy with specific properties.
The formula had been deduced earlier using his tools.
Now, Ryuji input the formula into the 3D printer, then the simulation diagrams for each component, set the quantities, poured in the materials, and pressed start.
Instantly, mechanical humming rang out. Components were drawn out by the printer.
These components had interlocking mechanisms, allowing easy connection.
The Gate of Life and Death was a spiral door, assembled from many components that could contract inward and outward.
Due to limited space, Ryuji used storage scrolls as he worked. It took several hours.
Looking at the scrolls, Ryuji stretched. "Now, I just need to take these back, assemble everything, and put it into use."
The workshop door opened.
Aka walked in with a tray of food. "Master, it's almost dark. Eat first."
Ryuji intended to refuse, but his stomach grumbled.
"Then I'll eat first."
He took the tray, placed it on the table, and ate quickly.
"Master, Rasa-sama sent a message: Amegakure has withdrawn from the four-village alliance."
"Hmm?"
Ryuji paused, then finished his meal.
Clack!
He placed the bowl down. "What does that have to do with me?"
"Rasa-sama is negotiating with Konoha. To pressure them, he revealed Sunagakure knows about Konoha's difficult situation."
"Applying pressure is common. And then?"
"If Amegakure withdraws, Konoha's pressure decreases. Your negotiation tomorrow might not go as smoothly, Master."