Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Hanzō’s Request

Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Hanzō’s Request



Takuya rolled his eyes and said flatly, "Let's just get on with the negotiations. What, does our dear 'demigod' think he can make some ridiculous demands?"

He didn't care if Hanzō was listening. As the defeated side, what right did he have to ask for anything crazy? Even if he did, Takuya wouldn't even bother entertaining it. The whole idea was laughable.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Just follow the normal process, Takuya thought.

Tsunade sighed internally, feeling a little helpless. Seriously? You couldn't leave him a bit of dignity? Saying stuff like this right in front of Hanzo was just brutal.

Even Shikaku's face twitched a little. This was definitely the first time he'd seen someone negotiate like this-straight-up throwing threats out in the open.

Across the table, Hanzō's expression darkened as he let out a quiet grunt but stayed silent. The ninja pouring tea nearby fumbled and almost dropped the teapot.

"That's enough. You can go," Hanzō said, waving his servant away irritably.

At least Hanzō wasn't the type to start yelling or punishing his subordinates for small mistakes. If this had been Danzo, there would have been insults and probably some harsh punishment by now.

What's the point of drinking tea right now anyway? Hanzō thought. His pride had already been bruised; no sense in pretending to care about proper hospitality. Better to just get the negotiations over with quickly and send this disaster of a guest on his way.

"I assume you three don't want to waste any time either," Hanzō said, moving straight to the point. "Let's begin the talks."

"That works for me," Takuya said, satisfied with the straightforward approach. He wasn't a fan of the kind of people who liked to circle around with their words, playing mind games.

"This is the post-war peace agreement from Konoha. Have a look, and if you don't have any issues, just sign it. That'll make things easier for all of us." Takuya grabbed the document Tsunade had been holding and practically shoved it into Hanzo's hands.

Tsunade was stunned, staring at Takuya with wide eyes. Wait, you're just going to hand him the contract without any discussion? Seriously?

"While it's true the Rain Village acknowledges the war is over, we are not defeated in the strictest sense," Hanzo explained. He glanced at Tsunade briefly before continuing, "The daimyo invested a lot of money into the village to strengthen it. If we accept the label of being 'defeated,' it will cause problems with the daimyo, who won't be pleased with the outcome. If that happens, the Rain Village's recovery will be even more difficult."

If the daimyo felt insulted, there was no way he'd keep funding the Rain Village. They weren't like Konoha, which could survive even if the daimyo tightened the purse strings. For the Rain Village, losing the daimyo's support would be disastrous.

"So, what are you suggesting?" Takuya asked, shifting into a more serious tone.

Even though negotiating wasn't his strong suit, basic communication wasn't beyond him. Hanzō clasped his hands together and leaned forward slightly. "I suggest we frame this as a mutual agreement to end the war, with both villages agreeing that further losses were unacceptable. And the Sand Village would be blamed for instigating the conflict."

He paused before continuing, "The Sand Village was the one who sparked the fighting. They provoked both sides. That way, both our reputations are preserved, and the daimyo will be satisfied. What do you think?"

Technically, the Rain Village hadn't been the one to start the war. The Sand Village had stirred the pot. Hanzo had already shared this intelligence with Konoha. Blaming the Sand Village would solve a lot of problems.

It would be a win-win situation for both the Rain Village and Konoha. Otherwise, the Rain Village would suffer under the label of a defeated nation, and Konoha's reputation as a peacekeeper would take a hit for being seen as the aggressor.

Takuya glanced over at Tsunade, who frowned in thought for a moment before giving a small nod. It wasn't a bad deal. Shifting the blame to the Sand Village was perfect timing, especially since they were already at war with Konoha. And since the Sand Village had been the one to declare war, it made sense for them to take the fall.

With Tsunade's approval, Takuya shrugged. "Fine, we can tweak that. Anything else?"

The fact that Konoha wasn't demanding reparations was already a pretty big concession. The Hokage's attitude was clear- he wasn't trying to crush the Rain Village, just avoid pushing them into desperation and rebellion.

"I also want to request some aid from Konoha. The Rain Village is in desperate need of supplies-both food and other essentials. Additionally, I would like permission to pass through the Fire Country's borders to purchase grain from the daimyo's lands."

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