The next morning, at the Hokage's office building.
The Cloud Village delegation requested negotiations and discussions to commence as early as possible, seemingly unwilling to linger in Konoha. Sarutobi Hiruzen found himself with no choice; he had to approach the negotiations with the two major foreign powers with utmost caution.
Sarutobi Hiruzen wore his Hokage hat and was dressed impeccably. Standing beside him were Mito Usuri and Koharu Utatane, senior advisors of Konoha, qualified to participate in this negotiation and, incidentally, to protect the Hokage, lest the Cloud Village attempt to "capture the leader to capture the rebels."
Of course, this was highly unlikely. After all, the current Sarutobi Hiruzen was widely recognized as Konoha's strongest. A few minor figures like them wouldn't even stand a chance against him with one hand tied.
"You want to increase the supplies tenfold?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression was grim. The other party's demand for a tenfold increase felt like they were not taking Konoha seriously.
"Precisely! Cloud Village suffered no losses. On what grounds should we sign a peace treaty? This is my intent, and it is also the intent of our Cloud Village's strongest ever, the Third Raikage!"
The Cloud Village envoy's demeanor was arrogant and overbearing. He was confident that Sarutobi Hiruzen would not dare to harm him, that he wouldn't gamble with the lives of the village's shinobi.
This was also why the various countries had studied Sarutobi Hiruzen thoroughly, understanding his character. If Danzo were Hokage, and one demanded tenfold material compensation from him?
He'd lop off your head!
You'd be the one offering tenfold supplies!
Danzo was a profiteer; he wouldn't stir without benefit, and might not even deign to meet the Cloud Village delegation.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent. Mito Usuri spoke in a deep voice, "Tenfold is too much. Moreover, there is no deep animosity between Konoha and Cloud Village. A peace treaty is a good outcome for both of us."
The Cloud Village envoy scoffed and said, "No hatred? I recall your Second Hokage, that Tobirama Senju or whatever his name was, was killed by our Cloud Village's Kinkaku and Ginkaku. Ah, a gruesome death!"
"You!" Mito Usuri glared at the envoy, unable to restrain himself from making a move.
Koharu Utatane quickly grabbed Mito Usuri's sleeve and shook her head. She then looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen; they had to follow the Hokage's orders.
Since the envoy made his outrageous demand for tenfold supplies, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression had remained calm. Even when his teacher was insulted earlier, his eyes hadn't flickered. He clasped his hands together, veins bulging – he was suppressing his killing intent!
"Tenfold supplies is impossible! Double! Konoha can at most offer double the supplies."
Sarutobi Hiruzen lightly tapped the table to divert his inner rage. He did not look up at the Cloud Village envoy, fearing he might not be able to resist killing him.
"Hiruzen, you..." Mito Usuri's expression shifted slightly, unable to understand why Sarutobi Hiruzen had compromised.
"Double? Are you trying to dismiss us as beggars, Konoha, or are you looking down on Cloud Village and want to start a war?" the Cloud Village envoy retreated not an inch, even pressuring Sarutobi Hiruzen further. He knew full well that the more he pushed Sarutobi Hiruzen, the less he would dare to act.
"You Cloud Nin are utterly arrogant. I..."
Mito Usuri's words were cut short by Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Usuri, be silent!" Then, for the first time, he looked directly at the Cloud Village envoy and said, "This matter cannot be decided quickly. How about this: I will convene the representatives of Konoha's various clans shortly. If more than two-thirds of them agree to your envoy's demands, then we will proceed as you say."
The Cloud Village envoy's heart leaped with joy. This was beyond his wildest expectations, managing to tie down most of Konoha's fighting strength. His original intention was merely to escalate the situation and draw the attention of Konoha's Anbu to the Hokage's office, thereby facilitating Troda and their actions. He never expected such a remarkable outcome.
The Cloud Village envoy, suppressing his surprise, said, "Ahem, since Konoha is so sincere, we will give you a little Cloud Village specialty when we depart!"
"We are truly grateful!"
...
"This is too much!" After the Cloud Village delegation was escorted to the reception hall, Mito Usuri slammed his fist into the wall, his anger evident.
"Cloud Village specialty? Are they implying Konoha is some backwater village that's never seen the world?" Koharu Utatane's expression was also grim. This was the first time Konoha had been so belittled.
"Hiruzen! Don't you have any objections? Have you truly become so weak?" Mito Usuri said furiously.
Sarutobi Hiruzen gently removed his Hokage hat and picked up the pipe on the table, fiddling with it. It was a new one he had only used for a few days.
"The Cloud Village envoy's attitude is so arrogant, and their negotiation demands are unreasonable. Their objective is already clear; they have another purpose. However, this is an overt maneuver. After all, we cannot act against them. If we do, the consequences will be far more severe."
"Are we just going to stand by and watch?" Mito Usuri was unwilling.
"Of course not. If we are to act, we need a reason. Standing on the side of righteousness, I believe you both know the advantages without me needing to elaborate."
"To be unforgiving when in the right?"
"Pfft!" Koharu Utatane glanced at Mito Usuri with a strange look. She never knew her old friend had such a side to him.
"Ahaha, excuse me, I was too angry, and only this phrase came to mind." Mito Usuri pushed his glasses up to cover his embarrassment. He was a scholar!
Sarutobi Hiruzen was also taken aback, then said with a hint of helplessness, "So now it depends on their purpose for coming to Konoha. The reason I'm summoning the clan representatives is also to facilitate their actions."
"Luring the snake out of its hole?"
"That's a good phrase. Progress!"
Mito Usuri grinned proudly: I am a scholar!
Sarutobi Hiruzen ignored his two old friends' bad jokes, his expression serious. "Inform the Anbu to strictly monitor the Cloud Nin envoy's movements and report any situation immediately. Also, summon the clan representatives; we need to put on a complete act."
After Mito Usuri and Koharu Utatane left, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned cold. He muttered to himself, "A specialty, huh? I wonder whose specialty it will be. Though Konoha does not wish for war, we do not fear it!"
They had already bullied their way to his doorstep. No matter how much Sarutobi Hiruzen wished to avoid deteriorating diplomatic relations, he did not want Konoha's "spirit" to be trampled underfoot. He believed Konoha's clans would not agree to that either.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. He was still somewhat soft-hearted. Even if he found concrete evidence, would he truly dare to kill? Sarutobi Hiruzen asked himself, he could do it! But the Third Hokage could not!
Sarutobi Hiruzen lit his pipe and took a deep puff. As if struck by a thought, his brows suddenly relaxed.
Danzo… you truly are a good person.
Sarutobi Hiruzen squeezed the pipe in his hand, and it broke. Remaining embers scattered, but it didn't affect him in the slightest. Sarutobi Hiruzen had made up his mind!