Was signing the treaty the only path left?
With a soft plop, as if every ounce of strength had been drained from him, Iwama collapsed into his chair. He sagged like a deflated balloon, his eyes unfocused, his face deathly pale and filled with exhaustion.
In just one night, Iwama had become utterly worn out. Stubble had sprouted along his jaw, adding to his haggard appearance.
All night, he had been under immense pressure, tense and stifled by helplessness. He could no longer think of any solution.
Konoha now held an absolute advantage, absolute control of the situation.
Without realizing it, he had lost every advantage and been left completely passive.
Now, aside from agreeing to sign the treaty, he had no other choice.
Unless he lost his mind, threw caution to the wind, and insisted on carrying out some sabotage plan, ultimately causing even greater losses.
Besides, the treaty was not particularly harsh. It was already better than the best outcome they had prepared themselves for. In a sense, they were even getting quite a bargain.
That was right. After thinking it over and over throughout the night, the conclusion Iwama reached was to admit defeat, abandon the plan to turn the tables, and honestly accept Konoha's generous terms. There was no other way.
Let's do it...
Let's do it. This is the only way now.
It was time to report the matter to the Third Tsuchikage.
The mission had failed.
As that thought crossed his mind, the exhausted and haggard Iwama seemed to lose all spirit at once. Like a walking corpse, he picked up the paper and brush beside him and began writing on the letter.
Though unwilling, though it would disappoint everyone who had placed such high hopes in him, Iwama knew he had to do