The Face of Politicians

The Land of Wind, Sunagakure.

The wind and sand howl year after year, and everyone in the Land of Wind has become accustomed to this harsh sandstorm environment.

The earthen-yellow, round building also Meeting Room for the Kazekage of Sunagakure, where two Elder advisors of Sunagakure personally received the envoy from Konoha.

Chiyo and Ebizo, siblings who are currently the two highest-ranking advisors in Sunagakure, greeted their old acquaintances from Konoha, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, with smiles on their faces.

In the quiet Meeting Room, only the sound of Chiyo calmly sipping her tea could be heard. Upon seeing Utatane Koharu, Koharu Utatane frowned, a hint of displeasure on her face. After all, the Third Shinobi War had not been over for long, Sunagakure was a defeated nation.

"Recently, a Ninja legion of ours was attacked on the Land of Fire Border, and ninjas from your Sunagakure were discovered among them, and it was a large-scale operation."

Utatane Koharu, took the initiative, immediately revealing a strong expression of dissatisfaction and speaking in an arrogant tone, clearly there to question him.

However, those present were all seasoned veterans, and they wouldn't be intimidated by your methods. Chiyo smiled and squinted, not even putting down her teacup, and casually said, "This is probably someone trying to provoke conflict between Sunagakure and Konoha. After all, the Shinobi World hasn't been very peaceful lately, and some small, clueless ninja villages often have such ambitions."

"How do you explain the obvious discovery of traces of your Sunagakure ninjas on the Land of Fire Border?" Utatane Koharu pressed on, her face showing anger.

Chiyo chuckled and shook her head, saying, "I also want to see which ignorant little village dares to impersonate our Sand Ninja Village. I ask the Konoha ninjas not to show mercy; just kill them if you find them. Just remember to send us a copy of the information you find later."

Seeing Chiyo's unyielding attitude, Utatane Koharu cursed her inwardly despite her angry expression. As a politician with many years of experience, how could she easily reveal her emotions? She was just trying to gain the upper hand, but Chiyo wasn't buying it at all.

"Hehe, Sunagakure is a reliable ally of Konoha, and we naturally trust Sunagakure. However, some people are secretly sowing discord, so we have come here to exchange ideas on the friendship between our two countries."

Mitokado Homura then spoke up as a peacemaker. Although the Third Hiruzen Sarutobi had stated his bottom line before they came, the relationship between these two countries and two villages was not so simple; otherwise, why would they have been sent on a visit?

As the saying goes, "Ask for the sky, then haggle on the ground." How much you can reduce your losses and how much you can ask for depends entirely on your personal skills.

After Mitokado Homura spoke, Utatane Koharu's expression softened somewhat, but she still maintained a stern face and said stiffly with an unpleasant look, "Since we are allies, and given the frequent harassment along our border, we hope that Sunagakure can provide assistance."

Good heavens, when questioning them failed, they immediately changed their tune to demanding troops.

Upon hearing such a shameless remark, Grandma Chiyo immediately revealed a mocking smile, her cloudy eyes drifting towards the glass as she sighed, "Now that the Daimyo of the Land of Wind has cut funding to the Sunagakure, we in the Sunagakure are preparing to formulate a corresponding elite ninja training program. If things go wrong, the Sunagakure might have to learn from the Kirigakure's Bloody Mist Policy."

"Perhaps this could alleviate the financial burden on Sunagakure. As for aiding your village's border," Grandma Chiyo said, feigning shame as she shook her head. "Konoha, as the number one ninja village in the Shinobi World, ranks first in both the quantity and quality of its Shinobi World. We are even preparing to request Konoha to send an elite Ninja legion to help deal with the recent turbulent border issues."

Chiyo's words Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura feeling incredibly aggrieved. It was clearly a joke directed at them; everyone knew that the Third Shinobi War Konoha War had also resulted in serious injuries.

To say that Konoha overpowered all the other ninja villages would be a stretch before Second Shinobi War. At that time, Kirigakure had the Land of Whirlpools as a shield to resist, so Konoha fought against the Three Great Shinobi Villages alone. Although they were outnumbered, their quality was truly unmatched.

Back then, the Senju Clan Uchiha Clan had plenty of skilled fighters, not to mention the Konoha's White Fang and the Sannin who later became famous during the war. They were able to overwhelm all the rivals with the strength of their own village.

However, starting from the Third Shinobi War, Konoha began to decline. The Senju Clan was almost wiped out, the Uchiha Clan fared slightly better, and most of the village's once-famous elite ninjas died of illness due to the war as they aged, died on the battlefield due to declining health, or simply began to wither away for other reasons.

In addition, the brutality of Third Shinobi War and the poor command of the Third Sarutobi, Sarutobi, would not have led to talk of him resigning after the war.

All Third Shinobi War turned into defensive battles within the Land of Fire, with Konoha Third Shinobi War sent their children to the battlefield, demonstrating the extent of the devastation.

Especially during the Third Shinobi War, the Sunagakure fought with frenzied ferocity. Although the Sand Ninja Village is now weak and even the weakest of the Five Great Ninja Villages, just look at the result of the Five Great Ninja Villages dividing the Tailed Beast to balance their power, and you will know which Shinobi Village was the strongest besides Konoha.

The Sand Ninja Village, which was assigned the weakest tailed Tailed Beast, One-Tails Shukaku, was undoubtedly the strongest ninja village after Konoha at the time. However, it suffered repeated defeats and losses in the later stages, especially during the Third Shinobi War, when it fought Konoha to the death, which caused it to fall from its pedestal.

It was precisely because of the past glory of Sunagakure that Konoha took a series of measures against Sunagakure after the Third Shinobi War.

"You Sand Ninja..."

"Your Konoha..."

Meeting Room, the Elder advisors and Elder advisors from Sunagakure and Konoha began a furious argument. It was clear that women seemed to be naturally adept at haggling over exorbitant prices.

Mitokado Homura and Ebizo acted as peacemakers, or spoke up to ease the tense atmosphere when necessary; the two were essentially acting as lubricants.

As night fell, the Meeting Room was filled with a strong Yakumi. Chiyo stared wide-eyed, her mouth dry and her throat almost hoarse. Ebizo, standing beside her, wore a wry smile, indicating that five teapots of water had already been emptied. Water resources in Sunagakure were extremely scarce.

Meanwhile, Utatane Koharu, was also red-faced and glaring at her. Neither of them was willing to back down. At first, they were both able to restrain themselves and maintain their composure, but then they couldn't hold back anymore. Slamming the table and glaring were just basic tactics for them.

Just as Yakumi were building, a knock sounded at the door. Under Ebizo's questioning gaze, the wooden door slowly opened, revealing Baki, who had rushed back from his journey.

Upon entering the meeting room, Maki first gave a respectful nod to the two elders of Konoha as a sign of courtesy, and then solemnly walked to the two elders of his own village.

Baki said something in a low, serious voice. Chiyo, whose face had been Yakumi, instantly lost her anger and was replaced by a big smile. She nodded repeatedly.

"I see. Go back and tell Lord Kazekage that I will immediately go to receive the distinguished guests from the Land of Earth." Chiyo, who had risen with a broad smile, seemed to realize her rudeness and immediately smiled at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, bowing slightly. "You two have come from afar. It's getting late, so please have Baki take the two Konoha advisors to rest. We can explore the customs and culture of our Land of Wind tomorrow."

After exchanging pleasantries, Chiyo's Chiyo face broke into a wide smile, and she walked towards the door with an expression of delight.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, with their calm expressions, seemed unaffected. Instead, they displayed the demeanor of the First Ninja Village, nodding slightly and maintaining their superior attitude. However, when they looked at each other, they saw the anxiety in each other's eyes.

The Land of Earth? What could they possibly be doing here at a time like this? It can't be anything good, damn it! Looks like we're really going to have to pay a hefty price this time.

Mitokado Homura glanced worriedly at his old friend beside him, Utatane Koharu subtly shook her head. At this point, it was no longer up to them to decide. They should quickly send information to Sarutobi through their Summoning Beast after returning, and then discuss it further.

Since we've come to the negotiating table, it means there's still room for discussion. If we can't reach an agreement, it's simply because the interests involved aren't sufficient.

Meanwhile, in the Kazekage's office, Rasa and two Elder advisors received an envoy from the Land of Earth late at night.

"Kazekage, advisors, our Lord Tsuchikage sincerity. Back in the day Sunagakure was hailed as the second-best ninja village after Konoha. But what about now? Who in the Shinobi World doesn't know that Konoha is just sucking blood from Sunagakure, using such despicable means to restore its own strength?"

"Konoha is afraid that Sunagakure will rise again..." This envoy sent by the Tsuchikage was quite the smooth talker, launching into a barrage of boasts upon meeting him. Although everyone knew it was just polite talk, everyone likes to hear nice things.

Chiyo, looking like an honest man, nodded with a sigh and said, "Alas, only Ōnoki still remembers the friendship between Sunagakure and Stone Village back then. Konoha is too despicable. We Sunagakure were fought to such an extent in the Third Shinobi War, and they still made us sign such a despicable treaty."

You act, and I, this old woman, act too. You praise me, and I cry my eyes out. Anyway, everyone knows what's really going on, so just sigh and that's it. Whoever takes it seriously loses.

The envoy from Iwagakure looked earnestly at the Kazekage and the two Elder advisors, and said with deep emotion, "Our Lord Tsuchikage has long been speaking out for Sunagakure, and this time he is even more sincere."

"Our Lord Tsuchikage knows that Konoha is trying to extort your village because of the unrest on the border, so we have come. This is a Private alliance treaty; the three of you may take a look."

After receiving the alliance treaty scroll, Ebizo Kazekage Rasa, and Chiyo exchanged glances, all secretly cursing Ōnoki for being so cunning and treacherous.

The envoy from Iwagakure) said with a smile, "Konoha (Hidden Stone Village) is known as the overlord of the Shinobi World, and it has been bullying our small ninja village without any restraint. Only by uniting and forming an alliance can we resist Konoha's bullying behavior. Therefore, the Raikage of the Land of Lightning and our Tsuchikage are preparing to join forces to invite Shinobi World ninja villages that have suffered from Konoha's bullying to unite and fight against this behavior together."

Although it sounds nice, Rasa is no fool. He may be young, but someone who can reach this position cannot be a brainless brute.

What do you mean by resisting this bullying? You Raikage and Tsuchikage have a good plan, you don't have to do anything, you just need to talk, and then the Sunagakure will stand up and shout that they will fight back, and then terminate the treaty of defeat signed with Konoha.

And then what? The Raikage and Tsuchikage might just grumble a bit, but Konoha will definitely be enraged. Even if they don't want to fight, they'll have to fight for their pride. In that case, the only ones who will suffer are the Sunagakure.

If they still can't understand this simple principle, then they've lived in vain, and Rasa is even less worthy of sitting in this position.

"We, the Sunagakure, abhor this kind of bullying the most, but the strength of Konoha leaves us with no choice but to endure it. After all, you know the current situation of the Sand Ninja."

Chiyo Granny Chiyo stood up and spoke against her conscience with righteous indignation, finally revealing her true intentions: turn against Konoha? We don't have the resources for that right now, so we're willing but powerless.

The envoy from Iwagakure, however, showed no concern. Instead, he nodded with a look of sympathy and said, "Our Lord Tsuchikage has taken this into consideration. The Third Hokage Sarutobi of Konoha, has been bullying the dominant Shinobi World, and all the ninja villages have witnessed this. Therefore, in order to avoid putting your village in a difficult position, our Tsuchikage is willing to help your village put some pressure on Konoha."

"It's not that we at Iwagakure want to provoke a conflict, but Konoha's behavior is simply too disgusting. They shamelessly and arrogantly seized 20% of Sunagakure's High-level mission quota! That's outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!"

"Our Lord Tsuchikage and Lord Raikage will simultaneously announce their alliance against Konoha's hegemony, and we will formally invite your village at that time. Of course, we also sincerely hope to help your village return to the negotiating table with Konoha on the treaty issue; this 20% is far too much."

The true intentions were revealed when the Third Hokage Tsuchikage, Tsuchikage Onoki, used his words to try and take a big bite out of Konoha by using the Sunagakure, even though the Sunagakure believed that the piece of flesh originally belonged to them.

Upon hearing this, Kazekage Rasa immediately showed a tempted expression, while the cunning Chiyo, though tempted, did not reveal it at all. Instead, she feigned a sorrowful look and sighed.

"Thank you for your kindness, Tsuchikage Onoki, but Konoha is simply too strong. If pushed too far, our Sunagakure cannot withstand the damage caused by war."

Although it poses no threat to Sunagakure, Chiyo has lived for so many years and has more Kazekage Rasa. Her weak appearance is clearly an attempt to silence the Iwagakure envoy.

After all, there's no such thing as a free lunch. You're so kind as to help our Sunagakure reclaim some benefits without asking for anything in return? That's bullshit.

Sure enough, the envoy from Stone Village froze upon hearing this, inwardly cursing the old woman for being shameless, wanting benefits without giving anything in return, and thinking, "Dream on."

"Well, our Stone Village also bears a huge risk. After all, the strength of Konoha is evident to all the ninja villages in the Third Shinobi World War Shinobi World. But for the sake of justice in the Shinobi World, and to no longer suffer the humiliation of Konoha's hegemony, our Lord Tsuchikage resolutely chose to stand up."

Politicians are shameless, and the envoy from Stone Village sighed softly, "If the Kazekage is willing, we can join forces against Konoha. Of course, our Lord Tsuchikage understands the current situation of Sunagakure, as this is not a matter of fighting fiercely. We are willing to help Sunagakure renegotiate the treaty with Konoha. We hope that Sunagakure can allocate some of its share to Iwagakure, since we are also risking the wrath of Konoha Iwagakure."

Bah! He's finally showing his true colors. The Tsuchikage Onoki, is just jealous of this mission share. To put it bluntly, he's saying, "I'll step forward and help you renegotiate with Konoha, but I can't do this for free, can I? I don't expect you to give me whatever you get back from Konoha, but at least I should get some compensation for my hard work."

To put it simply, it's a commission.

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