Discussing Cooperation

"Lord Hokage, can Princess Tsunade and the others really handle this? Their current condition isn't very good."

When only the two of them remained in the room, Hatake Sakumo spoke up.

"Sigh, Sakumo, how could I not know that? But without destruction, there can be no rebirth. If they can't pull themselves out of this on their own, it'll be good enough if their strength doesn't decline in the future."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. "We don't have time to let them adjust their mindsets. We can only use force."

Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, Hatake Sakumo's eyes flickered, and he said nothing more.

As their teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally understood the three of them. With his exceptional teaching ability and Kage-level Peak strength, how could he fail to see their state of mind?

The Sannin were proud and arrogant. Back at the Ninja Academy, they had already been favored children of heaven. After graduation, they became Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciples and direct members of the Hokage's faction, elevating their status even further.

Not long afterward, they had each earned the recognition of the Three Sacred Lands and received summoning beasts.

It could be said that the three of them had enjoyed smooth sailing on their ninja paths.

That was until they encountered Hatake Sakumo, and then met the young Suke on the battlefield between Konoha and Sunagakure.

Their mindsets gradually became more unstable. At the time, Danzo and Mitokado Homura had kept them in check, so it had not been too obvious.

But once Hatake Sakumo broke through to Kage-level before them, their mentality completely collapsed.

With their mindsets shattered, their attacks on the battlefield became increasingly vicious and their killing intent ever stronger. They seemed calm and normal, but in truth, they had already fallen into madness.

If Danzo and Mitokado Homura had not considered them Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciples and their own martial nephews, they would certainly have used them as bait to kill enemies.

A few days ago, Yunqing had suppressed them with his aura, which was tantamount to denying all their efforts. How could hot-blooded youths like them possibly endure that?

"Sorry, Sakumo. From here on, I may need you to help me hold the line for them."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said wearily.

"Rest assured, Lord Hokage. I will do everything in my power to protect the Three Lords."

Hatake Sakumo replied, his voice utterly flat.

Tap, tap, tap, tap. The Amegakure building, which outsiders entered only a few times a year, welcomed two guests today.

"Lord Kazekage, why haven't those people from Konoha and Iwagakure left yet? Are they waiting for us?"

Pakura looked at Yunqing walking ahead of her and could not help complaining.

"Heh, who knows? Maybe, just as you said, they're waiting for us."

Yunqing sneered.

If he had not been certain at first, then after accidentally sensing the change in Jiraiya's state of mind a few days ago, he had already understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions.

Yunqing did not know what kind of person Jiraiya was, but based on the original work, Jiraiya should have been a confident and composed man. Even in his youth, he should not have been this sort of cold and ruthless person.

"But why are they waiting for us?"

Pakura asked hesitantly.

She truly did not understand. The peace talks had ended, and they had completed all the necessary handovers. Why were the people from those two factions still keeping such a close watch on them? Were they planning to stay through the New Year?

"Stop thinking about it. I'm going in to see Hanzo. You stay here and behave."

Seeing the Rain Ninja who had come out from inside, bowed respectfully, and invited him in, Yunqing rubbed Pakura's hair. He left a wisp of his aura and a seal on her body, then walked inside with a smile.

"Long time no see, Lord Kazekage. How have you been these past few days? Have you recruited any talent?"

Seeing Yunqing enter the main hall, Hanzo opened his eyes and asked sharply. His Kage-level Peak aura surged straight into the heavens.

"I didn't find the talent I wanted. When I return, I plan to visit other countries."

Yunqing spoke truthfully, without hiding anything.

"Oh? Then I don't know whether I should be happy or sad.

Should I be sad that Amegakure has no talent that Lord Kazekage needs?

Or should I be pleased that my patriotic education has been so effective?"

Hanzo looked at Yunqing with a faint, unreadable smile.

"Perhaps both. That depends on what Lord Hanzo thinks."

Yunqing shook his head, sat in a chair, and replied indifferently.

He had never expected to recruit any talent in the first place. His purpose in doing this was merely to make a name for himself and prepare for the future.

"Since that's the case, why have you come to see me, Lord Kazekage? Shouldn't you be making preparations for your return?"

Hanzo suddenly raised his voice and questioned Yunqing.

"Cooperation. I came to discuss cooperation with Lord Hanzo.

The Land of Rain has abundant water, while Sunagakure lacks it. I intend to bring in water sources from your territory."

Yunqing shook his head. No longer wanting to trade nonsense with Hanzo, he spoke bluntly.

Hearing Yunqing's words, Hanzo hesitated. He needed to think it through carefully. Once they cooperated with Sunagakure, they would be standing on Sunagakure's side.

Dragons did not dwell among worms. Amegakure needed to clearly recognize its own strength and position.

"What do we stand to gain?"

Hanzo tapped his fingers on the table and narrowed his eyes as he asked.

"Sunagakure will provide people to help you build dams and prevent flooding. When necessary, we can send troops to help you hold back some of your enemies. Most importantly, we have a batch of military supplies that have yet to find a buyer, which we can sell to Amegakure at a low price."

Yunqing liked being straightforward. Too much beating around the bush easily spoiled his mood.

Since Hanzo had asked, he stated the low price outright. It would be fine if Hanzo agreed; if he did not, Yunqing felt he could reconsider Amegakure's value.

"Ten years. For the next ten years, Sunagakure's surplus military supplies must be sold to us at low prices.

"In exchange, Amegakure will send people to assist you in carrying out your water diversion project."

After thinking for a moment, Hanzo spoke decisively.

"Good. Straightforward. Deal."

Yunqing was also very satisfied with this result.

Ten years was just enough to weather the Second Ninja World War.

Hanzo had not taken the opportunity to demand more, either. Overall, both sides were very satisfied with the outcome.

Yunqing rose to his feet and shook Hanzo's hand, signaling that their cooperation had been established.

"Talking to smart people is always pleasant. There aren't so many problems."

Yunqing said with a smile.

"Indeed. Lord Kazekage's straightforwardness caught me off guard. Still, we are deeply grateful for your generous assistance."

He knew all too well about the problems Amegakure would face next. It was precisely because he knew that he understood what he needed.

"Lord Hanzo, you will not be disappointed. You should know that when it comes to scientific research, Sunagakure is quite knowledgeable. We will also help resolve the Land of Rain's problems."

Yunqing did not care about casually making empty promises.

There was no contract anyway, so what did it matter if he promised first?

If they could do it later, they would; if not, they could talk about it then. Hanzo could hardly demand that they see it through.

After that, the two discussed several matters of national importance before parting on excellent terms.

Both of them knew that Yunqing might have a tough battle ahead of him.