"Bargaining hardly befits the bearing of a Kage."
Madara slowly opened his eyes, turning his deep-set gaze toward the Kazekage and emphasizing the title.
Reto wasn't riled by the taunt. This little grievance was nothing; he treated it like sand blowing past his ears.
The Land of Wind was desolate and barren. The price of each of the other eight Tailed Beasts would certainly exceed the price of the One-Tail.
He understood perfectly that the One-Tail was the only bargaining chip Sunagakure had. His mind began racing. After a moment's thought, he continued, "Sunagakure supports Konoha's plan to capture the Tailed Beasts."
He first laid out his position plainly, then swept his gaze over the seated figures before finally looking gravely at Hashirama. "The One-Tail can go to Konoha, but you must set aside a share of the other Tailed Beasts for Sunagakure."
The shameless demand made the man who truly resembled a lion leap to his feet in fury. He slammed a palm against the stone table. "We could seize Sunagakure's One-Tail whenever we wanted. Don't think you can use it to bargain for the other Tailed Beasts!"
The other Kage stared at Reto reproachfully. Their message was clear: that was going too far.
With his hands on the stone table and his chin resting on them, Reto clearly felt the shockwave. He glanced at the furious Byakuren and said calmly, "I trust the Hokage."
Hashirama wasn't suited to haggling like this, so Tobirama stepped forward. "An exchange is out of the question, but we can offer Sunagakure an additional discount. That would also meet the price expectations you just expressed."
"What Tobirama said is exactly what I wanted to say." Feeling someone poke him in the waist, Hashirama hurriedly nodded in agreement.
"Then I have no objections."
Reto's