Hiruzen's Attempt to Make Them Stay
Naraku extended his right index finger and thumb and rubbed them together, a gesture that any businessman would understand.
Dodai stared at the young and valiant Fourth Hokage, his eyes filled with shock.
The Fourth Hokage Uchiha Nara, not only refused to provide assistance or compensation, but also demanded that Kumogakure pay him.
"Hokage, you have insulted our Kumogakure like this! We, the Kumogakure, will never let this go!"
Dodai was ashen, and he simply referred to himself as Hokage, dropping the respectful title of "Lord. "Dodai knew in his heart that this peace-seeking trip was unlikely to yield any results.
Konoha entered the era of the Fourth Hokage. This Fourth Hokage was known as the "Shura of Asura of Konoha." During the great war with Hidden Mist, he negotiated a peace with Hidden Mist and demanded 20 billion ryo in compensation.
Dodai spoke forcefully and tried to turn and leave, but no one stopped him as he made the slight turn.
This made Dodai somewhat embarrassed; he was only applying pressure, not actually trying to leave, and he stood there frozen.
"Tokudai Ninja, wait a minute."
Seeing that Dodai had been standing there for a long time without turning to leave, Naraku put on a gentle smile again, easing Dodai's embarrassment.
"Cough cough."
Dodai coughed, turned slightly, and faced Uchiha Nara.
"This person is no different from Sarutobi Hiruzen. I was entrusted by the Fourth Raikage to bring an end to the fighting. What should I do..."
Dodai looked at the Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Nara, with a solemn expression.
"Dodai, you must have heard of my deeds."
Naraku remained calm and unhurried, extending two fingers as he continued:
"Let's follow the peace agreement between Konoha and Hidden Mist: 20 billion ryo. The two nations of Konoha and Kirigakure will cease hostilities and enjoy peace. Wouldn't that be wonderful!"
"We, the Kumogakure, will never pay compensation!"
Dodai, steeling himself, made a strong statement.
The peace talks can cover many things, but the Dodai will never agree to this indemnity, and there's never been such a precedent for it in Kumogakure.
"The altar ninja isn't offering reparations, it's providing aid. Konoha is facing financial difficulties and is experiencing some cash flow problems."
"If Kumogakure were to offer assistance, Konoha would surely be grateful for Kumogakure kindness, and the two sides would turn hostility into friendship, enjoying peace together. What could be wrong with that?"
Naraku spoke calmly, embellishing the reparations into aid, just like Konoha's previous aid to Iwagakure, to save face.
"We, the Kumogakure, will never pay compensation!"
Dodai gritted his teeth and emphasized it again.
Naraku's gentle expression vanished, replaced by a serious look, and he said coldly:
"Hmph! Then get lost, wash your neck and wait."
Naraku snorted coldly and ordered them to leave.
"Snort!"
Dodai snorted coldly and left with his two deputies.
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the departing figure of the Kumogakure envoy and sighed, saying:
"Fourth Hokage, why go to such lengths? Since Kumogakure has come with sincerity, let 'Konoha conclude a peace treaty and end all conflict. Why fight over a moment's pride?"
Naraku heard Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's words but didn't speak. Instead, he stood up and looked out the window of the Hokage Office at the three Kumogakure envoys who were striding away under the watchful eyes of the Anbu.
The Kumogakure doesn't have the same level of security as depicted in the original story; it's even weaker than the Konoha. The Hidden Konoha Village can't afford to lose either.
"The Kumogakure refuses to pay reparations and repeatedly provokes others, so it should be given a warning to set an example. It's unacceptable for a mere ninja village to try and take a bite out of Konoha."
Two billion taels? Humph, that's stingy. If you ask me, it should be two hundred billion taels.
It would be a good opportunity to send White Fang to the Northeast Stronghold to assess its defenses and coordinate with Minato in attacking the Land of Lightning.
"If we could kill the Raikage, or a renowned Jonin Kumogakure, Konoha's reputation would be completely transformed."
Naraku could no longer see the Kumogakure envoy, Naraku withdrew his gaze and sat back down at the table.
Upon hearing Naraku's words, the Third Hokage shook his head helplessly and remained silent.
"Tetsu, go and summon Hatake Sakumo."
"Hi!"
A figure from the Anbu appeared and jumped out of the window.
Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned even more deeply, sighed, and stood up.
"Fourth generation, I'm going out for a walk to clear my head."
"Yes, Third Hokage Lord."
Naraku in response.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen pushed open the door and left.
At this moment, Tsuchida, the Kumogakure Dodai envoy who had just left, was torn between his inner turmoil and his own conscience.
As Dodai left, as a renowned Jonin Kumogakure with considerable strength, he sensed someone watching him from behind.
They had thought someone would intervene and invite him back for further negotiations, but it turned out that Konoha truly had no intention of making peace and wanted to resume the war.
Dodai recalled the Raikage's instructions to seek peace, cease hostilities, and conclude a peace treaty. If Konoha made any demands, as long as they weren't too excessive, some concessions would be acceptable.
Dodai wasn't sure if the demand for 20 billion was excessive, but based on his understanding of the Raikage Dodai, he felt that the Raikage probably wouldn't agree to such a condition.
"Dodai, are we really going back?"
Deputy Envoy Kumogakure asked the Dodai in a low voice.
The three envoys traveled together, with Dodai as the chief envoy and the other two as his deputies. Their mission was the same: to stop the war and force Konoha to withdraw its troops.
This peace negotiation has now been botched.
"Hey, the Raikage would never agree to such a condition. Let's go back."
Dodai sighed, said nothing more, and walked towards the entrance of Konoha village.
The three envoys from Kumogakure quickly left Konoha. Dodai looked back at the Konoha gate, surprised to find that no one had tried to stop them.
"Hmph! Let's go!"
Dodai's face showed shame and indignation. He turned around and prepared to leave in Body Flicker Technique. Just as his Chakra gathered at his feet, he heard an old voice from behind.
"Dodai, wait!"
The Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, leaped several Body Flicker Techniques and arrived at the village entrance.
"Hiruzen, why are you trying to keep me here?"
Dodai, who had just been feeling ashamed and indignant, breathed a sigh of relief.
"The Fourth Hokage is young and impetuous, and has a warlike nature. I cannot bear to see Konoha and Kumogakure fighting each other and causing great suffering to the people. Therefore, I implore the Hokage to lower the conditions."
"Dodai, would you agree if the aid to Konoha were less?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to take matters into his own hands and finalize the peace agreement.
"Two hundred billion taels is too much, Hiruzen. This is not up for discussion."
Dodai was no longer as tough as before, and instead spoke the truth.
"How much can the Kumogakure contribute at most? If it really doesn't work, I'll subsidize it myself, so the Hokage can enjoy some vanity and achievement."
The Shinobi World has been embroiled in war for a long time, and it is the people and children of various countries who have been displaced and suffered greatly.
Dodai narrowed his eyes, staring at Sarutobi Hiruzen in front of him.
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, was well -Daimyo known and respected by Capital City; he was a very kind and generous person.
"Since this former Hokage has put it this way, so be it."
Having made up his mind, Dodai said in a deep voice:
"One hundred billion taels, Hiruzen. If it exceeds one hundred billion taels, there's no need to discuss it further."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, his expression gentle, and replied somewhat apologetically:
"Very well, one hundred billion taels will suffice. I will appease the Fourth Generation with the rest. Let the Thunder and Fire Kingdoms be at peace from now on."
"Shall we conclude the treaty now? Will the Fourth Hokage recall the Land of Lightning ninja forces?"
Dodai asked the crucial question.
"As the former Hokage, I certainly have some influence! No matter what, I will make the Fourth Hokage give me face! Don't worry!"
The three envoys exchanged glances and nodded slightly.
Dodai gazed at the kind-hearted Third Hokage, a thought flashed through his mind.
"Ten billion? I didn't realize I'd overstated it."