Between the lines, there was a certain degree of "compromise"
and a certain degree of "firmness."
For example, specifically referring to this place as "the border of the Land of Fire," and mentioning "the threat posed by the Akatsuki," among other things.
Negotiation was a skill.
That was especially true during high-stakes negotiations like this one, where the attitudes of both sides could alter the entire world order. The way one organized and expressed one's words was particularly important. One had to achieve one's own goals while also acting in accordance with one's status. This was a true test of one's poise and ability. As the adviser to two Hokage, Shikaku naturally had plenty of experience with such situations. While giving the two "Lord Kage" a way to save face, he had also done his best to preserve his own Hokage's dignity, and delivered a gentle reminder to the Snow Shadow across from him.
They would understand where he stood.
But shouldn't "Lord Snow Shadow" also know where to draw the line?
Words that hid a barb beneath their softness.
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly. He gave Shikaku, seated on the left across from him, a long look and couldn't help thinking, As expected of the man hailed as the smartest in the original story. No matter the situation, he could adapt on the fly. As long as the scale of battle in this world didn't rise to the Six Paths Level, Shikaku Nara really could use his intellect to become the key to changing the course of any war.
"I see. Then it seems I misunderstood. I'm sorry about that, Lady Tsunade."
They both understood what was going on.
But now that they had been offered a way to save face,
they might as well take it.
In any case,