Probing Games and the Moderate Proposal at the Trilateral Preparatory Meeting

Konoha Meeting Room Three.

The long conference table had been polished until it gleamed, reflecting the stark white ceiling lights.

The air was stagnant, like a sponge drained of all moisture, pressing down so heavily that it was hard to breathe.

Baishi sat at the head of the table, with Namikaze Minato on his right. Shikaku Nara sat slightly farther back. There was only a cup of clear water in front of him, and although he held a pen, he had yet to open his notebook.

Across the table sat Chiyo, an adviser from Sunagakure, and Konan, a representative of Amegakure.

Chiyo had her eyes closed, as if she were asleep. Konan, meanwhile, wore an expressionless face, like an exquisite paper doll.

This was a preparatory meeting for the trilateral talks. It did not involve any formal signing and was meant only to sound out each side's bottom line.

"Since everyone's here, let's begin." Baishi's voice was not loud, but it tightened everyone's nerves another notch.

He offered no pleasantries and directly tapped the first item on the agenda with his knuckles.

"Regarding compensation for the border conflict, Adviser Chiyo, what is Sunagakure's position?"

Chiyo slowly opened her eyes. No emotion could be seen in her murky pupils. Rather than answer directly, she let out a long sigh.

"Fifth Hokage, I didn't come this time to haggle."

Her voice was hoarse, laden with the weight of the years.

"You know what the land of Wind is like. It can't grow enough food. Every sandstorm sweeps away what little harvest there is. The war is over, but Sunagakure's suffering hasn't ended. The children in the village can't even get a bowl of clean water."

She began playing the poverty card, every word steeped in sorrow.

"Compensation... We acknowledge Konoha's losses. But