Closed-Loop Offsetting of Multilateral Debts and the Rain Village Delegation's Silent Loss

Hokage Building, Foreign Affairs Meeting Room Three.

The atmosphere on either side of the long conference table was sharply divided.

Baishi sat upright at the head of the table, his fingers unconsciously tapping the cold cover of a document on the tabletop, producing a dull, rhythmic sound.

Beside him sat Chief of General Staff Shikaku Nara. The only thing before him was a cup of plain tea, untouched.

Across from them, Konan, head of the Amegakure delegation, wore Akatsuki's Black Cloak with Red Clouds. Her expression was stern. The two Rain Ninja behind her stood like silent statues.

At the center of the table lay the Diplomatic Note and Compensation List delivered by paper crane.

At the bottom of the list, the figure of six billion three hundred million ryo was horrifying to behold.

"Lord Hokage Baishi, every item on this list is supported by precise assessments of the enormous losses our side suffered in the Wailing Gorge Explosion Incident, as well as the costs of rebuilding the border facilities."

Konan spoke first, her voice like the cold rain that fell year-round in the Land of Rain.

"We hope Konoha will face the seriousness of this incident and provide a responsible response as soon as possible."

Her words were hard and her position unmistakable, leaving no room for negotiation.

Baishi stopped tapping the table and looked up at Konan.

"Regarding the trouble and losses caused to your side by Comrade Namikaze Minato losing control due to illness, I once again express Konoha's regret."

His tone was flat, his wording official and diplomatic. He acknowledged the incident while skillfully attributing it to "a patient losing control."

"But," Baishi continued, changing tack, "before discussing compensation, we believe several accounts related to this incident need to be settled together."

He gave Shikaku Nara