"To be honest, even now that this peace agreement has been signed, I truly do not know how long it will last. But I dream that one day, in the near future, everyone will be able to truly cast aside the boundaries between nations, work together, help one another, and unite to usher in complete and genuine peace! That is what I seek!"
Hashirama raised his head and looked earnestly at the four men. The Kage, who had been brimming with hostility moments ago, fell silent once more. The Kazekage closed his eyes and no longer made inflammatory remarks. The Raikage looked at Hashirama, though no one knew what he was thinking. The Tsuchikage sighed, seemingly convinced and dejected by the realization that Hashirama's character surpassed his own. The Mizukage also stopped bickering with the Kazekage. Byakuren, who had always relied on schemes and trickery, suddenly realized that acting openly and honorably could be so simple. But why had his former self never been able to learn it?
The room fell silent again, yet no one wished to speak first. Tobirama could not help but laugh. So this was what an open scheme was like. Sincere words left these formidable leaders with not the slightest room for rebuttal. He then spoke again.
"Starting next year, Konoha and the Land of Fire will no longer require tribute from the Land of Lightning. In return, I hope Lord Raikage can provide a portion of those funds as compensation. Is that acceptable?"
The Raikage silently nodded. If they could pay a substantial sum in good faith and have all those restrictions lifted, it was acceptable. Seeing the Raikage nod, Tobirama continued, "The Eight-Tails originally belonged to the Land of Lightning, and my brother captured it some time ago. Now, along with the Two-Tails,