"Unfortunately, you have very little choice."
Uchiha Yū mercilessly tore away that final veil, leaving the ninjas present furious yet helpless. As the victorious nation, Konoha had not demanded land or reparations from them, but it intended to obtain every hidden benefit.
Defeat in war meant bearing the corresponding consequences. Hanzō clenched his fists and stepped forward, while the ninjas beside him drew their weapons. Yet in the end, calm overcame anger. Hanzō took a deep breath and said, word by word:
"Brat from Konoha, even if you have made a name for yourself, you are still far too green before me. Respecting the strong is the law of survival in the shinobi world. This time, I will let it slide!"
"As for your request to pass through our territory, I can open a safe route for you if you agree to one condition. I guarantee no one will harass you!"
Having failed to gain the upper hand verbally, Hanzō finally stated his purpose openly. Everything he had done was to secure the proper benefits. If Amegakure took on the risks without gaining anything in return, it would be utterly foolish.
"Our request is simple. Konoha must help us eliminate the internal troubles within our village. Without a relatively stable environment, allowing you passage rashly will only invite external threats. Amegakure could face grave dangers."
"There is an organization in our village called Akatsuki. Their existence seriously threatens Amegakure's peace and stability. Leave this matter to Konoha! Kill them all, and make sure Amegakure is not implicated!"
Uchiha Yū had never expected the other side's request to be this. He looked suspicious. He had just negotiated with Akatsuki, only to come to Hanzō afterward and be asked to have Konoha destroy them.
On further thought, Hanzō's demand was reasonable. At