The Truth, Five Years Late

Nara Shikaku walked over from the side.

"He was sending a signal that he wanted to make a deal. He had bargaining chips Konoha needed."

Mitokado Homura said in a deep voice, "Kakashi's Sharingan, Shisui's eyes, and Kurenai Yuhi. Most importantly, Lie Yang himself."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

"He wanted to tell Konoha that he was willing to negotiate."

Danzo frowned. "It could also be a trap."

"Of course it could be a trap." Fugaku finally spoke.

"But if he truly wanted to kill Kurenai Yuhi, there would have been no need for him to leave any conditions."

"Lie Yang possessed more than enough strength."

"He could take Kurenai Yuhi out of the Land of Fire, or he could kill the hostage outright."

"But he did neither."

Fugaku raised his eyes.

"That showed he genuinely wanted something from Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him.

"So, we have decided to let you handle the first negotiation."

The room fell silent.

Fugaku did not respond immediately.

"Me?"

"You."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was firm.

"You have a secret connection with Lie Yang."

"You are also the Uchiha Clan's leader."

"Compared to anyone else in Konoha, you are better suited to act as an intermediary."

Danzo said in a low voice, "But you cannot agree to any conditions on behalf of the Uchiha Clan without authorization."

"I understand," Fugaku replied.

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "Konoha will not immediately agree to Lie Yang's demands."

"But neither will it close the door to negotiations."

"Make contact with him first and confirm what he wants."

"If his terms are within what Konoha can bear, continue negotiating."

"If they exceed the bottom line, the higher-ups will decide whether to refuse."

Fugaku looked at the battle report on the table, his gaze settling on the record of Kurenai Yuhi's disappearance.