"Unfortunately, you have very little choice in the matter."
Uchiha Yuu mercilessly tore away that last veil of pretension, leaving the ninjas present furious yet helpless. As the victorious nation, Konoha had not demanded territory or reparations from them, but Konoha intended to claim everything hidden beneath the surface.
Defeat in war came with corresponding consequences. Hanzo clenched his fists and stepped forward, while the ninjas beside him drew their weapons. Unfortunately, calm ultimately overcame anger. Hanzo took a deep breath and said, word by word:
"Brat from Konoha, even if you've made a name for yourself, you're still far too green before me. Respecting the strong is the law of survival in the Shinobi World. This time, I won't hold it against you!"
"As for your request to pass through here, I can open a safe route for you as long as you agree to one condition. I guarantee no one will harass you!"
Having failed to gain the upper hand verbally, Hanzo finally stated his purpose openly. Everything he had done was to secure the proper benefits. If Amegakure had to bear the risks without gaining anything in return, then it would be a complete fool.
"Our demand is simple. Konoha must help us eliminate the internal threats within our village. Without a relatively stable environment, allowing you passage rashly will only invite external troubles. Amegakure will face serious hidden dangers."
"There is an organization in our village called Akatsuki. Their existence poses a severe threat to Amegakure's peace and stability. Leave this matter to Konoha! Kill them all, and make sure Amegakure is not implicated!"
Uchiha Yuu had never expected the other side's demand to be this. He looked doubtful. He had just finished negotiating with Akatsuki, only to arrive here and find Hanzo demanding that Konoha