Negotiations

The Third Kazekage remained calm. Ōnoki's words had not angered him, but he knew Ōnoki would not budge without something to gain.

"Lord Tsuchikage, you're jumping to conclusions. Saito and the others' deaths had nothing to do with Sunagakure. Besides, several Stone shinobi attacked Sunagakure Camp a few days ago and caused considerable damage.

"If we're counting losses, Sunagakure has suffered no less than Iwagakure. And with one incident after another striking the Allied Forces lately, Konoha may well be behind them.

"No conflict broke out when the Wind-Earth Allied Forces broke through Utatane Koharu's defensive line. The trouble began only after we encountered Orochimaru, Fugaku Uchiha, and their Reinforcements near the Land of Fire.

"Since then, incidents have repeatedly broken out within the Allied Forces. Surely you've noticed how suspicious that is, Lord Tsuchikage.

"The Uchiha's Sharingan can cast Genjutsu and cloud the mind. Konoha's Uchiha must be behind the many Ninja in the Allied Forces who suddenly lost control and attacked one another."

A senior Iwagakure official beside Ōnoki said, "Lord Kazekage, that's only speculation. Konoha is certainly suspicious, but it won't be enough to convince the Stone shinobi to cooperate willingly with the Sand Shinobi.

"Many Ninja have lost friends and family. The killers are standing right before them, yet we're supposed to lie and call it a Konoha plot. Even if they cooperate for now, resentment will remain.

"Infighting will break out again sooner or later. Konoha is watching for an opening. If the Allied Forces fall into turmoil, Konoha could exploit it, and our losses could be devastating.

"We're responsible for Iwagakure's Ninja."

The negotiations stalled. The Third Kazekage and Third Tsuchikage faced each other calmly as gusts of wind rose between them and swept outward.

Black Iron Sand appeared over the ground at the