"You—"
Pakura's words made the two elders seethe with anger.
"You opposed going to war, and now you oppose ending it. Pakura, what exactly do you want?"
"I'm protecting Sunagakure's interests. Back then, Sunagakure had no evidence that Konoha had anything to do with the Third Kazekage's death. Konoha was at the height of its power, and going to war against it would only have thrown away Sand Shinobi lives.
"I was proved right. Now Konoha's terms are far too harsh. Sunagakure has even less reason to accept them," Pakura said.
One elder sighed. "Konoha's terms are harsh, but terms can be negotiated. Our main goal over the next few days is to reduce Sunagakure's losses."
In just half a day, Konoha's proposed ceasefire agreement had spread throughout Sunagakure Camp. The negotiations were taking place nearby.
Nor had anyone kept the talks secret. Word that Pakura was willing to fight to the death also spread among the Sand Shinobi, winning support from some of them.
All five members of Konoha's negotiating team had gathered at the command headquarters in Konoha Camp.
The Finance Minister spoke first. "Hokage, will the Land of Wind's representatives accept our terms? Under the last Staircase Mountain Treaty, they had to hand over forty percent for ten years and keep their ninja numbers at six thousand.
"This time, we've raised the demand straight to seventy percent. I'm afraid Sunagakure might lash out if we corner them."
"Heh. How will we know the Land of Wind's limit unless we push them? Konoha has plenty of powerful fighters now. If Sunagakure keeps fighting, it will only humiliate itself.
"I want to see the most they're willing to concede."
Orochimaru was speaking largely in line with Fugaku's wishes. Fugaku had sent him a message personally, so he must have