Three days passed in a flash. Orochimaru returned from the Capital, and the Daimyo had readily agreed.
Konoha had secured considerable benefits for the Land of Fire lately. The Land of Fire was also the wealthiest country in the Shinobi World, so the Daimyo would not quibble over something like this.
A letter was also sent back to Sunagakure, proposing another round of negotiations at Kikyō Mountain in the Land of Rivers three days later.
Once the letter reached Sunagakure, Pakura's popularity in the village soared. Many Ninja who had been waiting to see how things played out began supporting her.
Since Konoha had agreed to renegotiate, it would surely give up some of its benefits. Otherwise, there would have been no point in making the trip. How much Sunagakure could gain would depend on its negotiating team.
In Konoha, Fugaku stood atop a tall building, watching the ceaseless flow of people below.
A dark figure flashed behind him. Orochimaru appeared and said, "You certainly have time to enjoy the view, Fugaku."
Fugaku smiled. "Jin is at the Security Force, so I can leave everything to him. Even if something comes up, they can handle it themselves. There's no need for me to step in."
Orochimaru nodded. "Your carefree life really is enviable. Compared to you, being Hokage feels like a life sentence of hard work. I've been busier than ever since taking the position."
"Every benefit comes with a cost. Authority brings responsibility. You'll get used to it, senior. Perhaps one day you'll even find yourself reluctant to give up the Hokage's seat," Fugaku said with a smile.
Orochimaru smiled. "We've set the date for the negotiations. The Uchiha made tremendous contributions during this Shinobi World War. Is there anyone from the clan you'd recommend for the new talks?"