The matter of the Daimyō had more or less been settled. Neither Hiruzen Sarutobi nor Xia Yan was the sort to seize an opportunity only to let it slip away easily.
There was absolutely no chance for this Daimyō to turn things around, especially after he saw the twelve ninja protecting him sprawled on the ground like dead dogs. He knew he no longer had any chance.
What followed became much simpler. Hiruzen Sarutobi laid bare the ruthlessness he had hidden beneath his amiable manner and respectful attitude.
Naturally, the result was a crushing defeat for the Daimyō. He had to accept whatever terms they offered, because he truly had no choice left.
In the end, both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Xia Yan got what they wanted. With such a large sum of money, they could better pursue what they wanted to do.
Even though they knew that once they returned to Konoha, they probably would not be able to maintain their current rapport and might even become enemies outright.
Overall, however, their infighting had been confined to a certain scope, which was a reasonably good outcome.
"Once we return, we'll need to begin the handover for the negotiations with the Daimyō."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in a teahouse in the Land of Fire Capital. He lifted his cup and took a small sip before speaking quietly to Xia Yan.
"We really have Director Xia Yan's assistance and support to thank this time. Otherwise, things couldn't have gone so smoothly."
"For the Land of Fire and for Konoha, it was our duty."
Xia Yan chuckled. Such high-sounding words came easily to him, but his expression soon grew a little more serious.
"However, Lord Hokage, I'm afraid you'll have to make the return journey on your own."
"Hmm?" Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then frowned.