Ten days slipped quietly by amid border clashes and wrangling over negotiations.
When the final outcome of the negotiations reached the Konoha Frontline Camp, quite a few people were surprised, Lin Ze included.
He had originally thought that, given Hiruzen Sarutobi's consistently conservative approach, he would most likely accept a toothless agreement exchanging Kitsuchi for some resources and a brief peace.
But this time, the outcome was different.
Jiraiya came to Lin Ze's tent with the encrypted document that had just arrived.
"Hahaha, Lin Ze! Good news! The negotiations are settled!"
"Iwagakure backed down!"
Lin Ze looked up at Jiraiya, waiting for him to continue.
He was indeed somewhat curious about what had changed Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind.
"Besides having to sign a formal agreement ending the war with the Land of Fire and pledging not to violate the border for five years, Iwagakure also has to pay war reparations far beyond our expectations!"
Jiraiya excitedly waved the document in his hand. "And it's seventy percent of what we originally demanded! For once, the old man showed some backbone!"
Lin Ze raised his eyebrows slightly.
These terms were indeed far better than he had expected, almost the kind of outcome only a major victory could secure.
"Because of Kumogakure?"
After a moment's thought, Lin Ze grasped the key.
"Exactly!"
Jiraiya nodded emphatically.
"You held off the Third Raikage on the Land of Lightning front, badly wounded the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and forced Kumogakure to turn its main force toward the Land of Earth. The effect was even better than we imagined! According to the latest intelligence, Kumogakure has committed over eighty percent of its forces to the Land of Earth's border and launched several large-scale offensives. Iwagakure has suffered heavy losses, and its defensive lines are under tremendous pressure!"
He lowered his