Faced with Raikage A's roar, Hiruzen Sarutobi's pipe stopped in mid-air.
This is not a negotiation at all, but a declaration of a new order. Konoha and Iwagakure have become bystanders in this power game.
After a moment, he slowly put down his pipe, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
" Raikage, such a tough stance is probably not conducive to our pursuit of common peace and development." Hiruzen Sarutobi tried his best to make his tone sound calm.
"Although Konoha is temporarily lagging behind in some aspects, we also have our own strengths and value. Ignoring us will not benefit the stability of the entire Shinobi World."
Raikage A scoffed disdainfully, "Background? Value? In the face of absolute power, these are all worthless."
"Look at your Konoha, after all these years, what decent things can you come up with besides those outdated Ninjutsu?"
" Raikage, don't be so absolute. Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. We should sit down and discuss this properly."
Ōnoki frowned and, unusually, spoke up for Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Although he was somewhat disappointed with Konoha's current performance, he couldn't stand the Raikage's blatant humiliation.
Hoshino glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi, then at Raikage A, pondering to himself.
In fact, he didn't want to put too much pressure on Konoha and Iwagakure. Sunagakure had just experienced a civil war and needed a stable external environment to develop.
Excessive suppression of other ninja villages may lead them to unite against Sunagakure and Kumogakure.
So-called strategic weapons, while capable of demonstrating devastating power, are ultimately a means of deterrence, and no one dares to use them lightly unless absolutely necessary.
If a full-scale conflict were to erupt, the entire Shinobi World would be plunged into utter ruin, which would be detrimental to any ninja village.
In terms of conventional combat strength, even if Sunagakure fully taps into its potential, it is only comparable to or slightly better than Konoha, far from being able to act recklessly.
The previous tough stance was merely a means to secure more benefits and a stronger voice for Sunagakure in this power struggle.
Now that an opportunity for easing tensions has arisen, we must seize it.
Thinking of this, Hoshino cleared his throat, breaking the somewhat tense situation.
" The Raikage, Hokage, and Tsuchikage are right. We've gathered here today to find a better way forward for the Shinobi World, not to escalate conflicts."
"Everyone knows the power of strategic weapons, but when they are actually used, no one will benefit."
"In terms of conventional combat capabilities, the difference between our villages is not significant. If we let a moment of anger lead to a chaotic battle, it will ultimately be the people who suffer."
Upon hearing this, Raikage A frowned even more deeply, but did not immediately refute him.
He knew in his heart that what Hoshino said was true. Although Kumogakure had the Chakra Cannon, Sunagakure's Kikaichū also made him wary, and Konoha and Iwagakure were not to be underestimated.
If a full-scale war breaks out, the Kumogakure will also pay a heavy price.
"Then what do you suggest we do?"
"Let's all compromise! We'll renegotiate the system for the ' Shinobi World Joint Council '."
Hoshino remained calm, his gaze sweeping over each person's face as he spoke earnestly.
" The Council's leadership is controlled by Sunagakure and Kumogakure, with Konoha and Iwagakure participating as a secondary force, jointly making decisions on major matters."
"In this way, the Four Great Shinobi Villages will all have a say in the core decision-making process, which can prevent a situation where one village dominates and make the decision-making more comprehensive and fair, in line with the interests of the entire Shinobi World."
" Hoshino's suggestion is good! Konoha is willing to cooperate with everyone for the sake of peace in the Shinobi World." Hiruzen Sarutobi slightly, his eyes showing appreciation.
"Within this new framework, we can jointly promote the development of the Shinobi World, share resources and technology, and strengthen exchanges."
Ōnoki echoed, " Iwagakure also agrees."
When Raikage A heard that everyone agreed with Hoshino's suggestion, he was still somewhat reluctant, but after weighing the pros and cons, he nodded slightly.
Further discussion then took place regarding the details of the decision-making process.
After intense discussions, a relatively complete decision-making mechanism was finally established.
In the Council of the ' Shinobi World Joint Council ', all decisions are made at three levels.
The first layer consists of routine decision-making, mainly involving daily matters with minimal impact on the Shinobi World as a whole, such as minor adjustments to trade routes and the allocation of small resources.
For ordinary matters, Sunagakure and Kumogakure have direct decision-making power and can make decisions based on their own interests and their assessment of the situation in the Shinobi World without needing the consent of Konoha and Iwagakure.
However, in order to ensure a certain degree of fairness and transparency, the decision-making results need to be promptly communicated to Konoha and Iwagakure.
The second layer consists of important decision-making processes, such as medium-sized collaborative projects between ninja villages and partial technology-sharing agreements.
In decision-making on such matters, Sunagakure and Kumogakure first propose preliminary plans, and then Konoha and Iwagakure can evaluate the plans and offer suggestions for modification.
If neither Konoha nor Iwagakure has any objections, the plan can be approved.
If any party raises an objection, the Four Great Shinobi Villages will need to negotiate and discuss the matter together.
During the negotiation process, all parties need to fully explain their views and reasons and seek a compromise solution.
If no agreement can be reached, the plan will be shelved and re-evaluated and adjusted.
The third and most crucial layer is decision-making on major issues.
Examples include adjustments to the development direction of strategic weapons, the planning of large-scale military operations, and fundamental policy changes towards other ninja villages.
For these important matters, the proposals put forward by Sunagakure and Kumogakure must be agreed upon by Konoha and Iwagakure to take effect, meaning that Konoha and Iwagakure have the right to veto.
This is to prevent Sunagakure and Kumogakure from making decisions that could jeopardize the stability of the entire Shinobi World by abusing their dominant position, and to ensure that the Four Great Shinobi Villages maintain a balance and consistency in their core interests.
To ensure the efficiency and orderliness of the decision-making process, strict meeting procedures and time limits were also established.
Council meetings are held regularly.
Before each meeting, all matters requiring decisions must be communicated to the Four Great Shinobi Villages in advance, allowing each party sufficient time for preparation and internal discussion.
During the meeting, each ninja village had a fixed speaking time to ensure that all parties' viewpoints could be fully expressed.
To ensure the implementation of decisions, a special oversight team was established, composed of members of the Akatsuki, to track and inspect the implementation of decisions, provide timely feedback on problems, and propose improvement suggestions.
The smaller ninja villages in this system only have the power to make suggestions at most.
After submitting their ideas and demands to the Council, the final decision on whether to adopt them rests entirely with the Four Great Shinobi Villages.
If the smaller ninja villages are dissatisfied with the decisions made by the Four Great Shinobi Villages.
Unless they have sufficient strength to take action against the Four Great Shinobi Villages, they can only accept the outcome.
Of course, it's also fine if some smaller ninja villages don't want to join the United Nations.
However, they will lose the opportunity to have a voice in this new order, and it will be difficult for them to get support and cooperation from the Four Great Shinobi Villages in terms of resource allocation and technological exchange in the future Shinobi World.