Fleeing from Konoha

The atmosphere in the conference room grew tense once again, filled with an intense smell of gunpowder.

Even when facing the Mizukage of the Hidden Mist, the attitude of the Land of Demons was exceptionally strong.

Mifune saw this and knew that things must not be allowed to veer in an unknown direction. Moreover, the main purpose of the Five Kage Summit was to reconcile the conflicts between the Land of Wind and the Land of Demons, not to let these two countries, with little interaction, continue to create discord and barriers.

With the idea of ’peace,’ Mifune opened his mouth to dissuade, "Both the Mizukage and Hakushi, please calm down. The voting results are already quite obvious, and personally, I find the Mizukage’s viewpoint to be rather objective. If both sides take a step back, perhaps it could satisfy both parties."

Hakushi gave Mifune a glance and said self-assuredly, "As everyone knows, our Land of Demons is a small country. It was precisely because small countries have no status internationally that Hidden Sand initially ignored several warnings from the military of the Land of Demons and invaded its territory, using powerful force as a deterrent."

"But I think now, no one will underestimate the military strength of the Land of Demons anymore. This, Hakushi cannot fully deny,"

Mifune said.

"Of course, this is a result of years of development by the Land of Demons. But it doesn’t mean its wealth won’t be coveted by outsiders. The sudden attack by Hidden Sand is an example. Therefore, to prevent the same incident from occurring again, we must restrict the Land of Wind to some extent."

"Restrict?"

Chiyo frowned and looked at Hakushi.

Hakushi nodded and continued with his argument, "Kazami City, as the gateway connecting the central and northwest parts of the Land of Wind, must be brought under the control of the Land of Demons. Only then will Hidden Sand be deterred and not dare to rashly take military action against the Land of Demons. This is for considering peace between the two countries."

"There is no possibility of such a thing. The Land of Wind will not yield Kazami City. If the Land of Demons insists, then the Land of Wind can only use force to reclaim Kazami City."

If the Land of Demons were allowed to control Kazami City, it would mean the central region of the Land of Wind would be completely exposed without defense to the Land of Demons. Once war breaks out, the Ninja Squad of the Land of Demons could invade unimpeded, wreaking havoc within the Land of Wind’s borders, causing massive casualties and damage to infrastructure.

At that time, the Land of Wind would undeniably appear extremely passive.

Much like the Land of Rain during wartime.

"To my knowledge, Hidden Sand owes a massive debt to the Land of Demons that hasn’t been paid off,"

Hakushi brought up the matter.

Chiyo already had a script prepared for this: "This matter need not be a worry. Within half a month, the Land of Wind will repay the amount owed plus interest to the Land of Demons. As the Mizukage said earlier, regarding the northwest region, the Land of Wind can only yield the area close to the Land of Bear and the Land of Shadow, the rest is beyond reach."

Overall, the northwest region actually holds little significance for the Land of Wind.

Not only is the population sparse, but the buildings are severely aged. It is also the area most severely lacking in water and vegetation coverage in the Land of Wind.

She does not understand the purpose of the Land of Demons wanting that area, but to ensure the safety of Kazami City, a portion of the northwest must remain under the control of the Land of Wind. This would allow the Land of Wind to have some initiative in any potential future warfare rather than being completely passive.

Thus, Chiyo is also contemplating establishing a permanently stationed force in the northwest of the Land of Wind upon returning to monitor any movement from the Land of Demons.

"And what if the Land of Wind once again wages a surprise war against the Land of Demons?"

Hakushi questioned.

"For the peace of the two countries in the future, the Land of Wind promises that a similar incident will not occur again."

"But I distrust Hidden Sand’s credibility. I won’t joke around with the safety of my country’s populace. It was you who erred first, a clarification must be given."

"What do you want then? Giving up Kazami City is not an option for the Land of Wind."

Chiyo maintained composure, not giving in to rage at Hakushi’s repeated and expanding demands.

Following Yagura’s earlier proposal, the Land of Demons had already begun to compromise on terms.

Now, it is merely mutual concessions, constantly adding and subtracting from the original compensation terms until a result that satisfies both parties emerges, at which point signatures can be inked on the agreement.

However... thinking carefully, Chiyo still feels a twinge of heartache.

No matter how barren, the northwest region of the Land of Wind is originally its territory. Yet now, the entire northwest has fallen into the hands of the Land of Demons, and from the current stance of the Land of Demons, if Hidden Sand does not make concessions, the Land of Demons will not sign the agreement.

In summary, the compensation terms must be compressed to an extent acceptable to the Land of Wind.

Kazami City is the ultimate bottom line for the Land of Wind.

This city cannot be controlled by the Land of Demons.

Hakushi glanced at Chiyo, then leaned back in his chair and said, "Cede the land sixty miles north of Kazami City to the Land of Demons. Also, allow the Land of Demons’ troops to station in Kazami City. Accept this condition, and the Land of Demons can negotiate with the Land of Wind."

"Station troops in Kazami City?"

Chiyo eyed Hakushi warily.

Hakushi’s face remained unchanged as he spoke, "Yes, due to the recent unjust invasion by the Land of Wind, the Land of Demons must hold some initiative to feel secure. This will somewhat restrain the Land of Wind and prevent a second conflict between the two countries."