Chapter 345: Post-War Negotiations
Chapter 345: Post-War Negotiations
In the reconstructed virtual space, Hyuga Fuji looked at the figure before him and asked, "Have you made your decision?"
"..."
Hyuga Shizuka gazed at Hyuga Fuji, unsure how to respond.
On the battlefield, an explosive tag had gone off right in her face—she had thought she was done for. Yet, against all odds, she had survived, her consciousness pulled into this virtual space, leaving her with a chance to live.
And now, she had encountered Hyuga Fuji, the rogue ninja whom the Hyuga Clan found difficult to define. Life was truly unpredictable.
Her expression was complicated as she forced a bitter smile. "Do I even have a choice? If I had truly died, that would have been the end of it. But knowing that an outsider has taken over my body and plans to use it for some scheme… any normal person would have only one answer."
"When the time is right, you'll return to your body."
Hyuga Fuji nodded slightly, his form gradually fading until only Hyuga Shizuka remained.
"…Never thought someone like me would become the center of attention," she mused wryly. "Dying on the first day, only to have my body stolen… Even Hyuga Fuji sees value in me now."
If possible, she would have preferred that none of this had happened to her.
This virtual world was perfect—it could generate any scenery she desired, shaping itself according to her expectations.
Before Hyuga Fuji arrived, she had even thought she had reached some kind of Pure Land. The people here spoke kindly, looked beautiful, and even her deceased family members could be found here. She absolutely loved it.
She had even quietly marveled at how she hadn't died sooner to enjoy such peace.
Then Fuji arrived and shattered her illusion, telling her that everything was fake, a world crafted according to her subconscious desires. And because she had believed herself to be dead, it had become even more flawless.
"…If I didn't know this place was fake, I could stay here forever." She sighed.
…
Land of Iron
This land, once known for its neutrality, had become the focal point of the world's leaders today.
The smoke of battle had barely settled, the scent of gunpowder still lingering amidst the ruins, and the atmosphere in the room was tense.
"…That concludes the demands from the Land of Water and the Land of Snow. If the other nations agree to the reparations, then sign this document."
Yagura placed several dozen documents on the table and signaled for them to be distributed to the leaders of each nation.
Kitsuchi glanced at the contents, his face darkening with anger. He slammed a fist onto the table and exclaimed, "This war was started by you—by the Land of Water and the Land of Snow! And now you expect us to pay reparations?"
Yagura yawned and lazily interrupted, "Lord Kitsuchi, you're not a child anymore. What's the point of debating right and wrong in war at a meeting like this? In past wars, the great nations caused immense damage to smaller countries. I don't recall seeing you offer them any compensation. On the contrary, you've been exploiting them."
"..."
The smaller nations, who had initially intended to support Kitsuchi, suddenly hesitated and fell silent.
Over the past two years, the great nations had indeed offered them certain benefits, but it wasn't the right moment to argue about justice in war.
Still, reparations directly affected their own survival. They couldn't just sit back and accept it.
Finally, one of the smaller nations' leaders gathered the courage to speak. "Lord Yagura, Lord Kitsuchi, our small nations have suffered great losses in this war as well. We do not have the resources to pay massive reparations like the great nations do."
Another leader quickly added, "Lord Yagura, our economy is already on the verge of collapse. If we are forced to pay such an enormous sum, our people won't survive."
Many of the shinobi who had fought on the Land of Earth's battlefield had come from these smaller nations. Their losses had been just as devastating.
But facing the overwhelming power of the Land of Water and the Land of Snow, they lacked the strength to resist. Now, with their supposed "big brother" defeated, their confidence had completely crumbled, leaving them with nothing but pleas for mercy.
Yagura, however, merely smiled, as if he had anticipated this reaction.
"My friends, I understand your concerns. The Land of Water and the Land of Snow do not wish to see smaller nations suffer due to reparations. We propose alternative forms of compensation—such as providing manpower, technical support, or resource cooperation."
His words caused a stir among the gathered leaders.
The Fourth Raikage's fist slammed onto the table with enough force to make the documents tremble.
"You think you can win people over here? Do you take this place for your own territory?!"
His roar echoed through the chamber, causing the smaller nation leaders to flinch and lower their heads.
Manpower? Technical support? Resource cooperation?
Yagura was clearly trying to get these nations to pick a side—to pledge their allegiance!
Before, they might not have had this opportunity. But now, with the great nations in shambles and Yagura offering them a golden ticket, the small countries couldn't help but be tempted.
If the Fourth Raikage hadn't interrupted, some of them might have defected on the spot.
Even Kitsuchi hesitated for a brief moment.
The Land of Earth was in no condition for prolonged conflict. Its main forces had been devastated by Akatsuki's schemes. The only reason it still held its position as a great nation was because of the Fourth Raikage's strong support.
If they failed to reclaim their forces, the Land of Earth would soon become nothing more than a vassal of the Land of Lightning.
And if they had to become someone's subordinate anyway, why not choose the strongest faction?
But then Kitsuchi thought of the comrades who had died on the battlefield. He quickly suppressed those thoughts.
He was not a politician—he couldn't bring himself to prioritize profits over everything else.
Yagura remained unbothered, maintaining his calm smile as if he had foreseen the Raikage's reaction.
He waved a hand dismissively. "Lord Raikage, you misunderstand. The Land of Water and the Land of Snow are not trying to buy loyalty. We are merely offering a solution to help these smaller nations survive. After all, war has been a disaster for everyone."
His final words were spoken slowly, each syllable clear and deliberate.
Is this guy threatening me with war?
The Fourth Raikage's eyes widened. "If you want to keep fighting, then bring it on! You think—"
"Ahem."
Standing behind him, Mabui let out a soft cough, clearly exasperated.
Ever since Killer Bee's death, the Fourth Raikage had been a hair-trigger away from explosive rage. If he finished that sentence, this negotiation would be over.
Forcing himself to stop, the Raikage glanced back at Mabui and barely managed to calm down. His tone was still cold, but he no longer pressed the issue. After a few more tense exchanges with Yagura, he fell silent, leaving Tsunade to continue their back-and-forth bargaining.
"I want to discuss the conditions for ransoming our captured shinobi."
"Of course."
The Raikage listened as the cycle of negotiations began anew, his gaze lowering slightly.
Everyone in the room understood—this endless back-and-forth was merely a stalling tactic.
The great nations wanted time to deal with the Yachihoko issue. Meanwhile, the Land of Water and the Land of Snow were consolidating their spoils.
When the moment was right, the decisive figure would arrive at the meeting, and everything would conclude without further turbulence.
The only ones who would benefit were the Land of Water and the Land of Snow—the only real question was how much they would gain.
After all, this time…
They had lost far too much.
The Fourth Raikage clenched his fists as he recalled Killer Bee's lifeless body and the countless shinobi captured by the enemy.
A moment later, his fingers slowly unfurled.
No matter which side he looked at—he had no power to take revenge.
(End of Chapter)