Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Especially regarding the compensation, Maki simply couldn't believe his eyes. The amount demanded was so high that even selling the entire Sand Village wouldn't be enough to pay it!

Then there are the terms regarding prisoner compensation, supplies, and mission allocation. Previously, because I prioritized the territorial terms, I only glanced at them. Now, after looking at them carefully, Maki is completely overwhelmed.

But no matter how angry you are, you have to suppress it and talk things out slowly, one point at a time!

Date, of course, patiently and slowly recounted each point, since it wasn't Iwagakure that was in a hurry!

Of course, Date was well aware that it was impossible for Sunagakure to agree to all of the above terms, but even cutting them in half would be a step above Iwagakure's bottom line.

Asking for an exorbitant price, then negotiating on the spot!

This is essentially a special kind of 'business transaction'!

They negotiated little by little, testing Sunagakure's bottom line step by step. Moreover, the power of some clauses in this treaty had not yet been fully revealed. These were all Iwagakure's trump cards. Looking at the anxious and angry faces of Maki and Fugi on the other side, who had to forcefully suppress their anger, Date became more and more composed. Moreover, while talking about these things, Date couldn't help but glance at the commander not far away, whose face still wore a calm expression.

Because of this negotiation.

Shoji really did offer some excellent suggestions, which impressed Date. It has to be said that not only his personal strength and magnanimity, but also his intellect and methods made Date look at Shoji with new respect!

This made Date genuinely picture, deep in his heart, Shoji Mirai wearing the Tsuchikage's robes and hat.

"No! This is absolutely unacceptable! If these terms remain the same, even if we in Sunagakure sell everything we own, we still can't afford it. What's more, we have tens of thousands of ninjas and hundreds of thousands of civilians in our village who need to be fed and clothed. Does Iwagakure really intend to force us to this point?!"

This was finally an emotion that was somewhat difficult to control.

A hint of crimson flashed in Makina's pupils. As if using all his strength, he clenched his fists, exhaled heavily through his nostrils, and stared intently at Idate opposite him, speaking with a hint of anger.

"Hehe, if you can't give it all at once, you can give it in installments!"

"what?"

"And if you really can't pay, doesn't the Land of Wind have so many mineral resources? Can't those be used as collateral? Besides, isn't Lord Wind Shadow quite skilled at gold mining? I think with a little effort, these funds won't be a problem at all, right?"

"you!?"

"I have already shown the sincerity that Iwagakure should have, just as you said, Maki-kun. The terms have been reduced by about 25%. Now I'm making one last concession and can cut it by another 10%. This is the bottom line, and there is no room for doubt!"

Date, still with an extremely indifferent expression, looked at Maki and Fuyi opposite him and said indifferently.

This is certainly not Iwagakure's bottom line. If it really comes down, it can be reduced by another 15% to 20%, but applying appropriate pressure is a necessary thing.

Isn't this the typical pattern of negotiations?

You can offer the other party a little something, but you also need to make them understand your position and identity!

The defeated have very little freedom!

"But!"

Ida's words were hurtful, but also true. However, Maki could not accept these terms at all. Even if they were reduced by another 10%, and implemented according to the original 65% ratio, Maki could foresee the scene of the village completely 'boiling' up!

Based on this, if we reduce it by half, that would be about right!

Not to mention things like asking Lord Kazekage to pan for gold to pay off the debt, or using mineral resources as collateral.

All of these are stepping on Sunagakure's sore spots.

Therefore, no matter how difficult it is.

Maki must continue to fight for it.

He clearly forgot a fundamental truth: in this world, might makes right, and weak nations have no diplomacy!

Before Machi could finish speaking.

"No buts!"

A cold, eerie voice suddenly rang out from the side.

241. Yes, that's a threat!

The one who said these words was neither Date nor Hoshino.

However, it was a general who was not far away.

Among those present, not to mention the Sand Ninja like Maki and Fuki, even Date and Hoshino were stunned for a moment. This was different from what had been agreed upon at the beginning. Originally, Shoji was just there to watch the show, and everything was left to Date and Hoshino to control. His sudden remarks were clearly not something Date and Hoshino had expected.

But after Jiang Si gave him a look, the two immediately understood and showed a knowing look. Without saying anything, Jiang Si turned his gaze to Ma Ji and Fu Yi, who had angry and astonished expressions. His slightly raised chin, the extremely obvious mockery in the corner of his eye, the slight step he took, and the murderous intent he exuded.

All of this made Maki, Fuyi, and especially the five elite Sunagakure ANBU soldiers behind them tense up instantly. The five of them subconsciously reached for their waists, but Shoji still acted as if he didn't see anything.

His face remained icy cold as he said, "I think the lords of Sunagakure have misunderstood something. You are the defeated! You have no standing here! Or perhaps you haven't shed enough blood for the Sand Village? Or are you still hoping for intervention from Kumogakure and Konoha? If that's the case, I truly feel sorry for you!"

"Stop daydreaming. This is the reality your Sand Village must accept right now! This is the final ultimatum. If you're unwilling to give it up, no problem, we Iwa ninja will go and get it ourselves! It will only take a little more time and effort!"

The words were devoid of warmth, yet they conveyed a blatant threat.

At this moment, both Ma Ji and Fu Yi in front of him turned red in the eyes, their pupils filled with bloodshot veins!

All of this proves that these two Jonin from Sunagakure were completely enraged by Shoji at this moment!

The trembling body and the fierce look in his eyes, as if he wanted to devour Shoji alive, perfectly illustrated this point. But Shoji didn't care at all. Does a wolf care about the attitude of a sheep? Sunagakure certainly didn't intend to destroy it, nor could it be destroyed in the near future, but it could be slowly turned into a 'supply station' for Iwagakure!

They slowly drained the blood of Sunagakure!

This is the most beneficial outcome for Iwagakure. As for issues like hatred? Please, stop with the ridiculous talk. Don't be fooled by the so-called happy ending in the original story; it only applies to the generation of the protagonists, Naruto and Sasuke. Once their entire generation is wiped out, what do you think the ninja world will become?

Isn't he just a copy of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha?

To put it nicely, Naruto is a passionate and idealistic hero of justice; to put it bluntly, he's a dreamer who always thinks about what he wants without considering practical issues. It really comes down to comparing him to the three peace plans in the original work.

On the contrary, Nagato's plan is the most reliable.

Madara's Eye of the Moon Project.

Naruto's 'world of mutual understanding'.

In Shoji's eyes, it was either foolish or ridiculous.

It's completely unrealistic!

Humans are defined by their seven emotions and six desires, and as long as humans retain these attributes, they will never be able to achieve so-called 'mutual understanding'!

Even within a single country or a single family, there are still disputes and conflicts; how much more so within millions of families and more than ten countries!

Shoji never pursued such ephemeral things, and the hatred of the Sand Ninja was insignificant in his eyes.

"Uchiha Shoji! You're threatening me..."

"Yes, I'm threatening you, threatening your Sunagakure village. So what? Go ahead and fight back if you dare! If you're so capable, send your Kazekage to fight again! And while you're at it, bring out your One-Tailed Jinchuriki for a spin too!"

Jiang Si interrupted Maki with very rude words, his clear black and white pupils revealing a mocking and chilling look.

At this moment.

This caused Maji and Fuyi to feel endless humiliation!

Their fists were clenched tightly together, their nails almost digging into their palms, their lips were clenched, and their faces showed an extremely twisted and ferocious expression.

"Go back and tell your Kazekage that this is Iwagakure's final ultimatum: accept it or face war! This time, the choice is in your hands!"

Jiang Si said coldly.

You bastard!

Fu Yi, unable to contain his anger any longer, stood up abruptly, about to explode.

"Fuyi!"

Makina's sudden shout and the figure he grabbed.

This immediately caused Fu Yi's expression to freeze.

"I understand. I will take this agreement back to Lord Kazekage for his review. Let's leave it at that for today!"

Maki slowly stood up, his movements gentle yet clearly heavy, as he picked up the agreement from the table and put it in his pocket. He then looked at Date, Shoji, and Hoshino with a blank expression and said this.

Maki knew very well that since Uchiha Shoji had already said so much, there was obviously no point in continuing the conversation; it would only result in further humiliation.

Although this is a very difficult, or even impossible, choice.

But as a member of the Sand Village.

Machi must uphold his beliefs and responsibilities to the very last moment!

Before leaving, Maji and Fuyi, the two who stood up, took one last deep look at Jiang Si, as if they wanted to imprint Jiang Si's face into the depths of their memory.

Even through their masks, the five elite Anbu members from Sunagakure glared at Shoji before following closely behind Maki and Fukichi, heading back towards their main camp.

After the group from Sunagakure left.

Jiang Si's breathing calmed down again.

"If you push me like this, it might backfire, Mr. Jiang."

Date, who was sitting to the side, stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Shoji, speaking with a stern expression on his face.

"Yes, that's true, but it's likely to be a good outcome, isn't it, Date-san!"

Jiang Si turned to the side, a faint smile on his face, and said.

Date stared intently at Shoji, and after what seemed like a long time, a rare smile appeared on his usually stern face as he said, "You are truly outstanding, Shoji-kun, in every way!"

"No, you flatter me, Ita-san!"

Jiang Si bowed slightly and said.

"Alright, let's go back. It might take a couple more days. I doubt that the Kazekage would make such a decision so easily!"

"Yes!"

242. A Humiliating Choice Made in a fit of rage (Third update)

Negotiation requires skill, and more importantly, it requires mastering a certain degree of discretion and scale. This negotiation between Iwa and Suna is a case in point. Even though the victor has a great deal of power to make demands on the defeated party, it is impossible to act recklessly. After all, the Suna ninja did not surrender unconditionally; they still have a certain degree of resistance. We need to consider their bottom line to some extent. If we are too disrespectful, it may result in our own losses outweighing our gains.

It's absolutely unacceptable to do something as foolish as getting covered in fish without even getting to eat it. That's why Date, Hoshino, Maki, and Fuki spent nearly two hours negotiating each clause.

To put it bluntly, they are testing each other's bottom lines.

However, the defeated side must also be prevented from taking advantage of the situation. To put it more directly, they must test the bottom line of Sunagakure, but they must not let the other side discover their bottom line. Only in this way can they protect the interests of their own ninja village to the greatest extent.

To achieve, or even exceed, the goals set in the plan!

It was "standard practice" for General to "threaten" Maki and Fugi at the appropriate time, although it was a little too extreme and the timing was a bit earlier than planned. However, it definitely hit Sunagakure's sore spot, because such a clause was enough to make Sunagakure feel pain as if their flesh was being cut and their heart was being pierced, but it was not enough to really force Sunagakure to the point of being determined to resist to the end!