Above the two cloths were the logos of White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company and Amegakure, signifying that the meeting between the Hokage and Kazekage was being held under the witness of the Company and Amegakure.
"Kazekage, I hope I haven't kept you waiting long."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the seat prepared for him, taking out his Hokage hat and placing it on the table.
"Hokage, I just arrived not long ago."
The Third Kazekage took out his Kazekage hat and placed it on the table.
At the curved conference table, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Third Kazekage sat on opposite sides. Hanzō and Aokawa, dressed in suits, walked into the meeting room and sat in the middle, both separating them and representing their neutral stance.
"Then, this meeting will be witnessed by me, Hanzō, and Mr. Aokawa, the President of White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company."
Lord Orochimaru!
Sure enough, with Lord Orochimaru's ability, she would definitely be chosen as the Third Hokage's escort.
Aokawa suppressed the excitement in his heart, appearing very calm on the surface and nodding slightly as a greeting.
Orochimaru nodded slightly.
Aokawa… Hiruzen Sarutobi felt the name sounded familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before, but he had never actually met this President Aokawa, who had a slicked-back hairstyle and wore glasses.
The President of White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company?!
The Third Kazekage's pupils contracted slightly; he had never expected that the talks in the Land of Rain would alarm the President of White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company!
So this is the President of White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company, truly a distinguished individual!
Chiyo thought to herself as she observed Aokawa.
President, it seems the relationship between White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company and the Land of Rain is far more intimate than I imagined.
Ebizo was surprised that the President of White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company would appear here, and he looked forward even more to Iwagakure's actions. What if the President of White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company was injured in Iwagakure's attack?
Then, the cooperation between Iwagakure and White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company would be completely over!
Not only that, but it might even affect the entire Land of Earth.
It seemed to offer no benefit to Sunagakure, but in reality, if Iwagakure's strength weakened, the gap between Sunagakure and Iwagakure would shrink.
"Please, Kazekage and Hokage, state your conditions to resolve your conflicts and articulate the goals you wish to achieve."
Hanzō spoke in a formal tone, holding a manuscript, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the Third Kazekage and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Hokage, I believe there has always been a misunderstanding between Sunagakure and Konoha. We can use this opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding, shake hands, and form an alliance."
The Third Kazekage said. If Iwagakure made no moves, he naturally wanted to form an alliance with Konoha.
Orochimaru almost couldn't maintain her composure upon hearing this. How much had he drunk? Misunderstanding? Sunagakure clearly attacked Konoha directly, and now he had the nerve to call it a misunderstanding… This was truly the art of language!
"Kazekage, I share the same thought: to clear up misunderstandings and shake hands. I believe that Konoha and Sunagakure resolving their misunderstandings can promote the peaceful development of the Ninja World. However, before that, there is one matter that must be addressed."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the Third Kazekage sternly and said, "The One-Tail Jinchuriki, what price does Sunagakure intend to pay to redeem him? This is the primary issue to be resolved in this meeting."
"…"
The Third Kazekage fell silent. He hadn't expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to bring up Bunbuku. He had no intention of spending money or resources to redeem Bunbuku; in his opinion, Shukaku wasn't worth that much.
However, this was the primary issue Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed to resolve, implying that if he didn't redeem Bunbuku, there would be no need to continue the talks.
"I regret to say, Hokage, Sunagakure currently lacks the funds and resources to redeem Shukaku. Sunagakure's resources are scarce, and supplies are tight; it is impossible to provide excessive money and materials to redeem Shukaku."
The Third Kazekage's face flushed as he truthfully stated Sunagakure's current predicament, feeling extremely humiliated.
"Then, as a testament to the friendship between Konoha and Sunagakure, Konoha can return Shukaku to Sunagakure, but there is one prerequisite."
Hiruzen Sarutobi interlaced his fingers, his heart sinking as he recalled what Danzo Shimura had told him.
Just as Danzo had said, Sunagakure had neither the money nor the resources to redeem the One-Tail Jinchuriki.
Indeed, it was impossible not to be wary of Sunagakure!
"What condition?"
The Third Kazekage asked.
"That is, the children of Sunagakure's high-ranking officials will be exchanged. They will live in Konoha as Sunagakure's emissaries, serving as a testament to the friendship between Konoha and Sunagakure. If Sunagakure's friendship towards Konoha is false…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused here, letting out a cold laugh. Everyone present understood the meaning behind his smile.
"No problem, I agree."
The Third Kazekage readily agreed.
"Don't agree so quickly, Kazekage. It must be the children of Sunagakure's high-ranking officials, not just anyone you designate, understand?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not want the person exchanged for the One-Tail Jinchuriki to be an adopted son or daughter of a Sunagakure high-ranking official. To put it bluntly, such a person would have no value.
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