Chapter 168

Kaguya Clan Chief and Hōzuki Clan Leader wasted no time and quickly secured a moderately-sized island among those they had occupied. Yasuke and Hatake Sakumo were equally swift in their actions. Within just a few days, they sent a letter in response, organized the island, selected a leader, and began contacting and negotiating with each other.

As the three of them sat down, Kaguya Clan immediately addressed the purpose of the meeting, with an irritable tone in his voice. "The Mizukage's intention is straightforward. Let's establish a trading market and avoid unnecessary conflicts. What do you think?"

This abrupt question put Hatake Sakumo and Yasuke in an awkward position. They silently cursed Kaguya Clan's impulsive nature.

"We agree to establish the market. Choose a suitable location, and we will send representatives for trading immediately," Yasuke replied with a serious expression.

Upon hearing Yasuke's response, Hatake Sakumo, who had been about to bring up other matters, suddenly felt frustrated. He realized he had been deceived but had no choice but to go along with it.

"As representatives of Konoha, we also agree. However, what about the ongoing battle here? Kumogakure's Shinobi are still keeping an eye on us," Hatake Sakumo inquired, concerned about their situation.

"That's your problem. The Konoha family is big, and you're afraid of a confrontation with Kumogakure," Kaguya Clan retorted without hesitation. He didn't care who the other party was; he just wanted to have his say first.

Hatake Sakumo was on the verge of swearing in frustration. "Fine, that's our problem. We'll handle it ourselves. But let's discuss the trading specifics and the issue of taxation and management."

Realizing he couldn't communicate with Kaguya Clan in a conventional manner, Hatake Sakumo changed the topic.

"We have fine jewelry, various colored pearls, and diamonds the size of pigeon eggs. We also have rare medicinal ingredients not found on land and exotic sea creatures. What do you have to offer? As for taxation, we can divide the revenue among the three parties, and the management will be a joint effort," Kaguya Clan replied confidently, having prepared a script in advance.

After stating their offerings, Kaguya Clan raised an eyebrow and looked at Yasuke and Hatake Sakumo. The message was clear: this is our sincerity, so take note. The master had an air of grandeur.

"We Suna Shinobi can provide Gold Dust iron sand as a sign of our sincerity," Yasuke stated, understanding the need to demonstrate their commitment.

"Medicinal ingredients from the sea and Gold Dust iron sand are both valuable resources. Konoha can provide an abundance of food, salt, and other living necessities," Hatake Sakumo added, stating their advantages.

"Alright, I understand. These are the offerings we can present. As for other precious items, we will consult our superiors and make a decision," Kaguya Clan nodded, satisfied that both parties had expressed themselves.

Gold Dust iron sand was a valuable material for weapon forging, and food and salt were essential commodities. Kirigakure required a significant amount of food for their extensive overseas development, as the recent increase in population was far from sufficient. Moreover, having an ample food supply would also help win the hearts of their people and counter the Daimyo's influence.

"With that settled, let's conclude these negotiations. Please refrain from discussing compensation or any other matters. You should know how to calculate your own profits," Kaguya Clan stated with his characteristic brashness. He had no patience for unnecessary discussions and wanted to get things done quickly so he could pursue his own interests.

Hatake Sakumo and Yasuke clenched their teeth, suppressing their anger. If Kaguya Clan were from any other Hidden Village, they would have likely killed him for his behavior. They had never encountered such an unreasonable person before.

Observing the twitching cheeks and clenched fists of the two Shinobi, Hōzuki Clan Leader couldn't help but grin silently, finding amusement in their plight. The war was about to end, and he enjoyed witnessing the jokes that unfolded before him.

Hōzuki Clan Leader didn't expect the outcome to be so entertaining. The straightforward and hot-tempered Kaguya Clan managed to infuriate the leaders of Konoha and Sunagakure without even sipping a cup of tea. It was a delightful sight for him.

"It's great. I'll suggest to Mizukage-sama that Kaguya should handle diplomacy. He's really good at making enemies," Hōzuki Clan Leader whispered to himself, relishing the idea of Kaguya Clan provoking the leaders of the Shinobi World while maintaining a facade of innocence.

Although the negotiation was technically successful, it was also a failure. The entire process took only twenty minutes, with all the details settled. However, Konoha and Sunagakure's leaders left in a huff without even sipping their tea.

Hatake Sakumo could confidently claim that he had participated in numerous negotiations throughout his life, ranging from talks between Kage to personal discussions. Yet, this was the first time he felt such frustration.

Yasuke shared the sentiment, but they both knew that their personal feelings didn't matter to the higher-ups. The influential figures of their respective Hidden Villages were solely focused on the benefits that this trading market would bring. As for the counterattack from Kumogakure, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage of Konoha, had long been prepared.

"Sakumo, you did a great job this time. You deserve a reward. We can free up resources for other purposes and expedite our progress in China. Taki no Kuni can wait for now," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with satisfaction as he received the information from Hatake Sakumo. He began contemplating the next steps.

Although there were some issues in Taki no Kuni, they were relatively minor. There were always individuals who wanted to rise during tumultuous times and challenge the authority of the Five Great Hidden Villages. However, in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, their guerrilla tactics were merely a nuisance.

In the end, building was always harder than destroying. Establishing Sunagakure and expanding its influence swiftly were more valuable than anything else.