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After Toshiro finished speaking, a quiet stillness settled over the conference room. For a moment, no one spoke.
Whether it was the Kage themselves, the guards standing silently behind them, or even Mifune, seated as the official mediator—they all seemed to silently acknowledge the logic in Toshiro's argument.
But silent agreement doesn't always translate to support.
"Hokage, your words carry weight…"
"...However," Onoki broke the silence, his voice cold and steady, his expression unreadable. "In my view, power defines worth. Strength determines treatment."
He leaned forward slightly, eyes sharp.
"We have no obligation to tiptoe around the feelings of those minor villages."
"If the five great nations reach a consensus, the opinions of those smaller countries become meaningless. What can they possibly do beyond petty sabotage in the shadows?"
Onoki's voice echoed with the certainty of someone who had seen decades of war and diplomacy.
"In this world, strength commands respect. The weak naturally suffer. That's the reality."
He swept his gaze across the room before continuing.
"Yes, perhaps the five major villages should follow this so-called 'compensation principle' among ourselves. But why include those who neither sit at this table nor have the strength to earn a seat?"
"They've contributed nothing. They don't fight beside us. They bear no weight in these discussions. So tell me—why should they receive anything at all?"
Even if these compensations were beneath him, they still served a purpose.
"Tsuchikage, the reason we involve these smaller nations is simple—it's to foster a more stable peace. Their inclusion is key if we want to move forward with the next proposal."
Toshiro's gaze swept across the room, taking in the other Kage.
The Raikage looked as impassive as ever, arms crossed and expression indifferent—clearly uninterested in such diplomatic nuance.
The Kazekage, Rasa, was harder to read. His face betrayed little, but with Toshiro's keen observation, he noticed the subtle twitch at the corner of Rasa's mouth—an almost imperceptible smirk.
Was that... mockery?
Then there was Mei Terumi. Calm, composed, and disarmingly pleasant. She sat poised in her seat and offered Toshiro a soft smile when she met his eyes—an expression so neutral it revealed nothing of her thoughts.
"Trade along our borders has always existed in some form," Toshiro continued. "But it's been irregular, fragmented. Most of it flows through third-party intermediaries, which limits its volume and inflates prices."
He paused, scanning the room again for any reactions.
"Even worse, merchants live in constant fear of being intercepted by patrols or accused of espionage. That tension chokes the very idea of a shared economy."
Toshiro's tone was measured but persuasive.
"The truth is, no matter how strictly we patrol, there will always be those willing to risk everything for profit—especially when it comes to rare goods that only certain nations possess."
Take, for example, the rich medicinal herbs and abundant food supplies of the Fire Country, the exotic mountain delicacies and seafood of the Lightning and Water Countries, and the valuable minerals and gold dust from the Earth and Wind Countries.
Simply exporting these goods to other nations can yield profits several times—sometimes dozens of times—higher than their local value. It's no wonder that some are willing to risk everything for a piece of that wealth.
"That's why I believe we should expand and formalize trade between the great nations," Toshiro continued confidently. "We can designate specific trade zones, clearly define the goods each country is permitted to export, and establish a regulated system for cross-border circulation. This would streamline the exchange of resources and reduce unnecessary friction."
He paused for emphasis, then added, "But we cannot ignore the small countries caught between us. They act as natural buffer zones, and if they're filled with resentment or discontent, it will undermine any progress we make."
Indeed, many of these smaller nations serve as critical transit hubs for the flow of goods between the major villages. If they feel marginalized and decide to sabotage trade routes—even sporadically—it could cripple the entire system.
Just then, the Kazekage spoke up, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Can the Hokage elaborate on the specifics of this proposed trade system?"
Rasa's reaction came as no surprise. The Wind Country was rich in minerals—particularly rare metals like gold dust—and clearly saw the immense opportunity such a system could bring.
Despite their wealth in minerals, the Wind Country faces a serious shortage of essential supplies. Gold may glitter, but it can't be eaten or used to quench thirst—and without reliable avenues for trade, it's nearly worthless. What good is treasure when it can't be exchanged for what your people need?
If a direct and secure trade route were established, it would be a game-changer for the Sand Village.
"Take the Wind and Fire Countries, for instance," Toshiro proposed. "We could each designate a neutral zone along our shared border as an official trade hub."
"In this designated area, merchants from both sides would be allowed to conduct business freely. Furthermore, we could permit ninjas from participating countries to accompany and protect those merchants within this limited zone."
He let the suggestion settle before continuing.
"The reality is that the ninja world is riddled with bandits, rogues, and opportunists. Merchants risk their lives just to transport goods. Without ninja escorts, both they and their wares are vulnerable. Yet in cross-border trade, shinobi escorts face enormous restrictions—often forbidden from crossing into another nation or even through small buffer states that answer to larger powers."
At this, murmurs spread across the room. Toshiro's words struck a nerve.
"Establishing a controlled area where foreign ninjas can operate legally? That's risky business."
Even though they'd already been briefed on the idea, both Rasa and Onoki furrowed their brows in visible disapproval.
To them, allowing foreign shinobi to step foot on their soil—no matter how limited the area—was tantamount to inviting invasion.
"Isn't this kind of risk a bit much... just for trade?"
Toshiro smiled calmly. "Naturally, these designated trade zones would need to be strictly regulated. Order must be maintained—and, of course, a small fee would be required."
He paused deliberately, letting the word fee linger in the air.
In truth, that so-called fee was nothing more than a tariff. And Toshiro was confident that once money entered the discussion, no one in this room would stay disinterested for long.
After all, while the villages wielded military might, it was the daimyō who held the purse strings. Any opportunity to generate revenue independently would undoubtedly catch the attention of the Kage.
"Fees, you say…"
As expected, a subtle shift rippled through the room. The moment tariffs were mentioned, the Kage exchanged glances—silent but telling. A few even smirked.
The bait had landed.
"This trade zone would be on our terms," one of them finally said. "We choose the location, we enforce the rules. If foreign merchants want access to our markets or safe passage for their goods, then it's only fair we charge them for it."
"We could even offer ninja protection as part of the package," another added with a sly grin. "And let's be honest—even shinobi have families to feed."
Even Onoki, who had shown nothing but skepticism so far, leaned forward with mild interest. Toshiro could see the gears turning in their minds.
Sensing the momentum shift, he pressed on.
"Let's draft the framework here and now—outline which goods are tradable, how foreign ninjas are to be monitored within these trade zones, and agree on a fair tariff system."
The door had been cracked open. Now it was time to push it wide.
"When you return to your villages, you can bring this proposal to your councils and advisors."
Toshiro's tone remained steady, but there was a spark of conviction in his eyes.
"Our ultimate goal is to create a system where goods can cross borders freely and in large quantities."
He knew well that a trade agreement of this scale couldn't be finalized just by a few Kage in a single meeting. Real implementation would require village-wide support—consulting elders, strategists, and economic advisors. They'd need to agree on trade zones, negotiate the categories of allowed goods, and iron out a long list of logistical details.
"But from where I stand," he said, "this is more than feasible."
Before the echoes of his words had even faded, Mei Terumi stood up with surprising decisiveness.
"I support this initiative."
Kiri was still rebuilding. Their younger generation of ninja needed mission experience, and the economy had to be stimulated. On top of that, they were still repaying a loan to Konoha—and Mei had personally asked Toshiro for Samehada this very trip. She had no reason to oppose a new opportunity.
"I agree as well," Rasa chimed in without hesitation.
Sand was the one thing the Wind Country had in abundance. But resources? Supplies? Those were in short order. A trade zone would be a gift the village couldn't afford to pass up.
"I'm on board too."
Raikage A crossed his arms. He didn't seem particularly enthusiastic, but he understood the value. For him, this wasn't about survival—it was about potential profit. And a new revenue stream never hurt.
Toshiro then turned toward the final, silent Kage.
"Onoki...?"
The old Tsuchikage scowled, clearly tempted to dig in his heels.
But before he could speak, a firm voice broke the silence.
"Father," Kurotsuchi said seriously, "if we let this opportunity slip through our fingers, the Rock Village could fall behind. It would be a costly mistake."
Onoki paused, his gaze drifting toward his granddaughter. He might have been stubborn, but he wasn't blind.
And right now, the world was changing.
Seeing Onoki still hesitant, Kitsuchi—usually quiet and unobtrusive—finally showed a hint of anxiety.
He wasn't blind. The Sand and Mist Villages had already expressed their support for the Hokage's proposal. Even the Fourth Raikage, usually indifferent to diplomacy, had agreed without much hesitation.
If the Land of Earth refused to participate, the remaining four great nations could simply proceed without them.
And when that happens, Rock Village would be left standing still while the rest of the world moves forward.
"There's a saying: if you're not advancing, you're falling behind."
With four villages gaining additional revenue and strategic trade advantages, remaining stagnant would only cause Iwagakure to lose its edge—bit by bit, silently but surely. Kitsuchi was confident even the Raikage had realized this, which is why he'd thrown his support behind the plan without delay.
"I'm not deaf, you know," Onoki snapped, shooting a disapproving glare at Kitsuchi.
Did this boy think he was senile? He saw the situation just as clearly as anyone. But from his perspective, the biggest winner in all of this would undoubtedly be the Fire Nation—strategically located in the center of the continent.
"I have a question," Onoki said gruffly. "If our merchants enter other nations, how can their safety be guaranteed? Will there be trade restrictions?"
"I'm glad you asked," Toshiro replied, unfazed. He had expected this concern.
"In each designated trade zone, we'll establish a dedicated mission branch—responsible for issuing and accepting escort missions."
"Take the Wind Country as an example. A merchant with goods to sell can submit a request for protection at the Wind Country's trade zone. Our mission center will assign ninjas to safeguard both the merchant and the cargo during transport."
"As long as the goods fall within the permitted categories, our forces will ensure their safe passage."
"And if that same merchant wants to continue into, say, the Lightning Country, he can simply hire local ninjas at the Lightning Country's trade point for further protection."
Toshiro's voice grew more confident as he laid out the vision.
"This way, civilians have work, nobles gain more tax revenue, ninjas receive more missions, and the great villages benefit from a new stream of income."
It was a win on every front—practical, economic, and strategic.
Toshiro had pulled out every persuasive tool in his arsenal, carefully targeting each of Onoki's concerns.
He wasn't just selling an idea—he was offering a future where even the most stubborn leader could see value.
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