Uchiha Ryun and Tsunade arrived at the Hokage's office. Uchiha Ryun knocked on the door.
"Come in!" The voice of Hiruzen Sarutobi came from inside. Uchiha Ryun opened the door and was startled to see Hiruzen Sarutobi's dark circles. 'My dear Hokage, did you not sleep at all?'
"Ryun, you're here. Hmm? Tsunade too?" He didn't recall summoning Tsunade.
Tsunade pouted. "Sensei, what do you mean? Are you saying you don't welcome me?"
"No, no, of course I welcome you, Tsunade! Sit, please." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and gestured for Uchiha Ryun and Tsunade to take a seat.
Then he spoke. "Ryun, the envoys from Kumogakure arrived at four in the morning, saying they had urgent business. So I got up and have been awake ever since."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took out the alliance treaty stamped with the Raikage's seal and handed it to Uchiha Ryun. "I didn't dare make a decision lightly, so I thought I'd ask you to take a look."
After speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi yawned and smacked his lips. He was exhausted and wanted to rest for a bit.
Uchiha Ryun took the treaty and unfolded it, while Tsunade tilted her head and rested it on his shoulder, reading along with him.
Uchiha Ryun smiled slightly. As expected, but the alliance compensation was still too little. "Hokage-sama!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi jolted awake and looked at Uchiha Ryun. "What is it, Ryun? Do you have any thoughts?"
Uchiha Ryun chuckled. "Hokage-sama, an alliance is possible, but the compensation amount is too small. Where is the envoy? Can we discuss this with them?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and whispered something to an Anbu. The Anbu nodded repeatedly and left the office. Uchiha Ryun remained calm, casually resting his hand on Tsunade's slender waist.
Tsunade's face turned red. 'Is he really being this improper? This is the Hokage's office!' But Hiruzen Sarutobi was in no mood to notice. He took the chance to close his eyes for a moment.
Soon, the Anbu brought the envoy in. Uchiha Ryun glanced over and found it amusing. 'What a coincidence. An old face—the same Kumo envoy who wet his pants last time.'
However, this time the envoy had clearly changed clothes. Uchiha Ryun didn't dwell on it and simply smiled. "Greetings, envoy."
"Greetings, Elder Ryun." This time, the envoy seemed more confident and didn't show too much fear toward Uchiha Ryun, responding normally.
"I heard the Raikage wishes to form an alliance with Konoha and compensate for the actions of the rogue shinobi that caused trouble, correct?" Uchiha Ryun said calmly.
Tsunade peeked out from behind him, curious to see what the Kumo envoy looked like. But Uchiha Ryun covered her eyes with his right hand and scolded lightly, "Don't look. It's dirty. It'll hurt your eyes."
Tsunade obediently replied, "Oh," then turned her face back into his shoulder. Uchiha Ryun smirked.
The Kumo envoy heard this and his face darkened, but he didn't dare say anything. Instead, he replied, "Yes. As long as the Hokage signs this treaty, our villages will become brother villages and no longer raise arms against each other."
Uchiha Ryun sneered. "And the compensation?" He already knew it was 100 million ryo, but he deliberately made the envoy say it.
"100 million ryo, Elder Ryun. I think—" Before he could finish, Uchiha Ryun slammed the table.
Hiruzen Sarutobi jolted again. 'What now?' He saw Uchiha Ryun's hand on the table and swallowed nervously, then gave the envoy a sympathetic look. 'Why did you have to provoke him? Even I can't fully control him. Good luck.'
The Kumo envoy looked as if he had swallowed something bitter. 'How did I offend him? I've been nothing but respectful! Even if he spat on me, I wouldn't dare complain!'
"100 million isn't enough. At least 300 million!" Uchiha Ryun said coldly.
Hearing the number "300 million," Hiruzen Sarutobi was fully awake now. 'How much? 300 million? You tripled it?'
"Wait, Ryun, I—" Uchiha Ryun gave him a look, and Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent, quietly observing the negotiation.
Tsunade was also surprised. She didn't understand why Ryun was demanding such a high amount, but she had full confidence in him. If he raised the price, it meant there was still room for profit!
The Kumo envoy was dumbfounded. '300 million? Triple the amount?' He felt dizzy. He gripped the Hokage's desk to steady himself.
"300 million? Elder Ryun, you're going too far! This is robbery!" The envoy exploded in anger. He didn't care who Uchiha Ryun was anymore. 'You're asking for my life!'
"Envoy, remember, it's you who wants this alliance. If you're unhappy with my offer, you can counter. Let's negotiate." Uchiha Ryun's probing confirmed that 300 million exceeded their maximum acceptable limit. Worried about ruining the deal, he signaled Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi caught the hint and quickly said, "Ryun, they've come a long way as guests. You're being too harsh. Envoy, don't worry, his earlier words don't count."
The Kumo envoy's expression softened. "120 million. Not a single ryo more. Kumo's money doesn't grow on trees!" He glared at Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun pondered. "250 million!" His gaze was like a venomous snake staring at the envoy.
The Kumo envoy slammed the table. Hiruzen Sarutobi flinched again. 'Damn, is slamming tables the new trend in negotiations? I hope my redwood desk can take it!'
"150 million! That's my limit, Elder Ryun. Don't push me. If this falls apart, neither side wins." The envoy's face was grim.
Uchiha Ryun frowned. 250 million was still too high. The envoy hadn't panicked at 150 million, meaning the real limit was likely higher. The true ceiling was probably...
"200 million. Envoy, if Kumo is willing to pay 200 million in compensation and development aid, both I and the Hokage can sign the treaty immediately."
"From then on, Konoha and Kumo will be brothers. You'll complete your mission and leave your mark in shinobi history."
The envoy was momentarily swayed. '200 million… That should meet Young Master A's minimum requirement, right?' Though the idea of making history was tempting, he still wanted to bargain.
"180 million, Ryun..." The envoy switched to a more familiar address, but Uchiha Ryun ignored him, whispering with Tsunade instead.
The envoy gritted his teeth. "Fine! 200 million it is. But Elder Ryun, you must also sign your name. I need to report back to Young Master A."
"Of course." Uchiha Ryun smiled and motioned for Hiruzen Sarutobi to sign.
Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated, then snapped out of it when Uchiha Ryun tapped the table. '100 million became 200 million. Jackpot!'
After Hiruzen Sarutobi signed, the Kumo envoy looked at Uchiha Ryun, who added his signature in a flowing script right after. The envoy finally relaxed and smiled. "From now on, our villages are brothers!"
"Naturally!" Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed and shook the envoy's hand.