Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

If Hiruzen Sarutobi were a time traveler, he would understand what it means to "negotiate under duress."

Of course, that doesn't prevent him from deeply feeling the humiliation of being forced into an agreement.

After all, he is the Hokage.

If sacrificing his life alone could save the village, he wouldn't hesitate.

But the current situation isn't that simple.

The Sand Village's main force has gathered at Konoha's gates, while Konoha's available forces consist of only the Sarutobi Clan, the Nara Clan, and the Aburame Clan.

Among them, the Aburame Clan suffered significant losses in their previous battle with Iwa-nin and hasn't fully recovered yet, making their fighting power quite limited.

Konoha now has fewer than a thousand shinobi. How can they stand against the tens of thousands of Sand-nin? This isn't the type of battle where you fight to the death in vain.

Moreover, there are so many elderly and vulnerable people in the village. If they were harmed, how would he face the Konoha shinobi risking their lives outside the village?

Thinking of all this, Hiruzen couldn't help but clench his fists before turning to Hattori and speaking.

"What are your terms? Let's hear them."

"Alright, I actually have only three conditions!"

Hearing Hiruzen's words, Hattori grinned and raised one finger.

"First condition: we want resources worth ten billion ryo, including food, cloth, ninja tools, and medical supplies."

"That's impossible!"

Before Hattori could finish, Koharu Utatane interrupted.

"Konoha's annual budget is only a few billion. Where would we get ten billion for you?"

"Huh…really?"

Hattori turned to look at Pakura beside him. "Is that too much?"

Pakura: "…"

What was she supposed to say to that?

From her perspective, Hattori asking for ten billion was indeed audacious, but in this situation, she couldn't say that out loud.

So she firmly shook her head.

"No, given Konoha's situation, ten billion isn't excessive!"

"Alright then!"

Hearing her response, Hattori nodded and looked back at Hiruzen.

"Hokage, you heard her. My wife said ten billion isn't too much for Konoha. I know you can't get that all at once, but even half would show good faith."

Hiruzen: "…"

Ten billion is good faith?

Seeing Hattori's matter-of-fact expression, Hiruzen's lips twitched slightly before he sighed.

"Ten billion is impossible. I can offer you two billion, half of it in resources. In return, Sunagakure must assist Konoha in defending against Iwa-nin and Kirigakure."

"No way! Two billion? Are you treating us like beggars?"

Hattori waved his hand angrily, patting his chest.

"With such harsh terms, even if I agreed, the shinobi of Sunagakure wouldn't. Right, everyone?"

He raised his head, expecting to hear the Sand-nin shouting in agreement.

But to his surprise, there was only silence below.

Looking down, he saw the Sunagakure shinobi with excited expressions, whispering amongst themselves.

"Two billion? We could really get that much money?"

"Our squad gets only thirty thousand for a mission. Imagine how many missions we'd have to complete to earn two billion!"

"With that much money, Sunagakure would thrive!"

"Yeah, yeah…"

Hattori: "…"

Damn it, this bunch of sellouts!

With no one supporting him, Hattori's confidence deflated.

Without the aura of standing his ground, he could no longer pressure Hiruzen and had to reluctantly nod.

"Fine, two billion it is. But for our assistance in fending off Iwa-nin and Kirigakure, Konoha must cover all our expenses."

"Agreed!"

Hiruzen nodded.

"From the start of our alliance until the war's end, Konoha will cover all of Sunagakure's expenses in battling Iwa-nin and Kirigakure!"

"Straightforward!"

Hearing Hiruzen's words, Hattori gave him a thumbs-up and held up a second finger.

"Now for the second condition: Konoha cannot manipulate the Land of Rivers independently. Sunagakure must get share of control, and merchants from both the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire must be allowed free trade."

"Agreed!"

Without hesitation, Hiruzen nodded.

"This condition benefits both sides. I agree. Let's hear your third condition."

"Haha, Hokage, you're very straightforward! I like negotiating with someone like you. Now for my third condition."

Hattori raised his third finger.

"The third condition is the simplest. Since we're going to be allies, and we've traveled a long way to get here, you should offer some local hospitality, right?"

"Hmm?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "What kind of hospitality do you want?"

"Haha, simple!"

Hattori laughed and pointed to Konoha's closed gates.

"Open the gates of Konoha to let us in, with food and drink provided free of charge, rice and sake in abundance.

"Also, when we enter, you should lead the way, presenting me with flowers, showing enthusiasm as if welcoming a hero!"

Hiruzen: "…"

Present you with flowers? Are you serious?

Hearing this, Hiruzen couldn't help but cover his forehead and rub his temples.

While Hattori's request sounded absurd, Hiruzen didn't think he was just making trouble.

He wanted to show commitment.

"It seems this kid's words to Shikaku and Inoichi were true. He genuinely wants to ally with Konoha and end this war!"

With that thought, Hiruzen nodded again at Hattori.

"Alright, I agree to your terms!"

As he finished, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane objected immediately, "Hiruzen, you can't—"

"It's fine. I know what I'm doing."

Hiruzen waved to calm them before addressing Hattori again.

"Sunagakure may enter Konoha, but you must not disrupt the order. As for food and drink, you'll need to pay, but I'll add an extra ten million ryo to your supplies later. Is that acceptable?"

"Good!" Hattori nodded. "That's fine. And the flowers?"

"I'll arrange people to present flowers."

Hiruzen added, "But as the Hokage, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to present them myself. Let's settle for a handshake."

"Alright!"

Hattori agreed and shouted to the surprised Sand-nin below.

"You all heard it! The Hokage is inviting us to Konoha as guests, with a thousand ryo spending allowance each. But remember, don't cause trouble inside—don't disgrace Sunagakure!"

"Yeah!!!"

At Hattori's words, the Sand-nin erupted in cheers.

"Finally, we can enter Konoha! Don't worry, Lord Hattori, we won't bring shame to Sunagakure!"

"Exactly, we can't let Konoha look down on us. Right, everyone?"

"Right! Long live Lord Hattori!"

"Hahaha…"

Amid the cheers and laughter, the gates of Konoha slowly opened.

*(End of Chapter)*