The moment Uchiha Akihito's calm voice fell, the entire conference hall sank into dead silence.
Both Konoha and Kumogakure were stunned by his audacious demands.
A complete compendium of forbidden techniques?
That was the crystallized wisdom of generations of Kumogakure's predecessors!
The Amber Purifying Pot capable of sealing Tailed Beasts?
After the Gold and Silver Brothers incident, it was the only one of the Six Paths Treasured Tools still left in Kumogakure's possession!
And thirty billion ryo in war reparations—"not much"?
That was equivalent to Kumogakure's entire annual revenue!
Cold sweat broke out across the faces of the Kumogakure delegation.
The "Flame Demon" of Konoha was baring his fangs.
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
Dodai shot to his feet, voice shaking with anger.
"Your conditions are far too harsh. Kumogakure cannot agree to them!"
Akihito's demands had completely shattered his expectations.
He had assumed that even if Konoha asked for compensation, it would be modest.
Reality, however, was humiliating.
Akihito didn't just dare to imagine—he dared to demand it openly.
At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat and stepped in.
"Akihito…"
"Kumogakure has already agreed to resolve this peacefully."
"Don't you think your terms are a bit excessive?"
"Perhaps we should discuss this further."
But before he could finish, Akihito cut in coldly.
"This war began with Kumogakure's provocation."
"We tried to reason with them. They answered with force."
"If Konoha had lost, do you think they would show mercy?"
"Asking for compensation is entirely justified. There's nothing to negotiate."
Hiruzen's expression tightened.
If he pressed Kumogakure too hard, his carefully cultivated image of benevolence would suffer.
He turned toward the clan heads.
If he wanted to restrain Akihito, he needed collective pressure.
"What do the rest of you think?"
The meaning was clear—choose your side.
In the past, such meetings had been a formality. No one openly opposed the Hokage.
But since Akihito's rise, things had changed.
Hyuga Hiashi stood first.
"I agree with Akihito."
"Kumogakure is at fault. They should compensate Konoha."
Uchiha Fugaku followed immediately.
"The war was born of Kumogakure's ambition. The Uchiha lost over a hundred lives."
"We support compensation."
Hiruzen's face darkened.
Then, to his surprise, Nara Shikaku stepped forward.
"Lord Hokage, the front lines received no reinforcements. The clans suffered heavily."
"If Kumogakure wants the Eight-Tails back, asking for something in return is reasonable."
His words carried subtext.
Not only did Kumogakure owe them—so did Konoha's leadership.
Hiruzen understood.
He had mishandled the reinforcements issue.
If he refused compensation now, his prestige would plummet.
After a long silence, he finally relented.
Turning to Dodai, he said carefully,
"You've heard the opinions. Perhaps… adjustments can be made?"
Dodai's eye twitched.
Moments ago, they had nearly secured Killer B's release for free.
Now Konoha was backtracking.
Was this a coordinated act?
After a tense pause, Dodai said stiffly,
"Some compensation may be possible."
"But your demands are outrageous."
"If pushed too far, Kumogakure would rather fight to the end."
A veiled threat.
Mutual destruction would only benefit the other three Great Nations.
But Akihito didn't blink.
"Not interested in talking?"
"Then we're done."
"You want war? I'll march on Kumogakure myself."
His voice turned icy.
"And you won't be returning home."
"If war resumes, I may as well settle things here."
Dodai's blood ran cold.
He remembered the last delegation that had confronted Akihito.
They hadn't returned.
Wiping sweat from his brow, Dodai forced composure.
"The amount is too high."
"I must consult the Raikage before responding."
The tension eased slightly.
Akihito's expression softened instantly.
"Why are we still standing around?"
"Prepare communication equipment for our honored guests."
Even Hiruzen had no argument.
The talks adjourned temporarily.
On the way home, Hiashi and Shikaku walked beside Akihito.
"Today was satisfying," Hiashi admitted.
Shikaku added dryly, "Releasing the Eight-Tails for free? The Hokage has grown old."
Akihito smiled faintly.
"He has."
"Thank you for your support."
Shikaku waved it off, though pleased.
"You fought for everyone's interests. Of course we stood with you."
For the first time, the balance of influence in Konoha felt different.
The next day, negotiations resumed.
After intense bargaining, Kumogakure conceded.
They would provide:
The Lightning Release Chakra Mode technique.The Amber Purifying Pot.Fifteen billion ryo in reparations.
Half of Akihito's original demand—but still unprecedented.
Killer B would be returned under Hiruzen's framework.
Konoha emerged enormously strengthened.
With fresh funds, Akihito proposed doubling pensions for the fallen and disabled.
The policy passed.
Overnight, his name spread throughout the village once again.
Uchiha Akihito—the hero who ended the war and secured reparations.
He had become Konoha's idol.
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