"Actually, I have a bold idea."
Hearing Kaito's words, everyone's attention focused on him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile, "Lord Amekage, please speak."
"Alright, then I won't be polite."
Kaito swallowed to wet his throat and said in a clear voice, "The reason conflicts arise between nations and villages is fundamentally due to dissatisfaction with the distribution of resources. When a strong person sees a weaker person holding more wealth than them, malicious thoughts naturally arise."
"In reality, the existence of laws restrains such behavior. But when it comes to the national level, this restraint is lacking, which allows certain countries to act unscrupulously," Kaito said righteously, looking directly at the Third Raikage.
"So, you want to establish this kind of restraint?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up.
"Yes." Kaito nodded. "We can establish a cooperative organization called the 'Allied Nations Arbitration Committee' to carry out collective arbitration against countries that do not abide by the agreements."
"Boring!" the Third Raikage sneered. "This is completely useless to the Land of Lightning. If you want to deal with us, feel free to come. We'd be happy to oblige."
"Is that so?" Kaito wagged a finger. "Don't underestimate the other countries. The Land of Lightning is part of the shinobi world; it is not yet strong enough to be an enemy to the entire world. In terms of military might, you are indeed powerful, but you still need to eat, and you still need to maintain economic trade. If all countries refuse to trade with the Land of Lightning, how long can you last?"
"And that," Kaito continued, "is one of the powers of the Allied Nations Arbitration Committee: to implement economic sanctions."
"..." The Third Raikage's expression changed drastically, and he couldn't help but clench his fists.
Although he didn't understand much about economics, he knew that if the Land of Lightning had to rely solely on itself, it wouldn't be able to hold out for long.
Unless it was the Land of Fire, with its fertile lands.
However, he wouldn't back down so easily. "I don't believe you can command all the nations to stand on the same side."
"Really? Then let's see if the Kage present here will agree."
Kaito was the first to raise his hand. "The Village Hidden in the Rain agrees to establish the Allied Nations Arbitration Committee."
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment. He felt that this method had many hidden drawbacks, but if it was managed well, it could bring about a considerable period of peace. And that precious time for peaceful development was what Konoha needed most right now.
So, he was the second to raise his hand. "Konoha agrees."
Yagura was a little hesitant, but if he wanted to end the Bloody Mist rule and open up his village to the outside world, this was not a bad way to go. He hesitantly raised his hand. "The Village Hidden in the Mist agrees."
The remaining Third Kazekage, under everyone's gaze, shook his head. "Wouldn't this be the most disadvantageous for us, the Land of Wind? Why are we destined to live in the desert? We also want green grasslands and forests!"
This struck a chord with the Third Raikage, who nodded. "That's right. A peace maintained under such oppressive conditions is fundamentally false. It could lead to an even more serious war at any time!"
"Mmm, that's indeed not very fair. So, I have another, less mature suggestion."
Kaito spoke as if he had prepared this speech long ago. "And that is to implement a wagering agreement."
"A wager?" Tsunade's ears perked up, and she was instantly energized.
"What does that mean?" the others asked, puzzled.
"It means turning large-scale wars into small-scale competitive matches."
Kaito explained, "Two villages with a dispute can send out several, or even dozens, of shinobi to compete. The prize for the final winner would be the land or money that was put up as spoils beforehand."
"This way, we can resolve conflicts and minimize losses at the same time—two birds with one stone. The key factor is still the strength of each country's shinobi. It's fair, isn't it?"
"But in that case, when facing a powerful nation, wouldn't a weaker one just be a fish on the chopping block, to be carved up at will?" Yagura raised a question.
Sarutobi Hiruzen answered, "We can add restrictions. For example, each country has the right to initiate a wager only once a year, or has the right to refuse a wager once."
He felt this model had great potential; it was a masterstroke.
If it could be implemented properly, perhaps war would truly cease to exist.
"In that case, the Land of Wind can accept it," the Third Kazekage nodded.
"Then that just leaves you, Third Raikage." An enigmatic smile played on Kaito's lips. "If you don't agree, you'll be isolated."
The Third Raikage pondered for a moment, then exchanged a few quiet words with Dodai behind him before saying in a low voice, "I need to discuss this matter with my Daimyo before I can give an answer."
"As you should," Kaito said. "This matter cannot be implemented without the Daimyo's consent."
"In that case, let's conclude the meeting here. We will first go back and discuss this with our Daimyo, and then send special personnel to negotiate the specific terms," Sarutobi Hiruzen said.
"Agreed."
This proposal was met with a response from everyone. They stood up, bid each other farewell, and dispersed.
The Konoha party stayed behind. After the people from the other countries had all left, they approached Kaito.
"Kaito, did you plan to do this from the beginning?" the Third Hokage asked directly.
"Yes, I did," Kaito replied with a smile. "From start to finish, my goal has always been peace. Conquering the Land of Earth was only to gain the right to speak with you on equal terms. This time, I must thank you, Lord Hokage, for setting up such a perfect stage for me."
"Sigh, it seems we have misunderstood you." The Third Hokage looked at Kaito with a benevolent expression and smiled. "Your proposal is excellent. I will work hard to make it happen. If it can truly succeed, perhaps war will never happen again."
"Thank you for your support, Lord Hokage. Let us work together for peace!"
"Yes!"
Afterward, Kaito exchanged a look with Tsunade and Orochimaru and saw them off.
In the conference room, only Kaito's party and Mifune's samurai remained.
"Master Mifune, it's been a long time."
"It has indeed been a long time. I am very pleased to see you have become such an outstanding individual," Mifune said.
"It's all thanks to your guidance," Kaito said. "How have you all been these years? How are Captain Okihira and Chosuke?"
"You don't need to worry, they are both well," Mifune said, his eyes narrowing. "Brother Okihira has opened a dojo and has many students. Chosuke has also grown a lot and is now a high-ranking samurai. Of course, he's still a long way from you."
"That's good to hear."
"By the way, what about Tetsuren? Is she well?"
"Mmm, she's doing very well. She's much more cheerful than before, more like a young girl should be."
"That's wonderful."
"Yes, it is."