One day later, news of the war between Konoha's Royal Court Shinobi Army and the Great Tomb of Nazarick, as well as the war between Iwagakure and the Slane Theocracy, had spread across the northwest corner of the Magic Continent—and soon throughout the entire Shinobi World.
Everyone was shocked by the Royal Court Shinobi Army, which had seemingly returned from the dead. At the same time, many lamented the tragic fate that had befallen Iwagakure and the Slane Theocracy.
Warriors who had once fought bravely on the battlefield were now nothing more than remnants buried beneath ruins. The villagers of Iwagakure carried endless sorrow in their eyes, while the followers of the Slane Theocracy sought comfort through prayer.
Han, the Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, had only just begun to recover from the devastating blow of his shinobi army's destruction. His emotions were like a torn canvas—impossible to mend.
Then he heard the news that the Royal Court Shinobi Army had suffered not a single casualty.
The pain in his heart plunged once again into an abyss.
It felt as if an invisible hand had clenched around his heart.
What shook him even more was the announcement that the Slane Theocracy had declared unconditional surrender. The very next day they would visit E-Rantel and perform the ritual of defeat before Uchiha Soren.
Han's mind went blank.
His gaze grew restless.
If the Slane Theocracy surrendered to Konoha… then what had Iwagakure's desperate battle been for?
Had they been nothing more than a complete joke?
Han rushed to the Military Affairs Department in the Supreme Leader's building, his heart filled with questions and resentment.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but the suffocating pressure in his chest refused to fade.
After straightening his clothes so he would not appear too disheveled, he knocked on the door.
The door opened.
Inside the office sat Uchiha Shifang, his expression cool and composed.
The sudden need to issue a massive amount of compensation payments had left him feeling deeply pained.
Sitting across from him was Uzumaki Mito, who had come from the Magic Continent. With countless matters weighing on her shoulders, the elegant noblewoman's face showed clear signs of frustration.
Han immediately sensed the tense atmosphere in the office. His heart tightened, but he knew he could not retreat.
"Tsuchikage-dono, what brings you here?"
Uchiha Shifang glanced at Uzumaki Mito, who was still reviewing documents, before turning to Han, who had entered and taken a seat nearby.
"The compensation for the fallen and the support arrangements for Iwagakure were already handled yesterday by our staff. Is there some issue?"
"An issue?"
Han repeated the word in his mind.
After organizing his thoughts, he spoke directly.
"Lady Mito. Lord Shifang. Where should Iwagakure go from here?"
The blunt question displeased Uchiha Shifang.
Having spent so long away from the battlefield, he had begun to carry the air of a seasoned politician.
"What do you mean, 'where should it go'?"
He raised an eyebrow in feigned surprise.
"According to the compensation policy, Konoha will convert Iwagakure's losses into corresponding material resources. The blood shed by Iwagakure will not be in vain."
As he spoke, realization seemed to dawn upon him.
His expression hardened.
"Or does the Tsuchikage believe the compensation is insufficient?"
"Or perhaps you are questioning the regulations of the Military Affairs Department… even questioning Konoha itself?"
"Of course not!"
Han was no fool during his tenure as Tsuchikage.
He immediately began arguing his case logically.
As one of the three major figures established under Uchiha Soren's rule, he possessed the confidence to speak his mind.
As long as he did not violate Konoha's established regulations, Uchiha Shifang could not easily take action against him.
After all, Iwagakure still retained a certain degree of autonomy within the system and could refuse unreasonable orders from the Military Affairs Department.
"Still… this will inevitably offend both Uchiha Shifang and Uzumaki Mito."
"But it is all for the sake of Iwagakure."
A look of determination flashed across Han's face.
His gaze burned intensely as he stared at Uchiha Shifang.
"Lord Shifang, the losses suffered by Iwagakure cannot be compensated with material resources alone."
"The surrender of the Slane Theocracy means access to greater resources and population. But what about Iwagakure?"
"In this war we made enormous sacrifices, yet all we receive is compensation and supplies. That offers very limited help for the future development of our village."
Uchiha Shifang frowned slightly.
A trace of displeasure flashed in his eyes.
"So what you are saying is that Iwagakure requires greater support?"
"Or that you believe Konoha's assistance has been insufficient?"
Han did not retreat.
"Lord Shifang, the surrender of the Slane Theocracy will turn Iwagakure's earlier sacrifices into a joke."
"Shouldn't the contributions and losses we suffered in this war earn greater recognition and support?"
"What we need is not just material compensation—we need population and land."
A cold light flashed in Uchiha Shifang's eyes.
"Tsuchikage-dono, Konoha has already done everything it can to support Iwagakure."
"Iwagakure has suffered losses, yes. But Amegakure has suffered losses as well."
"Konoha's resources are limited. It cannot satisfy everyone's demands."
Han's eyes grew even more resolute.
His voice boomed like thunder.
"Lord Shifang, does the sacrifice Iwagakure made in this war not deserve greater support?"
"We are not making unreasonable demands. We are simply fighting for the rightful future of Iwagakure."
Uchiha Shifang's expression darkened.
"The policies of Konoha are fair and just."
"If Iwagakure believes the support is insufficient, you may present specific requests—but they must remain within reasonable limits."
A hint of relief appeared on Han's face.
He bowed deeply.
"Thank you for your understanding and support, Lord Shifang."
"Iwagakure will continue contributing to the prosperity and development of Konoha and the Shinobi World."
Han's mood calmed slightly.
He knew this argument was only the beginning.
But for the future of Iwagakure, he would never retreat.
At that moment, Uzumaki Mito finally set down the documents in her hands.
She lifted her head, her gaze thoughtful.
"Tsuchikage-dono. Lord Shifang. I believe we should hold a conference to discuss in detail the division of interests between Iwagakure and the Slane Theocracy."
"Only through negotiation can we reach a fair and reasonable solution."
Uchiha Shifang nodded in agreement.
"Lady Mito is right. This matter should indeed be resolved through negotiation."
"Tsuchikage-dono, please rest assured. Konoha will meet Iwagakure's demands—as long as they remain within the rules."
"However, there is no need to rush this meeting."
Uzumaki Mito spoke calmly.
"Very soon the other two battlefields will also reach their conclusions."
"Amegakure and the Baharth Empire… and Kirigakure against the Argland Council State."
"When the results are known, the rewards and punishments for military merit can be discussed together."
"The final decision…"
"…will be made personally by the Supreme Leader."
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