Uchiha Ran stroked his chin and suddenly laughed softly.
"So Konoha has seen Iwagakure's sincerity," he said. "But I'm curious—how exactly do you intend to sign this contract?"
Kitsuchi raised his right hand and produced a scroll, stepping forward to present it.
"This is the alliance contract prepared by Iwagakure," he said solemnly. "I ask Hokage-sama to review it. As long as you are willing to sign, Iwagakure will show corresponding sincerity."
Ran opened the scroll and skimmed through it.
The contents were clear:
As brother villages, Iwagakure is willing to pay Konoha three hundred million ryō annually in exchange for protection.
As strategic allies, if one party encounters danger, the other must provide support. Afterward, the aided party shall compensate the assisting party for mobilization costs.
Mutual non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect, and cooperation.
The language was lofty and dignified, but to Ran, every line reeked of one thing.
Fear.
Ōnoki was afraid.
Ran closed the scroll and placed it on the desk, tapping it lightly with his fingers as he looked at Kitsuchi.
"Your Tsuchikage is quite generous."
Kitsuchi lifted his head, his expression calm but his eyes filled with confidence.
"Hokage-sama, this amount is insignificant to Iwagakure. As long as Konoha is willing to form an alliance with us, we will treat Konoha as our most honored partner."
Ran's smile vanished.
"Do you think I can be bought with money?" he said coldly. "In the shinobi world, strength reigns supreme."
Boom.
His chakra surged outward without restraint.
The pressure crashed down on Kitsuchi like a mountain. His legs trembled violently, sweat pouring from his forehead as his breathing turned ragged.
In that instant, he finally understood.
Why his father had fled overnight.
Why Ōnoki had issued a death order to secure this alliance at all costs.
This wasn't politics.
This was survival.
"Hokage-sama…" Kitsuchi gritted his teeth and forced himself to speak. "If the terms are unacceptable, we can negotiate. Please… state your demands."
Ran stared at him for a moment, then slowly withdrew his chakra and sat back down.
The oppressive pressure vanished.
Everyone in the room—Kitsuchi included—quietly exhaled in relief.
"The contract itself can be signed," Ran said flatly. "But the price is laughable."
"Three hundred million a year?" His tone sharpened. "Are you treating Konoha like beggars?"
Kitsuchi straightened his back, regaining his composure.
"If Hokage-sama is dissatisfied with the amount, you may name your price," he said firmly. "Iwagakure lacks many things—but not money."
"Nine hundred million ryō per year."
The words landed like thunder.
Kitsuchi's eyes widened. "You—!"
Before he could finish, killing intent erupted throughout the room. Several Konoha shinobi rose halfway from their seats, eyes locked onto Kitsuchi like drawn blades.
Kitsuchi swallowed and forced a stiff laugh.
"Hokage-sama, surely you jest. Triple the amount at once… nine hundred million ryō is no small number. Even the Fire Daimyō would struggle to provide that sum annually."
Ran looked at him calmly.
"Then take the contract back," he said indifferently. "If war comes in the future, we'll settle it on the battlefield."
Kitsuchi's face drained of color.
That meant Ran had not abandoned thoughts of war.
Worse—he was clearly eyeing Iwagakure.
This could not continue.
His father's words echoed in his mind:
Wealth is temporary. Only survival matters.
Kitsuchi clenched the scroll, his expression wavering before finally firming.
"Six hundred million ryō per year," he said slowly. "That is my limit. Any more, and I must return empty-handed."
Ran's face remained expressionless, but his eyes sharpened.
"You can make that decision?"
Kitsuchi nodded without hesitation.
Ran turned his gaze to Nara Shikaku.
Understanding instantly, Shikaku stood.
"Hokage-sama, I believe Iwagakure is sincere in seeking an alliance. Given the current state of the village, accepting this agreement would be beneficial."
Ran remained silent.
Shikaku glanced at Hyūga Hiashi.
Hiashi rose as well. "Peace is hard-won. If Iwagakure is willing to pay such a price, agreeing to the alliance is reasonable."
One by one, influential figures spoke in support.
At last, Ran looked back at Kitsuchi, his expression solemn.
"Very well," he said. "For the sake of stability in the shinobi world, and for the people of both villages, Konoha will sign this contract."
Kitsuchi finally relaxed—only to stiffen again as Ran continued.
"However," Ran said calmly, "you added a condition. Konoha will add one as well."
Kitsuchi nodded. "Please state it."
"After the contract is signed," Ran said, his voice steady, "Iwagakure must not actively initiate war against other villages."
"If war is forced upon you, Konoha will provide support."
"But if Iwagakure starts a war on its own initiative, Konoha will offer no assistance—and the contract may be terminated at any time."
Kitsuchi's expression turned ugly.
Six hundred million ryō a year—for protection only.
This was no alliance.
It was a leash.
He looked up bitterly. "Hokage-sama… are you not simply demanding protection money?"
Ran smiled faintly.
"I wouldn't dare," he said. "Konoha simply cherishes peace."
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