Mending The Past To A Better Future

Chp. 10 Short Stacks and Hags and Treaties {Part-2}

Minato nodded to Shibi Aburame as he sat down in his seat, where Naiade and Hiro from Kiri and Suna respectively were already stationed. Minato felt a sense of comfort wash over him as Shibi watched his back like he had done many times before on missions. "Hiro-san, Naiade-san," he said respectfully, inclining his head deeply to both delegates.

"Minato-san," they mirrored the gesture.

They sat separated by the empty chairs between them, and Minato turned to Hiro who had been the most pleasant to speak to the previous day.

"Ne, Hiro-san? I heard that Kazekage-sama has recently had a child. How is he coming along with the little one?" Minato was unsure whether or not that question would be met with hostility and suspicion, but he was surprised when Hiro's face lit up in an almost childish grin.

"Our Kazekage has his hands full," Hiro let out a booming laugh, one that Minato could tell came straight from his chest. "Temari-chan may be a small thing, but her personality is the exact opposite. She leads Rasa-sama around like she's Hokage herself and she's-"

"Sounds like the village loves her dearly," Naiade cut in, her tone almost menacing, making them both stiffen. Minato was aware that relations between villages were tense but he'd never have any malicious intent towards a child.

Hiro's green eyes flashed dangerously, and Minato tensed further as the killing intent in the room leaked out in wealths. "Temari-chan is loved by the village," Hiro agreed readily, "you'd be surprised by the lengths we're willing to go to should any harm fall on her little blonde head." Minato and Naiade both heard the implied threat; even think about touching Temari and they'd all be dead.

It was Naiade's turn to stiffen, and Minato's eyes darted back and forth between the Suna and Kiri delegates as they stared off.

Thankfully, the doors to the conference hall broke open and A and Ryo strode in, their eyes scanning the premises for any lurking threats. Seemingly satisfied, A took a seat between Hiro and Naiade, breaking their stifling eye contact. Ryo filled the gap between Naiade and Minato, and they waited until they were done shuffling in their seats before Minato cleared his throat.

"Good morning. I'm glad to see you all back." He took turns making eye contact with each delegate, finally stopping on Naiade, who, despite his words, he actually wasn't sure if he was happy to see back.

Ryo spoke first, "Good morning, Namikaze-san. I would like to speak on behalf of my Kage. Our Tsuchikage has agreed to sign the peace treaty provided Konohagakure add some stipulations."

"Stipulations?"

"Mutually beneficial, of course," Ryo assured him. "Peace is about giving and taking until we were on common ground. Iwa suggests that Konoha open up another accessible trading route to Iwa, and we in turn shall do the same. Iwa and Konoha profit off of one another in how we import and export foreign goods. However, the trading post in which we use now is overcrowded with the likes of other nations' Shinobi and merchants, and it makes it difficult to sell off our wares to the provided managers. Should you agree, Iwa will open a path to your merchants and Shinobi as well." Ryo looked at A and then Hiro. "The path will be open to other nations as well if you give the go ahead for your own additional route."

Minato thought it over. It wasn't a bad stipulation by any means, if a bit complicated. And Ryo was right. The roads in Konoha were congested with Shinobi and travelers, and it would be a good idea to have another way in and out of the gates. It wasn't unreasonable either... the traffic would diminish considerably.

"Okay," Minato agreed feeling hope building inside of him like a swelling balloon. "Konoha will be able to provide another road open for trading." He doubted Sandaime-sama would have any complaints. He turned to Suna and Kiri. "Do you all agree to this?"