Chapter 86.3- One Thousand Hands

“Shall we have it over your son’s as well? Because I can promise you that I will kill him before I kill you. And then after I kill him, I will find your civilians, and then I will slaughter them to the last man. My shinobi can manage that much, I assure you. And if you don’t think they can, you can just look at the trench carved into the middle of what was once a great village and see what I can do when pushed. You don’t want to push me, Tsuchikage-dono”

“What are your terms?” I wondered how good the dentists in Iwa were. All that tooth grinding couldn’t be healthy.

“Iwa is in dire straights, let us be honest. If Kumo did not attack, then someone else would have. Kumo’s attack means that your best shinobi are dead, their lessers— possible replacements— are in my custody. There is no one to teach your academy, your vaults have been plundered in whole by my shinobi, and we have taken our due as spoils of war. To put it succinctly, you are fucked.”

“Are those terms? I asked for terms, not to be mocked”

“Indeed. I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page before I gave them. Capitulation. My terms are that iwa shall totally surrender and become a vassal village to Konoha. I will appoint a Governor of my choosing. My shinobi will take charge of your academies, my people will help your rebuilding. Maybe one day we can return her to her former glory.”

“You are mad”

“Am I? I don’t see how else your village makes it out of this intact.”

“Even after the First War did no one dare make such a request? To turn Iwa into a vassal state? You can threaten me, you can threaten my son, you can threaten every son and daughter of Iwa, and our words would be the same. We will never agree to such” She said with so much vehemence that I was forced to believe her. I really was. And that wasn’t a good thing because there weren’t many ways this could end well for them then.

“Tell me what terms work for you then” I could see Shikahime barely hold herself back from objecting. Good, at least she had the good sense not to question me now.

“A peace treaty. Iwa will end her state of war with Konohagakure no sato and will swear not to prosecute or support any war against Konohagakure no sato unless she is attacked first or provoked. Like you already said, you have emptied our vaults so consider all reparations already paid in full” I barked a laugh once she finished, not even caring for the indignation that appeared on her face.