To accommodate the arrival of these high-ranking guests from distant lands, Sunagakure had cleared out the two eight-story buildings closest to the Kazekage Tower.
One of them was designated for the visitors from the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning, while the other housed those from the Land of Fire and the Land of Water. Each of the five daimyō was provided with a private villa, separate from the rest.
This time, their visit was almost entirely for leisure. Despite their prestigious titles, the daimyō of this backward era no longer wielded much real authority.
Their direct control extended only to the major cities surrounding their respective government residences. Beyond that, the rest of their territories functioned in a self-sufficient, nearly autonomous fashion.
Their military strength was no match for that of any shinobi village. The only advantage they held over the shinobi system was their control of military funding. That alone was the reason Rasa hadn't chosen to sever ties with them openly. He didn't need to.
In reality, the daimyōs' influence over Sunagakure had already diminished to a negligible level. Their occasional interference was still bearable. However, if he declared total independence, Sunagakure would instantly become a target for every major faction.
In a world where bloodlines, social hierarchy, and status were deeply rooted in the people's consciousness, any act of rebellion would provoke the wrath of the elite circles across the shinobi world.
For now, that was a risk Rasa was not prepared to take. The Five Great Nations Conference, in essence, had little to do with the daimyō. Their role was simply to enjoy the food and entertainment.
On the very first day, the five daimyō were treated to a lavish banquet hosted by Sunagakure. In addition to the daimyō and the five Kage, clan leaders and noble representatives from each visiting nation were also invited to attend.
After the banquet, Sunagakure permitted the daimyō and their entourages to move freely throughout the village. Pampered and idle, the daimyō continued to indulge in fine meals and entertainment under the attentive service of Sunagakure's staff, awaiting the commencement of the Desert Flower Chūnin Exams.
The five Kage, however, had no such luxury. The morning after the banquet, they were already back at work. Each Kage, accompanied by two escorts, made their way to the conference hall that Sunagakure had specially arranged. This was where the heart of the Five Great Nations Conference was about to unfold.
Inside the vast chamber, a large circular stone table stood at the center, flanked by five ornate chairs arranged in the shape of a pentagon. Representing Sunagakure were the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, Baki, and Seramu.
From Konohagakure came the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, along with Shikaku Nara and Yamanaka Inoichi.
Kumogakure sent the Third Raikage A, the future Fourth Raikage, and Darui.
Iwagakure was represented by the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki, Akatsuchi, and Higashi Shinin.
From Kirigakure came the Fourth Mizukage Yagura Karatachi, Jūzō Biwa, and Mangetsu Hōzuki.
Once everyone was seated, the meeting formally began. Yet an awkward silence quickly took hold. The Kage exchanged cautious glances, each waiting for the other to speak first.
Observing this tension, Rasa took the initiative to break the silence.
"Although this meeting is being held in our Sunagakure, the one who proposed the conference was the Hokage. So I suggest we allow him to take on the role of host."
Minato was momentarily caught off guard but responded with a grateful smile.
"I understand. If no one objects, then I'll humbly accept the role."
The other three Kage nodded their agreement without hesitation.
"Thank you all for your trust."
Minato said as his gaze swept across the room, then he continued.
"First of all, I must thank everyone for being here today and allowing this Five Kage Summit to proceed smoothly. That said, I'd like to confirm something — all of you came here with the same purpose, didn't you? To put an end to this war."
As soon as Minato's words landed, the Third Raikage responded immediately.
"Hokage, peace isn't something that can be achieved just by speaking it aloud. We've suffered heavy losses in this war. Therefore, someone has to be held accountable for that."
Ōnoki was quick to interject.
"Compensation, Raikage? And who exactly do you expect to pay it? Konohagakure? In war, death and destruction are inevitable. No side has won yet. If we're really going to talk about compensation, then Mizukage, shouldn't Kirigakure be the one offering an explanation?"
Though short in stature, Yagura's presence carried undeniable weight.
"Explanation? Tsuchikage, Kirigakure has nothing to explain. We've suffered as well. The Third Mizukage took his own life to atone for our mistakes, and we lost the Six Tails. What more do you want from us?"
Ōnoki scoffed.
"That's an internal matter, and so it has nothing to do with Iwagakure. It was Kirigakure's scheming that cost us the Five Tails. And unless I'm mistaken, the one who arrived at Iwagakure back then was the man standing behind you — Jūzō Biwa, wasn't it?"
Yagura remained firm.
"Still not our responsibility. Kirigakure already paid its price. If anything, Iwagakure brought this on itself. Back then, the Kazekage had already agreed to hold talks with you."
"You little brat, what did you just say?!"
As the tension between Iwagakure and Kirigakure escalated, it seemed a fight could erupt at any moment. Meanwhile, the Raikage and Rasa remained quiet, observing from the sidelines. But Minato swiftly stepped in to deescalate the situation.
"Enough. This kind of arguing won't lead us anywhere. Before we get into the details, let's first agree on one thing. I, as the Hokage, am willing to set aside all hatred and grudges caused by this war."
His declaration stunned the other four Kage, even Rasa. After all, if Konohagakure had a primary enemy in this war, Sunagakure would certainly be a top contender.
"Since the Hokage has taken the initiative, it would seem petty for me to refuse. On behalf of Sunagakure, I also promise to let go of our hatred."
Yagura followed suit without hesitation.
"Kirigakure has no objections."
In truth, aside from the incident involving the Tailed Beasts near the end, Kirigakure's role in the war had been minimal. Seeing the Hokage, Kazekage, and Mizukage in agreement, the Raikage had no choice but to go along. However, Ōnoki wasn't so easily swayed and raised a pointed question.
"If we're truly putting aside hatred, then Kazekage, can I take that to mean you'll be returning the Four Tails to Iwagakure?"
Rasa let out a cold snort.
"Return him? Certainly. But that depends on how much Iwagakure is willing to offer. And let's not forget that Sunagakure also suffered damages from the attacks involving the Five and Six Tails. Therefore, we intend to be compensated for every single coin."
Ōnoki's face darkened.
"Kazekage, is this what you call letting go of hatred?"
"Isn't it? If I hadn't let go of hatred, would I even be entertaining the idea of returning the Four Tails? We may no longer need the power of Tailed Beasts, but that doesn't mean we're unwilling to keep one."
"You—!"
Ōnoki was so angry he was momentarily speechless, but it was Yagura who turned to ask the next question.
"Then what kind of compensation would satisfy Sunagakure?"
Rasa had already anticipated that.
"We're not being unreasonable. Back during the First Five Kage Summit, how much did Kirigakure pay in military funds to acquire the Six Tails from Hashirama Senju? Just give us that same amount."
Yagura replied without delay.
"That's impossible. While we are sorry for the loss of the Six Tails, it's dead now. If it were still alive, perhaps we could consider it."
"You refuse? Then there's nothing more to talk about."
And just like that, the negotiations hit a stalemate right from the very start.