"The Konoha Treaty Plan?" Iwata Zeki looked at the special map. With a red marker, Seiryu had circled the Lands of Waterfall, Iron, Frost, Rice Fields, and Hot Springs together with the central Land of Fire. Perplexed, he asked, "What is this?"
"I sense that beneath the peace of the ninja world, undercurrents are already stirring. As a responsible major nation, the Land of Fire must shoulder the burden of maintaining peace," Seiryu said with a smile. "So, Konoha intends to take the lead in forming such an organization. The member nations will help each other in any future wars."
"This…" Iwata Zeki was overjoyed. He had been worrying about how to propose an alliance with Konoha, but Seiryu had already thought of it.
"However, this plan is still just a concept. Implementing it will be quite difficult," Seiryu said, shaking his head. "By the way, may I ask what brings you to Konoha this time, Mr. Iwata?"
"Actually, I came to seek Konoha's help," Iwata Zeki said. Though tempted to sign the treaty now, he kept his composure.
"Seeking help?" Seiryu's brow furrowed. "Is Takigakure facing difficulties?"
"To be honest, Takigakure is under a lot of pressure. The Land of Earth to the north is eyeing us hungrily. Our mission share has been steadily eaten away by Iwagakure these years. I lose sleep over it."
"You jest, Mr. Iwata. Takigakure is the only village outside the Five Great Nations with a tailed beast. That hardly counts as trouble."
"Hokage-sama overestimates us. Although we have a tailed beast, we're still outmatched by a giant like Iwagakure," Iwata Zeki replied.
"So, how would you like Konoha to help your village?" Seiryu asked.
"I came originally to propose an alliance, but your plan spoke to my heart. Would you be willing to discuss it in detail?" Iwata Zeki asked.
"You mean this plan?" Seiryu glanced at the map. "I thought the other villages might resist such a plan, but I didn't expect you'd be interested. Let's talk, then."
"The purpose of this treaty is for mutual support in future wars and to confront potential crises together," Seiryu said. "In times of peace, we'll work together to develop our economies."
"I see. I didn't expect Hokage-sama to be so farsighted—forming a military alliance while also caring about economic growth," Iwata Zeki said.
"In the end, isn't war about logistics and supply? Only with full preparation can a nation survive," Seiryu said.
"Absolutely," Iwata Zeki agreed. "That's exactly why Takigakure lost ground during the ninja wars—our supply lines failed, and our last jinchuriki had to sacrifice themselves to hold our territory, so we can't use the tailed beast's power now."
Seiryu gave Iwata Zeki a meaningful look. As expected, after the first Takigakure leader died, every successor was a fool. If not for the original leader's gamble with Konoha for the Seven-Tails, their village wouldn't have survived the second ninja war.
"Your village's jinchuriki hasn't matured yet?" Seiryu asked with a smile.
"Uh…" Iwata Zeki only just realized he'd let slip the village's secrets.
"No need to worry, Mr. Iwata. Konoha seeks peace, not advantage over Takigakure," Seiryu said. "But if you need, Konoha can help. We've been researching the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques and have new insights into jinchuriki training."
"Konoha now has a complete jinchuriki cultivation program. We can help your village," Seiryu said cheerfully.
"If I may ask, your village's jinchuriki is…?" Iwata Zeki was tempted, as Uzumaki Sealing was the strongest in the ninja world, but still wanted confirmation.
"Our jinchuriki is now one of my students. Would you like to meet them?" Seiryu asked with a smile.
"No, that won't be necessary…" Iwata Zeki realized his question was a bit forward and quickly declined.
"No need to be so reserved," Seiryu said. "Konoha is always generous with allies."
"Then, if we want Konoha's help, what would Takigakure need to give in return?" Iwata Zeki asked after a deep breath.
"Nothing," Seiryu laughed. "Just strengthen our trade cooperation."
"Trade?" Iwata Zeki was puzzled.
"Yes. The Land of Waterfall is rich in minerals, while our metalworking industry in the Land of Fire is booming. We can exchange resources for mutual benefit," Seiryu said.
"I'll have to consult my daimyo on that," Iwata Zeki replied after a moment.