While the Daimyos were chatting among themselves, the image of another figure appears on the central screen.
"It's nice to meet you, people of the shinobi world."
A youthful figure clad in regal clothes curtly greets them. The youthful figure has a crown on his head and is accompanied by two figures on his left and right, a man and a woman.
Minato recognizes the woman as the current clan head of the Uzu clan, Akari Uzu. However, he has no hint about the identity of the youth and the person beside him.
The expression of all Daimyos also tenses up as they recognize the youth as someone important.
Akari steps forward and greets the Daimyos and Minato as she introduces the youthful figure.
"I am Akari, the leader of the Uzu clan, a guardian of the Redaku, and this is his majesty Senshura Seimei." Akari introduces the young man beside her.
"And the person beside his majesty is his trusted aide and the current prime minister of Redaku Suzuki Ikumi."
The prime minister curtly bows to the Daimyos. The Daimyo also reciprocates their greeting.
"Oh, never had we expected that the current king of Redaku is such a youthful figure." The Earth Daimyo chuckles and shifts the fan in front of his face.
"Even though my lord is young, his abilities are well known among the citizens of Redaku. Under his short reign, Redaku has prospered in all fields and aspects." Ikumi glances at the various Daimyos.
Tense rises in the air as both sides glare at each other.
Sigh…
Minato sighs softly.
'The Daimyo are too prideful of their status and power.'
"Now… now… We weren't doubtful of Seimei san's abilities. It was just a pleasant surprise to hear his noble name." The lightning Daimyo tries to placate the situation after witnessing the unyielding expression of both sides.
"I hope that's the case!" Ikumi continues to glare at them.
"That should be enough, Ikumi!" Seimei opens his mouth.
"Yes, my lord!" Ikumi nods and retreats behind Seimei.
"So, before we start the diplomatic discussions; I would like to make a few things clear to every participating nation." Seimei's expression turns serious.
"Redaku is a peace-loving country with its fair share of war and turmoil in the past. Our history dates even further than the Sage of Six Paths and there are even clear records of the Sage of Six Path's visit to Redaku. Not only, the royal family of the Redaku possesses a powerful artifact granted us to by the Sage himself. Only a member of the Royal family can control it and that artifact is capable of flooding the entire world on a single command of mine." Seimei shows a dominant expression in front of the Daimyos with a clear, threatening expression on his face.
The expression of various Daimyos turns ugly from the threat.
"Lord Seimei, your words seem to be inappropriate for a peaceful diplomatic relationship." The Water Daimyo intrudes.
"No, no, we have no intention of waging war against the Shinobi world. In fact, we are here to aid them in the current war. However, the majority of Redaku's population is made of civilians and shinobis are a legendary existence of them. However, in these past few years, we researched quite a lot of shinobi history and came to understand the rule of the shinobi world. It's the survival of the fittest. And I don't want any misconception of Redaku being a weak country spread across the world. So, pardon me for my offensive words, but the basis of our cooperation is peace and trust."
Seimei smiles at them.
"And I hope all of you are trustworthy enough to maintain a peaceful relationship with us. Now, with that being said, let's start the meeting, shall we?" With just a mix of a few threatening and peaceful words, Seimei gains an advantage over the rest.
'This person has a very high IQ and EQ.' Minato remarks as he glances at Seimei's face.
The diplomatic discussion begins and each nation presents its own set of terms and conditions. Some agree with each other, while a few clash against each other on certain conflicting terms. The Daimyos even summon their advisors to discuss everything in detail. The discussion lasts for almost three hours before finally concluding.
Each nation agreed to open their trade routes and channels to the merchant of Redaku at a certain tax ratio and similarly, Redaku also levied some taxes on their secret route of entry and exit in Redaku.
They also discussed terms of the intervention of shinobis in Redaku's land. After some lengthy discussion, it was decided that Redaku could also issue a request to the shinobis of various nations similar to other kingdoms.
Three hours later,
Most Daimyos part with a smile on their face, since almost all of them came into possession of a new source of constant income.
Only Minato and the entourage from the Redaku are left behind in the meeting room.
"Lord Minato!" Akari slightly bows her head to Minato.
"Minato-sama!" Even the serious expression of Seimei vanishes, replaced by the profile of a hardcore fanboy. Seimei greets Minato with enthusiasm.
"I read a lot of stories about your legend. You are one of my idles and I was waiting for so long to meet you in person."
Even Ikumi's expression mellows down as he greets Minato. The enthusiasm of Seimei flabbergasted Minato.
Akari smiles and explains to Minato.
"His Majesty, Seimei is also a great follower of Lord Izuna. It was Lord Izuna who helped him ascend the throne of Redaku and, being Lord Izuna's teacher; his majesty Seimei also respects you a lot." Akari cuts short the details.
"I see!" Minato nods at Seimei with a smile. Still, he has several questions in his mind and is mostly confused about the intentions of Redaku's move.
Akari senses Minato's confusion and opens her mouth.
"Lord Minato, it's an order from Lord Izuna."
"WHAT?! IZUNAA!" Minato's eyes widen in surprise and he loses his composure at the mention of Izuna's name.
A similar situation happens on the other side of the headquarters of the Allied Shinobi forces. Kushina, who was telepathically listening to the conversation, also stands up from her seat.
"IZUNAA!"
"Onee-chan!" Ayaka turns towards Kushina with a curious gaze.
"Where is he?" Minato frantically inquires.
"Lord Izuna is still in Redaku. He is currently accompanying his two little kids." Akari calmly reveals the matter to Izuna.
"So, he is back!" Minato sighs in relief and slumps down on the chair. The frown on his face disappears and even the looming tension of ongoing war lessens a lot. The burden in his heart slowly vanishes as he closes his eyes.
"I knew it! He will be fine!" Minato sighs again and opens his eyes.
"Did he leave any message for us?" Minato turns to Akari.
"Mm… Lord Izuna said, 'I am currently unable to participate in the Fourth Shinobi War due to a few circumstances that might negatively affect the entire world. However, I will intervene in the war when my intervention is required." Akari repeats Izuna's words to Minato.
"I see!" Minato ponders for a while.
'Perhaps it has something to do with the otherworldly threats. Izuna is still hiding a lot of things from us. Once this war is over, I will force him to reveal everything without any excuse.'
"So, does that mean the current intervention of Redaku?"
"Yes, it was Lord Izuna who asked us to do so. Also, I have already sent a few elite members of my Uzu clan to the shinobi world. They will shortly arrive to aid you in the war." Akari continues.
"Then I am very grateful for your support!" Minato bows slightly in gratitude.
"Also, send a message to Izuna from me- "His family is eagerly waiting to meet him. Especially his wife, his mentor, his teacher, and most of all, his younger sister"."
"Very well!" Akari nods in affirmation.
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Meanwhile, as Minato was busy with the diplomatic meeting;
Shikaku receives an unknown communication request from.
His expression changes slightly as he communicates with the speaker on the end.
"Hmm… that will be difficult. However, I will see what I can do." Shikaku replies and cuts off the communication.
He turns to Inoichi.
"Inform the Raikage of the situation and ask him to hold enemy forces until the reinforcement arrives on the battlefield."
"Mm…" Inoichi nods at him and swiftly contacts A.
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A/N:- My new Naruto fan-fic, 'The Rogue Demon of the Shinobi World' is out.
Also, check out my pat reon www.pa treon.com/ForgottenLife to support my work and get a sneak peak at the latest chapters of both series in advance. Read upto 80+ chapters from both series combined in advance.