Katahara stood alongside Ashina Uzumaki in an office surrounded by seals, making it soundproof.
Ashina Uzumaki: Now that we're alone, tell me, Katahara, what's going on?
Katahara: To foster trade between our two villages... and I also wanted to visit a friend...
Ashina Uzumaki stared intently at Katahara, noticing the seriousness in his face. He knew that his old comrade wouldn't take a sudden visit to Uzushiogakure lightly, especially if he was leading an official delegation from Kirigakure.
Looking at Katahara with a mix of curiosity and caution: "Katahara, we've been friends and allies for years. It's not common for someone like you to make a sudden visit, especially under the pretext of an official delegation. So now that we're alone, tell me, what's really worrying you?"
With a serious but calm expression, Katahara said: "Ashina, the truth is that our villages have prospered thanks to the limited trade routes we established. But the situation in Kirigakure is becoming more complicated than I'd like to admit. We need more than just trade goods. I want to propose a new trade route, one that will not only strengthen our relationship but also foster significant growth in both villages and their surrounding areas."
Ashina frowned slightly, his fingers interlaced on the table: "Exponential growth can be beneficial, but it can also attract unwanted attention. You know other villages will be watching our every move. What exactly are you suggesting?"
Leaning slightly forward, Katahara replied: "These new routes have the potential to transform our economies. But that's not all. I want to hire several of your seal masters for specialized work in Kirigakure. We need their expertise to secure our defenses and, in some cases, stabilize certain elements of our infrastructure that are at risk. I know this is asking a lot, Ashina, but I'm willing to compensate your village fairly."
Ashina's gaze hardened slightly, understanding the magnitude of the request. "Uzumaki seal masters aren't hired so easily, Katahara. You know that their skills are essential for Uzushiogakure's security. And any move to send our best outside the village could be seen as a weakening of our own defense. Not to mention that discretion in this matter would be crucial."
Katahara nodded, fully aware of Ashina's concerns. "I understand your reservations, Ashina. That's why I'm willing to offer a significant increase in the price of our exchanges and direct compensation for the Uzumaki who agree to work in Kirigakure. Additionally, I promise that all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure that their work is done discreetly and safely. These masters will never be far from your reach, and their safety will be my top priority."
Ashina reflected for a few moments, aware of the risks and benefits involved. "Katahara, your proposal is ambitious and potentially lucrative, but I can't accept it lightly. I need more than promises. I want firm guarantees that not only will the safety of my masters be respected, but also that Kirigakure will not exploit this relationship for purposes that could endanger our village."
Katahara met Ashina's gaze with sincerity. "I assure you, Ashina. This is not a move to gain an advantage over Uzushiogakure, but to ensure that both villages can prosper together. The contracts I propose will include clear clauses that guarantee the safety and return of your masters when needed. Additionally, the entire operation will be kept under strict confidentiality. If at any point this doesn't work for you, you can withdraw from the agreement without any penalty."
Finally, Ashina nodded, relaxing his posture slightly. "Agreed, Katahara. We will proceed, but cautiously. The terms will be reviewed, and any sign that this cooperation could jeopardize my village will result in the immediate suspension of the agreement. I trust you, but my loyalty is, above all, to my people."
With a sincere smile: "I expected nothing less from you, Ashina. I appreciate your trust and assure you that I will work tirelessly to maintain it. This agreement will benefit both villages without endangering the peace or security we value so much."
Katahara, with a piercing yet purposeful look: "Ashina, when I first came here, I hinted that we could create something extraordinary together. Today, I'm here to propose something much bigger. I'm not talking about alliances between villages or traditional pacts. What I want to propose is that you join me in creating a new world—a world where villages don't matter, but the right people do, those with the vision and power to reshape the destiny of humanity."
Ashina Uzumaki, with a mix of surprise and skepticism, slightly furrowed his brow: "A new world? What are you talking about, Katahara? A world that transcends the villages? And what role would I play in this?"
Katahara leaned forward, his voice low but full of intensity: "That's right, Ashina. A world where the strong and visionary make the decisions that matter. This isn't a plan to strengthen Kirigakure or Uzushiogakure; those villages are just tools, small-scale models for something far more ambitious. There are five people, more powerful than you can imagine, who are already committed to this vision. With their military power, we could dismantle the old structures and build something new, something better."