Year 31
It took Shinichi and Sakumo three days to reach Kusagakure. Their chakra-conciliatory robes had done their job well, allowing them to move undetected past patrols and sensor-nin along the way.
Kusagakure itself was modest – small in scale with few defenses. The perimeter was lined with earthen walls and sparse watchtowers, which in Shinichi's and Sakumo's eyes appeared more ceremonial than practical.
At the gates, Shinichi and Sakumo lowered their hoods, revealing their forehead protector.
"We are envoys from Konohagakure," Shinichi announced calmly. "We request an audience with your Kusaakge."
The genin guards scoffed, one blurting out, "?!!! What do you brats take us for? Trying to fool us you li–mmhm… mmmmm!"
The nearby Chunin abruptly silenced the outspoken genin with a panicked bow.
"Hahaha.. Please, ignore this idiot, honored guests form Konoha, I'll inform the Kusakage immediately."
He turned to the other guards and signaled them to relay the message.
"I'll escort you to the Kusakage myself!"
Shinichi and Sakumo exchanged a brief unreadable glance and nodded. Without a word, they followed the Chunin.
***
There was little to note in Kusagakure. Compared to Konoha, the village felt underdeveloped – its streets spars, its defenses modest. Even the Land of Fire's border outposts seemed more civilized and advanced.
As they walked through the village, the Kusa Chunin tried to strike up conversation. Shinichi didn't respond and continuously scanned the surroundings. Sakumo, out of courtesy, offered brief, perfunctory replies.
Given the size of the village, it didn't take long for them to reach their destination.
Shinichi and Sakumo entered the chamber, where the Kusakage sat at the far end. They walked the length of the hallway and nodded their head out of courtesy.
"Kusakage-sama, a message from our Hokage."
Shinichi proceeded to hand the scroll over to Kusakage's adjutant, as he carefully scanned the room and its occupants. There were total of 5 Jonin and 2 chunin guarding the room. And to Shinichi's and Sakumo's disappointment, the contemporary Kusakage radiated only Jonin level strength, a pale show of his predecessor.
Kusakage, on the other hand, sensed the clear lack of respect in their gesture. Displeasure crept in as he received the scroll from his adjutant. He continued to lock his gaze on Sakumo and Shinichi until he unfurled the scroll. Then As he read through it, his brows creased even further.
He looked up at the two young envoys.
"Konoha's young shinobi… do you know what this message contains?"
Shinichi's reply was cold and clipped.
"…Is your answer yes, or no?"
The room temperature seemed to drop. Shinichi's killing intent seeped into the room like frost. Sakumo silently adjusted his posture, hovering his hand on the hilt, ready to act at a moment's notice.
The Kusakage's face twisted as he stood abruptly while flaring his own chakra in indignation.
"Are you looking down on me, boy?!"
"…Then it's a no," Shinichi murmured as his eyes snapped open – revealing a crimson three-tomoe Sharingan. His killing intent surged, focused entirely on the Kusakage.
"!!! U-Uchiha!"
The Kusakage staggered back, overwhelmed by the overwhelming pressure. His vision warped, the chamber seemed to bleed, and he felt himself sinking into a pit of blood and shadow.
"U-UWAHHH!"
He tripped over his chair, collapsing in fear.
"Our Hokage-sama is generous," Shinichi's emotionless voice cut through the illusion, cold as steel. "We were instructed to offer you a second chance. Reconsider."
The Kusakage looked around desperately for support – only to see his adjutants and his guards lying unconscious. Their status unknown. Kusakage's face turned paler by seconds. His pupil trembled uncontrollably, unable to meet Shinichi's gaze.
"I-I agree to Hokage-sama's terms…"
He hastily signed the scroll and handed it back with shaking hands.
"Good." Shinichi accepted the scroll and raised his to his chest, but before he made the final act he asked. "Ah! Kusakage-dono, you wouldn't happen to know if any of your guards or adjutants to have made contact with the Iwagakure?"
Kusakage dozed out for a moment before quickly shaking his head in denial. "NO! NO! Not them! Don't worry about them. Uchiha-sama! I guarantee you that Kusa will remain loyal to Konoha!"
"A pleasant transaction then."
Shinichi clapped once. The shadows dissolved and the chamber's light dimmed for a second and returned normal. The Kusakage was back in his chair. His guards were alert and at attention next to the Kusakage.
"Kusakage-sama! What did Konoha offer?"
The Kusa ninjas stared in disbelief. Their leader had agreed without discussion or resistance. But none dared question him directly.
"This…"
"The terms require confidentiality," Shinichi said smoothly. "I trust the Kusakage will honor that."
The Kusakage nodded, his eyes still avoiding direct contact with Shinichi's.
"…You're right. Do not question my decision...." Kusakage acted swiftly to prevent further escalation, then faced Shinichi and Sakumo with urgency. "Esteemed guests of Konoha, would you-"
"I'm afraid we cannot," Shinichi abruptly interrupted him. "We have another mission to complete. With your reply secured, we'll take our leave now."
They didn't wait for a response and unhurriedly exited the building.
***
Once they departed Kusagakure, Sakumo finally questioned.
"Was that necessary?"
"It was the most efficient way to complete the mission," Shinichi replied with a frown. "Kusagakure is a village with Jonin as its leader. For such a weak village, it wouldn't be a surprise if they are already infiltrated by Iwa or other villages. The situation might be worse than expected. Kusagakure's strength seems to be a lot worse than the intel Konoha gathered so far." "
".... Then should we remain a bit longer to investigate?"
"No." Shinichi swayed his head in denial. "Our primary mission to complete the treaty. As of its state right now, it is not worth our time to invest more on Kusa. They are simply too weak. When Iwa and Konoha moves, they'll quickly be swept aside. What matters the most nothing a justification to act freely on their soil when the war begins, which this alliance will bring for us."
Sakumo contemplated in silence for few minute.
"…Did you use a genjutsu?"
"Yeah."
Shinichi had used a simple Yin Release genjutsu, triggered by his killing intent. There was no need to reveal his Sharingan to rest of the Kusa ninjas. He only needed the Kusakage to know who he was facing. The Uchiha name carried weight across the shinobi world and in smaller nations, it was enough to silence resistance. Shinichi had simply used that legacy – to 'convince' his target.
***
***
"Hokage-sama, here is the reply from Kusakage."
Uchiha Shinichi and Hatake Sakumo stood before Senju Tobirama, submitting the signed treaty and the detailed report of their mission.
Not even a week had passed since their departure. Tobirama had expected delays – perhaps resistance from Kusagakure, or interference from Iwa-nin. But the two before him showed no signs of battle, fatigue, nor injury.
He carefully unsealed the scroll.
The Kusakage had agreed to every term.
"…Did you read the contents of this scroll?"
""No,sir."" They replied in unison.
"Did the Kusakage say anything to you?"
"He agreed to your terms without hesitation," Shinichi said calmly. "And the current Kusakage's strength is not worth Konoha's attention."
Sakumo, standing beside him, resisted the urge to smirk.
'Yeah… "willingly."'
Tobirama moved onto their report and studied it for a moment longer, then nodded.
"…I see. You did good work."
He stood up and congratulated them.
"Uchiha Shinichi. Hatake Sakumo. You are now officially Jonin of Konoha."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." "Thank you."
"You're dismissed. Pick up your mission rewards on your way out."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Unlike D-, C-, and B- rank missions – whose rewards were collected at the Mission Reception Building – A- and S- rank missions were handled directly by the Hoakge. These missions often involved clandestine operations, diplomatic negotiations, or state-level intelligence. They simply couldn't be left out open in Mission Reception Builiding or to the public.