The Hokage Building.
Conference room.
Hiruzen sat in the main seat, with Danzō beside him.
Isshin, Fugaku, Hizashi, and Tenzō—four Konoha council members in total—were present.
Hiruzen had not deliberately summoned Isshin and Fugaku. Rather, the other council members each had their own areas of responsibility and were either occupied with their duties or away from the village.
Only these four, due to their roles in the Military Police Force, the Main House, and the ANBU internal guard, were constantly stationed in the village…
Attending the meeting would not affect their work much.
After a round of pleasantries, Genji spoke first: "Hokage-sama, the Third Mizukage wishes to establish a closer relationship with you—with Konoha."
"He asked me to convey that he has always admired your character. In the entire shinobi world, only you have upheld justice and inherited the spirit of the First."
This referred to the matter years ago when the three great hidden villages had subtly mocked the Third Mizukage for having obtained his position illegitimately.
Hiruzen had indeed not kicked him while he was down—he had merely nudged things along from the shadows.
"Easy to say, easy to say…" Hiruzen smiled faintly.
"I also admire the Third Mizukage for having the resolve to vigorously rectify Kirigakure. Every reformer must possess great perseverance and great courage."
At present, the Hyūga clan regularly submitted intelligence passed down from the Kaguya clan to the ANBU.
As Hokage, he naturally knew the situation.
Hiruzen wished for the Bloody Mist era to intensify as much as possible…
With the Kaguya and Hyūga clans acting as intermediaries, bringing over a few bloodline orphans later would not be difficult.
If conditions allowed, they could even export the Will of Fire to Kirigakure…
But that would require the full cooperation of the Third Mizukage.
"It is truly excellent that you agree."
"Our Kaguya clan in Kirigakure and your Hyūga clan in Konoha have longstanding ties, so Kirigakure and Konoha should likewise share intelligence and maintain real-time communication."
"The Mizukage's intention is to use the communication between the Kaguya and Hyūga as an interface, mutually sharing intelligence about other hidden villages and jointly assessing the situation in the shinobi world."
"You are aware that, in this matter, Konoha is at a relative disadvantage."
"Therefore, on our side, we can dispatch a portion of Kirigakure shinobi to assist Konoha with missions, or provide services such as ninja sword processing and fixed quotas of chakra metal."
Genji spoke with a smile, appearing entirely sincere.
What Kirigakure needed was, during its closed-border period and the Bloody Mist era, to use Konoha as an external interface to gather information on other hidden villages.
In the past, the Third Mizukage might have simply ignored the other villages…
But the unified stance of the other great villages regarding his illegitimate succession left him uneasy.
If they reached a consensus against Kirigakure without his knowledge, it would be a major problem…
Thus, he had to bring in the "peace-loving" Konoha, securing at least a nominal strategic ally and intelligence interface to handle this situation.
The proposal of Kirigakure shinobi assisting Konoha with missions stemmed from this idea.
At the same time, it allowed troublesome Kirigakure shinobi to be exiled into Konoha.
When those shinobi returned to Kirigakure, they could be labeled as having had overly close contact with Konoha—another handle for the Third Mizukage to use against them…
Making future purges much easier.
Hiruzen pondered. "There is no need for Kirigakure shinobi to assist Konoha with missions…"
Danzō immediately understood and spoke coldly: "If you want to send spies, just say so… You simply don't trust Konoha and fear we'll feed you false intelligence!"
"If you don't trust us, then terminate the cooperation. It is Kirigakure that seeks Konoha, not the other way around."
Danzō stared at Genji, smiling without warmth.
"Let me tell you—Ōnoki's Iwagakure has already begun investigating Kirigakure's isolation…"
"Their two jinchūriki have begun to grasp the power of their tailed beasts."
Fuguki could not hold back. "Is that true?"
"Who are you? Do you have the right to speak here? Shut your mouth!"
Danzō glanced at the great sword Samehada and rebuked him without courtesy: "Genji, control your Seven Ninja Swordsmen!"
"Fuguki, be quiet." Genji steadied himself. Even as a seasoned shinobi, Danzō's words had stirred him.
The intelligence capabilities of the so-called Darkness of the Shinobi World were widely recognized.
Even if Genji knew this might be Danzō spreading misinformation, the tension between Iwagakure and Kirigakure had persisted and only grown more intense.
Back when the Second Tsuchikage Mū was still alive, he had often mocked the current Third Mizukage as incompetent—having been the First Mizukage's guard yet losing out to Gengetsu Hōzuki.
The Third Mizukage bore a deep grudge over this.
Toward Ōnoki, Mū's disciple, and toward Iwagakure, he harbored a desire for revenge.
When a person rises to a high position, they often seek to make up for their past self.
And washing away humiliation is naturally part of that.
"Kirigakure absolutely has no such intention. We believe that the Third Hokage has inherited the will of the First and would never provide false intelligence to allies. Kirigakure has always believed this."
"However, Kirigakure is also a village that values righteousness and does not wish for its allies to suffer losses, especially given our limited intelligence." Genji spoke calmly, his tone and expression entirely sincere.
As if swallowing an insult without complaint.
Hiruzen thought for a moment before slowly saying: "I have heard that Kirigakure has an effective system for cultivating shinobi. Our ninja academy students lack real combat experience. Could some elite talents from Kirigakure come to Konoha for a year of exchange?"
"From a young age, fostering bonds between the younger generation of our two villages will help deepen ties between Konoha and Kirigakure. We will also ensure they maintain real-time communication with Kirigakure."
"When the time comes, we will send them back safely."
Genji hesitated.
Although Hiruzen's words had some merit, it still meant placing Kirigakure's top talents in Konoha for a year…
Genji was not worried they would be corrupted by Konoha.
If they could be corrupted, it only meant their convictions were insufficient to begin with—they would have been candidates for elimination anyway.
Moreover, in Genji's view…
Although Konoha appeared prosperous, it was merely superficial.
As long as Danzō remained, darkness would not diminish…
The foundation itself was dark..
In fact, even more so than the Bloody Mist.
'From Danzō and the others' behavior, it seems my judgment was correct…'
Since entering, Genji had been observing Danzō's posture and expressions.
Now, Danzō could already speak on behalf of Hiruzen, naturally and at ease.
As if he had effectively sidelined the Hokage.
And the Uchiha and Hyūga representatives present showed no surprise—they were accustomed to it.
"One year is acceptable, but Hokage-sama, please ensure they are returned intact."
"Our Kirigakure places great importance on the next generation of shinobi!" Genji said solemnly.
He considered it.
Among 'Snow,' 'Kaguya Nakamaro,' Terumī Mei, and Hoshigaki Kisame…
Only Kisame had potential truly worth developing.
The other three all possessed Kekkei Genkai.
The clans they belonged to were also targets the Third Mizukage intended to eliminate sooner or later…
Letting Kisame act as a spy in Konoha for a year—thinking of it that way, it was acceptable.
"Hiruzen, you will regret this!"
Danzō suddenly shouted sternly. "This is not worth it!"
His tone and posture were so natural that it was clearly something he had done countless times before.
"I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen showed a trace of anger.
Genji silently watched, further confirming his judgment.
Konoha was developing rapidly on the surface, integrating its various forces…
But at the highest level, the Hokage and his advisor were already divided—openly at odds…
Combined with the existence of these council members, clearly a product of power distribution…
'I understand now!'
'Konoha's prosperity is false…'
'The top-level power structure is constantly in friction. These so-called council members are a byproduct of that.'
'Konoha's development appears to be merely a facade—a tool in the struggle for power…'
'No wonder it is so superficial! Even opening flower shops—what a joke…'
Genji sneered inwardly. Kirigakure had once been similar during Gengetsu's era.
Each clan, competing for fame and profit, had contributed wealth and techniques, making the village seem to flourish.
But when contradictions could no longer be reconciled, collapse would come like a landslide…
This was an objective law.
"Hokage-sama, thank you for taking care of our shinobi all this time…"
Genji glanced at the expressions of Isshin and Fugaku and felt great satisfaction.
He had originally been considering how to have Hiruzen summon some Uchiha to the meeting, so that the Third Mizukage's "brilliant" plan could fully take effect…
He had not expected Hiruzen to do so himself!
"This is a token of apology from the Third Mizukage." Genji waved his hand.
Fuguki stood and brought out an ancient rectangular wooden box.
He respectfully placed it before Hiruzen and opened it.
Inside lay a long blade of simple design, its edge faintly tinged with a pale crimson.
"Hokage-sama, this blade is called 'Tōenmaru.'"
"It was once commissioned by the Uchiha clan, crafted by artisans of the Land of Water as a paired blade set."
"However, after that individual's death, it was never retrieved and remained in Kirigakure… Later, during the Third Mizukage's reorganization of the village, it was discovered in the hands of a rogue ninja."
"As a disciple of the Second Hokage, it is only fitting that you receive this blade."
Genji spoke vaguely.
"This blade represents Kirigakure's apology and is also proof of the Second Hokage's martial prowess. Using it to honor the previous Hokage would be meaningful."
Isshin's expression darkened.
Fugaku, however, did not recognize it.
This blade was identical to the one Uchiha Izuna had used in his lifetime…
And the so-called paired blades were part of Izuna's dual-wielding style, developed to further suppress Tobirama.
But a single Flying Thunder God slash had ended that path before it could fully develop…
Many times, Isshin had wondered:
If Izuna had mastered dual-wielding earlier, could he have blocked that despicable strike?
Genji's words carried clear provocation, yet were wrapped in a politically correct shell.
The entire shinobi world knew…
Senju Tobirama's mortal enemy was Uchiha Izuna, and Sarutobi Hiruzen was Tobirama's disciple.
Using Izuna's blade to honor Tobirama was, in a sense, justified…
Provided one ignored the feelings of the Uchiha clan.
Hiruzen smiled. Though he did not know the blade's full history,
Seeing Isshin's expression and hearing Genji's half-veiled words…
He could guess enough.
"A fine gift. I believe Tobirama-sensei would appreciate it…"
"Then let us draft the treaty…"
Moments later, the terms of the peace agreement between Kirigakure and Konoha were finalized.
Hiruzen and Genji, representing the Third Mizukage, signed it.
Even if it would be nothing more than a scrap of paper when violated, the ceremony still mattered.
"Hokage-sama, for this exchange, let us designate the four who came with us."
"Kirigakure will be undergoing internal reorganization for a period and may not have the capacity to select new candidates."
"Rest assured, although these four are extremely outstanding, and three possess Kekkei Genkai, we will send even more exceptional shinobi next time."
Genji spoke as if wealthy and confident, as though Terumī Mei and the others were merely average, fearing Hiruzen might think him insincere.
This was also part of exaggerating Kirigakure's strength—a feint, much like Danzō's.
"Very good. A pleasant cooperation…" Hiruzen stood with a smile and extended his hand.
"A pleasant cooperation, Hokage-sama!" Genji smiled as well.
"Hokage-sama, please allow me to give those children some instructions. After watching the exchange match, we will not linger further…"
"The Third Mizukage has important matters awaiting us."
Hiruzen nodded. "That is only proper. Hizashi, escort Elder Genji to the academy…"
After Genji left, Hiruzen picked up Tōenmaru and casually spun the blade.
After channeling some chakra into it, the edge ignited, burning with an unsettling gray flame.
"Danzō, what you said earlier was well done…"
"Heh…" Danzō chuckled. Their argument had been an improvised performance.
He had seen that Hiruzen wanted Genji to perceive Konoha as unstable, to make him accept slightly risky terms.
Such was the tacit understanding between old comrades.
"This blade is related to Uchiha Izuna, isn't it?"
Hiruzen said with a smile: "Isshin, don't look so grim. You've fallen for the enemy's scheme to sow discord…"
"With Kirigakure's understanding, they could never grasp that under the Will of Fire, Konoha's clans have already abandoned the remnants of the Warring States era and entered a new age of unity."
"This is a fine blade, with historical significance."
"However, there is no need to use it to honor Tobirama-sensei. It would be better placed with the Uchiha clan…"
Hiruzen extinguished the flames and handed Tōenmaru to Isshin.
"Hokage-sama, this…" Isshin was stunned.
He had not expected Hiruzen to return Izuna's blade to the Uchiha.
"Of course, it is not free."
"This is also a village asset. The blade was not given to me as Hokage, but to Konoha."
"Recently, Konoha will establish a subordinate institution—an orphanage."
"To take in war orphans."
"I would like the Uchiha clan to contribute a sum toward its construction. The amount is up to you."
Hiruzen waved his hand.
"A blade once used for killing has now become the Uchiha's expression of love for the village."
"I think that is fitting. What do you think?"
Isshin nodded heavily.
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