Konoha Notes

Chapter 310 Consensus
Prepare the goods, contact the seller, and ship the goods.

Maki was already quite familiar with the process of participating in the Chunin Exams; the only problem was that the Konoha ninjas seemed to be keeping a close eye on things this time.

He was puzzled. The Five Kage Summit was going well, and the Martial Arts Affairs Bureau had been confirmed to be established. Logically, the control over Sunagakure should have been relaxed. Why was it tightening again now?

He couldn't figure it out, but things still had to be done. Maki planned to ask about the rest when he got to Konoha.

"Interoperability?"

Sand-hidden and Cloud-hidden?
Maki understood, and was shocked. Konoha had already confirmed that Kumogakure was targeting Sunagakure at sea? Knowing this, did they intend to uphold justice for Sunagakure?
"Konoha, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure were the first to establish a close alliance. Even though there were some setbacks along the way, it did not change this situation. If there are any problems between them, they can always sit down and talk to resolve them."

"Before we begin, Konoha hopes that both sides can recognize this."

Maki observed Tsuchida's expression and said carefully, "Sunagakure has no intention of destroying the alliance; they just want to survive."

Tsuchida quickly replied, "Kumakuya also holds the same view. Although there has been some overlap in the activities of both sides at sea recently, it is just a coincidence of mission trajectories, and we have no other intentions."

"If this has caused any misunderstanding among our allies, Sunagakure, we are willing to express our apologies and will be careful to maintain an appropriate distance from Sunagakure's forces during subsequent sea missions."

The Cloud Village actually apologized? They're not planning to steal the Sky Ninja's technology anymore?

Maki glanced at Shuji, but then heard Tsuchida say, "However, Kumogakure hopes that our personnel can return."

The Sand Village Jonin was stunned: "Mr. Tsuchidai, I don't quite understand what you mean."

Tu Tai's lips tightened.

He expressed Yunyin's opinion in more direct terms: "We acknowledge that our previous actions caused a misunderstanding and promise not to continue, but we hope that the personnel detained by you can return."

Maki realized something was wrong and quickened his pace: "Sunagakure has not made any moves recently. Although our naval fleet has been tracked, our actions have remained at the level of investigation."

"Especially when Sunagakure encountered the resurgence of monsters some time ago, and subsequently participated in the Joint Martial Arts Tournament and the Five Kage Summit, the strategy adopted during this period was always conservative."

"Your willingness to clear up the misunderstanding is most beneficial to Sunagakure. However—"

He was resolute:
“Sunagakure did not engage in battle with Kumogakure ninja, nor did it detain anyone.”

Tu Tai's expression turned completely somber.
-
Joint Chunin Exams, Joint Martial Arts Tournament, Five Kage Summit.

In recent years, during the Joint Martial Arts Affairs Bureau period, the frequency of interaction between the five great ninja villages has been increasing, to the point that even Madara Uchiha couldn't sit still.

The foundation of all this is still power.

Nagato, living outside the great powers, witnessed the birth of conflict, which has now briefly come to an end.

He affirmed his path.

What Konoha is doing now is no different from what Hashirama Senju did decades ago. The only difference is that Konoha is now relying on the power of its alliances to forcefully suppress the other side and create a temporary false peace.

"Using the people Sasori left in Sunagakure, and taking advantage of Sunagakure's original investigation plan, we can take the opportunity to attack the people in Kumogakure."

"No matter how Konoha and Kumogakure investigate, they will eventually only find Sunagakure as a suspect."

"This method concealed the traces of the organization's actions, providing Hiruko with enough material to perform the Oni-Garaku technique."

"This operation was perfectly planned, Lord Madara."

That person was flattering Ban.

"Let them be preoccupied with other matters for the time being. Relying on the alliance will also divert their energy. We can use this time to accelerate the new plan."

Obito Uchiha sat by the window.

"Jiraiya and the others investigated the area last year, and Amegakure is no longer absolutely safe."

"The fact that Iwagakure has joined the alliance led by Konoha will only make this place exposed faster."

Obito turned his head to the side, his single eye behind the hole in his mask looking at Pain:

"You should also prepare to relocate, Nagato." The Rinnegan of the Heavenly Path turned slightly, reflecting the continuous rain outside the window.

To become a god and gain powerful and eternal strength.

He will ensure that there are no winners in any war, and that everyone experiences the pain that war brings.

He will bring lasting peace.
-
The silence in the meeting room had lasted far too long.

Maki steadied his breathing. The Cloud Village, which had secretly attacked its allies, was in the wrong. Since the Leaf Village had set the tone for a negotiated solution, he felt confident in his ability to maneuver.

Shuji began, "First of all, both sides acknowledge that what happened at sea was a misunderstanding."

Tutai nodded. Machi followed suit: "Yes."

"Secondly, Yunyin promised that such a thing would not happen again."

Tsuchikage immediately added, "But Kumogakure hopes to find our ninja."

Shuji gestured for him to wait a moment.

"Kumakuya promised that the misunderstanding would not repeat itself—can I understand it that way, Mr. Tsuchida?"

"……Can."

"So, Sunagakure still insists that there are no records of any battles with Kumogakure or any suspected Kumogakure ninjas." Shuji turned to Maki. "Please confirm this finally. Is it possible that some reports were missed? Were there any oversights or omissions during the Five Kage Summit?"

At this point, Maki hesitated, no longer simply stating that Sunagakure hadn't done these things. After all, what if there were accidental injuries to teams on overseas duty, and the report labeled them as wandering ninjas?

Yunyin's certainty made him less confident.

"I will submit another application to the village to review the Five Shadows Conference and the reports on the actions taken before and after it."

"Is Kumogakure willing to provide the missing team's activity logs to facilitate Sunagakure's investigation?" Shuji turned to Tsuchida.

The earthen platform remained silent for a few seconds, then nodded.

"At this point, Kumogakure and Sunagakure have reached a consensus: they are willing to conduct a joint investigation into this matter."

Is that a valid conclusion?

“Sunagakure agrees.”

"...Kumakuya agrees."

“Konoha, as a mutual ally, will also participate,” Shuji said. “But before that, we need to confirm one thing.”

He paused, waiting for both of them to fully focus their attention.

"Even in routine missions, it is impossible to completely avoid accidental injuries. If a conflict occurs between the two parties during the mission, resulting in unexpected damage... it is to be expected."

"There may even be cases of malicious misleading by third parties."

"After all, anything can happen during a mission."

Tutai and Maki looked at each other at the same time.

"Therefore, before the investigation begins, we need to agree that whatever the final outcome of the investigation may be, both parties must accept it."

"If one party is seriously at fault, it shall compensate the other party."

"And if it is proven that it was done by a third party..."

"Then Konoha will request the Joint Martial Arts Affairs Bureau to intervene. Although this matter is not directly related to the martial arts, it may have unpredictable and serious consequences due to its potential impact on the alliance."

"This is no longer just a problem between Kumogakure and Sunagakure."

(End of this chapter)