Konoha's Mission Master

When it comes to interests, no one is willing to back down even a step.

Being petty and calculating.

Three hours later, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Third Kazekage were still full of energy and had rosy complexions... as if they could fight for several more hours.

Jiraiya, however, had already started yawning, and struggled to sit up straight, continuing to stare blankly like a breathing statue. In fact, he couldn't get a word in edgewise during the negotiation.

"Impossible, this is impossible... We don't accept it!"

The Third Kazekage stood up, seemingly already in battle mode, his entire body radiating an astonishing pressure of chakra.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained unmoved by the enraged Third Kazekage, his expression unchanged, completely unyielding.

"Konoha will not change any of its conditions in these areas. If you are unwilling to agree, how about we fight for another three days... and then negotiate?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi displayed remarkable composure, completely disregarding any consequences. His only concern was fulfilling the conditions set by the Fourth Hokage, Sakumo Hatake. This feeling of having no worries was truly wonderful.

"you--!"

The Third Kazekage instantly backed down, suppressing the raging anger on his face. He sat down again, somewhat dejected. If he hadn't been unable to defeat the enemy head-on, he would never have been willing to negotiate.

"Okay... I can agree to your terms."

The Third Kazekage smiled knowingly, understanding that Sakumo Hatake had just become the Fourth Hokage and was undertaking sweeping reforms.

This directly led to financial problems in Konoha. The three requirements for victory in this war can be summarized in one sentence.

"...I want money!"

"We can offer more money, but... we cannot admit defeat."

The Third Kazekage said with a smile that he really didn't lack money; he just needed to spend another six months refining gold deep in the desert, day and night.

"We agree to that."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled, as if he had guessed that the Third Kazekage would spend money on this last fig leaf...

"...Add another two billion."

"...Too many."

"You should know..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a sip of tea.

"...This number was not decided by me."

"Okay, I agree."

"Other prisoners are a separate matter..."

"I know…!"

The Third Kazekage nodded, and smiles returned to their faces. Their arms were clasped tightly together, and the atmosphere in the command center became harmonious and congenial again.

War is a business.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire spent 3 billion to support Konoha in a war that lasted a month and a half. In return, Konoha brought back about 8 billion for the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

"I want to see... Yakumo Ii."

"it is good."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

Ten minutes later, Yakumo walked into the command post.

He found the atmosphere in the command center strange. Hiruzen Sarutobi still had a smile on his lips and was having a pleasant conversation with the Third Kazekage, without any of the expected confrontation.

"My lords, I heard someone is looking for me."

"it's me."

The Third Kazekage turned around and observed Yakumo.

He discovered that... this boy, who was hailed as the reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths, looked quite ordinary, except that he was much taller than his peers.

Ten years old... about 1.6 meters tall.

Meanwhile, Yakumo was also observing the Third Kazekage, who wore a white robe over a blue ninja combat suit, had blue hair like a hedgehog, and yellow pupils full of majesty.

"What...is there for me?"

“I will kill you in the future to avenge the death of Elder Chiyo. I am saying this as an old friend of Elder Chiyo.”

This statement implies that he will seek revenge against Yakumo in his personal capacity in the future, and regardless of the outcome, neither Sunagakure nor Konoha will have the right to interfere.

He wasn't particularly close to Chiyo personally; rather, it was because Ebizo made a deal with him: in exchange for handing over the entire intelligence department, the Third Kazekage would avenge Chiyo against Yakumo.

Ebizo also wanted to avenge Chiyo, but he chose a different method than Sasori.

"Wait a minute, let me take a moment..."

You want to get revenge on me later, right?

"Yes."

The Third Kazekage nodded.

"You and Chiyo have a good relationship?"

Yakumo asked, somewhat puzzled. This was indeed beyond his comprehension. In his previous life, he had never heard of Chiyo and the Third Kazekage having such a secret relationship.

"We've worked together for many years, and we're like family!"

The Third Kazekage answered without hesitation.

"In that case... you and Chiyo are like family, so the hatred you feel for me right now can only be described as unforgettable. In that case... why wait until later..."

I'll be waiting for you on the plains!

The Third Kazekage was taken aback…

This guy doesn't play by the rules!

Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi both smiled at the same time. This was the Yakumo they knew, the Yakumo who never played by the rules.

"Do you really... want to die?"

The Third Kazekage, provoked, flew into a rage.

"Actually, today is your best chance for revenge. In the future, I will grow to a height that you cannot reach."

The Third Kazekage's expression grew even more grim, but fortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward and interrupted their conversation.

This is called... social etiquette, this is called... a stepping stone.

The Third Kazekage naturally had no intention of fighting Yakumo to the death today. After exchanging a few words, he left the Konoha military camp. Although the two sides seemed amicable, they were, after all, opposing forces, and the Third Kazekage naturally had no intention of staying for a meal.

Yakumo watched the Third Kazekage's departing figure, choosing not to ambush him on the way. Perhaps he could still try if it was just the Third Kazekage.

But if it's the combination of the Third Kazekage, Rasa, and Yekura, Yakumo probably couldn't win...

Due to the ceasefire, the Konoha army began to gradually withdraw from the plains of the Land of Rivers. On the third day, Yakumo also left the Land of Rivers with Masako Mori. Before returning to Konoha, the two began to travel around the Land of Fire and see various beautiful sights.

…………

Konoha, the home of the Uchiha clan.

The buildings here are more ancient, with every wall and stone pillar bearing the marks of time, and the corner of the quiet room is filled with the calming scent of sandalwood.

Uchiha Tsuru was educating his grandson, Uchiha Tsuru.

A huge "quiet" character was pasted on the wall.

Uchiha Tsuru has a straight scar on his right eye, which almost caused him to go completely blind. He wears a black haori with gold thread interspersed on the cuffs and collar, making him look exceptionally dignified and rigid.

"I heard...you had a conflict with Jing Yayun?"

"Yes."

"...One day I will defeat that lowly commoner!"

"Snapped!"

Uchiha Tsuru struck with lightning speed, slapping Uchiha Hengyan's right cheek until it was bright red. The latter did not cry, but instead calmly questioned him.

"Grandpa, you told me... that when you are humiliated, you should not be discouraged, but fight back with your own hands!"

"But I also told you... to do what you can."

“Yesterday, Iyaru killed Elder Chiyo of Sunagakure in a head-on battle. She was an opponent that even I would find difficult to defeat.”

"This is impossible!"

"Snapped."

Uchiha Hengyan's left cheek was also bruised and red.

"The first time I hit you was because you used the term 'lowly commoner' to describe someone far stronger than you. The second time I hit you was because you questioned me!"

"But…"

"Shut up!"

Uchiha Tsuru raised his right hand, but when he saw Uchiha Hengyan's bloodshot eyes, he ultimately failed to deliver that lightning-fast strike.

"From now on, you are not allowed to target Jing Yayun again, or I will break your legs... To be honest, I don't think I'm a match for Jing Yayun. If you want to get rid of me early, then go and target him."

Uchiha Tsuru said firmly.

"I see."

Uchiha Hengyan replied with a hint of reluctance.

"I made two right decisions in my life. The first was to withstand the pressure from Madara Uchiha when he rebelled and left Konoha, and the second was to stop you from continuing to target Iori Yakumo."

Uchiha Tsuru sighed softly, "Even in the Warring States period, when heroes rose up, ninja clans were divided in all directions, and geniuses were scattered, a ten-year-old Kage-level fighter was never born."

Inside a tavern in the land of rivers.

Tsunade was drinking heavily here. In fact, after the battle between Sunagakure and Konoha began, she immediately came to the vicinity of the battlefield in the Land of Rivers. If Konoha could not break Chiyo's poison in time, she planned to take action immediately.

The good news is that her apprentice is very capable.

With a weight lifted from her heart, Tsunade began to gamble happily and drink recklessly in the cities surrounding the Land of Rivers, shedding the responsibilities she didn't want to bear in exchange for temporary pleasure and unbridled indulgence.

"Have you heard? Sunagakure and Konoha have made peace."