Konoha: Starting with Sage Mode

Now an elder of the conservative faction in Sunagakure, his fate is intertwined with that of Sunagakure after losing Danzo, his superior. If he doesn't want to die in the Land of Fire, he must find a way to get Chiyo to contact people in other ninja villages and obtain strong external support.

"What time is it? Why do you still care whether I'm happy or not? Sunagakure is in imminent danger. As long as Sunagakure can get through this crisis, I don't care whether I'm happy or not."

Upon hearing this, Chiyo replied without hesitation.

She was speaking from the heart. She was well aware of the current situation in Sunagakure. If even she died, Sunagakure would no longer be worthy of being one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. What right would a Shinobi Village that didn't even have a Tailed Beast or a Kage-level shinobi have to be ranked alongside great Shinobi Villages like Konoha?

By then, Sunagakure will be a huge piece of meat, and all the major ninja villages will make a move, leaving Sunagakure no chance to recuperate and rise again.

"The method is actually very simple: we continue to negotiate with Konoha, but we can no longer expect to have an equal opportunity with Konoha in negotiations. We should pay the compensation that is due, even if it means becoming a vassal of Konoha."

When Kurosawa heard Chiyo say this, he hesitated for a moment, and then said something that surprised everyone else present.

Upon hearing this, all the other Sand Ninja, including Chiyo, glared angrily at Kurosa. If it weren't for the lessons learned from the younger Sand Ninja, many of them would have already started pointing their fingers at Kurosa and shouting insults.

Their Sunagakure Kage were just killed by Konoha, and now they turn around and grovel before Konoha, signing an unequal treaty with them. It's outrageous and utterly absurd.

Once they do this, even if they manage to return alive, they will be scorned by their compatriots and treated as traitors who sold out their village, living in humiliation and regret every day.

Rather than live a life of ignominy and lose their honor, they would rather die here.

"Kurosago, there's no need to bring up such a suggestion again. We Sunagakure ninjas can die a glorious death, but we must never become traitors who betray our village and bow down to the enemy."

Chiyo took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and said coldly.

"Lady Chiyo, and everyone else, please let me finish. Surrendering to Konoha is just a pretext. Moreover, only we proposed surrendering to Konoha, not Lady Chiyo. Lady Chiyo is still the one who most opposes surrendering to Konoha. As for paying the price for those great ninja villages' actions, I think our Daimyo of the Land of Wind would be more than happy to help Sunagakure pay it."

Seeing Chiyo's reaction, Kurosa felt reassured and slowly revealed his subsequent plans.

Chiyo was a smart woman, and she immediately understood the hidden information in Kurosa's words. Although the plan was somewhat risky, it was undeniably ingenious.

If Kurosawa and the others disagree with her, she will not only avoid losing her reputation, but she can also send a message to the other ninja villages that if Sunagakure cannot withstand the pressure from Konoha, they still have the option of surrendering to Konoha.

If you can't beat them, join them. It's a shameful decision, but it's definitely a good way to survive.

It has to be said that this will definitely put a lot of pressure on Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure.

If Konoha really joins forces with Sunagakure, the possibility of Konoha rising again to become the dominant force in the ninja world will greatly increase.

Moreover, in this way, Konoha will not be ruthless towards the 'spineless' like Kurosawa who tend to surrender to Konoha. In order to support the proxy, Konoha may protect them. The only constant is that she will be killed.

However, she was on Konoha's kill list from the start, so in essence, it was Sunagakure who benefited.

To exchange her life for the continuation of Sunagakure is, frankly, a huge win for Sunagakure right now.

After all, with her dead, the chances of Sunagakure being wiped out are very high.

Now, being able to exchange her death for the opportunity to make Sunagakure a vassal state of Konoha is a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.

She wasn't afraid that Konoha would take the opportunity to infiltrate Sunagakure's ranks. After all, she was already dead, and she had devoted herself to Sunagakure until her death. If the younger generation was not capable of leading Sunagakure to rise again, then Sunagakure deserved to decline and disappear.

This is an inevitable trend, and there's nothing we can do about it.

As for Kurosa's final suggestion that the price for asking other ninja villages to help should be paid by the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, she personally thought it made a lot of sense. The Sand Village had shed blood and tears for the Land of Wind, so the nobles of the Land of Wind should indeed show their appreciation.

Otherwise, once Sunagakure is destroyed, how will these bastards who usually hide behind Sunagakure and act arrogantly get away with it?

"Your suggestion is interesting, but aren't you afraid of being unfairly blamed and never being able to get rid of it?"

After Chiyo fully understood the meaning behind Kurosa's words, she smiled at Kurosa again and praised him.

"No fear. For the sake of Sunagakure, everyone here is prepared to sacrifice themselves at any time. Compared to losing our precious lives and causing the village to suffer further disaster, what is bearing humiliation? I, the deputy envoy of the Kurosawa envoy group, am willing to be the initiator of the surrender to Konoha."

Kurosa spoke with an air of righteous indignation, his expression more serious than ever before.

Seeing this, Chiyo couldn't help but admire Kurosawa, this young junior, even more. She didn't care whether Kurosawa was speaking sincerely or not. As long as he actually did it, he would definitely be a fine man of Sunagakure and a hero of Sunagakure.

When the other Sand Ninja heard that Kurosa was willing to make such a great sacrifice, their anger towards him immediately turned into respect. Many of the younger Sand Ninja were moved and expressed their willingness to endure humiliation for the sake of Sand Village.

Only some of the older Sand Ninja were in a somber mood.

Chiyo secretly observed the expressions on everyone else's faces and couldn't help but think that young people were indeed more energetic and willing to sacrifice.

However, other people's opinions are not important to her. Even if some people are unwilling, she will make them agree. For Sunagakure, no one is not worth sacrificing, including her.

"Very good. With such outstanding young talents like you in Sunagakure, I can rest assured even if I die. Let's proceed according to Kurosa's plan. For the sake of Sunagakure, let's work together to overcome this challenge."

Chiyo nodded in satisfaction with the black sand and officially announced the plan to use it.

Next, Chiyo focused on discussing with Kurosa to fill in any gaps in the plan as much as possible.

An hour later, Kurosawa, the deputy envoy of the peace negotiation delegation, secretly left the embassy and requested a meeting with the third generation.

Not long after Kurosa left, a bombshell message began to circulate in Konoha: Kurosa and most of the delegation members were willing to continue peace talks with Konoha and were inclined to surrender to Konoha, except for the chief envoy Chiyo and a few Sand Ninja who strongly opposed it.

The emergence of these messages was naturally the result of Chiyo secretly activating the Sunagakure's spy network within Konoha.

In addition, she used this opportunity to send messages requesting support to Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure.

……

The Hokage Building, the Hokage's office, where the Third Hokage and three Hokage advisors once again gathered.

"You should all know the reason for this emergency gathering on your way here, right? Sunagakure has the idea of ​​surrendering to Konoha and becoming their vassal. What do you think?"

Seeing that everyone had arrived, the third generation immediately explained the purpose of summoning them again.

He had just seen off Kurosawa, the deputy envoy of Sunagakure who had been almost obsequious to him. During his conversation with Kurosawa, he had gained a lot. At least if Sunagakure were to surrender to Konoha, Konoha would take Sunagakure as a subordinate.

If this really happens, his prestige as the Third Hokage will surely skyrocket, completely erasing the negative impact of his previous acceptance of Amegakure's surrender without compensation.

Therefore, the Third Hokage is now very concerned about getting Sunagakure to surrender.

"Hmph, this is definitely a scheme by Sunagakure. They are just pretending to surrender. If we actually believe them, then only Konoha will suffer."

On her way here, Momoka learned that there were spineless cowards in Sunagakure. Now that she saw the Third Hokage was so eager to summon them to discuss the matter, she understood his plan and decisively objected.

What a joke! If the Third Generation really manages to do this, he can postpone his resignation.

Moreover, she knew very well that Sunagakure's surrender this time was not sincere. If Konoha truly accepted Sunagakure's surrender and gave up the opportunity to eliminate Sunagakure, it would definitely be a loss in the future.

"Whether it's a genuine surrender or a feigned one, as long as Sunagakure has truly surrendered, Konoha has no reason not to accept it. If others have surrendered voluntarily, and Konoha refuses, we fear we will never have any allies in the ninja world again. After all, Konoha has just produced a rare genius ninja."

Mitokado Homura naturally sided with the Third Hokage. He was well aware of the benefits that Sunagakure's surrender would bring to the Third Hokage's lineage, and immediately refuted Momoka's words with reason and evidence.

When Momoka heard Mitokado Homura say this, her expression changed, but she did not immediately voice any further objections.

She certainly knew who the rare genius ninja Mitokado Homura had just mentioned was, and she also understood that Mitokado Homura was implying that accepting Sunagakure's surrender would be beneficial to Kirito's future growth.

It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark.

By now, Kirito has completely entered the sights of major figures in the ninja world, and there are many among them who want him dead.

Because of Kirito, Konoha is rising again. In this process, Konoha does need some allies to share the pressure from other great ninja villages during its rise. If Sunagakure becomes Konoha's ally, Konoha can at least reduce one enemy in the future when it rises again.

At the same time, Konoha's acceptance of Sunagakure's surrender, making Sunagakure a vassal of Konoha, can set an example for smaller ninja villages and forces, making it more likely that Konoha will make these smaller ninja villages its subordinates in the future.

The resurgence of Konoha should not be a solitary endeavor. If there is a group of supportive allies behind it, the difficulty of Konoha's rise will certainly be greatly reduced.

"Anyway, once that old woman Chiyo dies, Sunagakure will be at the mercy of Konoha. Moreover, once Sunagakure becomes a vassal of Konoha, it will be difficult for other ninja villages to interfere in Sunagakure's internal affairs. I think we can accept Sunagakure's surrender."

Seeing that Momoka hadn't spoken up yet, Koharu, who was turning over the door, also stepped forward to publicly support the third generation.

As is customary, if one of the Hokage advisors supports the Third Hokage, then the Third Hokage's decision can be officially approved.

Since both Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu are on the third generation's side, the so-called high-level decision-making meeting is basically just a formality.

However, as the Senju faction grew stronger, Momoka's opinions became increasingly important, and it was no longer appropriate to make decisions by voting as before.

"Momoka, the strength of Sunagakure is still not to be underestimated. If we really push them too far and they abandon their stronghold and flee, it will definitely not be good news for Konoha. Konoha may seem to have become stronger now, but it is actually weak. It is time for Kirito to return to the village. It is too dangerous for him to stay outside."

Seeing that Momoka was still undecided, the Third Generation spoke earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Tao Hua was immediately struck by a jolt, deeply agreeing with the latter half of the third generation's statement.

Kirito really should go back to the village.

In an instant, her previously hesitant heart finally made a decision, and she said coldly, "Alright, we can accept the surrender of Sunagakure, but Chiyo must die, and all the Sunagakure ninja associated with her must also be eliminated."

Chapter 224: Onoki's Pain, Kirigakure Makes a Dazzling Appearance

"Of course, the condition for accepting Sunagakure's surrender is that Chiyo must die."

The third generation of Momoka finally agreed, readily making the promise.

Whether out of public or private motives, the consensus among the four was that Chiyo must die. After reaching a consensus again, they began to discuss the work of accepting Sunagakure's surrender. The Third Hokage first explained the contents of his secret talks with Kurosawa not long ago.

The content is nothing more than Kurosawa betraying the interests of Sunagakure in order to survive and for his own benefit, promising to pay Konoha 5 billion yen in compensation as long as Konoha accepts Sunagakure's surrender, and mortgaging the oasis in the north of the Land of Wind.

In addition, Sunagakure and Konoha formed an alliance, allowing Konoha to station troops in the Land of Wind.

The above are the main contents of the secret agent's work.

"Who is this black sandman? How credible are his promises?"

When Momoka learned about the contents of the Third Generation's and the Kurosawa Spy's conversation, she frowned deeply, expressing her profound doubts about the information.

Anyone can boast, but before the agreement is actually fulfilled, any promise is just empty words. However, people of status generally don't boast, which is determined by their status and position. Once their personal credibility is ruined, they can forget about staying in high-level circles.

Having served as Hokage for so many years and stood at the top of the political ladder for so long, the Third Hokage naturally understood what Momoka meant. He replied, "This person is the latest promoted elder of the Sunagakure conservative faction. He is quite strong, possessing the strength of an elite Jonin at such a young age. What is even more commendable is that he comes from a commoner background."

When Momoka, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado heard about the acceptance of Kurosa, their eyes lit up immediately, and they all felt that Kurosa was a good partner.

Although Kurosawa was born a commoner and had no powerful backing, and his status in Sunagakure was not high, this was exactly what Konoha wanted to see. Kurosawa currently had no powerful backing, which was good, as Konoha could provide him with support.

Moreover, Kurosawa possesses the strength of an elite Jonin at such a young age, and may even advance further in the future. With Konoha's support, this possibility is very high, and Konoha can then use his strength to develop Sand Village forces that are close to Konoha.

"So, this Black Sand is a very good partner. However, to be on the safe side, I think it is necessary to conduct a detailed investigation into him. Moreover, I have just received the latest intelligence from the Land of Wind, which tells me that among the prisoners captured this time is Sand Cloud, the leader of the conservative faction."

After a moment of contemplation, Tao Hua presented everyone with a new potential partner.

Upon hearing Momoka's words, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado immediately turned their gazes toward the Third Generation.

The Third Generation nodded, indicating that Momoka's information was accurate.

Information from the Land of Wind is gradually coming back. Kirito has indeed made great contributions this time, not only leading everyone to kill more than 2,000 Sand Ninja, but also capturing a number of high-quality prisoners.

Sha Yun, the commander-in-chief of the Sunagakure front, the leader of the Sunagakure conservative faction, and the head of the Sunagakure Sand Clan, was the most valuable among these prisoners.

The intelligence sent back from the front lines described Shakumo in considerable detail, but the content was somewhat absurd. This was because the leader of the conservative faction in Sunagakure was an absolute coward who, in order to survive, never showed the slightest sign of resistance.

It was precisely because of this that the leader of the Sunagakure conservative faction was almost unharmed in this battle, except for a mental shock, as he was later called away by Kirito for a private interview, and his mental state was very poor afterward.

“Personally, I think Kurosa is more suitable. Although Shakumo’s status in Sunagakure is much higher than Kurosa’s, he is not easy to control. The Sand Clan behind him is the number one ninja clan in Sunagakure. He has no need for Konoha, and his interests are even in conflict with those of Konoha.”

Koharu, who is a very controlling person, dislikes unexpected events. She compares the two women and decides which one is easier to control.