Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

What's surprising is how quickly things have changed in Kirigakure, and how positively the new Mizukage is toward Konoha.

What angered him was that Konoha seized this opportunity to immediately change its attitude towards him and Iwagakure.

He could almost see the strategic balance he had maintained for so long to put pressure on Konoha rapidly collapsing.

And the root of all this stems from a little devil I faced back then.

At that moment, Ōnoki felt an overwhelming sense of regret.

If only I had known...

If he had unleashed his full power that day and killed that brat before Hiruzen Sarutobi, none of what happened afterward would have occurred.

Unfortunately, there's no going back!

"Father... what do we do now?"

Huang Tu asked worriedly from the side. Even though he was only good at fighting and not good at thinking, he could feel the situation deteriorating rapidly.

Onoki's "little fist" clenched and unclenched, unclenched and clenched again.

If the stalemate continues, Iwagakure will become increasingly passive!

A decision must be made as soon as possible.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi...that old fox!"

Onoki's chest heaved violently.

He knew that Konoha was certain he couldn't and wouldn't dare to continue this stalemate.

The other party offered him a way out by "making a slight concession," which actually showed that they had seen through his predicament and were "giving" him a chance to leave gracefully.

This made him feel incredibly humiliated, but he was helpless.

In the political arena, strength and timing determine everything.

Now, Konoha has the upper hand!

"...Reply to Konoha!"

Onoki's voice sounded like it was being squeezed out from between his teeth, filled with intense resentment.

"Just say... this border skirmish was a misunderstanding, and Iwagakure has always loved peace..."

Before he could even finish speaking, Huang Tu lowered his head in embarrassment... He truly is a father; I just couldn't bring myself to say it.

"Hmph," Onoki was furious at his son's 'disappointing' appearance. If Huang Tu had any political acumen, he would have retired long ago.

"Just say that, for the sake of peace in the ninja world, Iwagakure agrees to gradually lower border security and for both sides to withdraw..."

"As for the previously mentioned 'convenience' and 'compensation'...the specific details can be negotiated by both parties as soon as possible, striving for...fairness."

He emphasized the word "fairness" heavily, seemingly trying to salvage his last bit of dignity.

As expected, Onoki ultimately chose to compromise, opting for that frustrating step.

But he will remember today's humiliation, remember that brat who stirred up trouble, and of course, that damned new Mizukage...

……

Konoha Camp.

Upon receiving Iwagakure's reply, the Third Hokage and Nara Shikaku exchanged a smile.

The dust settles!

In his secret letter, Onoki stated, "I have heard that there is an old doctor in the Bird Country who is very good at treating 'lumbar spine' problems, and I want to go and have my old ailment checked."

To put it bluntly, Onoki is also showing his sincerity.

He found a reason to leave the front lines first, so that the agreement between the two sides could be finalized more quickly.

Otherwise... it would be too awkward for Iwagakure.

Since the start of the war with Konoha, Kumogakure has been defeated, and Kirigakure has shown a tendency to ally with Konoha as soon as it opened up. How can we fight them?

If the fighting continues, he even suspects... that if Sunagakure and Kirigakure see an opportunity, they will join forces to beat Iwagakure!

At that time, the Hokage, Kazekage, and Mizukage—the three great Kage—along with the tailed beasts from all three factions…

Although the chances were slim, Onoki dared not gamble any further.

The ninja world has never lacked precedents of kicking someone when they're down!

The Third Hokage was in high spirits from the moment he received the secret letter from Kirigakure, precisely because he had also seen these things and was certain that Onoki would back down this time.

"Lu Jiu, the rest is up to you. Finalize the details as soon as possible and complete the withdrawal arrangements."

"The ninjas on the front lines haven't been back to the village for a long time either."

"Tang Dong, you assist Shikaku and make sure the withdrawal process is smooth and orderly, so as not to give Iwagakure any opportunity to take advantage of the situation."

"Zhihei, get ready, we're coming back together."

Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly gave his instructions before departing.

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

The three men accepted the order and left.

"Yunyin, Wuyin, and... that kid Qingwu, there are many things... waiting for me."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up and looked southeast towards Konoha, his eyes filled with a hint of urgency and anticipation.

……

Late January, Konoha Calendar 55.

After leaving the village for several months, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, finally returned to Konoha Village, weary but full of vigor.

The standoff on the western front ended with compromises and concessions from both sides.

Although it came at a cost, it was a major strategic victory, giving Konoha valuable breathing space.

Konoha Village held a small-scale welcome ceremony for the Hokage's return.

After the ceremony, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't even have time to rest before immediately summoning the advance delegation from Kirigakure, who had been waiting in Konoha for several days, to the Hokage's office.

The Kirigakure envoy was led by Jonin Ao, with Zabuza Momochi leading elite Kirigakure ninja to provide protection.

Zabuza thoroughly enjoyed the warm welcome he received from Konoha, and he's gotten a bit arrogant these past few days.

If it weren't for the limitations imposed on him, and his experience witnessing the strength of a Konoha ninja like Senju Aogo, this guy would probably have caused trouble long ago.

The third generation leader was adept at social maneuvering, and the meeting took place in a friendly yet slightly probing atmosphere.

On behalf of the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, Ao once again solemnly expressed his gratitude to Konoha, especially to Senju Seigo, and handed over Mei Terumi's handwritten letter and gifts.

He also conveyed the Mizukage's desire to make an official visit to Konoha as soon as possible to discuss the future of relations between the two countries.

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave it the highest level of attention, welcoming and thanking Kirigakure for their goodwill, and expressing his eager anticipation for the Mizukage's visit.

When talking about the Thousand-Handed Green Wutong, his face showed emotion and admiration:

"Senju Seigo is an outstanding ninja of Konoha, young and promising, and willing to take responsibility."

"His actions in Kirigakure, though personal, embody the spirit of fire of Konoha ninjas: helping those in distress and maintaining peace."

"Konoha has its own considerations regarding his past...minor flaws."

"Now that his friends in Kirigakure value him so highly, and he himself has made such contributions, Konoha will certainly not let a meritorious person suffer."

"Please convey to Lord Mizukage that Konoha will handle the issue of Qingwu properly and it will certainly not affect the friendly exchanges between our two villages."

These words sent a clear signal to Kirigakure and to everyone else:

The "guilty" status of Senju Seigo is about to become history.

He will not only be pardoned, but will also receive the honor and status he deserves for his outstanding contributions.

Qingxin was certain, and on behalf of Shuiying, expressed her gratitude.

Both sides agreed that Konoha would send a reception staff to further refine the details of the Mizukage's visit itinerary, etiquette, and meeting content with the Kirigakure delegation.

...the arrival of the Kirigakure delegation and the Hokage's public statement,

Like two giant stones thrown into a calm lake, it stirred up huge waves among the Konoha leadership and some well-informed families.

The name Qian Shou Qingwu has once again become the focus of attention in a dazzling way.

……

Uchiha clan.

Unlike the slightly jubilant atmosphere in Konoha, which was buoyed by the diplomatic breakthrough.

The Uchiha clan's territory was always filled with a repressive and anxious atmosphere.

At the clan meeting, the clan head, Fugaku Uchiha, the elder, Setsuna Uchiha, and several radical Jonin all had uncertain expressions.

"It's him again...that Senju Seigo!!" a radical Jonin said grimly.

"The close relationship between Kirigakure and Konoha, and even the possibility of an alliance, means that Konoha will face significantly less external pressure, giving the Hokage and other high-ranking officials more confidence,"

"Therefore, the suspicion and suppression against us Uchiha will probably not lessen; on the contrary... because they no longer need to worry about external threats, they may be more unscrupulous in purging their own people!"

“Not only that,” another person said urgently:

"That kid's surname is Senju. The village is praising his achievements so much, probably to pave the way for the future. How many more years can the third senju reign? By then..."

"Could he become Hokage at a young age, like Minato Namikaze?"

"And if a Senju becomes Hokage, what about us Uchiha... Don't forget how the Second Hokage treated us when he was in office."

“You’re right, we need to speed things up,” the others chimed in.

"Now that the Hokage has just returned and is busy with many matters, and the Mizukage of Kirigakure has not yet arrived, this is the best time for us to carry out our plan."

"Otherwise, once Senju Seigo returns in triumph and his relationship with Kirigakure is completely solidified, we will have no chance to turn things around."

All eyes turned to Uchiha Shisui, who sat silently at the lower end of the table.

Shisui lowered his head, his hands clenched tightly under the table.

During this period, he was under tremendous pressure.

The expectations of his family and the inner struggle left him exhausted.