Chapter 7: Shadows and Strategy
"What's the meaning behind Lord Hokage's words? Are you planning to take us all down at once?" Hitoshi taunted, his eyes playfully glancing at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Assassination-type shinobi were a rarity in the entire Shinobi World, especially those who had reached the level of Kage. When two Kage-level shinobi clashed, others of equal rank might be hidden in the shadows, ready to strike with deadly force. One wrong move and you could find yourself crippled or worse.
Wuhe Hanzo's expression soured as he observed Sarutobi Hiruzen. Damn it, Sarutobi Hiruzen. You may have a dignified appearance, but you resort to such tactics. Think about it: Orochimaru and his three renowned shinobi, known for their Summoning Beasts and Ninjutsu proficiency, together with your own fighting skills, and now this Hatake Sakumo, who seems capable of holding his own. This combination is unstoppable in the vast expanse of the Shinobi World.
"Enough, Kazekage-sama, Tsuchikage-sama. We have wasted enough time with these jests. Let us focus on the post-war affairs," Sarutobi Hiruzen stated with sharp eyes, unmoved by the scolding. What lay beneath his facade remained a mystery to all.
Heh, as long as you can't get rid of me, these trivial attempts at intimidation are nothing to fear, Hiruzen thought, unfazed. Being able to hold the position of Hokage, he didn't mind having a thick skin.
Wu and Hanzo, following Hiruzen's lead, both turned their attention to Hitoshi. Despite their arguments and competition, one thing remained unchanged: Sunagakure had already lost and must face the consequences.
"The situation in Sunagakure is clear. If you don't want compensation, it's a death sentence. If you do want compensation, go to the border and claim that piece of land yourself. Sunagakure will immediately retreat and relinquish the territory," Hitoshi declared, spreading his hands and narrowing his eyes, displaying a nonchalant attitude.
Hitoshi's resolute and cunning demeanor left Hiruzen and Wu shocked. They had come prepared to counter any arguments or threats from Hitoshi. Even if he resorted to military force, they were ready to respond in kind. However, they never anticipated Hitoshi's audacity.
Ceding land for peace may be seen as a disgrace, but for the victors, what use did they have for Sunagakure's land? None of them had any understanding of why Sunagakure initiated the war. The land of Kaze no Kuni could not truly be called valuable; it was simply a barren expanse of sand. Sunagakure had no governance over it, and it held little to no economic worth. The only supposed comfort was its symbolic value.
"Hehe, Kazekage-sama, we are civilized people. Land is priceless, but we are not so shameless. You only need to take the money," Hiruzen chuckled in response, without any sign of embarrassment. Hitoshi confidently demonstrated his true qualities as a politician.
"We don't have money. All our resources have been allocated for the war. If we had money, we would continue fighting," Hitoshi replied simply and resolutely, without any hesitation.
"Kazekage-sama, please stop playing games. You are forcing us to continue fighting, do you realize that?" One person slammed the table and stood up, angrily roaring at Hitoshi. The rest of the room followed suit, their gazes intense as they stared at him.
"That's fine. If that's what you want, Sunagakure still has 10,000 capable shinobi. We can give up our positions and engage in guerrilla warfare," Hitoshi responded, standing up slowly and emanating his own imposing manner. He calmly looked at everyone and declared, "I can tell you that every inch of this land is drenched in blood. If you push me too far, I will show you the true meaning of hardship."
Hitoshi was like a troublemaker, unafraid of the consequences. Sunagakure still possessed fighting power, and their relationship with the Daimyo had become strained. In such a situation, when someone has nothing to lose, they have nothing to fear. Come on, let's hurt each other.
Hitoshi stood his ground against everyone present, relying solely on his own strength without appearing to be at a disadvantage. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Wu exchanged glances, both sensing the helplessness in each other's eyes. Their own situation was far from ideal, and they couldn't afford to divert significant forces to continue the offensive.
Kumogakure's animosity towards Konoha was palpable, their gazes fixated on their prey. Wu and the Second Mizukage Hōzuki Gengetsu were renowned figures in the Shinobi World, known personally by many.
Continuing the war would only lead to a devastating defeat, and in such a situation, both Wu and Hōzuki Gengetsu would surely seize the opportunity to strike a vulnerable opponent. The animosity between the two parties was fueled by their hidden agendas, and neither side wanted to be on the losing end. The conference room was filled with an intense stalemate.
"Ahem, the three of you, please take your seats. If there's something we can't discuss, let's approach it as equals," Hanzo intervened, hoping to put an end to the standoff. To be honest, he couldn't wait to see the three of them eliminated, but he had no choice. If the Kage Level shinobi in the room engaged in combat, he would be the one who suffered the consequences.
As Hanzo's voice trailed off, the three individuals snorted coldly and reluctantly took their seats.
"Hokage-sama, Tsuchikage-sama, we have all been sly and cunning for centuries. Let's not play games here. The missions assigned by the Daimyo have already cut into Sunagakure's resources. Don't be dissatisfied. I can assure you that for the next ten years, Sunagakure's shinobi will not interfere in any wars or attack your Ninja Villages. In fact, we will act as a deterrent to Kirigakure. How does that sound?" Hitoshi spoke after taking a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger within him and maintaining a calm tone.
No one wanted to admit defeat, but there was no other choice. Hitoshi was confident in his abilities, and the individuals present were not enough of a challenge for him. So what? He had the backing of Sunagakure and had a responsibility to uphold.
Hitoshi's remarks were explicit, as he pointed out the implicit rules. He made it clear that it was not Sunagakure that was losing, but rather the fault of the Daimyo of Kaze no Kuni for hindering their progress.
"Alright, I agree. The rest is up to you, Lord Hokage," Sarutobi Hiruzen responded without hesitation, already considering the matter.
Konoha had strained relations with Tsuchi no Kuni, as well as with Kumogakure and Kirigakure. If Sunagakure were to withdraw, they would face the greatest danger. While Konoha didn't care about the number of missions, Iwagakure did. Considering Hitoshi's character and Sunagakure's reputation, Hiruzen knew he couldn't directly refuse the agreement.
He clenched his fist tightly, glaring at Hitoshi with a deep hatred in his eyes. If his gaze alone could kill, Hitoshi would have been torn apart by a thousand blades ten thousand times over.
"Well, Kazekage-sama, you are indeed talented and promising. I admit defeat," Sarutobi Hiruzen said bitterly. "But don't celebrate too soon. I have an additional condition. I require access to Bijū Ninjutsu."
Hitoshi pondered the request and understood Hiruzen's intentions. He responded boldly, "Yes, no problem. Afterward, I will provide Sunagakure's records regarding the Jinchuriki and hand them over."
With the goal of stabilizing both parties, Hitoshi believed that giving up a portion of the Bijū was not a problem at all. In comparison to the ten years of development time, it seemed like a trivial matter that could be resolved.
During the subsequent period, the three parties finalized the agreement and set a date for the announcement to the Shinobi World. Once the agreement was signed, the complete withdrawal of Sunagakure from the war became a reality.