Chapter 199

The clouds hung in the sky, fluffy and white scattered across the blue expanse, evoking an sense of calm.

The rare good weather on this day was a direct contrast to the tension lingering from the ongoing war. 

At Konoha camp, the mood was jubilant. Ninjas moved about with confidence, their hearts light as they prepared for the final battle to end the war.

Yet, as they passed one particular tent, their steps slowed instinctively. Their eyes gleamed with admiration as they glanced toward it, but none dared linger for long.

The tent belonged to Mochizuki Hui.

At only sixteen, Hui was the person every Konoha ninja revered. His presence alone commanded both respect and awe.

Inside, Hui could sense the cautious reverence of the ninjas passing by, and he let out a wry smile.

Ever since news of his arrival and the reports from the Land of Rain spread, he had become the center of admiration for all Konoha ninjas here.

If he ventured outside, hordes of young Genin and Chunin would clamor around him, begging for autographs. To avoid such distractions, Hui opted to stay in his tent.

"Hmm? Someone's approaching the camp alone?" Hui's senses picked up on a presence approaching the camp. 

After a brief moment of thought, a faint smile played on his lips, as if he already knew what was about to happen.

…

Outside Konoha camp, a group of Konoha ninjas stood on high alert, their bodies tense, prepared to either attack or defend.

The cause of their unease?

Standing not far in front of them was the Third Mizukage of Kirigakure.

Alone, he had come to Konoha camp.

"Summon Mochizuki Hui. Tell him I wish to meet," the Third Mizukage said calmly, standing still as he waited.

One Konoha ninja quickly disappeared into the camp. Moments later, a group emerged, led by none other than Hui himself.

Flanking him were Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, and the heads of the major Konoha clans, followed by several elite ninjas.

"So, I hear you wanted to see me. Here I am. Speak your mind," Hui said, his tone calm but firm. He had a good idea of what the Mizukage wanted.

"As an old acquaintance, and you won't even say hello first?" the Third Mizukage said with a faint smile, his gaze filled with emotion.

The youth before him, who had bested him in a skirmish a year and a half ago, had grown so powerful that he could now easily kill him. It was unbelievable, but it was the truth.

"If this were peacetime, perhaps I would. But this is war—war between you and me," Hui replied coldly.

"Indeed… this is war," the Third Mizukage said with a trace of emotion.

He looked directly into Hui's eyes and spoke clearly, "I've come here to end this war. Kirigakure… is prepared to surrender to you."

The announcement stunned everyone into silence.

Moments later, the camp erupted into murmurs and exclamations. The shock was palpable—the surrender of Kirigakure carried immense weight.

"But," the Third Mizukage continued, raising his voice to regain the crowd's attention, "our surrender comes with one condition!"

"What is it?" Hui asked, his expression unreadable, as if he had anticipated this.

The Mizukage took a deep breath, steadying himself before speaking. "Kirigakure will surrender on the condition that Konoha agrees not to initiate war against us for twenty years."

His words caused mixed reactions among Konoha ninjas.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face lit up with relief, while Danzo's brow furrowed deeply.

Hui, on the other hand, appeared pensive. Then he asked, "Anything else?"

"That's all," the Mizukage replied firmly. "If you agree, we will surrender immediately. If not, we will fight to the death, even if it means the destruction of our village."

"Hui!"

Both Hiruzen and Danzo spoke at the same time, then exchanged sharp glances.

"I think we should accept this condition," Hiruzen said.

"This condition is unacceptable!" Danzo countered.

Danzo continued, his tone harsh, "We're already assured of victory. Kirigakure has no leverage to bargain with us. We must not agree!"

Hiruzen shook his head. "Our goal has always been peace. If accepting this condition ends the war and saves lives, it's worth it!"

The two men glared at each other, their differing philosophies on full display.

Mizukage broke the tension, addressing Hui directly. "What's your decision, Mochizuki Hui?"

All eyes turned to Hui, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon him.

Hui met Mizukage's gaze and spoke coolly, "Kirigakure has no grounds to negotiate with Konoha."

Danzo smirked, pleased, while Hiruzen's face darkened. The Mizukage's heart sank.

But Hui continued, "However, if the Kirigakure surrenders, Konoha will agree to peace. But the terms must change.

"First, the non-aggression period will be ten years, not twenty.

"Second, as the aggressors in this war, the Kirigakure must pay reparations for the losses and damages inflicted on Konoha.

"Third, during the ten-year period, any provocations from Kirigakure will nullify the agreement, and Konoha will reserve the right to retaliate."

The Mizukage's expression darkened as he processed Hui's terms. He quickly weighed the options in his mind, evaluating the implications.

"You're pushing us into a corner, forcing us to fight to the death!" he said, his tone sharp and eyes fierce.

"You lack the ability to fight Konoha to the death," Hui replied firmly.

A powerful surge of Sage Chakra radiated from him, silver-white light visible to the naked eye. 

The ground beneath his feet cracked, and a fierce wind swept outward, carrying his overwhelming aura.

The Mizukage's pupils shrank as Konoha ninjas around them gasped, awestruck by Hui's display of power.

"Fine. Ten years. But clarify what constitutes a provocation," the Mizukage said, suppressing his fear and meeting Hui's gaze. He had no doubt that Hui could kill him with ease.

Hui withdrew his aura and nodded. "Fifteen years, then. And we will define provocations clearly in the agreement. I accept your surrender. Now, let's discuss reparations."

The Mizukage hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. Let's discuss reparations. The Kirigakure… surrenders."

Though his tone was laced with sorrow, there was a faint sense of relief.

Hui turned to the gathered crowd and declared loudly, "The war is over!"

Cheers erupted from Konoha ninjas, their voices ringing out across the battlefield. Peace had finally arrived.

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