Chapter 194: Peace Negotiations

"Hmm, not bad."

Dan stroked his chin, admiring the words he had just etched, pleased with his calligraphy.

Logically speaking, after successfully transplanting Obito's left eye and gaining access to the Kamui dimension, he should have kept it a secret from Obito. This would give him an upper hand during crucial moments, potentially catching Obito off-guard or even putting him in a life-threatening situation.

But that wouldn't be Dan's style. Keeping secrets was too mundane. He wanted to blatantly inform Obito:

"I can enter here anytime. Watch your back."

The intent was to keep Obito constantly on edge, unable to rest easily, always in fear. Tormenting Obito mentally was Dan's true pleasure.

In the outskirts of Konoha's forest...

With a spatial distortion, Dan's tall figure reappeared in the real world.

Looking around, he realized he wasn't at Nagato's barrier anymore but had shifted a considerable distance away. Reflecting on Obito's use of Kamui – disappearing from one place and reappearing in another – it seemed Kamui could also function like a spatial relocation, akin to the Flying Thunder God Technique. While Kamui had its distance limitations and wasn't as fast, it was still an extraordinary ability. No wonder Obito, with just one Sharingan, could wreak havoc in the ninja world.

Moments later, amidst a light drizzle, Dan returned to the previous site. The towering paper tree and Nagato were gone. All that remained was scorched earth, as if burned by intense flames.

Nagato was dead. But the Rinnegan was of greater concern.

Dan looked up to the distant sky, pondering whether he should immediately pursue Konan, who had taken both the Rinnegan and Naruto, the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. Realizing Konan wasn't naive enough to stay in the Rain Village waiting for him, he decided it would be a wasted journey.

His focus shifted towards Konoha, eager to witness the village's fate. This unfolding drama demanded his full attention.

However, a dilemma arose. Since the world believed him dead, he couldn't waltz back into Konoha with his current appearance, nor could he don a simple mask like Obito. Dan's physique was too distinctive. Anyone who had seen him would recognize his silhouette instantly. His unique muscular structure was his most defining feature, making it hard to conceal.

Although Dan's transformation techniques weren't the best, he had other tricks up his sleeve.

With a hissing sound, his muscles deflated, resembling a balloon losing air. Concurrently, the bones in his body realigned, reducing his height considerably. The Uchiha robe now seemed oversized, as if a child was wearing an adult's clothing.

In an instant, Dan transformed from a towering figure to an average-sized man. Additionally, the muscles and bones in his face shifted, altering his appearance as if he had undergone plastic surgery. This was a testament to Dan's absolute control over his body: manipulating all 639 muscles and 206 bones at will.

Discarding the Uchiha robe for ordinary clothes, Dan approached a riverbank, peering at his reflection.

It still wasn't perfect. The face in the water still bore traces of his original self.

Dan pondered, then channeled Yin Release chakra, masking his face. It was a high-level genjutsu using the Mangekyō Sharingan. Anyone who gazed upon his face would unconsciously fall under the illusion, misremembering his appearance.

This genjutsu was non-offensive, so it wouldn't raise suspicion. Unless someone had a more potent dojutsu than Dan's, they would be hard-pressed to see through it.

Both physiologically and mentally, this dual disguise should suffice. While not as perfect as Itachi and Kisame's "Impersonation Technique," it was effective enough for Dan.

And so, with this new appearance, he returned to Konoha.

In the heart of the Hidden Leaf Village, raindrops pattered against tents. Outside, the shinobi from Konoha and the Allied Forces either stood silent or whispered among themselves, all awaiting the results of the negotiations.

Inside one tent, Danzo, the Fifth Hokage, faced the four Kages, his aura undiminished. After all, he held the fate of thousands in his hands.

Danzo started off with a hard stance, demanding the four major villages withdraw their forces from the Land of Fire. Moreover, to prevent any double-crossing, he proposed that each village's Jinchūriki remain in Konoha as hostages.

The proposal made the Kages frown.

Bang!

The always fiery Fourth Raikage slammed his fist on the table, reprimanding Danzo, "This is delusional! The Hidden Cloud will never agree to such ridiculous terms!"

"If you aren't willing to negotiate in good faith, then I have no choice," Danzo sighed, reaching for his cane, implying he'd use the explosive seals hidden throughout the village.

Seeing this, the Raikage's eyes sharpened, and he swiftly activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode. He wouldn't be taken lightly by Danzo.

Bright electric currents filled the tent.

"Make a move, and we'll see who's faster. But even if you are, I'll make sure to cut you down," the Raikage's menacing gaze fixed on Danzo, ready to strike at any sign of treachery.

Konoha's ANBU immediately drew their weapons, ready to defend their leader and facing off against the Raikage. The tension was palpable.

"Raikage, calm down," Chiyo intervened, stepping in to prevent any rash actions. But he then sternly addressed Tsunade, "Remember the premise of our negotiation: no more explosions or casualties. If you act, there's no turning back between our villages."

"Hmph," Danzo retorted, reluctantly setting his cane down. He saw through their tactics.

The negotiations continued, with both sides stating their cases but failing to find common ground. The atmosphere grew heavier, almost suffocating.

At that point, the acting Kazekage, Chiyo, suggested, "Perhaps we should take a break and resume later."

"Hmph," the Raikage was the first to stand and leave, followed by the other Kages, returning to their camps to discuss further strategy.

Danzo watched them leave, expressionless. Rather than taking a breather outside, he remained seated, gripping his cane, meditating.

A Konoha ANBU rushed in, kneeling to report, "Hokage-sama, Jiraiya infiltrated the prison half an hour ago and freed Hiruzen Sarutobi. They then joined the Daimyō of the Land of Fire's guards and escaped Konoha."

What?

Upon hearing the report, Danzo slowly opened his eyes, his brow furrowing in concern.

"Immediately send someone to track them and keep me updated on their movements," she ordered sharply.

"Yes," the ANBU operative acknowledged, quickly exiting the tent.

The rain intensified.

Moments later, the four Kages re-entered the tent, resuming the intense negotiation with Danzo.

Danzo, representing the Leaf Village, was the first to speak, "We can agree to your terms of withdrawal. However, we will only retreat fifty kilometers from the vicinity of Konoha, not the entire Land of Fire."

At the heart of it, the major ninja villages and the countries they served were more interested in the vast fertile land of the Land of Fire, not just Konoha. Given that Konoha had a 20,000-strong defense force, a full-scale confrontation would lead to massive casualties on both sides. Thus, after internal discussions, the Kages reluctantly agreed to Danzo's withdrawal terms, albeit with some modifications.

From Chiyo's words, Danzo discerned their intentions and retorted, "Your demands are too great."

As he finished, the Raikage interjected, "The territories in the Land of Fire already occupied by our villages cannot be relinquished. Even if we, the Kages, were to agree, our respective Daimyōs would never consent. You should be well aware of this."

Chiyo, representing the Sand Village, chimed in, "Danzo, we've shown our sincerity by making concessions. It's time you did the same. Otherwise, these negotiations are pointless."

The Mizukage, with a youthful face yet stern demeanor, added, "If negotiations break down, that's fine. The shinobi of the Mist Village fear neither bloodshed nor death. Even if we have to fight to the last man, we will erase Konoha from the ninja world."

Faced with the combined pressure from the four Kages, Danzo remained silent for a long moment before finally replying, "Very well, I accept your terms."

Deep down, he recognized the grim reality that protecting the entirety of the Land of Fire was unfeasible, especially since the Daimyō of the Land of Fire had fled alongside the Third Hokage, Hiruzen, and Jiraiya. With the Daimyō now opposing him, he had no reason to defend his territory. His primary duty was to the Hidden Leaf Village. If the Allied Forces left Konoha's territory, he'd be hailed as the village's savior, solidifying his position as the Fifth Hokage.

With that in mind, he stated, "Let us proceed to draft the peace treaty."

However, what Danzo hadn't anticipated was Chiyo's response. She leaned back, crossed her arms, and said gravely, "There's another issue."

Danzo's brow furrowed, sensing trouble, "What issue?"

Chiyo calmly elaborated, "We've heard that you acquired the title of Hokage by threatening to destroy Konoha, wresting it from the Third Hokage. Many in Konoha don't recognize your authority, and some even despise you, posing a significant risk."

Chiyo, with piercing eyes, added, "Furthermore, we've just received intel that Hiruzen, along with Jiraiya, has fled Konoha with the Daimyō. If they establish a new base, rallying shinobi under the Daimyō and the former Hokage's banners, many from Konoha might join them. Then, Konoha will be left a mere shell."

The Mizukage questioned, "If that happens, will your title as Hokage hold any meaning?"

Facing these accusations, Danzo's expression darkened, "These are internal matters of Konoha. I'll handle them accordingly. What you need to understand is that I'm negotiating with you as the Fifth Hokage, representing the will of Konoha."

The Kages, however, remained skeptical. The Mizukage continued, "But we remain concerned. You're constantly at risk of assassination or being overthrown. If a new Hokage rises and revokes this peace treaty, then what? Have we negotiated in vain?"

Danzo, trying to contain his frustration, responded, "What do you propose?"

"Don't fret, we merely want to help you solidify your position as the Hokage," said the Fourth Raikage, standing up and looking down on Danzo with evident dominance. Revealing his true intentions, he continued, "If we integrate the power of the four major ninja villages and form an elite advisory group, we can collaboratively govern Konoha and dissolve the current crisis you're facing. Moreover, we can deploy our best forces to assist you in eliminating Hiruzen and Jiraiya, ridding you of those threats."

"No!" Danzo vehemently interrupted the Raikage's proposal. The "help" he offered was a blatant attempt to usurp his power as Hokage, which was the one thing he wouldn't tolerate — his bottom line.

The four Kages exchanged glances. Chiyo remarked, "Despite our generous concessions, you still refuse. It seems there's no other way."

All four Kages rose, their eyes locked onto Danzo, emitting a palpable murderous intent. The pressure of being targeted by all four was immense, probably something only Pain or Uchiha Dan could withstand — but both were long gone.

Danzo, feeling the weight of their collective gaze, took a couple of steps back, his cold sweat betraying his anxiety. Challenging them, he exclaimed, "Are you really pushing this to the brink? If I detonate..."

"Enough!" The Fourth Raikage cut him off impatiently, "Stop threatening us with that. I've said it before: we must annihilate Konoha, regardless of the cost. The ninja world is better off with just the four major villages!"

The rest of the Kages' eyes grew even colder, reinforcing their resolve.

Swallowing hard, Danzo's face showed his distress. He realized the dire situation he was in — death seemed imminent. His mind raced, searching for solutions.

As the Kages were about to act, Danzo's demeanor softened, "For the peace of the ninja world, for the tens of thousands of ninjas outside this tent, please, let's not act rashly. Everything... is open for negotiation."

Endurance.

That was Danzo's only thought in this critical moment.

He had to save Konoha, even if it meant enduring humiliation as its Hokage. Once past this hurdle, he believed that under his leadership, Konoha would flourish again, producing shinobi prodigies.

There would be another "White Fang," another trio like the Legendary Sannin, another "Yellow Flash"...

In the future, under his command as the Fifth Hokage, Konoha would strike back, reclaiming its top position among the five major ninja villages and restoring its past glory.

Perhaps even uniting the entire ninja world.

Danzo vowed that one day, he would repay the four villages manifold for today's humiliation.

But for now, he had to endure.

The Kages exchanged looks, realizing that their tactics had worked. They had found Danzo's Achilles' heel — his attachment to the title and power of the Hokage. Exploiting this weakness, they'd gained the upper hand in the negotiations.

Their plan was to make Danzo a puppet Hokage, indirectly controlling Konoha and subjugating its shinobi — a strategy that would be more profitable than outright destroying the village.

What followed was several hours of intense negotiations. Several treaties were signed, many of which were favorable to Danzo personally, but all detrimental to Konoha.

By the time the rain outside ceased and dusk approached, the Five Kages emerged from the tent, jointly announcing:

The negotiations were a resounding success. From this moment, Konoha and the Allied Shinobi Forces would cease hostilities and embrace peace.

Hearing this exhilarating news, Konoha's shinobi collectively sighed in relief, feeling as though they'd narrowly escaped catastrophe.

The village was safe.

They had survived.

Yet, they were unaware of the conditions Danzo had agreed to in order to secure his position as Hokage.

For the shinobi of Konoha, the nightmare had only just begun...