Trapped

The ongoing discussions between Konoha and Kumo were under the watchful eye of Iwagakure. Iwa wasn't thrilled about the peace talks, they had hoped to deal a crippling blow to Kumo, if not outright destroy them.

Their objective in this war was clear, weaken Kumo to the point that it could no longer pose a threat to Iwa. They had even tried persuading Konoha multiple times to extend the conflict. However, the Hokage stood firm in his resolve for peace.

While Konoha and Iwa were allies at the moment, both sides knew that their alliance was temporary. In the future, Iwa could very well become an enemy. If Kumo were completely wiped out, the biggest winner would undoubtedly be Iwa.

Tobirama understood this clearly. For Konoha, leaving Kumo weakened but intact was a way to maintain balance and keep Iwa in check, even if Kumo might one day regain its strength.

Eventually, Iwa's second Tsuchikage abandoned his efforts to sabotage the peace process, allowing the talks between Konoha and Kumo to proceed without interference.

When the day of negotiations arrived, Tobirama led his team to the border between the lands of Hot Springs and Frost, where Raikage and Hokage had agreed to meet. The armies of both sides remained on standby nearby, watching each other cautiously to ensure no large movements were made. Only the Raikage, Hokage, and their guards were permitted to enter the meeting site.

"I'll take Sarutobi with me. Masaki, you stay here and wait for our return. Once the talks are over, you'll handle the transfer of prisoners," Tobirama instructed Masaki Fumori.

Unlike in the original timeline, this time only Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and the Akimichi Torifu departed with Tobirama. Uchiha Kagami, was still engaged in battles in the Wind Country, which had changed from the course of normal events. Masaki, meanwhile, had been tasked with overseeing the prisoners and maintaining caution.

Originally, Fumori Masaki was to accompany Tobirama as his personal guard, but Masaki told Tobirama of feared potential disruptions at the meeting. Kumo Ninja Village had a strong martial tradition, and even if they were temporarily subdued, there was no guarantee against potential troublemakers.

Tobirama understood Masaki's concerns about the Golden Horn and Silver Horn's notorious unpredictability. Although he didn't believe they would cause trouble, he preferred to err on the side of caution. Thus, Masaki was left behind, equipped with small slugs to relay any important messages. These slugs were crucial for communication in case of emergencies, as their range was limited, and there were barriers that could impede message transmission.

"Sensei, I wish you a safe return," Masaki said sincerely.

After the delegation left, Rimi, who stayed behind with Masaki, asked, "Do you think someone will disrupt the peace talks as you mentioned?"

Although Tobirama and the second generation Raikage had not considered such rebellious actions, Rimi had witnessed Masaki's previous predictions come true, making her worry about the potential for trouble.

"It's possible," Masaki replied.

"Why the uncertainty? You were so certain before," Rimi inquired.

Masaki explained, "While major trends are predictable, this situation is different. Unexpected events could arise."

This time, Uchiha Kagami wasn't present, and the previous losses inflicted on Golden and Silver Horn were greater than expected. Masaki wasn't entirely certain about their next move. Predicting events accurately was crucial for his image, and being wrong here could damage his credibility.

Rimi sighed, watching as the group disappeared into the forest. "I hope you're wrong this time. If there is trouble, many will suffer."

"I hope so too," Masaki said softly, watching his wife with a smile, gently kissing her forehead.

Masaki hoped that the events he anticipated would not come to pass, that the Golden Horn and Silver Horn would not instigate rebellion, and that Kumo would remain relatively stable. Unfortunately, such hopes often face harsh realities. The butterfly effect of chaos might be inevitable.

Meanwhile, the Konoha and Kumo parties approached the alliance site. Slugs were strategically placed in the woods, hidden and unnoticed, but their role in communication was vital.

Tobirama used his perception abilities to monitor the situation. He detected a group approaching, including the second generation Raikage and his guards. Everything seemed within acceptable limits, and there were no apparent threats.

When the Konoha and Kumo delegations arrived at the alliance site, the atmosphere was tense but hopeful. Both parties were keen to end the war. The second Raikage and Hokage exchanged pleasantries before addressing the main topic. The atmosphere improved as they moved closer to finalizing the peace agreement.

Just as the agreement was about to be signed, a thunderous noise erupted. A barrage of lightning formed a barrier around the meeting area, and ninjas dressed in Kumo attire emerged from the ground. This was the Earth Dragon technique, a surprise attack technique requiring advanced earth manipulation.

"Treachery? Raikage, is this your doing?" Tobirama's expression darkened, but the second Raikage quickly denied it.

"These aren't my men! They're under the command of Kinkaku and Ginkaku!" Raikage's face was filled with fury.

The ground beneath them began to soften, revealing a cluster of explosive tags. These tags encircled both the Kumo and Konoha groups, detonating in a series of blasts that created a large crater. Fortunately, no one was killed, though injuries were inevitable. Amidst the chaos, a mocking voice remarked, "It's a pity, but the guards were not easily subdued."

Golden Horn and Silver Horn emerged from the soil, their presence igniting fury in the second generation Raikage. He glared at them, seething with anger. "Kinkaku, Ginkaku, do you understand the consequences of your actions?"

"Of course," Golden Horn sneered. "You will all die here."

"You're delusional!" Raikage spat. "How did you even get here? What's happening in the village?"

"The village?" Golden Horn laughed, forming hand seals. A massive gourd materialized on his back. "It's under our control. As for your precious Bi, we've taken care of him."

Raikage's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible! Bi wouldn't fall so easily. Bi should have stopped you," Bi, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, was crucial for defending the village.

Golden Horn revealed a large gourd, "This is our secret weapon."

The second generation Raikage didn't recognize the item. It was the Six Paths treasure known as the Amber Purifying Pot, capable of sealing even the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

"Enough talk," Golden Horn said, a cunning smile on his face. "As Kages, you can't afford to waste time."

Golden Horn then unleashed a golden rope that shot towards the Raikage and Tobirama with incredible speed. The rope had a peculiar shape and was intended to ensnare them. Instinctively, the second Raikage threw kunai and moved away, but the rope was too fast. Tobirama, using his Flying Thunder God technique, managed to evade the attack.

The second Raikage, although fast, was not quick enough to avoid the rope entirely. It brushed against him, causing a strange force to flow through his body, expelling a peculiar object with Chakra from his mouth. The object revealed a word.

Silver Horn seized the opportunity, attacking the second generation Raikage with a silver blade. The attack was aimed not at the Raikage but at the chakra expelled from his body, which Silver Horn eagerly absorbed.

The battle erupted between Kumo and Konoha ninjas, with Golden Horn and Silver Horn directly confronting the second Raikage and Hokage.

"What's that?" the second Raikage asked as he retreated, eyeing Silver Horn with growing concern.

"I'm not sure, but it seems they've absorbed some kind of language. They wouldn't act without a reason. We should avoid those things," Tobirama said, noting the words on Silver Horn's blade.

"It's related to speech," the second Raikage surmised, focusing on the clues.

Golden Horn grinned, "This is a Six Paths treasure. The Golden Canopy Rope forces people to speak a specific language, and the Seven-Star Sword can curse and trap them in this gourd."

As he spoke, he tapped the red gourd, a sly expression on his face. "So, be careful. If you speak that cursed language, you're finished."

The second Raikage didn't understand why Golden Horn was revealing this, but it aligned with his suspicions. He gathered his energy, preparing for a joint effort with Tobirama against their common enemies.

"The Sage's treasures... This battle will be harder than I thought," Tobirama muttered, realizing the weapons' true nature.

Raikage nodded grimly. "Looks like we'll be fighting side by side today."

"Agreed," Tobirama responded, his eyes sharp and focused on the two brothers. It was time to put an end to this madness. Now, they had to unite against the Golden Horn and Silver Horn, who had turned a potential peace into a battlefield.

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Info of Six Paths Treasures

Kōkinjō (Golden Canopy Rope ) extracts the target's spirit word.

Shichiseiken (Seven Stars Sword ) marks and cuts the spirit word.

Benihisago (Crimson Gourd ) seals the soul if the target says their spirit word.

Kohaku no Jōhei (Amber Purifying Pot ) seals anyone who responds to a call.