A Curious Misunderstanding and a Noble Sacrifice

In the village of Konoha, within the Hokage's office~

The head of the Cloud Village delegation sat before the Third Hokage. His expression was earnest, his tone sincere:

"We, of the Cloud Village, and Konoha are neighboring nations, naturally connected and sharing a mutual desire for peace.

"During the eras of our First and Second Raikages, we sought to establish a peace agreement with your village. Unfortunately, that attempt was thwarted by the treachery of the rogue shinobi, the Gold and Silver Brothers, leaving it unrealized to this day.

"Now, the situation in the ninja world grows increasingly tense. Surely, you can feel the foreboding storm looming over us.

"Our two villages need each other's support. If we can work together, we can maintain this hard-won peace and provide stability and hope to both our nations."

The Third Hokage maintained a calm and composed expression. However, those familiar with him might detect a subtle hint of delight in his demeanor.

He cleared his throat lightly, tapping his pipe against the desk with an air of nonchalance, exuding a sense of composed authority.

His aged but sharp eyes fixed intently on the Cloud Village head, as if probing the depths of his intentions.

But inwardly, the Hokage's feelings were the opposite of his outward demeanor. His act was merely a negotiation tactic, a hallmark of leadership. If he already knew the Cloud delegation's offer and found it favorable, he'd have summoned Nara Shikaku to draft the agreement by now.

The Cloud Village's proactive approach to propose a peace treaty was an unexpected delight to the Third Hokage.

This offer was like a "timely rain" for Konoha amidst its current challenges.

With a faint smile, the Third Hokage coughed lightly and spoke slowly:

"Your village's sincerity has been noted, and Konoha has always pursued peace as a guiding principle passed down from our previous Hokage. That will never change.

"However, forming an alliance between two major hidden villages is no small matter. Please rest at the inn for now. We need time to deliberate the specifics, and I'll inform you when we're ready to discuss further."

The Cloud Village's head nodded but couldn't entirely hide a flash of frustration. He stared directly into the Hokage's eyes and said firmly:

"We came to Konoha with sincerity, and I hope you will face Cloud with the same genuine attitude, not dismissiveness.

"We look forward to your prompt response. Farewell."

He then bowed slightly and strode out of the Hokage's office with measured steps.

The Third Hokage's calm smile remained as he leisurely picked up his pipe, inhaled deeply, and exhaled a cloud of smoke.

"These Cloud shinobi, so impatient and reckless... But it does feel refreshing to hold the upper hand in negotiations after such a long time."

Ever since Fuma had taken over as the head of the Uchiha clan, the Third Hokage had rarely experienced the advantage in any negotiation.

Recalling the robust figure of the Cloud head, he couldn't help but lament inwardly, "If only the Uchiha clan were as obedient as these Cloud shinobi…"

Turning to Homura, he said with a touch of satisfaction:

"This proactive move by Cloud shows they've been deterred by our performance in the last war. Homura, you and Shikaku must carefully draft a suitable agreement. This is a matter of great importance."

The Third Hokage envisioned the reactions of Konoha's shinobi upon learning of the agreement, savoring the satisfaction of proving that some wartime sacrifices had been necessary.

More importantly, the successful signing of this treaty would symbolize the continuation of efforts even the Second Hokage couldn't achieve, adding profound significance to his legacy.

Homura adjusted his glasses and exchanged a glance with Shikaku before analyzing:

"The Cloud Village has historically only clashed fiercely with Iwagakure and has shown friendliness toward Konoha. We can afford to extend them some trust."

"Their initiative to establish relations with us should be met with a positive attitude. A well-crafted treaty could help alleviate some of the tensions within our village."

In this timeline, Fuma's presence had altered history. Cloud had not attempted to kidnap Kushina and had limited its confrontations to Iwagakure, remaining relatively low-profile.

Compared to Sand Village, which initiated wars, Konoha's economic dominance, and Mist Village's internal purges, Cloud's reputation among the Five Great Villages was arguably the best.

The Third Hokage pondered the historical attitudes of Cloud's Raikages toward Konoha, finding no major inconsistencies. Relaxing slightly, he began reviewing the draft treaty from Cloud, occasionally making annotations.

Historically, the First Raikage had supported Tobirama's proposal at the first Kage Summit without demanding unreasonable concessions, unlike the First Kazekage.

The Second Raikage had carried on his predecessor's legacy, initiating a peace treaty with Tobirama. Although both were assassinated during the treaty signing by the Gold and Silver Brothers, their deaths underscored Cloud's innocence.

With both villages' Second Kage falling to internal upheavals, the prior treaty was shelved.

From a historical perspective, there had never been significant enmity between Cloud and Konoha, making them nearly allied villages.

Shikaku sighed softly, interrupting the Hokage's train of thought:

"Lord Hokage, during the last war, Cloud's then Two-Tails Jinchuriki, crossed the border into the Land of Fire.

"I'm not convinced of their genuine intent. We should further probe their motives and at least prepare contingencies."

The Hokage deliberated briefly before dismissing Shikaku's concerns.

"That was the result of Danzo intentionally loosening the defensive lines to lure Cloud's Jinchuriki into our territory. It wasn't an outright breach."

"In war, all villages dispatch intelligence teams. Even we would've done the same under similar circumstances."

Shikaku nodded, though his voice carried a trace of doubt, "I understand, Lord Hokage."

For the Third Hokage, Cloud's sincerity was irrelevant. In the ninja world, agreements held little weight, with no village fully adhering to them.

The death of Hashirama had triggered the First Great Ninja War—a lesson the Hokage had experienced firsthand.

However, signing this treaty would boost the reputation of Konoha's leadership and restore faith in the Will of Fire, making it invaluable.

With a faint smile, he shared an intriguing revelation:

"Did you know, Shikaku, based on Sakumo's report, Fuma encountered Cloud's Two-Tails Jinchuriki in the Land of Rain and nearly killed her?"

"When the Third Raikage arrived to retrieve her, he refrained from any retaliation. That alone speaks volumes."

Shikaku stroked his chin thoughtfully, acknowledging:

"If that's true, then Cloud's fear of us is evident, lending credibility to their sincerity. Your insight is sharp, Lord Hokage."

Unbeknownst to the Hokage, the Third Raikage had refrained from retaliation not out of fear but because of Fuma's overwhelming strength. Any action could've resulted in devastating consequences for Cloud.

...........

Konoha Guesthouse~

Within the secure confines of the inn, the Cloud Village's leader activated anti-surveillance barriers and carefully scanned the area with sensory ninjutsu to ensure no foreign chakra signatures lingered.

Surveying the uneasy expressions of his fellow shinobi, he spoke solemnly:

"Do not fret. My purpose in coming to Konoha is to die. Follow my plan, and you'll remain safe, returning to Cloud as heroes!"

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