Cloud Ninja Peace Talks

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"Crack!"

Just as Muzan approached their hiding spot, a sudden slash struck the ground in front of him.

"Ding!"

The clash echoed through the quiet forest as Muzan's blade was intercepted by his father's.

"Could it really be... you?"

Hatake Sakumo had readied himself to take down an approaching enemy, thinking they were under pursuit. But he was stunned to find his own son, Muzan, standing there. Muzan had managed to block the attack just in time; otherwise, someone else in their group might have been hurt.

"Father... you owe me a new sword," Muzan muttered, a trace of irritation in his voice. "This one was freshly forged."

Relief washed over Muzan at the sight of Sakumo. But then his gaze fell on a ninja lying on the ground, coughing violently, with small needle-like wounds across his arms—a clear sign of poison.

"The antidote pills aren't working. Who did you run into?" Muzan asked, his tone sharpening.

"A powerful puppet master, likely from Sunagakure," Sakumo replied grimly.

Muzan didn't need to ask further; he had his suspicions. Right now, their priority was saving Ishitaro, whose condition was worsening as the poison seeped into his lungs. Basic healing techniques wouldn't be enough.

"Hold still," Muzan instructed.

With careful precision, Muzan used a chakra scalpel to make a small incision on Ishitaro's shoulder, draining the poisoned blood and cleaning the area around the wound. He pulled out a medicinal pill and placed it in the wounded ninja's mouth, stabilizing him temporarily. They'd have to get him to Konoha's hospital, where advanced equipment would give him a real chance.

"Father, we need to move now. The puppet master won't be following us," Muzan assured.

Knowing that Sakumo had once killed Sasori's parents, and that Sasori had since become a rogue ninja likely linked to the Akatsuki, Muzan felt relieved that his father's White Light Chakra Sabre had survived the encounter. Sasori's strongest puppet, the Third Kazekage, wielded the Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai, a power that could shatter metal weapons, a serious threat for any swordsman.

"Father's power depends on his blade. If he faced Sasori without it, he'd be at a great disadvantage," Muzan thought.

Supporting the wounded between them, they made haste to return to Konoha. Muzan immediately set to work treating Ishitaro's injuries, and thanks to his skills, the worst was averted, though the situation had been critical.

"He's stable now," Muzan reported. "How did the mission go, Father? What did the Kumogakure envoy want?"

"The usual demands," Sakumo answered, his expression serious. "Financial compensation isn't an issue, but they also demanded a public apology from you. I turned that down. However, they're sending a delegation to Konoha on the Raikage's orders."

Sakumo, who'd seen enough of Konoha's political landscape, avoided further comment. Muzan knew Kumogakure held a grudge against him.

" Their request for an apology is ridiculous," Muzan muttered with contempt. "They started the War and lost because they were outmaneuvered. And now they expect an apology? Absurd."

Muzan's eyes narrowed. "If they come looking for trouble, I'm ready to send them back in pieces."

The idea that Konoha, the victor, should compensate the defeated village annoyed Muzan. While Konoha's strength may have waned, it was no excuse to let itself be pushed around by Kumogakure.

"The village leadership lacks a backbone," Muzan growled. "If they keep this up, Konoha's reputation will crumble."

Sakumo didn't argue with Muzan's words. He knew that if the Fourth Hokage agreed to Kumogakure's demands, it would stir unrest in Konoha. Private concessions might be tolerable, but forcing Muzan into a public apology would be seen as weakness.

"Leave it to me, Father. If they want an apology, let's see if they have the strength to demand it. Otherwise, they'll leave Konoha empty-handed," Muzan stated confidently.

---

Sakumo then headed to report to the Hokage. He suspected the Kumogakure envoy was already on its way to Konoha, given their delayed return.

When Namikaze Minato received the report, he seemed unfazed.

"We can agree to their first demand, but only if they pay for it. They've been idle lately, so let their young ninja join our Chunin Exams. We'll ensure their safety," Minato said, calm but resolute. "As for the apology, forget it. They lost; there's no need for us to lose face."

Minato's approach to leadership reflected the Third Hokage's wisdom but with a firmer edge. He wouldn't hesitate to stand his ground, especially against a weakened Kumogakure.

The Kumogakure envoy's arrival caused little stir among Konoha's top ranks, and plans proceeded smoothly.

Meanwhile, Muzan made regular visits to check on the injured in the hospital. A young child often followed him, carrying stacks of thick medical files, which reminded some of the hospital staff of Muzan's early days as a medical ninja.

"Did you hear? Master Muzan's taking on students now. Looks like Konoha's next generation of medical ninjas is in good hands," one nurse remarked.

"I'd love for my child to train under Master Muzan," another replied.

"Your kid barely controls his chakra," a third nurse teased with a laugh. "Maybe let him pass the basics first before aiming to be a medical ninja!"

Muzan's reputation in the hospital was well-respected, even though many younger medics only knew his name.

"Muzan-sensei."

In terms of medical research, Muzan had taken Kabuto under his wing, imparting years of knowledge in patient treatment. Muzan hoped Kabuto could continue and enhance the research he'd started, particularly on human biology and its potential for advancement.

After all, experiments aimed at human enhancement and immortality couldn't be completed overnight. Kabuto's talents, especially in medical ninjutsu, were exceptional and showed great promise.

Yet, Kabuto hadn't officially become Muzan's disciple. Such a title carried more than the typical student-master relationship; it represented a legacy. To be recognized as Muzan's disciple would mean joining the Hatake family, a name steeped in Konoha's proud lineage.

Even among the great clans, this was a rare honor.

"Do you attend to patients like this every day, Sensei?" Kabuto asked, his eyes filled with curiosity as he followed Muzan through the bustling halls of Konoha Hospital.

"Yes. Only by understanding the injuries and ailments of our comrades can you become a competent medical ninja," Muzan explained with a calm tone. "But remember, being a medical ninja is just the beginning. To become my disciple, you must forge your own path. Mastery over the mysteries of the human body is what makes a true shinobi."

Muzan observed Kabuto's focused expression and was impressed. The boy's determination to become a skilled medical ninja was clear, rooted in his desire to protect the orphanage that had once cared for him and to provide it with resources.

To accelerate Kabuto's progress, Muzan assigned him numerous surgeries and supplemented these with rigorous study. Kabuto was tasked with reading all medical texts written by Tsunade, the legendary Sannin and pioneer in medical ninjutsu.

In addition, Muzan set daily goals, like tending to a specific number of injured shinobi and organizing their medical records. This intensive training was designed to help Kabuto achieve mastery quickly.

Kabuto's strong will, honed through tough experiences, drove him forward without complaint.

"I'll take each task you assign me seriously, Sensei! I want to lessen your burden as soon as I can!" Kabuto declared, his eyes shining with resolve.

Muzan was pleasantly surprised by Kabuto's words, sensing the fire in the boy's spirit.

"Kabuto, guard that flame carefully. From today on, you'll be my torchbearer," Muzan said, acknowledging Kabuto as his successor.

After making his rounds, Muzan overheard some shinobi discussing recent clashes with Kumogakure.

"Those arrogant cloud-nin! After all they've done, they actually have the nerve to demand compensation from us!" one shinobi grumbled.

"Yeah, they're getting too bold. We should have crushed them on the battlefield. But Hokage-sama ordered us not to confront their envoys," another replied, frustration evident.

Muzan was surprised to hear talk of compensation. He had learned of the issue from his father, Hatake Sakumo, who had shared the confidential mission details. Yet, it seemed everyone in the village was aware.

"Either Kumogakure spread this to create pressure, or the rumor came from the Root," Muzan thought.

If Kumogakure was behind the leak, they were likely attempting to force Konoha into concessions. But if it was the work of Danzo's Root organization, it could be part of a deeper, more manipulative plot. Danzo might be seeking to undermine the Hokage's authority to boost his own influence.

Just as Muzan was about to head home, he noticed a shadowy figure in the distance. Feigning ignorance, he walked calmly to a secluded area with a barrier and stepped inside.

"Master Muzan, Lord Danzo requests your presence. He says there's an important matter requiring your cooperation," Nara Okishima announced, his tone devoid of emotion.

Muzan was unsurprised by the message, given the current situation. It likely pertained to Danzo's ongoing schemes.

"No. I have more pressing matters," Muzan replied dismissively.

Nara Okishima didn't protest. His duty was to relay Danzo's message, not to enforce it.

Muzan had no intention of wasting his time on Danzo's intrigues.

Meanwhile, Hatake Sakumo remained in the village with the arrival of Kumogakure's envoys approaching. He didn't want to take any other missions, mindful of the potential for trouble from the cloud ninjas.

"Father, if you have time, perhaps you should train Kakashi," Muzan suggested.

With the peace talks ongoing, the village would have a short period of calm. Muzan knew he'd soon be leaving Konoha, and looking at his father, he added, "Keep Kakashi close. I'm often preoccupied with experiments and don't get to spend much time with you both."

"Kakashi needs to refine his Hatake swordsmanship. He has great potential but still needs proper guidance," Muzan continued.

Hatake Sakumo looked at his son, sensing an underlying tension.

"Is something wrong? If it's mission-related, let me know. I'll lead the team if needed," he offered.

Sakumo was a true shinobi, focused solely on missions, avoiding village politics.

"No, it's just that I'll be busy for a while. Orochimaru-sensei needs my assistance with critical research," Muzan said vaguely, wanting to avoid unnecessary worry. He hoped Kakashi wouldn't face too much trouble while he was away.

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