The atmosphere grew tense.

Mitokado, putting on a friendly face, stepped forward, attempting to appease the Mist envoy with soothing words. Inwardly, he cursed Gojo Kaigetsu. This hard-won peace was nearly shattered because of him.

Thankfully, Mitokado was there to mediate.

However, Gojo Kaigetsu clearly didn't appreciate the intervention.

His demeanor sharpened, his tone growing hostile.

"Whether your Fourth Mizukage can still fight or not, why don't we just test it?"

"Perhaps you're unaware, but our Konoha elder, Danzo, during the establishment of our base in the Land of Hot Water, secretly infiltrated Kirigakure and left behind a 'Flying Raijin Mark.'"

"Of course, Elder Danzo is getting on in years, and his talent is… limited. He certainly can't use that S-rank jutsu."

"Such a powerful jutsu, even in Konoha, only one person can use it. You're all aware of who that is, I presume."

"Shall we give it a try, Kirigakure envoy, Gonbee-dono? Perhaps with a snap of my fingers, that Flying Raijin user will teleport into Kirigakure and wreak havoc."

"By then, will Kirigakure still have any Kage-level shinobi capable of stopping this disaster? Will these peace talks truly satisfy both parties?"

"I'm not a patient man. Let's say ten seconds. If Gonbee-dono can't provide a satisfactory answer in ten seconds, this finger will snap."

Gojo Kaigetsu slowly raised his right hand, his thumb and middle finger poised, his icy voice echoing like a death knell.

"10, 9, 8…"

Damn it!

Gonbee's pupils constricted. This was completely unexpected!

A mixture of shock and fury surged through him. He glared silently at the impassive Danzo, his eyes burning with resentment.

'Danzo, the Darkness of the Shinobi World… he actually took advantage of our internal conflict to leave behind such a dangerous mark? Such a dirty tactic, like a mangy dog!'

But after the initial rage, Gonbee began to think.

Someone in Konoha could use the scary space-time ninjutsu, the Flying Raijin Jutsu. This was common knowledge among those who had experienced the Third Shinobi World War.

If… if Danzo had indeed infiltrated Kirigakure during this operation and left behind a Flying Raijin mark… Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash, could indeed teleport into Kirigakure.

In Kirigakure's current state, could anyone stop him?

Gonbee desperately searched his memory for Kage-level figures, but the harsh reality filled him with despair.

The answer was-no!

Even their village's last resort, the Three-Tails, Isobu, was sealed within Yagura. With Yagura in a coma, even this final, desperate measure was unavailable.

Insane! This was insane!

Gonbee hadn't expected Gojo Kaigetsu to be this reckless, completely disregarding the dignity of a major village.

During peace talks, to have their Kage teleport into another village to cause destruction and carnage… only those barbarians from Kumogakure would do such a thing!

It was utterly shameless!

Of course, it was possible that Gojo Kaigetsu was bluffing, that there was no Flying Raijin mark in Kirigakure. But could he gamble on that? Could he bear the responsibility?

It was like a Kirigakure intern messing up negotiations with Konoha. If he gambled with Gojo and lost, he would have to sign the incident report, taking full responsibility.

Gonbee shuddered. He… couldn't gamble.

Gojo's words had unsettled more than just Gonbee.

Danzo's face darkened. This was a huge burden being placed upon him.

If it were for his dear friend, Sarutobi, he would bear the blame, but this was for his political enemy, Gojo Kaigetsu.

From now on, whether in peace or war, he would be targeted by those bloodthirsty lunatics from Kirigakure…

'Damn it all!'

He wanted to declare, "When did I ever leave a Flying Raijin mark?!" But seeing Gonbee's increasingly grim expression, Danzo, the Darkness of the Shinobi World, realized something.

His cunning mind quickly pieced things together. Could it be that the Fourth Mizukage was truly incapacitated due to the internal rebellion in Kirigakure?

If so… he would undoubtedly lose this gamble with Gojo Kaigetsu. But the subsequent peace talks would allow Konoha to squeeze Kirigakure dry.

'This is… both a good and bad outcome.'

Danzo's face contorted in a grimace, caught in a dilemma.

On one hand, becoming Hokage. On the other, strengthening Konoha. Two ideals that should have been aligned were now clashing in his mind, pushing him to the edge, nearly obliterating his ninja way.

Meanwhile, Minato noticed Gojo Kaigetsu making small hand signals behind his back. These were pre-arranged signals between them.

Understanding, Minato began the hand seals for the Flying Raijin Jutsu.

He had only one thought: Since Kaigetsu-kun is throwing caution to the wind, I have nothing to hold back.

If this were the Minato of the past, he would have obediently adhered to the basic etiquette between villages. But after spending time with Gojo Kaigetsu, he was like a pure-hearted boy corrupted by a delinquent with dyed blonde hair… even though he was the one with the blonde hair.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Konoha is going too far!"

"Just because your village is strong doesn't mean ours is weak! Do you think Kirigakure has no one left?!"

"Enough talk! Yagura-sama will kill you all!"

"We came here for peace talks, not to be humiliated! Gonbee-dono, there's no need to continue talking with these rude Konoha ninjas. Let's go!"

The accompanying younger generation of Kirigakure ninjas started clamoring.

Only Mei Terumi's expression grew more serious. Judging by Gonbee's reaction, it was likely that the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, who had appeared in public recently, was an imposter meant to stabilize the village.

The real Yagura had likely met with an unfortunate end during the rebellion.

The pieces clicked into place in Mei's mind. She sighed softly. Without Gojo Kaigetsu, Kirigakure could have secured Konoha's alliance without any concessions.

Judging by Elder Mitokado's attitude, they might even have gained some advantages.

But because of Gojo Kaigetsu, Kirigakure would have to bleed to obtain a peace treaty… a complete reversal of the initial situation.

Mei lifted her gaze, staring intently at the black fabric covering Gojo Kaigetsu's eyes, as if trying to peer through the thin veil and understand the heart of this scary man.

"3, 2, 1…"

Gonbee watched as Gojo Kaigetsu's thumb and middle finger rubbed together, ready to snap, while Minato completed his hand seals.

He had to make a decision!

"I understand!" At the last moment, under the incredulous gazes of the Kirigakure delegation, Gonbee bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, shouting with all his might.

The shout seemed to drain all the chakra from his body. And with that shout, his already strained spine finally gave way.

Crack-

Gojo Kaigetsu snapped his fingers.

The sound echoed sharply in the silent meeting room, like a resounding slap across Kirigakure's face.

A stinging pain-

An island village should act like one.

"That's more like it~"

"A very wise choice, a delightful outcome for both parties, wouldn't you say, Gonbee-dono?"

Gojo Kaigetsu's icy demeanor melted away, replaced by a jovial smile as he clapped Gonbee heavily on his bowed shoulders.

"Have a seat, Gonbee-dono."

Whew…

Seeing this, Minato quickly dispelled his hand seals. Otherwise, to play along with Kaigetsu-kun's act, he would have had to teleport to who-knows-where.

"Gonbee-dono! Why did you do that?!"

"Traitor! I'll never forgive you!"

"Remember your pride as a Kirigakure ninja, you bastard!"

"Don't stop me! I'll prove that not all Kirigakure ninja are cowards!"

Behind Gonbee, the younger generation of Kirigakure ninjas erupted in outrage. Yet, none dared to step past Gonbee and confront the seemingly non-combative Gojo Kaigetsu.

Zabuza Momochi, the strongest among them, remained silent. He simply glanced at his comrades with disdain. No one was stopping them, yet they only dared to use their mouths.

Either truly risk their lives to prove their loyalty to Kirigakure, or, like him, remain silent and invisible.

"Enough! What do you even know?!" Gonbee was on the verge of a breakdown. His spine was broken by Gojo Kaigetsu, and his comrades and juniors didn't understand him. What kind of injustice was this?

"Exactly!" Gojo Kaigetsu chimed in, feigning indignation. "Don't you get it? Your Fourth Mizukage truly lost his fighting ability during the Kirigakure rebellion!"

"In other words, Kirigakure is now like fish on a chopping block, on the verge of utter ruin. Compared to those brainless barbarians from Kumogakure, Mei would rather trust us civilized ninjas of Konoha."

"Am I right, Gonbee-dono?"

"…Indeed, that is the case." Gonbee chuckled wryly, slowly straightening his back, standing hunched before Gojo Kaigetsu.

"What! How could this be…"

"The Fourth Mizukage actually…"

"Is there no one left to stand up for Kirigakure?"

"Alright, alright, enough with the long faces. Let's sit down and calmly discuss the 'Konoha-Kirigakure Alliance Treaty.'"

Gojo Kaigetsu, being a kind-hearted ninja at his core, couldn't bear to see others suffer.

Now in complete control of the negotiations, he returned to his seat and said amiably, "We in Konoha have always yearned for peace. Since Kirigakure has made the right choice, we won't mistreat you."

With a clap of his hands, Gojo Kaigetsu summoned a long scroll.

It contained the alliance treaty he had drafted-

[Alliance Treaty:]

[Konohagakure and Kirigakure shall coexist peacefully forever. The two villages shall support each other, dispatching ninjas to aid the other in the event of an attack by a third party. The citizens of both villages shall be protected while residing or trading in the other village.]

[Konoha citizens trading in Kirigakure shall no longer be subject to previous regulations and may freely trade with any merchant of the Land of Water.]

[From now on, Konoha ninja and citizens may freely trade at Kirigakure's coastal ports. Konoha will station ninjas and administrative officials at these ports specifically to handle business affairs and interact with Kirigakure officials and ninja. Konoha shall enjoy tax exemptions when trading with Kirigakure.]

[To facilitate ship repairs and storage of goods, Konoha shall have the opportunity to select a Kirigakure affiliated island. Kirigakure will permanently cede this island to the Konoha Hokage and their successors. Konoha may establish offices on the island and enact laws and governance, dispatching ninjas as needed to protect Konoha's legitimate interests in Kirigakure.]

[Ten million ryō in cash shall be paid to Konoha for the humanitarian aid provided during the Land of Hot Water operation.]

[The Kirigakure Bloody Mist regime forcibly seized the Hyuga clan's Kekkei Genkai, the Byakugan, 50 years ago. Kirigakure shall now pay 10 million ryō in cash as compensation and return the Byakugan.]

[Kirigakure shall send no less than ten "young and talented ninjas" to Konoha for an in-depth study of Konoha's "civilized spirit" for a period of three years.]

After the terms were read, both sides gasped.

One might have mistaken it for a treaty imposed on a decisively defeated nation in the Fourth Shinobi World War. It was hard to believe this was an alliance treaty.

It was a blatant display of looking down on Kirigakure, treating them as a subordinate village of Konoha.

Gonbee sighed. "Advisor Gojo, with all due respect, these terms are impossible to accept."

"If these are the terms of the alliance, Kirigakure will have no choice but to cooperate with those barbarians from Kumogakure, however reluctantly."

Gojo Kaigetsu wasn't surprised by the resolute tone.

As with the previously mentioned "breaking the membrane" effect, a male ninja asking a female ninja for a sparring session might be rejected, but suggesting a light warm-up might be accepted.

In negotiations, it was always best to start with high demands. When lowering the demands later, the other party would find it harder to refuse.

"Oh? Is that so? Then, Gonbee-dono, which terms do you find unreasonable?"

Every single one of them is unreasonable!

Gonbee's lips twitched, but realizing that prolonging this wouldn't benefit Kirigakure, he abandoned the idea of haggling and said through gritted teeth, "Articles one through four, I, as the Kirigakure envoy, can agree to! But Konoha must guarantee to send aid if Kirigakure is attacked."

"However, articles five and six are absolutely impossible."

Gonbee remembered instructions before his departure: Everything was for the sake of biding their time. The alliance was temporary. When Kirigakure regained its former glory, they would settle the score with Konoha!

This meant that the terms of this treaty absolutely could not hinder Kirigakure's resurgence; they couldn't damage its foundation.

The Byakugan was strategically important in ninja warfare and absolutely could not be returned.

The young and talented ninjas of Kirigakure could not be sent to Konoha either. While the stated purpose was a three-year exchange program, they would effectively be hostages. Once they entered Konoha, they would be trapped, even Kage-level shinobi might be forced to carve the Hokage Rock for the rest of their lives.

"Hey, we're all friends here."

"Just amend the last two articles as a token of friendship."

Gojo Kaigetsu grabbed the scroll, simply crossing out the text.

"You don't have to return the Byakugan. Just pay an additional ten million ryō as compensation. We understand each other. The Hyuga clan will certainly have objections, so this is compensation for them."

"As for the young ninjas…"

Gojo Kaigetsu licked his lips suggestively, pointing at the still somewhat naive young kunoichi,

"I want her. Let this young kunoichi stay in Konoha to study."

"I, as the advisor, will personally provide her with meticulous guidance~"