Minato Namikaze, having just stepped out of the Konoha Hospital, suddenly stopped, glancing back with a puzzled look.

"Strange, just now… was that an illusion?"

As one of the most perceptively attuned individuals in the shinobi world, Minato had acutely sensed a strange fluctuation emanating from within the hospital.

If he had to describe it, it felt like a tailed beast whimpering, pleading for its life.

"Did the treatment work? That quickly?"

Minato shook his head, dismissing the thought, and quickly returned to his office to attend to his Hokage duties.

However, he had barely settled down when a knock echoed on his office door.

"Enter."

"Lord Fourth, Special Jonin Raidō Namiashi requests an audience!"

"Namiashi… what is it?" Minato greeted him warmly.

Raidō Namiashi had been discovered and recommended by Gojo Kaigetsu during the skirmishes with Kirigakure. The recommendation was based on Namiashi possessing the aptitude to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique. After some investigation, Minato confirmed this to be true and kept Namiashi by his side, training him as a prospective member of the Hokage Guard.

Namiashi, grateful for his promotion, believed that Advisor Gojo had pulled some strings to get him the position. He had been frequently visiting the Gojo residence with gifts.

Namiashi stepped forward, lowering his voice. "Sunagakure has sent someone! A secret emissary."

"What? Sunagakure?" Minato frowned, a sense of foreboding washing over him.

The situation with Kirigakure had just been resolved, and now Sunagakure? The relationship between Konoha and Sunagakure was even worse than with Kirigakure.

During the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha had been besieged by the Four Great Shinobi Villages. The catalyst for the conflict was the disappearance of the Third Kazekage. Sunagakure, believing that further delay would lead to their slow demise, had fired the first shot in the siege against Konoha.

Tracing further back, it was also Sunagakure, under the First Kazekage's military reforms and the warmongering faction's rule, that had initiated the First Shinobi World War…

Minato naturally held little goodwill towards a village filled with ambitious individuals who repeatedly instigated wars.

He even held more favorable sentiments toward Kumogakure, Konoha's fiercest rival.

Minato caught the key phrase in Namiashi's words: "You said… secret emissary? Not just emissary?"

An emissary would officially visit Konoha, declaring their village's political stance to the entire shinobi world.

A secret emissary, however, implied something more clandestine. They would subtly display Sunagakure symbols upon entering the village, undergoing multiple layers of communication before a secret meeting. This suggested possibilities like forming covert alliances against other villages or using Konoha to eliminate internal opposition within Sunagakure.

Minato pondered for a moment. "Bring them in."

A short while later, Baki, a Jonin from Sunagakure disguised as an ordinary ninja, entered the Hokage's office. Since this was a clandestine meeting, Baki wasn't wearing the white headwrap that signified his affiliation with Sunagakure.

'A Jonin from Sunagakure…' Minato narrowed his eyes, sensing that the matters discussed in this secret meeting would likely be of high importance.

He knew of Baki, a remarkable young ninja from Sunagakure. Judging by his achievements, he had already reached the level of an elite Jonin. Given time and experience, he would undoubtedly become a member of Sunagakure's leadership.

Minato subtly gestured to Namiashi, signaling him to fetch Gojo Kaigetsu immediately. Namiashi understood and quickly exited the Hokage Tower.

"Lord Fourth."

Baki offered a simple Sunagakure greeting and then stated his purpose: "We in Sunagakure wish to form a commercial alliance with Konoha, establish a trade partnership, and increase the scale of our mutual trade…"

After he finished, Minato tapped his fingers on the desk, addressing the core issue: "A commercial alliance? Meaning you intend to maintain military opposition while expanding trade and economic development with Konoha?"

"And when the time is right, Sunagakure will, as it has in the past, launch another war against Konoha."

Baki's heart sank.

He hadn't expected the Hokage to see through the loophole in his words so quickly. It was indeed true. The direction of a village wasn't swayed by individual desires. Given enough time for Sunagakure to accumulate sufficient strength and profit from Konoha, they would inevitably wage war again.

This was driven by the inherent warmongering and greed ingrained within the people of Sunagakure. Baki understood this all too well.

But would he abandon the plan just because the Hokage had seen through it?

Of course not. The next step was to lull Konoha into a false sense of security.

Baki placed his right hand over his heart and bowed slightly, adopting a humble posture as Sunagakure's secret emissary. "No, of course not."

"Perhaps, Lord Hokage, you are unaware that the warmongering faction within Sunagakure has lost its influence. Our Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and his supporters have long grown weary of war."

"The current Sunagakure desires peace."

Minato crossed his arms, his expression unmoved by Baki's words.

Stereotypes weren't formed overnight.

Once a war-monger, always a war-monger! There was no need for explanations; Minato wasn't interested in listening. However, remembering Gojo Kaigetsu's usual "teachings," he patiently gave Baki room to elaborate.

"If Sunagakure were truly sincere, you wouldn't have been sent here as a secret emissary." Minato scoffed.

Were they afraid that Kumogakure and Iwagakure would discover their commercial alliance with Konoha and retaliate?

Wanting to profit while avoiding the risks of inter-village conflict? Such good fortune didn't exist in the harsh reality of the shinobi world.

"No, no, my arrival as a secret emissary demonstrates Sunagakure's genuine desire for peace."

"Desire for peace…?"

"Yes, our honesty lies in… Pakura!" Baki sighed inwardly, revealing the pre-determined plan. "If you agree, Lord Hokage, we will send Pakura, hailed as a hero and elite Jonin in Sunagakure, to Konoha for a secret mission."

"At that time, Konoha can set an ambush… and kill Pakura. This is our display of sincerity."

"The people of Sunagakure won't know how or where Pakura died. And Konoha can focus all past grievances against Sunagakure onto Pakura. Her death will symbolize the resolution of our past conflicts…"

"This is the true Seal of Reconciliation."

If given a choice, who would willingly send their village hero away, handing over their life to another village? After her death, Pakura's sacrifice wouldn't even be publicly acknowledged. Only after years, or even decades, when Sunagakure rose to greatness again, would this heavy history be revealed, allowing the villagers to remember their hero.

Forget a hero, even sacrificing a normal ninja was a loss for Sunagakure! How could they casually offer up their own people? However, a weak village had no diplomatic leverage. To establish deep cooperation with a stronger village, such sacrifices were necessary to gain recognition.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

A humiliating compromise!!

Baki clenched his fists behind his back, his nails digging into his flesh.

Minato's eyes widened in genuine shock as he listened.

'Has the warmongering faction in Sunagakure fallen?'

To willingly offer Pakura to Konoha, to be disposed of as they saw fit? What political implications did this hold?!

Minato's mind raced. Under Gojo Kaigetsu's influence, his perspective on matters of the shinobi world had become increasingly nuanced.

Pakura of the Scorch Style was a renowned elite Jonin and hero of Sunagakure. She was also a symbol of Sunagakure's aggressive foreign policy. Regardless of her personal stance, in the eyes of other villages, Pakura represented the warmongering faction of Sunagakure.

Pakura's death at the hands of Konoha would mean the symbolic beheading of Sunagakure's warmongering faction. Their threat level would plummet, and the likelihood of them initiating war would greatly decrease. This was a prerequisite for establishing trust and cooperation between villages.

Furthermore, handing over a village hero to another village, to be killed or spared at their whim, undoubtedly demonstrated utmost humility. A level of humility unbefitting a village among the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

Externally, it reduced the risk of war. Internally, it appeased the lingering resentment held by the older generation of Konoha against Sunagakure.

A near-perfect solution.

Minato's expression became complex. Offering Pakura to Konoha was akin to offering Gojo Kaigetsu to Kumogakure in exchange for their support. Theoretically possible, but even facing annihilation, Konoha wouldn't commit such an act.

It could only be said that… Sunagakure had made a shrewd move, albeit a ruthless one towards their own ninja.

Noticing the subtle shift in Minato's expression, Baki realized that the sacrifice of Pakura had achieved its intended effect. As Hokage, Minato represented Konoha's leadership. Easing his vigilance towards Sunagakure meant they were largely successful. The will of the lower ranks couldn't alter the direction of the village, which was always determined by its leadership.

Baki pressed his advantage: "Sunagakure possesses abundant strategic resources, including gold and chakra metal ore… These resources are buried deep underground. Due to being mired in war and hindered by transportation difficulties, Sunagakure has been unable to effectively develop these resources."

"Now, with peace prevailing in the shinobi world, if Konoha fully opens up and increases trade with Sunagakure, these resources can be developed."

"Our village has decided that if Konoha forms a pact with us and shares the cost of constructing trade routes, we are willing to share the extracted resources with Konoha!"

"If you agree, Lord Hokage, after sending Pakura to Konoha for the secret mission, we will publicly announce our commercial cooperation."

This offer was undeniably tempting.

Gold was a universal currency, so that went without saying. Chakra metal ore… the high price of kunai and shuriken was largely due to the scarcity of chakra metal ore.

The Land of Fire had limited reserves of chakra metal ore, but their forging techniques were highly advanced, having established a large-scale ninja tool industry. Sunagakure, on the other hand, was rich in resources but lacked the modern forging techniques prevalent in the shinobi world…

If Konoha and Sunagakure could put aside their past, their development would undoubtedly complement and benefit each other.

With this understanding, the details of sharing the cost of constructing trade routes and the specific distribution of resources could be discussed later.

Minato was genuinely tempted.

However, despite the temptation, he didn't immediately agree. After all, he had two minds to consider - his own and his external one.

"Why are you hesitating, Minato? Agree to the Sunagakure emissary's terms."

"Who's there?!" Baki instinctively turned, seeing a white-haired ninja wearing a black blindfold casually push the door open and enter the Hokage's office.

White hair…

A shadow of unease crossed Baki's mind. It was the same hair color as Konoha's White Fang.

"Lord Hokage, is it appropriate for other ninjas to intrude upon our confidential meeting?"

"I am Konoha's Advisor Gojo, not 'other ninja' as you put it."

Gojo Kaigetsu poured himself a cup of tea. "I overheard half of your conversation. Although I didn't catch everything, I can guess the general gist of it~"

"However, I have a few additions to this agreement."

Baki instinctively glanced at Minato, who offered no objections. Shrugging, Baki said, "Please speak."

"First, Sunagakure must declare and guarantee that for the next thirty years, all chakra metal ore produced within the Land of Wind will be preferentially sold to Konoha and settled using the currency of the Land of Fire, even for exports to other villages."

"The Land of Fire's currency? Isn't it all cash anyway?"

"While it's all cash, each nation has unique markings on its currency. Let's make this a ten-year agreement."

Baki didn't think much of this odd request and nodded slowly. Since it was all cash, it made no difference to them, so he could readily agree.

Gojo Kaigetsu slowly presented his second demand: "Konoha will dispatch a team of technical experts and emissaries to be stationed long-term in Sunagakure to guide chakra metal mining operations and protect our interests. Even in the event of war, Sunagakure cannot harm this team. Otherwise, Konoha will retaliate without hesitation."

"Acceptable. However, Konoha cannot include ninjas above Chunin rank in this team, nor any Hyuga clan members. They are also prohibited from engaging in any deliberate sabotage within Sunagakure. Otherwise, we will unilaterally terminate the agreement."

Merely stationing personnel was inconsequential. Within their own territory, even if Konoha ninjas attempted sabotage or intelligence gathering, they would have to consider the vast, unforgiving desert surrounding them.

"Third…" Gojo Kaigetsu paused thoughtfully. "Sunagakure's Genin and Chunin Exams must be held jointly with Konoha. Also, Sunagakure must send no fewer than five school-aged children to study at the Konoha Ninja Academy as a symbol of cultural exchange between our villages. We will provide them with the same education as our own students."

"This…" Baki hesitated.

Sunagakure's ninja exams had always been held within their own village. He couldn't quite grasp Gojo Kaigetsu's intentions. First, stationing Konoha personnel long-term in Sunagakure, and now having Sunagakure children study in Konoha… what was he planning?

"Why not have Konoha send children to study in Sunagakure?"

Hearing this question, Gojo Kaigetsu feigned an exaggerated expression, his unseen eyes rolling as if looking at a fool. "Of course, it's because Konoha has a better environment and superior educational facilities! If they went to Sunagakure, they'd probably be crying their eyes out from the sand within two days. Besides, don't you want the children of Sunagakure to have a better childhood?"

Baki fell silent. Gojo Kaigetsu's words had struck a chord within him.

Indeed… if Konoha didn't hold back and provided the same education, perhaps the returning students could reveal the secrets of Konoha's strength. And, the childhood of Sunagakure children was indeed harsh. Experiencing a better life in Konoha wouldn't be a bad thing.

"I can't agree to this immediately. I need to consult with the Fourth Kazekage. And, even for an exchange at the academy student level, what would be the time frame?"

"Three months or longer." Gojo Kaigetsu answered instantly. "Sunagakure can consider it a 'summer camp,' a vivid outdoor practical exchange class for students of the Sunagakure Ninja Academy. Let them come to Konoha and experience the harsh realities of the shinobi world firsthand, and witness what true ninja genius looks like."

"Alright, I'll return as quickly as possible. If Lord Kazekage agrees, the academy students will accompany the official Sunagakure envoy to Konoha."

Baki believed the Kazekage would agree to this condition.

The main topic of discussion in the Elder Council had been strengthening "commercial and cultural" exchange with Konoha. The latter was undoubtedly an excellent way to uncover the secrets of Konoha's enduring strength.

"Lastly…"

Gojo Kaigetsu raised his fourth finger. "Regarding the construction of the trade route between Sunagakure and Konoha."

"What about it? Is Konoha unwilling to contribute funds? That wouldn't be appropriate. Both of us will benefit. It would be unfair if only Sunagakure bears the cost." Baki asked nervously.

As for the Land of Rivers between their villages… weaker villages were irrelevant in the power plays between major villages.

"No, no, why would you think so poorly of me, Baki? What I mean to say is that Konoha will cover all expenses for the construction of the trade route! And we will be responsible for security along the route as well."

Baki's expression gradually turned blank, as if saying: I'm not very smart, don't trick me. Do such good things actually happen in the ninja world?

"Of course, this isn't unconditional. For the next thirty years, Konoha will hold all rights to the profits from this trade route. Sunagakure cannot interfere with the operation of the trade route for any reason or under any pretext."

"Deal!" Baki exclaimed, as if afraid Gojo Kaigetsu would retract his offer.

Wasn't the primary purpose of a trade route to transport goods? What other profits could there be? Just the measly toll fees, which wouldn't even cover the construction costs.

It was perfect that Konoha was willing to handle the troublesome task of building the road.

"Let's draw up the contract immediately! Lord Hokage! Advisor Gojo!"

…

…

Baki walked out of the Hokage Tower, clutching the freshly signed "Konoha-Suna Comprehensive Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Mutual Assistance," still feeling slightly surreal.

He had secured far greater benefits for Sunagakure than anticipated!

The construction costs were completely waived! How much could Sunagakure achieve with those saved funds?!

'This Konoha… has lost the vigilance a powerful shinobi village should possess. Relying on their wealth, they squander it recklessly.'

'As long as Sunagakure secures enough time for development, we will rise to greatness again, while this complacent Konoha will inevitably fall.'

Filled with aspirations and hope, Baki passed through the gates of Konoha's new commercial district, eager to return to his village.

However, his ninja instincts hadn't failed him, and he had gathered considerable intel.

For example:

He saw a confidant of the Mizukage, stumbling out of an establishment with a distinctly shady atmosphere.

'Hmph, birds of a feather flock together. Kirigakure, having formed a full alliance with Konoha, has already succumbed to decadence in such a short time. My judgment was correct.'

He saw, at the open counter of the Taiten Ninja Tool Shop, an ordinary Genin specializing in Water Style meticulously washing a shuriken seven times with a strange jutsu before handing it to a civilian for another seven rounds of wiping… a display of meticulous craftsmanship.

'So, what the Elder Council mentioned about Konoha washing their shuriken seven times is true.'

'Konoha's wasteful use of resources, their reckless spending, is exactly like a nouveau riche with no substance.'

'Konoha shows signs of a village on the decline!'

---