The Land of Whirlpools*The Meeting

Tobirama pondered for a moment, then his brow relaxed slightly.

If managed properly, the Sealing Jutsu of the Land of Whirlpools could indeed become a strategic force for Konoha, but the fact that the Uzumaki Clan established their nation as Ninjas remains a potential threat.

No matter how close the technological cooperation is, as long as the Land of Whirlpools still bears the name of an independent country, those nobles who see Ninjas as a thorn in their side will always have an excuse to target it.

Living Uzumaki Clan are better than dead Uzumaki Clan. After all, people can only create value when they are alive, and when they die, they can only live off their past achievements.

So how to protect the Uzumaki Clan without making it a target of public criticism is a matter that requires careful consideration.

As he was thinking, Izuna suddenly slapped his forehead beside him. "Oh right, Tobirama, I mentioned to you before that I wanted Hideki to come here as Exchange Student, remember?"

"You mentioned it." Tobirama looked at him. "By the way, what exactly are Exchange Students? Are they hostages?"

"Not a hostage!" Izuna immediately denied. "Eh, why do you think that?"

"Exchange Students are students sent to other countries to study and train. Exchange Student studies, they return to their home countries, bringing back what they learned in Konoha. Of course, in return, our students also have to go and learn something in other countries."

At this point, he suddenly stroked his chin. "Hey, now that you mention it, it's actually a good thing that Madara took Ōnoki as his apprentice?"

"If Ōnoki has Madara as his teacher, it wouldn't make sense if our kids didn't have a Kage Level teacher, right?"

Tobirama stared blankly at Izuna, remained silent for a moment, and then posed a very practical question, "Izuna, your brother is a Fire Style user. Can he teach an Earth Release user effectively?"

"I've seen it even if I haven't used it," Izuna replied without hesitation, "Don't underestimate the Sharingan. Madara has fought against Earth Release Ninjas before, so teaching Ōnoki those Earth Release shouldn't be difficult."

Okay, the Sharingan can indeed do that.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice tinged with weariness. "Alright, then I'll go draft the regulations."

"You seem to have a really tough life," Izuna blurted out as she looked at him.

Tobirama glared at him. "It's all because of you! Ever since you came back, I've been either cleaning up your mess or on my way to clean up your mess every day!"

"Uh, sorry."

"And what are you doing slacking off here?"

"Hehe... you still found out."

"So, are you going back to work on your own, or am I going to drag you back?"

"I'll go back myself..."

Tobirama watched him slink past him, trying to suppress his laughter, but he couldn't help it and chuckled twice.

He strode off, following Izuna at a leisurely pace, towards the Hokage Building.

After working for almost three days straight, the backlog of documents finally returned to its original level.

The caravan from the Land of Whirlpools arrived in Konoha two days ago, but the Senju Squad lost five members.

According to Tetsugaku, the reason so many people died was because they were attacked by bandits on the way and did not realize it was a trap.

Tobirama had his doubts, but he didn't have time to investigate. He could only offer condolences and some money to their families and friends as a small comfort.

During their journey, they spoke twice with the Envoys from the Land of Whirlpools. Izuna didn't seem to fully understand the current situation of the Land of Whirlpools, but his words always hit the mark.

However, since it concerns the Sealing Jutsu, Quhai indicated that he needed to communicate with the higher-ups of the Land of Whirlpools before making a decision.

At this moment, Izuna was lying on the desk, his chin resting on a pile of scrolls, his hands dangling over the edge of the desk, swaying back and forth like a dried jellyfish.

Tobirama walked past him, placed a newly approved transfer order on the shelf of documents to be sent, and casually pushed the stack of rickety scrolls on the corner of Izuna's desk further in.

Hashirama sat in the main seat, engrossed in writing a reply to the Land of Whirlpools, muttering to himself.

"Finally finished." Izuna propped himself up from the table, stretched, and cracked his bones. "Speaking of which, shouldn't those Envoys and our Daimyo leave? They've been here long enough; if they don't go back soon, their Daimyo will think I kidnapped them."

"Leave?" Tobirama picked up his teacup and took a sip. "I don't think they want to leave. They've even moved out of the Post Station and into the Hot Spring District."

Izuna blinked. "... The Hot Spring District?"

"Speaking of which, this Hot Spring District was actually suggested by the minister who recommended you to go to Kyoto."

"It started as just a large public bathhouse, but it was expanded repeatedly and has now become the most popular area in Konoha. Now, everyone in Konoha comes there to bathe and relax."

"Then why did the Envoys go there?"

"It was probably recommended by the Daimyo. After all, it's a property owned by one of his subordinates; it wouldn't be right not to support it," Hashirama said. "I went to see it once; it's a nice place. The high-class service area even has milk baths! Milk! How luxurious! Of course, the rich know how to enjoy life..."

Izuna was stunned.

Then he slammed his hands on the table, making the scroll beside him shake twice, and announced, "I'm going to soak in the Hot Springs too!"

Tobirama didn't even look up. "You should settle your meeting with the Land of Whirlpools this afternoon first. They've sent their Major Counselor this time; you can't fool someone of that rank."

Izuna thumped his chest confidently and said, "Don't worry, what could possibly happen? I'm not Diplomat for nothing."

"You?" Tobirama finally raised his eyes, scrutinizing him from head to toe. "Come on, with your naive looks, I'm afraid you'll be fooled into losing everything."

"Hey!" Izuna retorted, "Just you wait! This afternoon I'll make that Major Counselor willingly hand over their most prized possession!"

"Then I'll wait and see. If you really manage to pull it off, then the rest of us will take a vacation and go to a hot Hot Springs."

"Yay!"

This time, Madara didn't mock Tobirama verbally; he simply sighed silently.

Brother, you still got completely fooled. Even if you hadn't said anything, we were going to arrange Hot Springs vacation after this was settled. Tobirama had even booked the Inn in Tobirama Land of Hot Water in advance.

On another note, seeing how serious Tobirama always is, I didn't expect him to take a vacation. Well... it was an itinerary arranged on the side while visiting the Land of Whirlpools.

Izuna spoke lightly, but when the meeting took place in the afternoon, he was anything but careless.

The term "Major Counselor" refers to a close attendant of the Daimyo), responsible for submitting memorials on state affairs and conveying imperial edicts. It was a core position that assisted ministers and participated in national policy decisions.

Although he does not hold the final decision-making power, he is still a high-ranking official of the third rank. His personal visit is both to express his regard for Konoha and to strive for the greatest benefit for the Land of Whirlpools in this negotiation.

When receiving someone of this caliber, one must be impeccable in terms of etiquette. One must give them ample face, but also not let them think that Konoha is easy to manipulate.

The meeting place was set in the formal reception room on the second floor of the Hokage Building. Rokuhiko had prepared in advance, removing the extra tables and chairs and leaving only a long table with a plain tablecloth and a vase of freshly picked daisies.

Sunlight streamed in obliquely from the south-facing window, falling onto the floor and softening the solemn atmosphere of the room.

The Major Counselor of the Land of Whirlpools was younger than Izuna had expected, in his early forties, with his hair neatly combed and dressed in a dark formal court robe, followed by two accompanying scribes.

Quhai was also there, accompanying the delegation throughout as Delegation representative, always with a smile.

Izuna waited in the corridor, and upon their arrival, he put on a standard professional smile and greeted the Major Counselor.

The two sides took their seats and exchanged formal greetings.

The Major Counselor first, his tone calm and reserved. He first praised Konoha for its recent achievements, and then expressed his gratitude to Tobirama for his handling of the incident involving the detention of the caravan from the Land of Whirlpools, saying that Lord Tobirama and efficient actions were admirable.

Tobirama sat next to Izuna, nodding slightly with a blank expression, acknowledging the gratitude.

The pleasantries lasted for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the tea was changed twice, and it was almost ready.

Izuna raised his eyes and looked at the Major Counselor sitting upright across the long table.

"Your Major Counselor Formal Note you mentioned your desire to sign Long-Term Technical Cooperation Agreement with Konoha. I understand that Sealing Jutsu are the foundation of the Uzumaki Clan and the basis for your country's influence among nations. Sharing such core technology with other countries would be seen by others as tantamount to cutting off one's own arm."

The Major Counselor paused slightly in his teacup. He didn't reply, but simply raised his eyes. His eyes, surrounded by fine wrinkles, held no extra emotion as he quietly waited for Izuna to finish speaking.

"I know that you made this decision because the current situation in the Land of Whirlpools is not optimistic. But I also know that no matter how difficult the situation is, some things cannot be exchanged for benefits."

"Sealing Jutsu are not commodities for the Uzumaki Clan, nor are they merely Ninjutsu; they are the pride of our clan, just like our Uchiha Clan's eyes. If someone tries to buy our eyes with money, we would rather destroy them than hand them over."

The Major Counselor, his voice calm and unhurried. "Since Izuna understands, he should also know that I have not come here to make a deal."

"I understand." Izuna leaned forward slightly, placing his hands crossed on the table. "So I'd like to confirm one thing with you first, before discussing the specific terms of the cooperation."

"Please speak."

Why does the Uzumaki Clan dedicate so much effort to preserving the Sealing Jutsu? Is it to ensure that the Sealing Jutsu belongs solely to the Uzumaki Clan, or to ensure that the Sealing Jutsu exists in this world forever?

The Major Counselor remained silent, but his expression changed.

Sitting next to him, Quhai turned his head slightly and glanced at Izuna.

"If it's the former," Izuna's voice wasn't loud, but it landed steadily in the quiet reception room, "Then what we're discussing today isn't cooperation, but rather your seeking refuge in Konoha."

"Konoha can provide military support, material assistance, and diplomatic support, and will send border troops to protect the safety of the Land of Whirlpools. You can retain your technology and continue your aristocratic lifestyle. But the price is that the Land of Whirlpools will become our vassal state. From now on, if my Land of Fire, Konoha, faces war, your Uzumaki Clan must send troops to support us."

"If this is what you want, then we can sign a standard alliance agreement today, without mentioning the Sealing Jutsu at all."

"What if it's the latter?" the Major Counselor asked.

"If it's the latter, then I have a proposal."

Izuna pulled a pre-prepared document from his sleeve and unfolded it on the table.

That was the draft of the Exchange Student Plan that he and Tobirama had revised several times.

"A long-term cooperation plan between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools to exchange trainees," Izuna said. "Konoha will send eligible young Ninjas to the Land of Whirlpools to learn the basic theory and application skills of Sealing Jutsu from instructors of the Uzumaki Clan. At the same time, Konoha will also teach the trainees from the Land of Whirlpools practical skills and the application of advanced Ninjutsu, and cultivate their ability to coordinate missions and manage affairs."

"Each batch of trainees will serve a term of one to two years, after which they will return to their respective countries. The knowledge and technology they acquire will belong to their respective Shinobi Villages. Research results completed by the trainees during their studies will be jointly attributed to Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools, sharing intellectual property rights. Regardless of which side's trainees complete a technological breakthrough, it must be marked as 'Joint Research and Development between the Konoha Special Administrative Region of the Land of Fire and the Land of Whirlpools.'"

The selection of Exchange Students is determined by each country. The number of students sent is three to five per year, with an equal number sent by both countries. Each country bears its own expenses.

Izuna turned to the last few pages of the draft, which contained supplementary clauses he had already prepared. "Furthermore, the Land of Whirlpools retains the final right of interpretation for all core techniques of Sealing Jutsu. Konoha will not use the Sealing Jutsu it has learned for external expansion, nor will it transfer any Sealing Jutsu research results to any third party without the consent of the Land of Whirlpools. If you have any further concerns, you may add them one by one."

But there's one thing I must make clear first.

He closed the document, raised his eyes, and looked directly at the Major Counselor: "This agreement is not attached with any military alliance clauses, any material assistance clauses, or any political conditions."

"If you are willing to sign this agreement, there is only one reason: you believe that the power of Ninjas should not be used to consume each other, but that we can create something together."

The Major Counselor looked at Izuna and remained silent for a long time.

He didn't immediately look at the terms and conditions; he simply lowered his eyes and remained silent.

He understood that what Izuna offered was not a cooperation agreement, but a way out.

A path that allows the Uzumaki Clan to live with dignity without having to crawl on their knees or sacrifice anything.

The nobles dared to covet the Land of Whirlpools for two reasons: first, the Land of Whirlpools was isolated and helpless; second, possessing a treasure was a crime.

Sealing Jutsu exist in other places, of course, but the most exquisite and powerful sealing magic in the world is possessed only by the Land of Whirlpools.

Even without the instigation of the nobles, at a certain stage, the Uzumaki Clan would still not escape their clutches.

But if Sealing Jutsu were no longer unique to the Land of Whirlpools, and if Ninjas from Five Great Nations had attended classes in the Land of Whirlpools' classrooms and trained under the tutelage of the Uzumaki masters, then the Land of Whirlpools would no longer be an isolated island.

Disciples of the Uzumaki Clan are found throughout the Shinobi World, and their techniques are integrated into the defense systems of every village.

At that time, anyone who tries to harm the Land of Whirlpools will be harming the teacher of all the Ninjas.

No military alliances or political allies are needed; all that's required is to spread knowledge so that every Ninja village owes the Land of Whirlpools a favor.

This would allow the Land of Whirlpools to become a neutral country, a holy city that no nation would want to provoke.

A sacred place for academia.

But that's not enough.

Knowledge alone is not enough to make the Land of Whirlpools truly neutral. If a powerful nation wanted to, the Land of Whirlpools could easily be destroyed by the iron hooves of its army. Only by possessing sufficient Strength can the Land of Land of Whirlpools be guaranteed not to be destroyed.

Therefore, what Izuna was not one-sided learning, but rather a two-way exchange.

The Major Counselor looked at Izuna.

It was a handsome, young, even somewhat immature face.

They seem untouched by hardship, showing no trace of suffering.

His face was so clean it didn't look like Ninja's.

Why would he want to increase the power of the Land of Whirlpools?

Sympathy? Or is this to his advantage?

But that doesn't make sense. If he really wanted the Land of Whirlpools to be to his advantage, he should have chosen the first solution.

That is the fastest and most complete way to bring the Land of Whirlpools under our control.

Once their army arrives in the Land of Whirlpools, they will have a thousand, ten thousand ways to steal the secret techniques of the Uzumaki Clan, and the Land of Whirlpools cannot object, because even now, the Land of Whirlpools must rely on Konoha to ensure its national security.

Even if their very foundation is taken away, they cannot utter a sound, because the stronger party will inevitably prevail. In the end, the best outcome for the Land of Whirlpools, no, for the Uzumaki Clan, will be to join Konoha, become one of the many clans, and fade into obscurity.

However, Izuna did not give him only one choice.

He generously offered another approach, a way that was both respectable and feasible.

Why?