The End of the Ninja World War

Ōnoki was not surprised by Hiruzen Sarutobi's answer.

Konoha held the advantage now. Once the battle ended, Iwagakure's losses would only be greater than Konoha's.

"Iwagakure is willing to compensate Konoha for the losses it suffered during the war. We are also willing to form an alliance with Konoha, one that shares both prosperity and adversity," Ōnoki said swiftly.

With Mu Yue around, no Ninja Village would be able to contend with Konoha for the next several decades. Ōnoki considered the money a protection fee paid to Konoha.

"Until the compensation has been decided upon and fulfilled, you will need to stay in Konoha as our guest," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied after some thought.

What were Ninja World Wars fought for? Profit.

Making peace with Iwagakure now would both reduce losses and bring benefits. Hiruzen Sarutobi had no reason to refuse.

Killing and fighting were not the goal. They were merely means to achieve it.

"Since the Hokage has invited me, naturally I will go," Ōnoki agreed.

It was dangerous for a Tsuchikage like him to remain in Konoha, but to reduce Iwagakure's losses, Ōnoki was willing to take that risk.

Ōnoki believed Konoha would not do anything to him, because doing so would not serve Konoha's interests.

If Konoha seized this opportunity to keep him there for good, it would forge an irreconcilable hatred between Iwagakure and Konoha while making the other three major Ninja Villages wary.

Konoha did not need to take such a risk. They only needed to let Mu Yue cultivate peacefully for a few more years, and they would naturally become the dominant power.

Once they had reached a verbal agreement, Ōnoki immediately flew above the main battlefield and shouted:

"Iwagakure shinobi, cease fighting and fall back! We will be holding peace talks with Konoha. We