With Izuna Uchiha's Blade, Divide Konoha

Hokage Office Building.

Meeting room.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the main seat, with Danzo beside him.

Four Konoha Committee Member attended: Isshin, Fugaku, Hizashi, and Tenzo.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't intentionally call out to Isshin and Fugaku; rather, the other Konoha Committee Member were all busy with their own duties or were not in the village.

These four people, along with their duties as Military Police Force, Main Branch, and Anbu agents, kept them mostly confined to the village...

Attending the meeting won't disrupt your work too much.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries...

The Genji spoke first:

"Lord Hokage, the Third Mizukage wishes to establish a closer relationship with you and with Konoha."

"He asked me to tell you that he has always admired your character. In the entire Shinobi World, only you speak out for justice and have inherited the spirit of the First Hokage." This refers to the strange and unsavory story of the Third Mizukage from the Three Great Hidden Villages.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't actually kick someone when they were down; he just subtly started it.

"No problem, no problem..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile:

"I also admire the Third Mizukage for his determination to reform Kirigakure. Every reformer needs great perseverance and courage." The current Hyuga Clan will promptly hand over the information transmitted by the Kaguya Clan to the Anbu.

As the Hokage, he naturally knew the situation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi would love for things to get as chaotic as possible in the Bloody Mist Village...

With Kaguya and the Hyuga Clan acting as matchmakers, it won't be difficult to bring over a few Kekkei Genkai descendants.

If conditions permit, one could even use the Will of Fire against the Kirigakure Hideout...

However, this would require the strong cooperation of the Third Mizukage.

"I'm so glad you agreed."

"Our Hidden Village's Kaguya and Konoha's Hyuga are cousins, so Kirigakure and Konoha should also share intelligence and exchange information in real time, just like cousins." The Mizukage's meaning is that, using the communication between Kaguya and Hyuga as an interface, they should share information about other Hidden Village and analyze the situation in the Shinobi World.

"As you know, Konoha owes a relatively large debt in this regard."

"Therefore, we can send some Kirigakure Ninja to help Konoha with missions, or provide some Ninja Sword sword manufacturing services and a fixed amount of Chakra Metal."

Genji said with a smile, appearing very sincere.

What Kirigakure needed was to use Konoha as an external interface to gather information on the activities of other Hidden Village during the period of national isolation and the Bloody Mist Village. In the past, the Third Mizukage would have simply ignored the other Hidden Village...

However, the unanimous opinion of the other Great Hidden Village regarding his illegitimate accession to the throne made the Third Mizukage feel uneasy.

If a consensus is reached regarding Kirigakure without his knowledge, then things will be in serious trouble...

Therefore, the Third Mizukage had to bring in the "peace-loving" Konoha to at least have a nominal strategic ally and intelligence source to deal with this situation.

The idea that "the Kirigakure Ninja help Konoha on missions" is based on this concept.

Furthermore, they could exile the difficult-to-manage Kirigakure Ninja to Konoha.

When these ninjas return to Kirigakure, they can be accused of having too close ties with Konoha, giving the Third Mizukage another handle to use against them... making them much easier to deal with.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, then said, "There's no need for the Kirigakure Ninja to help Konoha on missions..."

Danzo understood immediately and said coldly, "If you want to send spies, just say so... It's simply that you don't trust Konoha and are worried that we'll give you false information!"

"If you don't trust me, then terminate the cooperation. It's Kirigakure that's begging Konoha, not Konoha that's begging Kirigakure."

Danzo stared at the Genji and said with a forced smile:

"I'm telling you, Iwagakure has already launched an investigation into Kirigakure's lockdown..."

"Their two Jinchuriki have begun to master the power of the Tailed Beast."

Suikazan Fuguki couldn't contain himself and asked, "Really?"

"Who are you? Do you have any right to speak here? Shut your mouth!"

Danzo glanced at Great Sword Samehada and reprimanded it without any politeness:

"Genji, keep your Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist in check!"

"Fuguki, be quiet." Genji adjusted his mindset. Even though he was a ninja who had seen many storms, Danzo's words touched his heartstrings. The intelligence capabilities of the Darkness of the Shinobi were renowned throughout the Shinobi World.

Even though Genji knew this might be Danzo rumors, the tension between Iwagakure and Kirigakure had persisted and was only escalating. Even when the Mu alive, he loved to mock the current Third Mizukage as a waste, a bodyguard of the First Mizukage, Byakuren, yet unable to compete with Hozuki Gengetsu...

The Third Mizukage held an unusual grudge against this.

He harbored a deep desire for revenge against Ōnoki, Mu's apprentice, and against Iwagakure.

Once a person reaches a high position, they will always think about making amends to their past self.

Washing away the shame is naturally part of making up for the regrets of one's youth.

"The Kirigakure Village has no such intention. We believe that the Third Hokage is the one who inherited the First's will and would not provide false information to his allies. The Kirigakure firmly believes this."

"But Kirigakure is also a benevolent village, and we don't want our allies to suffer losses, especially since our intelligence is limited," Genji said calmly, his tone and expression extremely sincere.

It suggests a willingness to accept criticism without complaint.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"I've heard that Kirigakure has a very effective system for training ninjas. Our Konoha Ninja Academy students lack practical experience. Could we allow some of Kirigakure's elite talents to exchange ideas with Konoha for a year?"

"Cultivating a bond between the young ninjas of the two villages from a young age will help deepen the connection between Konoha and Kirigakure, and we will also ensure that they maintain real-time communication with Kirigakure."

"When the time comes, we will send someone to take them back to Kirigakure."

Genji hesitated.

Although there is some truth to what Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

However, after all, the best talents from the Hidden Village were sent to Konoha for a year...

Genji wasn't worried that the geniuses of Kirigakure would be corrupted by Konoha...

If they can be corrupted, it means they are inherently not firm enough and should have been dealt with long ago.

Moreover, in Genji's view...

Although Konoha is very prosperous now, it's just a facade.

As long as Shimura Danzō exists, the darkness will never subside...

Its roots are black.

It was even more brutal than the Bloody Mist Village.

"Judging from Danzo's and others' actions, my judgment was correct..."

Since entering the room, Genji had been observing Danzo's posture and expression.

Danzo is now able to speak on behalf of Hiruzen Sarutobi, and he does so naturally and relaxed.

He seemed to have completely Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Uchiha and Hyuga the meeting were not surprised at all, and took it quite normally.

"A year is fine, but please Lord Hokage, return them all safe and sound..."

"We in Kirigakure place great importance on the next generation of ninjas!" Genji said solemnly.

He thought about it for a moment.

Among the four: "Snow", "Kaguya Kimimaro", "Terumi Mei", and "Kisame"...

Only Kisame has the potential to be greatly nurtured.

The remaining three all possess Kekkei Genkai.

Their Ninja Clan was also someone the Third Mizukage would eventually have to eliminate...

It's just sending Kirigakure talent from Kisame, to be a spy in Konoha for a year. Thinking about it that way, it's not so unacceptable. "Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"

Danzo suddenly spoke up sharply, "It's not worth it!"

His natural demeanor and loud voice clearly showed that he was extremely skilled.

"Danzo, I am the Hokage!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's face showed a hint of anger.

Genji watched this scene silently, confirming his own opinion once again.

Although Konoha is developing relatively rapidly, the integration of various forces is underway...

However, the relationship between the highest-ranking Hokage and Hokage assistants is already strained, and their conflicts are openly apparent...

Furthermore, considering that the Konoha Committee Member is clearly a product of power-sharing...

"I see!!"

"It turns out that Konoha's prosperity was just a facade..."

"Power struggles are constantly occurring at the top, and these so-called high-level Committee Member are a product of this phenomenon."

"Konoha's development appears to be merely a vanity project, part of a power struggle..."

"No wonder it's so flashy and impractical! What's the point of running a flower shop? It's just laughable..."

Genji sneered inwardly, recalling how Kirigakure probably acted similarly during Hozuki Gengetsu's era.

Every Ninja Clan, vying for fame and fortune, contributed money and Ninjutsu to Kirigakure, seemingly making their fortunes rise.

However, when conflicts become irreconcilable, they are like an unstoppable avalanche...

This is an objective law.

"Lord Hokage, thank you for taking care of our ninjas for so long..."

Genji glanced at the expressions of Isshin and Fugaku, the two Uchiha, and felt a surge of joy.

He was originally thinking about how to get Hiruzen Sarutobi to invite a few Uchiha to the meeting so that the Third Mizukage's extremely wise plan could be fully effective... but he didn't expect Hiruzen Sarutobi to do it on his own initiative!

"This is an apology from the Third Mizukage to you." With that, Genji waved his hand.

Suikazan Fuguki stood up and took out an old-fashioned rectangular wooden box.

It was placed respectfully in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi and gently opened.

One of them was a long sword with an ancient design, the blade showing a faint blood-red hue.

"Lord Hokage, this sword is called ' Dōenmaru '."

"These are the Mother-Child Blades, commissioned by the Uchiha Clan and crafted by artisans from my Land of Water for one person."

"But after that person died, no one came to retrieve it, and it remained in our Kirigakure... Later, when the Third Mizukage was reorganizing village affairs, he discovered it in the hands of a missing-nin."

"As the disciple of the Second Hokage, this sword is most fitting for you!"

Genji said vaguely.

"This sword represents Kirigakure's apology and is also proof of the Second Hokage's martial prowess. It is a meaningful way to pay tribute to the previous Hokage."

Uchiha Isshin's expression turned grim.

Fugaku was completely baffled; he didn't recognize him.

This sword looks exactly like the one that Izuna Uchiha used to carry...

The so-called "Mother-Child Blades" were Dual-Wielding Style style developed by Izuna Uchiha to further suppress Senju Tobirama. However, a single Flying Thunder God Slash caused Izuna Uchiha's Dual-Wielding Style to fail before it even began...

Uchiha Isshin was thinking about this most of the time.

If Izuna, the Young Clan Leader, had mastered dual swords beforehand, would he have been able to block that despicable attack?

Genji's words also carried a strong sense of provocation, yet they were wrapped in a veneer of political correctness.

The entire Shinobi World knows...

Senju Tobirama's mortal enemy was Izuna Uchiha, while Hiruzen Sarutobi was Senju Tobirama's apprentice.

Using Izuna Uchiha's sword as a tribute to Tobirama Senju Tobirama is indeed the proper way...

However, this is on the premise of ignoring the feelings of the Uchiha Clan.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled; although he didn't know the origins of the sword either.

But seeing Isshin's expression, and hearing Genji's hesitant, half-concealed words...

You can guess pretty much who it is.

"It's a wonderful gift. I'm sure Teacher Tobirama will like it..."

"Then let's draft the treaty..."

A moment later, the terms of the Peace Agreement between Kirigakure and Konoha were officially drafted.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Genji, representing the Third Mizukage, signed their names on it.

Even though it's still worthless when you break it, the proper sense of ritual should still be maintained...

"Lord Hokage, let's select the four talented young people from Kirigakure for this exchange."

"The Kirigakure needs to undergo internal reorganization for some time, and it's unlikely they'll have the time to select new candidates."

"Rest assured, although these four children are all extremely talented, and three of them possess Kekkei Genkai, Kirigakure will send even more outstanding ninjas to Konoha next time for exchanges."

The Genji acted arrogantly, as if Terumi Mei and the others were merely ordinary people from Kirigakure, and even worried that Hiruzen Sarutobi might think he wasn't sincere enough. This was also part of exaggerating Kirigakure's military strength, a feint attack similar to Danzo's.

"Very good, it's a pleasure to cooperate..." Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up with a smile and extended his hand to Genji.

"It's a pleasure to work with you, Lord Hokage!" Genji smiled as well.

"Lord Hokage, please allow me to give some instructions to the children. After watching the exchange match, I won't bother you any longer..."

Genji said slowly, "The Third Mizukage still has an important mission."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded:

"That's only right, Hizashi. Take Elder Genji the Ninja Academy..."

After the Genji left.

Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the "Dōenmaru" and twirled it beautifully.

After some Chakra was channeled into it, the blade of the sword burst into flames, emitting unsettling gray flames.

"Danzo, what you said earlier is correct..."

"Hehe..." Danzo chuckled. His argument with Hiruzen Sarutobi was just a spur-of-the-moment performance.

Danzo saw through Hiruzen Sarutobi and wanted to make the Genji believe that Konoha was currently facing a threat, thus securing his agreement to some slightly risky conditions. This was the tacit understanding between old comrades...

"This sword, is it related to Izuna Uchiha?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile:

"Isshin, don't look so miserable. You've fallen for the enemy's divisive tactics..."

"With their Kirigakure minds, they naturally wouldn't understand that, under the influence of the Will of Fire, the various clans of Konoha have abandoned the mess of the Warring States Period and entered a new era of unity."

"This knife is a fine knife, and it also has historical significance."

"However, there's no need to use it to pay respects to Tobirama-sensei; let's keep it at the Uchiha Clan's Teacher Tobirama instead..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi extinguished the flames on his blade and handed the "Dōenmaru" to Isshin.

"Lord Hokage, what should we do..." Uchiha Isshin was taken aback.

He never expected that Hiruzen Sarutobi would give this sword, which represented Izuna, to the Uchiha.

"Of course it's not free."

"This is considered village property. The sword isn't a gift to me, the Hokage, but to Konoha..."

"Recently, Konoha is planning to establish a subordinate structure, namely the Konoha Orphanage."

"To take in some war orphans."

"I think the Uchiha Clan should contribute some money for the construction of the Orphanage; you can decide the amount yourselves..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's grand gesture:

"The swords once used for fighting have now become the symbol of the Uchiha's love for the village."

"I think this is great, don't you think?"

Uchiha Isshin nodded heavily.