The Iwa-Kumo Talks

"Lord Raikage, how about we make peace? Rather than continuing this war, which brings no benefit to either country's people, it would be better to return to good relations and become true neighbors," Kitsuchi Tu said slowly, his expression natural.

"Do you really think that the losses we've suffered over the past few months can be quelled by just a few words from you? Kitsuchi, if you want to talk, let Ōnoki do it. You're not good enough," the Third Raikage A said coldly.

Kitsuchi remained silent for a moment before saying, "Very well, I hope Lord Raikage will not break his promise to visit the Land of Iron tomorrow." With that, he turned to leave without lingering.

The Third Raikage A, sat in his chair deep in thought. He did not order the capture of Kitsuchi to threaten Ōnoki, because doing so would not only humiliate Ōnoki but also bring shame upon the entire Ninja World.

Looking at Kitsuchi's retreating figure, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Ōnoki has a good son. He single-handedly stormed the enemy camp and remained neither humble nor arrogant in front of him."

After a short while, the Raikage said with a wry smile, "The army has retreated to the border of the Land of Frost. We will prepare for peace talks tomorrow."

"Yes!" Ai and Yugito replied, bowing.

Once everyone else had come out of the tent, the Raikage pondered what Ōnoki should do the next day.

Iwagakure Camp

"Son, you said that guy Ai agreed to peace talks on the condition that I talk to him in the Land of Iron." Ōnoki stroked his chin and wrinkled his big nose.

"That's right, Father. Moreover, border spies have reported that the Kumogakure Army has retreated to the border of the Land of Frost. In my opinion, they should also be willing to negotiate. This time it's not an ambush," Kitsuchi analyzed.

Ōnoki was rather short, but his small frame contained immense power, and his imposing presence was comparable to that of the Raikage.

After a brief moment of thought, he glared and said, "Alright! Let's set off now! The main army is also on the border of the Land of Hot Water. In any event, we'll march on the Land of Iron immediately!" Ōnoki didn't care about neutral countries.

As long as he can realize his ambitions, he's willing to challenge anything, including the Land of Iron and Konoha. After all, Konoha isn't what it Senju Hashirama's time.

Uchiha and Senju Hashirama are products of the old era. In today's Ninja World, the capable rule!

Kitsuchi bowed and clasped his hands in greeting, then began to issue orders to the three armies, arranging them to deploy on the border of the Land of Hot Water.

The two sides were well-coordinated, both positioned at the border with the Land of Iron, ready to charge in immediately should the situation turn against them.

This terrified Mifune and the Daimyo of the Land of Iron. The Daimyo hurriedly ordered his samurai to guard the palace. As for the commoners? Damn it, they couldn't even protect themselves, let alone commoners.

Both countries submitted peace talks requests to the Daimyo, hoping he would offer a piece of land for the negotiations.

The Daimyo secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then instructed Mifune to handle these matters, while also acting as a notary for both countries.

Although Mifune is a samurai, his current strength is probably at the level of a near- Kage Level slayer. His Iaijutsu is incredibly skillful. His greatest strength is not his swordsmanship, but his insight during battle. No matter how dangerous the situation, he can calmly analyze it.

Upon receiving the news, Mifune immediately set off, selecting a location. He ultimately chose a relatively sturdy restaurant with a pleasant view, and the negotiation venue was on the third floor.

The third floor of this restaurant is only for Daimyo and Daimyo relatives. Now that it's being used by the Raikage and Tsuchikage for negotiations, it's quite a show of respect for them.

Day 2

Raikage A and Tsuchikage Ōnoki arrived at the tavern in the Land of Iron at the same time.

Raikage A is tall and muscular, possessing the Strongest Spear and the strongest body. Just his presence alone exerts pressure on the people passing through the Land of Iron.

The Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, crossed his arms. Although he was short, his Light-Weight Rock Technique allowed him to reach the same height as the Raikage.

An aura of authority emanated from the crowd, making them afraid to speak loudly and only wanting to pass by quickly.

"Little potato, you've arrived!" The Third Raikage A, started with a mocking tone, his face showing disdain. Of course, it wasn't that A looked down on Ōnoki; this was just a verbal sparring match before negotiations, and he couldn't resist a good laugh! The Raikage grinned.

"Hmph, you muscle-bound blockhead, you despise me as a fellow Kage." Ōnoki was equally unwilling to be outdone, and he couldn't lose in terms of momentum.

Ai snorted and stopped looking at Ōnoki. Ōnoki also turned to look at the restaurant.

Ai only casually mentioned Ōnoki, but he was still quite wary of Ōnoki's strength. Dust Release, the ability to decompose any matter, although he hadn't personally experienced it, he didn't think he could withstand it with his physical body.

Ōnoki was equally wary of A. A's speed, strength, and physical body were enough to make his scalp tingle. He was even afraid that he would be killed by A's Lightning Straight technique without even using Dust Release.

Mifune pushed open the restaurant door, only to find it empty of customers; the place had been booked out for the day.

"I have met the Raikage and Tsuchikage. I am Mifune, and I have been ordered by the Daimyo to serve as the notary for this negotiation!" Mifune bowed slightly, his expression unchanged.

The two Kage turned their gazes toward him. He was a legendary master of Iaijutsu, and it was said that his sword was so fast that a ninja wouldn't even have time to Hand Seals before he could kill them.

He was a figure akin to a guardian deity of the Land of Iron. Believing that a great reputation is never undeserved, the Raikage and Tsuchikage nodded to him in goodwill.

Mifune didn't mind and walked ahead, while Ōnoki and Ai headed to the third floor.

He then had someone order food, leaving a recorder to stand there and take notes, while he leaned against the wall, watching the two shadows and their guards present.

"Please begin the negotiations, both of you." Mifune's voice was extremely calm, devoid of even a trace of emotion.

"Raikage, we're all adults. If this war continues, it will only bring harm to both of us." Ōnoki preemptively struck.

Ai nodded. "But what about my dead men?"

"So what if your subordinates died? Does that mean none of us from Iwagakure died?" Ōnoki reacted quickly, retorting before A could finish speaking.

This made Ai a little uncomfortable. Could you give me a mouth substitute? So he looked at his son Ai and found that Ai was looking down at the ground.

His son inherited his father's taciturn nature. He then looked at Yugito, Yugito paused for a moment before speaking, "Lord Tsuchikage, you are right. Both sides suffer losses, which is unavoidable on the battlefield. However, it is undeniable that our journey here is much farther than your Land of Earth. We should at least compensate you for some of our travel expenses!"

The Third Raikage A, nodded. Yes, that's exactly what he meant; he wanted to save face.

Ōnoki immediately darkened. "Bullshit! You're the invaders, and you expect me to reimburse your expenses? You're all crazy!"

Unlike Sarutobi Hiruzen, Ōnoki was ambitious but lacked a compassionate heart; he wouldn't even consider paying meaningless compensation.

The Third Raikage's face darkened, and his gaze towards Ōnoki turned hostile.