Having lost the Third Mizukage and the Three-Tails, Kirigakure had finally started to wise up. The forces stationed near Mount Kikyo gradually withdrew, and a letter arrived as well.
The letter naturally proposed a ceasefire and alliance.
"Here's Kirigakure's request for an alliance. Should we accept or refuse? Tell me what you think."
Tsunade pointed to the letter on the table and looked around at everyone in the conference room.
Today's meeting was primarily to discuss matters concerning Kirigakure.
All the Konoha High Command members and clan representatives present had attended—except Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
Ever since learning that astonishing secret from Ye Ning, Orochimaru had fallen into a frenzied state. He had spent several days holed up in his laboratory, and no one knew what strange experiment he was working on now.
As for Jiraiya, he had left Konoha. He said he planned to travel around the Shinobi World to find material and inspiration for his novel. But to Ye Ning, it looked as if the man had left Konoha dejectedly, almost as though he were running away.
"Lord Hokage, I believe we should accept Kirigakure's request for an alliance while the opportunity is here."
As before, the first to speak was Nara Shikaku, the brains of Konoha:
"By now, the Third Shinobi World War is nearing its end. Sunagakure is a natural ally of Konoha, while Kumogakure and Iwagakure have both signed ceasefire agreements with us. If we can sign one with Kirigakure as well, Konoha will be free of war altogether."
"While Iwagakure is still locked in battle with Sunagakure and Kumogakure, peace would give Konoha more time to develop. Continuing to fight Kirigakure would bring us no benefits."
"Even if we win in the end, the Land of Water's natural geographical advantages would make it difficult for