Northern Land of Rain.
Hanzo looked at Yahiko, who had come to report, with some surprise. "An envoy from Iwagakure wants peace talks?"
Yahiko nodded. "Yes, Lord Hanzo."
"Iwagakure approached us first. I think this is an excellent opportunity, one that would benefit both the village and the Land of Rain."
Hanzo narrowed his eyes. After a moment's thought, he nodded. "In that case, bring the envoy here."
About half an hour later.
The Iwagakure envoy arrived.
After sending Yahiko away, Hanzo looked at the five Iwagakure ninja. "You want peace talks?"
Looking up at Hanzo atop the hill, Hei Yao, the leader of the group, said, "Lord Hanzo, strictly speaking, we're here to propose cooperation, not peace talks."
"Cooperation?"
Hanzo snorted. "We're enemies right now."
Hei Yao smiled faintly. "Konoha and Amegakure used to be enemies too, yet now they're allies, aren't they?"
"People have friends and enemies. Ninja villages and nations don't."
Hanzo's expression softened slightly, but his gaze remained unmoved. "Get to the point."
Hei Yao's smile faded. "Lord Hanzo, Amegakure is fighting Kusagakure and has the upper hand. But even if you defeat Kusagakure, surely Konoha won't let Amegakure take control of the Land of Grass?"
Hanzo's expression did not change.
Hei Yao continued, "Konoha needs the Land of Grass as a buffer. It won't want Amegakure growing strong enough to threaten it, either."
"Your alliance is temporary. Once your interests clash, Amegakure and Konoha will fall out without anyone else lifting a finger."
"But right now, you have an excellent chance to take the Land of Grass."
"If we end our war, Amegakure can commit all its forces to an invasion of the Land of Grass."
Hanzo asked evenly, "What do you want?"
Hei Yao's eyes gleamed. "It's simple. You don't need to fight Konoha