Kumogakure Seeks Peace

Hokage Building

At the Hokage's desk, Naraku his chin on his hands, with two Anbu standing beside him.

His face was very kind as he looked at the three ninjas wearing Kumogakure Forehead Protector the center of the office. The one in the lead was a person with Sealing Tag eyepatch over his left eye.

Namikaze Minato led his ninja forces to invade the Land of Lightning for over half a month, resulting in casualties on both sides.

However, because the battle took place within the Land of Lightning, the Konoha Ninja forces had to rely entirely on local supplies, causing severe damage to the Land of Lightning of Land of Lightning and displacing countless citizens.

The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning repeatedly wrote to the Raikage of the Kumogakure, demanding that the Raikage expel the Konoha Ninja or cease hostilities.

"Lord Hokage, I am Dodai of Kumogakure. I have been sent to Konoha by order of the Fourth Raikage to discuss the restoration of peace. This is a letter written by the Fourth Raikage himself. Please take a look."

Kumogakure, a Jonin of Jonin Dodai, was a Jonin retainer of the Raikage during the Third Raikage's era and is a well-known Kumogakure. Even now, during the Fourth Raikage's era, Dodai is still highly valued.

"Um."

Naraku hummed in agreement, and the Anbu beside him stepped forward, took the letter, and handed it to Naraku.

Naraku opened the envelope and slowly read through it, word by word.

"Ha, does Kumogakure even have the sincerity to negotiate peace? If they want peace, why do they have to give Kumogakure two billion ryo like Konoha and Iwagakure did?"

Naraku finished reading the letter, let out a cold laugh, and his previously warm face fell.

The Kumogakure had suffered greatly at the Namikaze Minato, to the point that the Kumogakure couldn't withstand the pressure and sent envoys to sue for peace.

However, the letter contained no words of seeking peace. It ended with the statement that, in accordance with the protocol for peace negotiations between Konoha and Iwagakure, Konoha Kumogakure would make peace and enjoy peace.

"Lord Hokage, since this is a precedent set by Konoha, I believe there is nothing wrong with negotiating peace based on this example. Please reconsider, Lord Hokage."

After speaking, Dodai bowed slightly to show his respect.

Naraku did not answer, but handed the letter to the Anbu next to him, indicating that it should be given to the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, at the desk next to him.

The Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Naraku's desks were positioned sideways, resembling the number 7. Naraku faced the office door directly, while Sarutobi Hiruzen faced the door from the side.

The Anbu received the letter with both hands and handed it to the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Third Hokage lord, please take a look and offer your guidance."

Naraku remained respectful, wanting to hear the Third Hokage's opinion.

"Hmm, Fourth Generation, I think these peace terms are somewhat inappropriate. The 2 billion taels is particularly problematic."

Given the current situation, such aid is unnecessary. Konoha's finances are also strained; I think this aid is out of the question."

Sarutobi Hiruzen exuded confidence, maintaining his usual Hokage aura as he calmly smoked his pipe.

"Hiruzen, when you negotiated Iwagakure, you were willing to provide them with 2 billion ryo in aid."

Why is it that when we Kumogakure, Konoha refused to provide assistance? What does this mean? Are you taking advantage of Kumogakure?

Upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, Dodai coldly addressed the renowned Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shinobi Hero famous throughout the Shinobi World.

When Dodai was on a mission to Konoha before, he had met the Third Hokage, but at that time the Third Hokage was the Hokage of Konoha, and now the Third Hokage is just sidelined.

"Dodai, times have changed. Your Kumogakure has stirred up trouble and refused to sign a peace treaty. This is clearly provocation and disturbance. How can you compare to Iwagakure?"

Iwagakure has always been extremely subservient to Konoha. Back then, Konoha was financially well-off, so we could provide some assistance. Now that our finances are strained, we can't offer any more help.

Let's not mention that two billion taels again.

Dodai was a well-known Kumogakure of Jonin who had previously served as an envoy to Konoha and had met the Third Hokage. It was unlikely that Sarutobi Hiruzen would be unaware of such a prominent figure.

As for the 2 billion ryo, it was a sore point for Sarutobi Hiruzen. The peace terms he offered to Shimura Danzō were that both sides cease hostilities and simply rest.

Unexpectedly, Shimura Danzō actually paid 2 billion ryo in reparations. Of course, it was officially called aid, not something as unpleasant as reparations.

"We, the Kumogakure, have always cherished peace. When have we ever provoked conflict? Lord Hiruzen, Lord Hokage, if Konoha does not offer our assistance, we, the Kumogakure, will never yield!"

Dodai straightened his back at this moment. He was very clear about Konoha's diplomatic strategy: they didn't like to hold people accountable, but rather preferred to be magnanimous.

Iwagakure can negotiate peace and demand two billion ryo, there's no reason why Kumogakure can't.

Naraku remained silent, quietly watching the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the Kumogakure envoy. This matter of 2 billion ryo was a good thing that the Third Hokage and his group had done.

Now, whoever comes to negotiate peace, even if they are the ones seeking peace, will demand money.

The Third Hokage looked troubled upon hearing the words of Kumogakure, the envoy from Dodai.

Two billion taels isn't much. During the war, the Land of Fire allocated as much as five billion taels to Konoha annually, in addition to other mission revenue and sales of ninja tools and medical equipment.

Giving a mere two billion taels is indeed a small matter; consider it as sending a beggar away.

After thinking for a moment, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, realized that he was no longer the Hokage and that someone else was in charge, and said softly:

"Fourth Hokage, I don't think this aid is necessary. It's just a small village in Kumogakure that lacks funds, so offering some assistance isn't unreasonable. You can decide on the specifics, Fourth Hokage."

As the Hokage Advisor, the Third Hokage, after much deliberation, handed the ball back to Naraku, refusing to pay compensation but subtly implying that giving him a little wouldn't be a problem, as he wasn't asking for much.

As Sarutobi Hiruzen the ball around, the Kumogakure envoys and others looked toward the Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Nara.

Naraku picked up the letter again and looked at it.

"Yellow Flash, he hasn't done enough. We should send White Fang of Konoha to support him too."

When it comes to war, it should be fought like a war. How can the mighty Cloud Kumogakure easily sue for peace? Dodai, go back! Let our Fire and Lightning armies regroup and fight again! Let's settle this once and for all! If things really come to a head, we'll cede the title of the number one ninja village to you."

Naraku's words were peculiar, the main point being that he refused to negotiate peace, and it was unclear whether this was praise or sarcasm Kumogakure. He actually wanted to escalate the battle to a larger scale, with Konoha sending another renowned Jonin to provide support.

Upon hearing this, Dodai broke out in a sweat. It seemed that this was no longer a matter of money; the Fourth Hokage refused to negotiate.

The White Fang of Konoha, the legendary White Fang, has been living in seclusion in the village for unknown reasons in recent years and has not gone out on missions.

If such a legendary ninja is sent, along with the Yellow Flash that terrifies the entire Kumogakure, the Kumogakure will likely suffer heavy losses in this battle.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Uchiha Nara with a complicated expression. At this moment, he truly understood Naraku's frivolous and warlike nature.

Why make a big fuss over something that can be solved with a little money?

After a long period of silent contemplation, Dodai spoke:

"Lord Hokage, if we don't want to follow the old rules of Iwagakure, then we won't. We simply won't request aid funds from Konoha."

The peace treaty between the two countries was for the sake of peace between the Lightning and Lord Hokage, can you bear to see the two countries fight again and accumulate hatred?

Dodai looked like a peace ambassador; to the uninitiated, one might think that Konoha was pulling Kumogakure into a war.

"Kumogakure Jonin, Lava Release Dodai: Tsuchikage, I know you. A ninja skilled in Lava Release, a key retainer of the Third Raikage, and a right-hand man of the Fourth Raikage. But the current Konoha has changed hands."

This is the era of the Fourth Hokage. Konoha is not the Konoha of the past, and there is no talk of reparations or peace negotiations in Konoha.

Your Kumogakure instigated the war, repeatedly invading and attacking the Northeast Stronghold of the Land of Fire, committing wanton killings.

Now that they've been retaliated against by the Konoha Ninja, they know the importance of peace, huh.

Peace is something Konoha has always advocated, but it requires the sincerity of Kumogakure! Sincerity! Do you understand what sincerity is?

Naraku extended his right hand, rubbing his index finger and thumb together—a gesture every businessman would understand.

Dodai stared at the young and valiant Fourth Hokage, his eyes filled with shock.

The Fourth Hokage Uchiha Nara, not only refused to provide assistance or compensation, but also demanded that Kumogakure pay him.