"Thank you so very much!"
Outside Katsuragi Mountain Fortress, sunlight fell upon Hashirama Senju and Elder Spider, chief of the Tsuchigumo Clan, casting them in a warm glow. Genuine gratitude shone in Hashirama Senju's eyes. Before departing, he gave Elder Spider a deep bow, expressing the gratitude in his heart.
"We are truly grateful that your clan is willing to continue living in seclusion for the sake of peace in the Ninja World."
After lengthy negotiations and discussions, both sides finally returned to the terms of their original alliance treaty.
That had been both sides' initial objective.
Moreover, with Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi, personally coming to admit fault and apologize for his younger brother Tobirama's actions, how could the Tsuchigumo Clan dare harbor any further demands? Having witnessed Hashirama Senju's strength firsthand, Elder Spider, the Tsuchigumo Clan's chief, had been eager to agree to the treaty on the spot.
If Hashirama Senju had not required the Tsuchigumo Clan to remain secluded and keep the alliance secret, prompting suspicions among the other clansmen that he had ulterior motives—
There likely would not have been any delay at all.
Fortunately, after Hashirama Senju knelt and sincerely explained the danger posed by the Tsuchigumo Forbidden Jutsu, the Tsuchigumo Clan came to understand that their survival and safety mattered more than publicizing the alliance.
Once news of this treaty leaked out—
Especially after two forbidden-jutsu incidents had just occurred in the Land of Fire, it would inevitably draw the attention of other nations and shinobi.
Thus, they agreed to Hashirama Senju's request.
They presented an important document jointly signed by him and the First, Hashirama Senju—the alliance treaty with Konoha.
The signing of this secret treaty held extraordinary significance for the Tsuchigumo Clan.
Though the process had not gone smoothly at first,