The Deep-Pocketed Patron Chose the Right Person / Not a Single Person in This Building Gets Along with Kumogakure

"Let me make this clear first, I didn't strike first." Uchiha Shingen emphasized this point first, then said, "I didn't kill the Jonin the group, but I killed the others."

"Since the Cloud Ninja made the first move, it doesn't matter." Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped smoking, the old man putting on a reminiscing face, "It was the same back then, and we still signed the contract."

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura also felt a little sad.

Even at this age, I still find it hard to let go of what happened back then.

Once you're in this position, many things are no longer up to your own preferences.

Who would have thought that, years later, I would actually have the chance to vent my anger?

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Rich Man Didn't Choose the Wrong Person

The Leaf Five were fully aware of what actions Uchiha Shingen would take.

This is what they want to see.

Moreover, Uchiha Shingen handled the situation better than they had anticipated.

After all, everyone here has taken many lives, and they feel nothing at all about killing.

Whether the murder was justified and based on evidence is what they care about.

When it comes to negotiations between two ninja villages, killing is never the problem; the problem arises when killing is forbidden.

In the original timeline, the leader of the Cloud Village clan went to Leaf Village to cause trouble, Hyuga Hiashi sent him flying with a single slap without saying a word.

He simply hadn't expected that Leaf Village's grassroots forces were so weak at the time.

At that time, Leaf Village still had no shortage of skilled fighters, but having no shortage of skilled fighters did not mean that it could prepare for a war with Cloud Village.

Financial and material resources are only one aspect; human resources are the key. Before any ninja village launches or prepares for war, its first consideration is whether it will cause structural human losses to itself.

Unfortunately, if Leaf Village Cloud Village at that time, this situation would have inevitably occurred.

Leaf Village's position meant it had absolutely no chance of engaging in one-on-one combat.

It can attack any village from roughly the same distance, so other villages can attack it simultaneously.

Once other villages form an anti- Leaf Village alliance, Leaf Village will be in trouble.

The overwhelming power of the strong is a beautiful sight on the battlefield, but the ninja army, which focuses on mobile warfare, has too strong a tactical penetration ability. They are capable of bypassing any tough nut they want to avoid.

In the era after Senju Hashirama, the overall course of the war was still determined by the vast number of grassroots ninjas.

The Flying Thunder God Technique can enhance a ninja's battlefield mobility as much as possible, but even Namikaze Minato, who mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique to perfection, dared not guarantee that he could prevent a single Konoha Ninja from dying in the entire war zone.

People who were destined to die still died. Namikaze Minato's legs were practically broken from running around during the Third Shinobi World War. Leaf Village suffered many casualties in the battles against Cloud Village and Iwagakure, to the point that they had to abandon their demand for compensation from Iwagakure in order to end the war as soon as possible.

In this timeline, although Kumogakure lost two Jinchūriki, its fighting strength as a ninja army remained intact. Its Genin, Chunin, and Jonin did not suffer serious losses. The previous defeat did not fundamentally damage Kumogakure's size. It was still a significant force in the Ninja World, capable of competing with Leaf Village.

Both sides naturally tested each other's bottom line.

This time, however, Hidden Leaf Village had a better diplomatic environment on the surface, so it struck first.

Next, let's see how the Raikage makes his move.

In the Hokage's office, the Leaf Five and Uchiha Shingen quickly came up with a new plan.

Heal Yotsuki Mats, then have him return with the Hokage's handwritten letter.

Namikaze Minato, in his capacity as Hokage, will sternly reprimand Kumogakure for its inappropriate actions, including discrepancies between the documents and the facts, and its attack on Uchiha Shingen, who was sent to investigate. Kumogakure must have the Raikage personally confront the Hokage to discuss a peace agreement face-to-face; otherwise, Leaf Village reserves the right to take further action.

That's roughly the gist of it.

Uchiha Shingen had no objection to this. The Kumogakure's attempt to replicate the systematic conspiracy of the original timeline, consisting of fake contracts, real kidnappings, large-scale feint attacks, multinational cooperation, and strong support, was impossible in this timeline. Since their means were limited and Leaf Village had struck first, he predicted that the Raikage would back down in this round.

The real drama will have to wait until the Raikage arrives in Leaf Village to see how he performs.

No matter how well he sings, it definitely won't be as good as the show that Uchiha Shingen prepared for him.

Uchiha Shingen gave the Yugito Nii ample time to Transcription Seal placed on them by the wooden figures.

That was a Totsuka Blade, which would attack the seal on the Two-Tails Yugito Nii and release the Two-Tails.

Because it's designed for sealing, there will be absolutely no warning signs when the Ninjutsu is activated.

In the Hokage's office, while Namikaze Minato was writing a letter, Uchiha Shingen recounted everything in detail.

"That's how it is," he said. "In this way, we can both make peace with the Cloud Village Kumogakure and temporarily deprive it of the power of the Tailed Beasts."

While he wouldn't exactly replicate how Kumogakure treated the wealthy dog back then, this time he was determined to make Kumogakure lose the two Tailed Beasts they had purchased from Leaf Village Fourth Raikage.

As for whether the Tailed Beasts will still belong to Kumogakure after their resurrection, that depends on everyone's abilities.

Anyway, he wants the Two-Tails.

"Furthermore, considering the potential damage caused by the release of the Two-Tails, I suggest that the meeting take place in the Land of Hot Water," Uchiha Shingen added. "I remember that the Second Hokage also chose the Land of Hot Water for his negotiations with the Kumogakure."

"Shingen, shouldn't we play it safe?" To Uchiha Shingen's surprise, Namikaze Minato, the man whose wife had almost been kidnapped by Cloud Village, voiced his opposition.

"I've dealt with the Fourth Raikage before. When faced with adversity, he doesn't lack the courage to go all in," Namikaze Minato recalled his battle with A. "His personality will be the biggest variable."

"If we have an overwhelming advantage, will he still do the same?" Uchiha Fugaku asked, wondering if he should just chop up the Fourth Raikage as well. After all, Kumogakure had done this before, and he could just pin it on the Two-Tails Jinchūriki who was doomed to die.

"It's highly likely." Namikaze Minato nodded. "Everyone knows that the situation in Kumogakure is slightly different from ours. The Raikage absolutely cannot show any weakness, so if this happens, the Raikage might directly start a war with us."

Uchiha Fugaku Namikaze Minato's meaning.

Namikaze Minato did not want to start a war at this time, because the alliance between Leaf Village, Hidden Mist Village, and Iwagakure was in a crucial period of adjustment, and it would be a loss if it were interrupted by war.

If there are a few years of peace, and the three parties complete their integration, the probability of conflict with Hidden Mist Village and Iwagakure will be suppressed due to the chain of interests. In addition, with the intelligence gathering capabilities achieved based on this chain of interests, Leaf Village will be able to break free from the long-standing situation of facing enemies from multiple sides.

By then, Leaf Village would no longer be afraid of any village suddenly acting strangely; they could easily attack any village that dared to cause trouble.

However, Uchiha Shingen's plan carries the risk of overreacting, potentially causing the Raikage to react excessively.

We can't really fight another war. If we do, we might lose badly, which could easily give Iwagakure and Hidden Mist Village the impression that Leaf Village is too powerful. Mutual trust between ninja villages is impossible. We finally managed to lure those two in, and it wouldn't be good for them to become suspicious now.

Seeing this, Uchiha Shingen also began to wonder if he had acted too hastily.

Just as the three of them fell silent, a murderous voice suddenly rang out in the office.

The one speaking was Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"We're not afraid of war, since the enemy is Kumogakure." The once kind old man now had a somewhat frightening expression. "Besides, Kumogakure has a precedent! If it happens a second time, no one will think it's Leaf Village's fault."

"That's right," Utatane Koharu added. "If Kumogakure goes to war, we can take the opportunity to drag Iwagakure into it. Ōnoki's concerns about Kumogakure are much greater than his concerns about Leaf Village."

Mitokado Homura nodded and said, "Lord Hokage, it's a good time to propose that the three of us... no, the Tobirama Squad, request to participate in this negotiation. Could the location be set at the place where the Second negotiated with the Kumogakure?"

All three of them exuded murderous intent; this wasn't just a drastic change in style, it was a complete collapse of the style.

This was unexpected by Uchiha Shingen, and it caused him to change his opinion of the three people somewhat.

That rich dog, he didn't make the wrong choice back then.

Chapter Twenty-Three: Not a single person in this building has a good relationship with the Kumogakure.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, now fifty-nine years old, has witnessed everything that happened in Hidden Leaf Village.

Five years before the founding of Leaf Village, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his friend Shimura Danzō were born in the same year.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had a happy childhood. When he was born, his father Sarutobi Sasuke, was one of the strongest ninjas after Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.

At the age of five, Sarutobi Hiruzen was already old enough to remember things. That same year, the Sarutobi Clan joined Leaf Village, along with their long-time ally, the Shimura Clan. Similarly, the Akimichi Clan, as followers of the Sarutobi Clan, also joined Leaf Village at this time, bringing along their good friends Nara Clan and Yamanaka Clan.

In the early days of Leaf Village, for the long-term peace and stability of the village, Senju Tobirama established the Ninja Academy. The outstanding children of various ninja clans could be educated and selected through graduation from the Ninja Academy. At the same time, the Ninja Academy provided them with ideological and political education from an early age, instilling the Will of Fire into their souls.

Here, Sarutobi Hiruzen met the people who would influence his life: Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who showed extraordinary talent at a young age, received instruction from Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama from childhood and later became a member of Tobirama Squad.

For Leaf Village Sarutobi Hiruzen brought about a change in his life, because his teacher, Senju Tobirama, died, having covered the retreat of Tobirama Squad.

At that time, Sarutobi Hiruzen harbored a deep hatred for Kumogakure.

But he had no time for grief, for the war continued, and he became Hokage.

As the Third Hokage of Leaf Village, he earned no resentment from anyone, whether they were heroes or villains, friends or enemies, elders or juniors. Everyone thought he was a good person—as if he had impeccable public and private morality and perfect interpersonal skills.

His lifelong rival and collaborator Shimura Danzō, believed until his death that he could never be as good as him.

Even members of the Uchiha Clan never spoke a truly bad word about him; on the contrary, they all believed that being the Hokage was no easy task.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that he wasn't such a good person, not just because Shimura Danzō had taken the blame for the darker aspects of his life.

However, he himself also harbored a desire for revenge.

To set aside all reservations and seek revenge in a cathartic and satisfying way.

But the person who becomes Hokage doesn't have that qualification.

Decades have passed, and he is now old, but the regrets of the past remain deep in his heart.

Those in the Tobirama Squad who are still alive will never forget it.

Unfortunately, Shimura Danzō and Kagami Uchiha are both gone. He and these two were the strongest of their generation and the people who received the most care from Senju Tobirama.

"That's how it is, Fourth Hokage." In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up amidst Namikaze Minato's astonished gaze. "I'm no longer the Hokage, and I want to do some things I can be a little willful."

"Third ..." Namikaze Minato quickly stood up, "You flatter me. Of course, I'm not against it, it's just..."

"I know, Fourth Hokage." Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled. "I understand your thoughts very well. If I were in your shoes, I would definitely think the same way. But this time, let me be willful for once. After all, Danzo are gone. An old guy like me might have to join them one day. I can't go to see them empty-handed."

"I understand." Namikaze Minato sighed. "Of course, I'll participate too. Let's all do our best to control any potential risks."

"Yes, we will. We will definitely control it," Sarutobi Hiruzen said in a low voice.

Namikaze Minato sighed; the old man was getting stubborn.

No one can persuade them.

That's the downside of Hokage; you have to force yourself to be rational.

Beating up the Raikage... if only he weren't the Hokage, he'd be the first to agree.

Huh? Why is his first thought to be beating up the Raikage?

Shouldn't it be a signed contract?

"Then, Shingen- kun, could you please provide me with a draft of the specific plan before the Raikage gives me a formal reply?" Namikaze Minato asked.

He decided to stop thinking about all that nonsense.

He definitely didn't hold a grudge until now because he almost lost his wife because of the Kumogakure.

It's really strange. Is there not a single person in this building who has a good relationship with Kumogakure? It's making him, the Hokage, restless and itching to do something.

"No problem." Uchiha Shingen hadn't expected things to turn around so quickly, and he readily agreed, "Even if it means working overtime, I'll get it done for you."

"Don't remind me I have to work overtime, sigh..." Namikaze Minato was very sad. He glanced at his desk and felt that the files on it had always been piled up so high, never getting any less.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

"Lord Hokage, please wait for my good news."

Watching Uchiha Shingen leave with light steps, Namikaze Minato felt resentful, thinking that Uchiha Shingen was increasing his workload.

"Shingen- kun is a good boy," Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly said.

"The Third's opinion of Shingen- kun is getting higher and higher," Namikaze Minato chuckled. "Indeed, aside from being a little impulsive at times, Shingen- kun is quite a good person."

"Young people, you know," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile. "Fourth Hokage, you should be more understanding. I'll head back now so as not to disturb your work."

He stood up and put away his pipe.

It was then that he realized he had accidentally broken the pipe.

My heart ached instantly.

We've been partners for over ten years!

Those despicable Cloud Ninja! Today they've caused him to lose another dear friend!

Regardless of the interaction in the Hokage's office, after leaving the Hokage Building, Uchiha Shingen went to Leaf Hospital first.

He first went to the ward where Yotsuki Mats was located.

Two members of the security team were standing at the door of Yotsuki Mats's ward.

They were members of the squad that escorted Yotsuki Mats before, one Inuzuka Clan and the other Aburame Clan.

"Lord Shingen."