Land of Rain That tragic night attack on the border was like dropping a bloody stone on the chessboard of a war that was drawing to a close.
The news that Hanzo the Salamander almost single-handedly defeated an important camp of Konoha, severely damaged its top force of the new generation, and caused a large number of Konoha Ninja casualties, quickly swept through all warring parties like a hurricane.
For Amegakure, this was a brilliant but tragic final counterattack, which greatly damaged the morale of Konoha, and once again proved to the world that the reputation of demigods was not false.
But this cannot reverse the huge gap between Amegakure and the coalition forces of the three major powers in terms of overall national strength and military strength.
The core area of Amegakure is in danger under the pressure of the coalition forces. It is short of supplies and depleted of troops. Defeat is only a matter of time.
Hanzo the Salamander knows this better than anyone.
The success of the raid gave Amegakure the last chance to negotiate.
He needs to take advantage of the window period when Konoha is severely damaged and the other two countries may have subtle thoughts to start peace talks as soon as possible.
Soon, Hanzo simultaneously sent a clear intention to surrender to Konoha and Iwagakure through secret channels, and attached relatively mild armistice conditions.
Amegakure admitted defeat, promised not to actively attack the three major countries, and opened up some border trade rights, but requested that Amegakure retain its independent status and existing political structure, and that its core military forces not be disbanded.
When the news reached Konoha, the atmosphere in Hokage's office was as solemn as the real thing.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the detailed battle reports sent back from the front line.
Especially the part about the massacre of the camp, the tragic defeat of Sannin, and the shocking number of casualties. His face was ashen, and the pipe in his hand had not been moved for a long time.
Anger and fear of Hanzo the Salamander's cruel methods intertwined in his heart.
"Surrender?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice is low and depressed, with sparks in it.
"Killing so many of my Konoha's heroic ninjas and severely injuring my disciples... Now you want to easily get over it with just a letter of surrender? Nothing is so cheap in the world! I want Amegakure to pay a more painful price!"
He tended to reject this overly lenient surrender condition, advocated continuing to exert military pressure, and even considered uniting with Sunagakure to impose more severe punishment on Amegakure.
At least Hanzo himself must pay a corresponding price and seek more substantial justice for the victims.
However, just as Konoha High Command was arguing fiercely about this, pressure from the other two major powers followed with unexpected speed and intensity.
First up is Iwagakure.
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki This wily politician smelled the opportunity brought by the changing situation almost immediately.
He issued a clear warning to Konoha through diplomatic channels.
Amegakure is located at the junction of the three kingdoms of earth, fire and wind, and its existence itself has a certain buffering value.
If Konoha insists on completely destroying Amegakure's current system and excessively weakening Hanzo, it may lead to a power vacuum in the region and trigger new turmoil.
Iwagakure is worried about regional stability and hinted that if Konoha insists on going its own way, Iwagakure will have to reassess its position and even consider providing necessary humanitarian support to the troubled Amegakure to maintain balance.
This is almost a naked threat.
If Konoha fights to the end, Iwagakure may secretly or even overtly support Amegakure, complicating the war.
Immediately afterwards, what was even more surprising was Kumogakure's attitude.
Kumogakure, who originally stayed on the sidelines during this war and developed in a low-key manner.
Third Raikage expressed concern that Konoha would take drastic actions out of revenge and undermine the post-war peace pattern.
Kumogakure hopes that all parties can exercise restraint and resolve the issue through negotiation.
If Konoha does not accept the surrender of Amegakure, Kumogakure may join forces with Iwagakure to intervene.
The two major ninja villages launched an attack almost at the same time. Although they did not formally form an alliance, the pressure created was huge.
Konoha has just experienced a disastrous defeat. The elites have been damaged and their morale has been frustrated. If they face Iwagakure, Kumogakure who may have united, and Amegakure who is trapped and fighting, the situation will be extremely dangerous.
Hokage In the office, the debate reached a fever pitch.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath from the pipe, letting the spicy smoke swirl in his lungs.
He raised his head, glanced at the consultants with different expressions in the office, and finally landed on Danzo, who had a bandage covering his eyes, and his voice was tired.
"The war has progressed to this point, and Amegakure's defeat has been decided. Hanzo's final counterattack, although it caused heavy casualties on our side, cannot change the outcome of the war."
"Continuing to fight will only increase casualties, push Amegakure into a desperate situation, and may even prompt Hanzo to do more crazy things, or... give Iwagakure and Kumogakure an excuse to intervene directly."
He paused, took a deep breath from his pipe, and tried to keep his tone steady.
"Accepting surrender certainly means that we cannot impose more severe punishment on Hanzo himself. But we can end this war immediately, obtain actual compensation and conditions, let the children on the front line go home, and allow the village to recuperate."
"This is... the choice to obtain the maximum and most certain benefits at the minimum cost."
"Absurd! Hiruzen Sarutobi, you are giving in to terror and threats!"
Shimura Danzō slammed the cane to the ground, his voice was hoarse, and his one eye was burning with cold fire.
He took a step forward with an imposing manner.
"Iwagakure increase troops? Kumogakure threaten? So what, this is proof that they are guilty and dare not really start a full-scale war. They just want to use intimidation to gain benefits and prevent us from achieving complete victory!"
"If we show the slightest weakness at this moment, we will really attract their covetation and temptation. Konoha is not weak enough to be slaughtered by others."
"We should immediately mobilize our forces to intensify the attack on Amegakure. We may even consider using more drastic means to completely defeat Hanzo, and use the power of thunder to tell everyone the price of provoking Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was furious.
"That's enough Danzo, you are really too extreme!"
"Continuing the war now will only cause irreversible losses to both sides. We cannot bet on whether Kumogakure and Iwagakure really want to go to war with us."
His tone became unquestionable.
"I have made up my mind. In the name of Hokage, Konoha accepts the peace talks with Amegakure. The front line has shifted to a defensive posture, and the negotiation team will be formed today."
"Danzo, your Root needs to ensure the security of the information during the negotiation and monitor all changes in Iwagakure and Kumogakure. This is the most beneficial approach to the village at the moment."
See what else Danzo wanted to say, Sarutobi Hiruzen said directly.
"That's enough Danzo, I am Hokage."
Danzo stared at Sarutobi Hiruzen with one eye, and the muscles under the bandage twitched slightly. Finally, he snorted and stopped talking, but the coldness and unwillingness in his eyes clearly showed that he would never give up.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, you will regret it!"
"Bang!"
Scored twice.
Sarutobi Hiruzen finally exercised the authority of Hokage and suppressed the objections of Danzo.