Negotiations Underway

The office erupted into argument over the other side's ninja investigating Konoha's prodigies. In the end, all eyes turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi, knowing that the decision rested in the Third Hokage's hands.

Detaining them now—or even killing Ebizo—would be a devastating blow to the already impoverished Sand Village. By the same logic, the other side might join forces against Konoha.

If war broke out, Konoha might very well face a one-against-four situation.

At a crucial moment like this, the Hokage had to mediate. The pressure was placed on the Third as they waited for him to propose a solution:

"Any ninja found investigating Konoha's prodigies can be detained, but they cannot be killed for now. Also, bring Ebizo here to negotiate with us. If they truly show no sincerity, forget resources—even whether they can leave here alive is uncertain!"

Konoha had made its position perfectly clear. What remained depended on Ebizo's choice. He had come bearing the Third Kazekage's orders; whether Sand Village would become Konoha's enemy hinged on a single thought.

"I'll notify them to come over."

Danzō's face was half-lit and half-shadowed beneath the setting sun. At last, he rose to his feet and left with a group of ANBU personnel.

Sand Village's arrival had affected the situation.

The major clans in particular recalled their own prodigies and mobilized another group of ninja to closely follow the Sand ninja.

Ebizo noticed the ninja gathering around them, as well as the injuries suffered by many Sand ninja, and understood what had happened.

But he did not regret it. They would only stay in Konoha for two days, and they had to use every means possible to investigate within that limited time. The fact that Konoha had not immediately attacked meant that everything remained under control.

"You wait here. I'll go discuss matters with the Third Hokage."

After years of life as a ninja, Ebizo would not be intimidated by the scene before him. Since he had dared come to Konoha, he had already prepared himself for death.

It was possible that tonight's negotiations would fall apart, causing war to erupt ahead of schedule.

Everyone was making preparations, silently awaiting the outcome.

Meanwhile, the guard force mobilized a large number of ninja.

Uchiha Clan members appeared throughout every part of the village, their Sharingan activated. Members of the Hyuga Clan's branch family were also constantly monitoring the area around Konoha.

They had made every possible preparation!

These were matters for jonin and chunin. Students who had just graduated from the Ninja Academy were not qualified to take part, and did not even know that something major was about to happen.

At the edge of the Uchiha Clan's territory, a grayish-white forest stood starkly out of place amid the surrounding scenery.

Before him lay the training method for basic genjutsu. The Uchiha Clan was the village's most prolific user of genjutsu, and they also possessed certain hereditary secret techniques that had not been handed over to the Hokage.

"Hell Viewing Technique!"

Reflected in the mirror was a pair of Sharingan gleaming with a single tomoe. Ordinary practitioners used chakra, along with certain hand gestures meant to guide their target, to perform the Hell Viewing Technique.

The Uchiha Clan's ability, however, relied solely on the Sharingan combined with spiritual power. Perhaps a single glance could drag someone into an illusion.

But Uchiha Yū was not yet capable of silently pulling someone into an illusion like that. He needed a medium to complete it.

"Sure enough, my talent for genjutsu is rather poor."

The genjutsu he cast was barely satisfactory.

Uchiha Yū was practicing genjutsu tonight. He was not working so seriously because he was pressed for time, but because something might happen tonight.

With Sand Village's arrival, their surveillance, and the ninja they had encountered in the Land of Rivers, the Sand ninja had definitely had a hand in it.

The Second Shinobi World War would break out around this time. Furthermore, Sakumo Hatake would later kill Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law.

That meant Konoha and Sand Village had failed to reach a cooperative agreement.

In the Hokage's office, the meeting continued through the night. The Third Hokage was personally handling the negotiations. His gaze fixed directly on Ebizo as he laid out their terms:

"I'll skip the nonsense. I believe the Third Kazekage can also sense that the Second Shinobi World War is about to begin."

"Sand Village's current strength is insufficient to sustain itself. We can form an alliance."

"Additionally, Konoha can provide some material assistance during this period."

The Hokage had already prepared to make major concessions in supplies. The Land of Fire was vast and rich in resources, while Konoha was the strongest village. If the situation had not been urgent, this would never have happened.

The gazes of Konoha's upper ranks all fell upon Ebizo. As long as he accepted the Hokage's proposal, matters such as Orochimaru's report and today's investigation could be suppressed.

"Supplies are something we definitely require."

Ebizo seemed not to notice the shift in the atmosphere around him. His tone was firm as he continued:

"Additionally, Sand Village's prodigies wish to marry some of Konoha's ninja, especially those from the major clans."

The moment those words were spoken, the room fell deathly silent.

The heads of the major clans seated in the Hokage's office flushed red. They immediately pointed at Ebizo and cursed:

"The powers of bloodline limits will never be allowed to flow into another village!"

"Sand ninja! You're sitting here to negotiate, not to spout nonsense!"

"The Hyuga Clan will never agree!"

"The Kurama Clan will never agree!"

Voices rang out one after another, representing the will of the clan heads. Once their views were united, even the Hokage had to make concessions.

The Third Hokage's expression darkened. He took a deep drag of smoke, slowly exhaled, and spoke with a warning in his voice:

"Ebizo, you should understand that this is impossible. Name another condition."

"Whether it is supplies or joining forces against our enemies, we can agree to it."

Bloodline limit abilities were the foundation of every village. The major clans still dominated the shinobi world, and Konoha's prosperity had been built upon them as well.

Sure enough, Ebizo did not grow angry at the rejection, proving that he had said it deliberately.

"Before I came here, Hanzō met with the Kazekage."

"Are you trying to threaten us?"

Danzō's voice was cold and merciless as he slowly entered from outside, carrying an air of killing intent.

The Hokage did not mind his intrusion. Instead, he handed the initiative to Danzō.

This had been arranged between them from the start: one would play the bad cop, the other the good cop.

"You needn't be anxious. If the Kazekage had agreed to this matter, I would not have come."

"You all know Hanzō's strength. He is called a demigod, which is enough to show how powerful he is."

"Rain Village is not content with its current territory. If it wants to invade and expand, Konoha will certainly be the first target."