Hidden Cloud Village Delegation, Peace Agreement

"Fire Release—Great Fireball Technique!" Uchiha Yanwu shouted softly, her fingers flying through hand seals. In an instant, a blazing fireball erupted from her mouth, streaking through the air like a meteor and radiating a suffocating heat wave.

"Die!" A furious roar came from the distance, thunderous and deafening.

Just as the fireball was about to hit its target, a broad-shouldered man with a resolute gaze abruptly appeared before Uchiha Yanwu. A short blade in his hand gleamed with icy light. In that instant, time seemed to freeze.

He was Asuma Sarutobi, Hiruzen Sarutobi's son. Expressionless, he stared at Yanwu as though preparing for the fierce clash about to unfold.

Uchiha Feng raised an eyebrow slightly, a mocking smile curling across his lips. "So it's you, Asuma Sarutobi! You came after my subordinate for no reason at all. Do you look down on the Uchiha Clan, or do you look down on your father?"

Anger burned in Asuma Sarutobi's eyes, and his voice was as sharp as a blade. "Why did you hurt my father? Uchiha Clan, how can you be so utterly deranged? Today, I'll avenge him and kill you!"

Uchiha Feng gave a disdainful smile, his voice filled with endless mockery. "How laughable, Asuma Sarutobi. How can you be this naive? Do you think someone with your level of strength can threaten me?"

Uchiha Feng had long since lost interest in people at Asuma Sarutobi's level. He was far too weak.

He turned and gave Uchiha Yanwu an order. "Yanwu, beat him until he's seriously injured. Remember, don't kill him."

Uchiha Yanwu nodded slightly, a hint of excitement appearing on her face. "Yes, I understand!" As her words fell, the air was instantly filled with tension. The curtain had risen on the battle.

Asuma Sarutobi clenched his teeth, fury nearly overflowing from his face. "Damn it, how dare you look down on me!" Deep resentment seeped through his voice, as though he wanted to turn his opponent's contempt into a tangible attack.

However, Uchiha Yanwu had no intention of going easy on him. Her figure moved like lightning, vanishing from the spot in an instant and leaving Asuma Sarutobi staring in shock.

So fast! he cried inwardly, realizing he had no time to react.

Then, a merciless barrage of attacks followed.

Yanwu's fists fell like raindrops, while her kicks came like a violent storm, driving straight at Asuma Sarutobi.

He struggled desperately, but against his opponent's speed and strength, he was like prey toyed with by a hunter, almost completely unable to fight back.

Three minutes later, Asuma Sarutobi was severely wounded. Covered in injuries, he collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath with a pale face, his heart filled with frustration and unwillingness.

Meanwhile, in a spacious ward at Konoha Hospital, the air was filled with the pungent scent of disinfectant.

On the hospital bed, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, lay quietly. His face was somewhat pale, and his body was wrapped in thick bandages. His injuries were serious, yet his expression remained exceptionally resolute.

Several ANBU members dressed in black combat uniforms stood guard in the ward, their gazes sharp as hawks as they remained alert to every movement around them, ensuring the great Hokage's safety.

The curtains were half-drawn, allowing faint sunlight to fall upon Hiruzen Sarutobi's face and illuminate his deep, weathered eyes.

"The Hokage Building must be repaired as quickly as possible!" Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly. Though his voice was low, it carried unquestionable authority. "The Hidden Cloud Village delegation will arrive soon. We must prepare in advance."

An ANBU member immediately answered respectfully, "Yes, Lord Hokage."

The atmosphere in the ward immediately grew heavy, as though even the air could barely bear the crushing weight of responsibility.

Time passed quietly, and ten days went by in the blink of an eye.

The Hokage Building had barely regained its former appearance through emergency reconstruction. It looked rough on the outside, the workmanship shoddy—a typical slapdash project.

On this day, the Hidden Cloud Village delegation arrived as promised and entered the territory of the Hidden Leaf Village.

The Hidden Leaf Village had carefully prepared a grand welcoming ceremony. Colorful flags hung all along the streets, while the sweet scent of pastries filled the air.

From the shadows, Uchiha Yanwu quietly watched the Hidden Cloud Village envoys approach, a faint unease stirring in her heart.

Golden sunlight filtered down through the treetops, shining upon the figures of the Hidden Cloud Village envoys and making them stand out all the more.

At this moment, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind a broad desk, wearing a gentle smile while his eyes remained sharp.

He slowly rose to his feet and nodded to the four arriving Hidden Cloud Village envoys. His tone was mild without losing its authority. "Welcome, all of you who have come from afar, and thank you for your visit. Please settle down in our Hidden Leaf Village first. Tomorrow, we will formally sign the peace agreement."

One of the Hidden Cloud Village envoys bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Thank you for the Third Hokage's generous hospitality. We can also take this opportunity to experience the splendor of the Hidden Leaf Village in the Land of Fire firsthand." His voice was gentle, yet it carried a trace of shrewdness, as though every word had been carefully considered.

And so, the Hidden Cloud Village envoys entered the Hidden Leaf Village. However, they had not come merely to admire the scenery.

Anyone attentive would notice them moving about the village, secretly gathering intelligence. They showed particular interest in the Hyuga Clan compound, occasionally whispering among themselves as though plotting something.

At this moment, in the Uchiha Clan courtyard, Uchiha Feng was wholly focused on enjoying the dango in his hand, a satisfied smile on his face.

Each dango seemed to melt into sweet happiness in his mouth, allowing him to temporarily forget the troubles of the outside world.

Suddenly, a black shadow flashed past, and a ninja dressed in fitted black clothing appeared before Uchiha Feng. His arrival came without any warning.

The newcomer was Uchiha Yuta, another member of the Maple Special Operations Squad.

Uchiha Yuta was tall and lean, with a cold temperament. He was skilled in the five elemental ninjutsu and possessed well-balanced strength. Though he had no particularly outstanding specialty, he had trained every ninjutsu to a solid degree.

His Three-Tomoe Sharingan glimmered faintly beneath the sunlight, giving off a profound and mysterious aura.

Uchiha Yuta said respectfully, "Lord Feng, the Hidden Cloud Village envoys have arrived in Konoha. Just as you said, their purpose is very likely closely connected to the Hyuga Clan!"

He frowned slightly, his heart full of doubt. Why was the Hidden Cloud Village delegation so concerned with the Hyuga Clan? What exactly were they after?

Uchiha Feng smiled faintly, his gaze deep and firm. A trace of amusement colored his voice, as though he had already seen through the complex situation to come. "Go! Keep the Hidden Cloud Village envoys under surveillance in secret. Do not act rashly. Tonight's situation is likely to become quite interesting."