Ōnoki Seeks a Way to Make Peace

Ōnoki set out with his delegation. They traveled as though walking on thin ice, watching every step. As they drew closer to Konoha, the tension grew almost palpable.

Konoha Ninja stood ready at the village gate as though facing a formidable enemy. Their eyes were full of suspicion, and they looked prepared to attack at the slightest movement.

At the sight, Ōnoki raised a hand to halt his delegation. He walked forward alone and calmly explained why he had come.

The Konoha Ninja did not answer immediately. Instead, they sent someone into the village with his message. Time dragged in the tense silence. At last, a Konoha Ninja came out and led Ōnoki inside.

The bustling streets of Konoha were packed with people. Shops lined both sides, their goods on display. Ōnoki could not help feeling shaken. Hidden Stone Village could not match this energy and prosperity. By his reckoning, Konoha was at least ten years ahead in development.

Beside him, Xingtu exclaimed, "Konoha is so well built. It's hard not to envy them." Ōnoki frowned slightly and replied under his breath, "Konoha may be prosperous, but Hidden Stone Village has its own resilience and deep roots. If we can avert war this time, we must focus on development when we return."

They continued on. The villagers' looks ranged from curiosity to wariness to open hostility.

A young boy tugged at his mother's clothes and pointed at Ōnoki's party. "Mom, are those people bad?" he asked in a childish voice. His mother hurriedly covered his mouth and glanced nervously at them. Ōnoki's expression remained calm, but he knew the pressure on these negotiations was far greater than he had expected.

Before long, they reached the meeting place. Konoha's conference room was spacious and bright. Its decorations spoke of the village's