You Can Rest Assured and Withdraw; We Absolutely Won't Pursue You

Looking at Jing Hang sitting before him with a smile on his face, Danzo's expression was as dark as water. Inside, he wished he could tear Jing Hang to pieces.

Yes, after settling the big shots of Sunagakure, Jing Hang extended a small olive branch of peace to Hidden Leaf Village the very next day. Danzo, whose Beast Trap plan had failed and who had been agonizing over whether to advance or retreat, suddenly saw a way to step down gracefully.

Overall, Danzo's performance this time had been quite good. In the first half, he conquered Hidden Rain and intimidated Hanzo of the Salamander. In the second half, he dealt Sunagakure a heavy blow and killed Shamon, the Second Kazekage. On paper, if the war ended now, this would be a triumphant return.

But who could have known that things would go wrong in stoppage time? Ever since Jing Hang took over the battle, Hidden Leaf Village's army had suffered repeated losses. Not only had the decapitation operation failed, but the army was now trapped between advancing and retreating. If they continued attacking, their supplies and military equipment were insufficient, while the enemy had scored successive victories and had soaring morale. Taking them down was basically impossible. Moreover, with supply difficulties worsening, the army could be annihilated at any moment.

Retreat? First, that would be tantamount to announcing the expedition's total failure. Second, if Sunagakure pursued and intercepted them along the way, the army would likely lose ninety percent of its strength before reaching the Night-Cry Sand Sea.

But if he accepted Sunagakure's alliance now, first, he could ensure the army's safe withdrawal and pull them completely out of this quagmire of war. Second, he could secure the fruits of victory in the Land of Rain and deter Hidden Stone Village's covetous ambitions. Third, he would have something to report when he returned. Before the Third Hokage and the Elders' Council, he could puff out his chest.

See how impressive I was this time? I beat two ninja villages into submission, one of them one of the Five Great Ninja Villages. I even took down a Kazekage. No matter where I said it, that would count as a great victory.

Hidden Leaf Village's upper ranks would certainly accept a peace agreement. Everyone's interests and reputation could be preserved, and Danzo could still return to Hidden Leaf Village as a conqueror and victor, inevitably gaining greater standing among the higher-ups. As for the casualties and losses in this campaign... well, what war did not kill people? And ninjas—when did they not make sacrifices?

However, the one thing that made Danzo feel uncomfortable was the man before him!

Inheriting his predecessors' will, he had ridden north and south, overcome powerful enemies in desperate straits, and turned the tide when all seemed lost. This man would undoubtedly gain immense prestige in Hidden Sand Village, and his authority there was about to become highly consolidated. Now, riding the momentum of a great victory as he sought peace, who knew what harsh terms he might demand?

Just as Danzo was still calculating, Jing Hang spoke. "Senior Danzo, it's just the two of us here, and we're both straightforward people. A gong-beater doesn't hide things from a street performer. Let's skip the roundabout official talk and empty pleasantries. These are the terms. Take a look." With that, he handed over a sheet of paper.

Danzo took it and was surprised to find that the conditions were not harsh. Hidden Leaf Village even held a slight advantage.

First, Sunagakure and Hidden Leaf Village would cease hostilities. Both sides' ninjas would withdraw to the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire. Both sides would unconditionally release their prisoners.

Second, Hidden Sand Village would regard the Land of Rain as Hidden Leaf Village's sphere of influence and would completely withdraw from territorial disputes in the northern countries of the Land of Wind.

Third, Sunagakure and Hidden Leaf Village would establish an alliance. Both sides would remain aligned in all diplomatic, military, and commercial actions.

Fourth, they would strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, while reducing taxes on merchant caravans traveling between the two sides.

Fifth...

The treaty was not long, but Danzo read it carefully. After repeatedly confirming its contents, he looked at Jing Hang in confusion. A question rose in his heart: What was this man after?

"Of course, this is only a preliminary intention. Once I complete the Kazekage succession ceremony, I will personally travel to Hidden Leaf Village to sign the formal alliance treaty."

"You're going to Hidden Leaf Village?"

"Of course. It's a show of sincerity. Once the succession ceremony is over, I'll send a diplomatic note to Hidden Leaf Village. As a leader, how many people stay cooped up in their own country every day?"

Danzo remained suspicious. If it were him, he would never seek peace so easily while holding such an overwhelming advantage. There had to be a conspiracy behind this.

"There's no conspiracy here." Jing Hang seemed to see through Danzo's thoughts.

"Hidden Leaf Village is strong, while Sunagakure is weak. Hidden Leaf Village is prosperous, while Sunagakure is barren. A local victory cannot change the overall disadvantage. Hidden Leaf Village may have lost one army, but you can send another. Sunagakure does not have so many ninjas to waste.

Before we become mortal enemies, why not turn weapons of war into jade and silk? After I leave, you can withdraw your troops. Don't worry, we absolutely won't pursue you. Ask around if you like—I have a damn good reputation."

At this point, Jing Hang's smile took on the slightest trace of lewdness.

Danzo ultimately compromised and issued the order to withdraw that very night. The ninjas on both sides erupted in celebration. This war, which had lasted nearly half a year, had finally come to an end. Sunagakure even sent over several carts of fresh water and food in a very chivalrous gesture.

"Not all ninjas may return to the village at once. At least one-third of our forces must remain at Moon Lake. On one hand, they will serve as a warning force. On the other, I have decided to develop Moon Lake into Sunagakure's logistics base."

"The Kazekage has truly considered everything thoroughly."

"Yes." "Yes, we should keep something in reserve."

Watching the crowd discuss among themselves, Jing Hang secretly nodded. Having successfully concluded this war, he, the Third Kazekage, had performed admirably. He had been tough when he needed to be tough and yielding when he needed to yield. His position could now be considered basically secure.

"Now that the war is over, the ninjas remaining behind will exist as a production and construction corps. Garukei, you'll have to work hard for now. You will serve as the commander of this construction corps and lead the brothers stationed here in reclaiming land, planting trees, and developing production. I will discuss the specific measures and methods with you later.

"And don't pull such a long face. Ninjas assigned to garrison duty will rotate every four months. I won't make you stay here for the rest of your life." The crowd immediately burst into laughter.

"Yes, Lord Kazekage," Garukei said.

"Elder Chiyo, go make arrangements for the troop withdrawal."

"Elder Uekusa, inform the daimyo of the Land of Wind about the war situation. While you're at it, notify him to attend my Kazekage succession ceremony."

After a round of arrangements, everything was temporarily settled. Jing Hang leaned back in his chair, and his body seemed to collapse all at once. It was finally over. Go fight your wars if you want—Sunagakure needed to rest and recuperate properly.

"So it seems that this little fellow named Jing Hang is quite capable?"

In an unknown underground cavern, a hunched figure was half-hidden in the shadows. His voice sounded old and weak.

"Indeed. He fought both battles beautifully," replied a monster with half of its face blackened.

"Mm. Let things in the Land of Wind remain as they are for now. But this little fellow is worth watching further. What is the situation on the Tsuchikage's side?"

"The Tsuchikage's side has already made preparations for war."

"Since they're ready, cough! Cough! Then don't let them sit idle. Go make the arrangements. Cough! Cough!"

The old man's weak coughing echoed through the vast, hollow cavern.

Danzo looked at the small bottle in his hand, his thoughts in turmoil. Inside the bottle was nothing else but a bright red Sharingan.

"He truly is someone," Danzo could not help but sigh. Jing Hang's expression during their negotiations surfaced in his mind.

"I hope to establish a friendly personal relationship with you."

"A personal relationship?"

"I believe that after Senior Danzo returns, his words will carry weight among Hidden Leaf Village's upper ranks. I hope that at certain times, you can put in a good word for Sunagakure."

"You think too little of me. I will never betray Hidden Leaf Village's interests."

"Rest assured, no one will ask you to betray Hidden Leaf Village's interests. Once the alliance treaty is signed, we will be allied nations. Hidden Leaf Village's interests and Sunagakure's interests will naturally be the same."

"Then you..."

"Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you. I said it already—I only need your friendship. To show my sincerity, please accept this."

With that, Jing Hang took out a small bottle.

When Danzo saw what was inside the bottle, he could not tear his eyes away. Everyone knew what this thing represented.

"This... belonged to Kagami?"

"Yes."

"And the other one?"

"It was accidentally damaged."

"You!"

Danzo glared furiously at Jing Hang, but Jing Hang still wore that smiling face. After a long while, Danzo calmed down, tucked the small bottle into his sleeve, and extended his hand to Jing Hang.

"All right, Lord Kazekage. You have gained my friendship."