As he looked at the smiling Keiko seated before him, Danzo's face darkened, and he wished he could tear him to pieces.
Yes, after settling the Sunagakure bigwigs, Keiko had extended a small olive branch of peace to Konoha the very next day. Danzo, who had been agonizing over whether to advance or retreat after the Beast Trap plan failed, suddenly saw a chance to gracefully back down.
Overall, Danzo's performance this time had been fairly good. In the first half, he conquered Hidden Rain and cowed Hanzo of the Salamander; in the second half, he dealt Sunagakure a heavy blow and killed the Second Kazekage, Shamon. On paper, if the war ended now, this was unquestionably a triumphant return.
But who would have thought that trouble would arise in stoppage time? Ever since Keiko took over the battle, the Hidden Leaf army had suffered repeated losses. Not only had the decapitation operation failed, but the army was now trapped in a dilemma. If they continued attacking, their supplies and military equipment were insufficient, while the enemy had scored victory after victory and was at the height of morale. Taking them down was basically impossible, and as supplies grew scarcer, the army could be wiped out at any moment.
Retreat? First, that would amount to declaring the expedition a complete failure. Second, if Sunagakure pursued and ambushed them along the way, nine-tenths of the army might be gone before they even reached the Night-Cry Sand Sea.
But if he accepted Sunagakure's alliance now, first, he could ensure the army's safe withdrawal and finally pull them 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 beat his chest with confidence.
See how impressive I was this time? I forced two ninja villages into submission, one of them even one of the Five Great Hidden Villages. I also killed a Kazekage. No matter where you looked, that was a great victory.
The Hidden Leaf higher-ups would certainly accept a peace agreement. Everyone's interests and dignity could be preserved, and Danzo could still return to Konoha as a conqueror and victor, surely earning himself a higher standing among the leadership. As for the casualties and losses in this campaign... well, what war did not kill people? What ninja did not make sacrifices?
But the one thing that disgusted Danzo was the man before him!
Inheriting his predecessors' will, charging across north and south, defeating powerful enemies in desperate circumstances, and turning the tide when all seemed lost—this man would undoubtedly gain immense prestige in Sunagakure. His authority within the village was also about to become highly centralized. Now, carrying the momentum of a great victory as he sought peace, who knew what harsh terms he would demand?
Just as Danzo was still calculating, Keiko spoke. "Senior Danzo, it's just the two of us here, and we're both straightforward people. A drummer doesn't hide things from a performer. Let's skip the roundabout official nonsense. These are the terms. Have a look." With that, he handed over a sheet of paper.
Danzo took it and was surprised to find that the terms were not harsh. Konoha even held a slight advantage.
First, Sunagakure and Konoha would cease hostilities. The ninja of both sides would withdraw to the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire. Both sides would unconditionally release their prisoners.
Second, Sunagakure would recognize the Land of Rain as part of Konoha's sphere of influence and would completely withdraw from territorial disputes among the northern nations of the Land of Wind.
Third, Sunagakure and Konoha would establish an alliance. Both sides would remain aligned in all diplomatic, military, and commercial actions.
Fourth, the two sides would strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and cultural exchange, while reducing taxes on trade caravans traveling between them.
Fifth...
The treaty was not long, but Danzo read it very carefully. After repeatedly confirming its contents, he looked at Keiko in confusion. A question rose in his heart: what was this man after?
"Of course, this is only a preliminary proposal. Once I complete the Kazekage succession ceremony, I will personally travel to Konoha to sign the formal alliance treaty."
"You're going to Konoha?"
"Of course. It's a show of sincerity. Once the succession ceremony is over, I'll send a diplomatic notice to Konoha. How many leaders stay cooped up in their own countries every day?"
Danzo remained doubtful. If it had been him, he would never have sought peace so easily while holding such a decisive advantage. There had to be a conspiracy behind this.
"There's no conspiracy involved." Keiko seemed to see through Danzo's thoughts.
"Konoha is strong, while Sunagakure is weak. Konoha is prosperous, while Sunagakure is barren. A local victory cannot change the overall decline. You of Konoha may have lost one army, but you can send another. We of Sunagakure do not have that many ninja to expend.
"Before we become mortal enemies, it would be better to turn weapons into jade and silk. Once I leave, you can withdraw your troops. Rest assured, we definitely won't pursue you. Ask around if you like—my reputation is damn good."
At this point, Keiko's smile gained a faintly sleazy edge.
Danzo ultimately compromised and issued the order to withdraw that very night. The ninja on both sides erupted in celebration. This war, which had lasted nearly half a year, had finally come to a temporary end. Sunagakure even sent over several carts of fresh water and food in a remarkably chivalrous gesture.
"Not all ninja are to 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 logistical base."
"As expected of Lord Kazekage. You've considered everything thoroughly."
"Yes." "Yes, we do need to keep something in reserve."
Watching the crowd below discuss among themselves, Keiko nodded inwardly. After successfully bringing this war to an end, he, the Third Kazekage, had performed quite well. Hard when he needed to be hard, soft when he needed to be soft—his position could now be considered basically secure.
"Since the war is over, the ninja remaining behind will be organized into a Production and Construction Corps. Garukei, I'll have to trouble you. For now, serve as the commander of this Construction Corps. Lead the brothers stationed there in reclaiming land, planting trees, and developing production. I'll discuss the specific measures and methods with you later.
"You don't need to pull such a long face, either. The ninja responsible for garrison duty will rotate every four months. I won't make you guard the place for the rest of your life." The crowd immediately burst into laughter.
"Yes, Lord Kazekage," Garukei said.
"Elder Chiyo, make arrangements for the withdrawal."
"Elder Uekusa, inform the Daimyo of the Land of Wind about the war situation, and notify him to attend my Kazekage succession ceremony."
After issuing a string of arrangements, everything was temporarily settled. Keiko leaned back in his chair, his body seeming to go limp all at once. It was finally over for now. You people can go fight your wars. We of Sunagakure need to recover properly.
"So it seems this little fellow called Keiko is quite capable?"
Inside an unknown underground cavern, a hunched figure sat half-hidden in the shadows. His voice sounded aged and feeble.
"Indeed. He fought both battles beautifully," replied a monster with half of its face black.
"Mm. Let matters in the Land of Wind remain as they are for now. But this little fellow is still worth watching. What is the situation on the Tsuchikage's side?"
"The Tsuchikage's side has already prepared for war."
"Since they're prepared, cough! Cough! then don't let them sit idle. Go make the arrangements. Cough! Cough!"
The elderly man's weak coughing echoed through the vast, hollow cavern.
Danzo's thoughts were complicated as he looked at the small bottle in his hand. It contained nothing other than a scarlet Sharingan.
"He really is someone," Danzo could not help murmuring. Keiko's expression during the 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, your words will carry weight among Konoha's leadership. I hope that at certain times, you can put in a good word for us in Sunagakure."
"You underestimate me. I would never betray Konoha's interests."
"Rest assured, no one will ask you to betray Konoha's interests. Once the alliance treaty is signed, we will be allies. Konoha's interests and Sunagakure's interests will naturally be aligned."
"Then you..."
"Rest assured, I won't make things difficult for you. As I said, I only need your friendship. To show my sincerity, please accept this."
With that, Keiko took out a small bottle.
The moment Danzo saw what was inside, he could not take his eyes off it. Everyone knew what this thing represented.
"This... is Kagami's?"
"Yes."
"What about the other one?"
"It was accidentally damaged."
"You!"
Danzo glared furiously at Keiko, while Keiko maintained the same smiling expression. After a long while, Danzo calmed down, tucked the small bottle into his sleeve, and extended his hand toward Keiko.
"Very well, Lord Kazekage. You have gained my friendship."
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