Negotiations Underway

The office erupted into chaos over the enemy 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 fatal blow to the already impoverished Sand Village. By the same logic, they might unite against Konoha.

Once war broke out, Konoha could very well find itself facing one against four.

At a critical moment like this, the Hokage had to step in and mediate. The pressure fell upon the Third Hokage as everyone waited for him to propose a solution:

"As for those ninja investigating Konoha's prodigies, imprison them if you find them. But they cannot be killed for now. Also, have Ebizo come negotiate with us. If they truly fail to show sincerity, forget resources—they may not even be able to leave!"

Konoha had made its stance abundantly clear. What remained depended on Ebizo's choice. Carrying the Third Kazekage's orders, whether he chose to become enemies with Konoha all came down to a single thought.

"I'll notify them to come over."

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

The Sand Village's arrival had greatly affected the situation.

The major clans in particular sent their own prodigies home, while gathering groups of ninja to follow the Sand ninja closely.

Ebizo noticed the ninja surrounding them, as well as the many injured Sand ninja, and understood what had happened.

But he did not regret it. They only had two days in Konoha, so they had to investigate by any means necessary within that limited time. The fact that Konoha had not immediately attacked meant everything remained within controllable limits.

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

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

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

Everyone was making preparations, silently waiting for this matter to end.

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

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

They were fully prepared!

These were matters for Jonin and Chunin. Those 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 Compound, a gray-white forest stood in stark contrast to its surroundings.

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

"Hell Viewing Technique!"

Reflected in the mirror was a pair of One-Tomoe Sharingan gleaming brightly. Ordinary users relied on chakra and certain hand gestures to guide their target in order to perform the Hell Viewing Technique.

The Uchiha Clan, however, only needed the Sharingan and spiritual power working together. Perhaps a single glance could drag someone into an illusion.

But Uchiha You's current ability was not enough to silently pull someone into an illusion. He still needed a medium to accomplish it.

"As expected, my talent for genjutsu is rather low."

The genjutsu he released was barely satisfactory.

Uchiha You was practicing genjutsu tonight. He was not working so seriously because he was in a hurry, but because something might happen tonight.

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

The Second Shinobi World War was supposed to break out around this time. In the future, Sakumo Hatake would also kill Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law.

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

Meanwhile, discussions continued through the night in the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage himself was in charge of the negotiations. He looked directly at Ebizo and stated their terms:

"I won't waste words. I believe the Third Kazekage can sense it as well—the Second Shinobi World War is about to begin."

"At present, the Sand Village lacks the capability to sustain itself. We can form an alliance."

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

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

The eyes of Konoha's senior officials all fell on Ebizo. So long as he agreed to the Hokage's proposal, matters such as Orochimaru's report and today's investigation could be suppressed.

"Supplies are something we absolutely need."

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

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

The moment those words left his mouth, 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:

"Kekkei Genkai abilities must never fall into another village's hands!"

"Sand ninja! You were allowed to sit 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. When their opinions became united, even the Hokage had to make concessions.

The Third Hokage's expression darkened. He took a deep drag from his pipe and slowly exhaled, saying 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."

Kekkei Genkai abilities were the foundation of every village. The major clans were still the mainstream force in the Shinobi World, and Konoha's prosperity had been built upon them.

Sure enough, Ebizo did not get angry after being refuted, which meant he had said it deliberately.

"Before I came here, Hanzo sought out the Kazekage."

"Are you trying to threaten us?"

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

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

This was something the two had discussed from the beginning: one would play the villain, and the other the good cop.

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

"You all know Hanzo's strength. He is called a demigod, which alone proves how powerful he is."

"The Hidden Rain Village is not satisfied with its current territory and wishes to invade and expand. Konoha will certainly bear the brunt of it."