Negotiations Underway

The office erupted into argument 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 devastating blow to the already impoverished Sunagakure. By the same token, the others might unite against Konoha.

If war broke out, Konoha could very well end up facing four enemies alone.

At a critical moment like this, the Hokage still needed to mediate. The pressure was placed on the Third, and everyone waited for him to offer a solution:

"As long as we discover ninja investigating Konoha's prodigies, imprison them. But do not kill them at this stage. Also, bring Ebizo here to negotiate with us. If they truly fail to show sincerity, forget resources—they may not even be able to leave alive!"

Konoha had made its position abundantly clear. What remained depended on Ebizo's choice. He had come carrying the Third Kazekage's orders; whether Sunagakure would become Konoha's enemy was all decided in a single thought.

"I'll inform 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.

Sunagakure's arrival had affected the situation in the village to a certain extent.

The major clans in particular had sent their own prodigies home, while mobilizing another group of ninja to follow the Sand ninja closely.

Ebizo noticed the ninja gathering around them, as well as the injuries suffered by quite a few Sand ninja, and understood what had happened.

Yet he did not regret it. They would only stay in Konoha for two days, and within that limited time, they had to investigate by any means necessary. The fact that Konoha had not immediately attacked meant everything remained under control.

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

After so many years 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 fail, causing war to erupt ahead of schedule.

Everyone was making preparations, silently awaiting the conclusion of this matter.

Meanwhile, the Security Force had deployed a large number of ninja.

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

They were fully prepared!

These were matters for Jonin and Chunin. Students who had just graduated from the Ninja Academy were not qualified to participate, and did not even know that something major was about to happen.

At the edge of the Uchiha Compound, a grayish-white forest stood starkly at odds with its surroundings.

Before him lay the training method for a basic genjutsu. The Uchiha Clan used genjutsu more than any other clan in the village, 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 Sharingan gleaming with a single tomoe. Ordinary users relied on chakra, along with hand gestures meant to guide the target, to perform the Hell Viewing Technique.

The Uchiha Clan's ability, however, only required the Sharingan combined with spiritual power. Perhaps a single glance could pull someone into an illusion.

But Uchiha Yuu was not yet capable of silently drawing someone into an illusion like that. He needed a medium to accomplish it.

"Sure enough, my talent for genjutsu is rather poor."

The genjutsu he cast was barely satisfactory.

Uchiha Yuu practiced genjutsu that night. He was not so serious because he was pressed for time, but because something might happen tonight.

With Sunagakure's arrival, their surveillance, and the ninja they had encountered in the Land of Rivers, the Sand ninja had definitely played a part in it.

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

That meant Konoha and Sunagakure had failed to reach a cooperative agreement.

Inside the Hokage's office, the meeting continued late into the night. The Third Hokage was personally handling 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."

"Sunagakure's current strength is insufficient to sustain it. We can form an alliance."

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

The Hokage had already prepared to pay heavily in supplies. The Land of Fire was vast and rich in resources, and Konoha was the strongest village. If the circumstances had not been so urgent, this would never have happened.

The eyes of Konoha's senior officials all fell upon Ebizo. So long as he accepted the Hokage's proposal, matters such as what Orochimaru had reported and today's investigation could be suppressed.

"Supplies are something we must have."

Ebizo seemed not to notice the shift in the atmosphere. His tone was resolute as he said:

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

The moment those words were spoken, the room fell deathly silent.

The clan heads seated in the Hokage's office flushed red with anger. They immediately pointed at Ebizo and cursed:

"Kekkei Genkai abilities must never fall into the hands of another village!"

"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. Once their opinions became unified, even the Hokage had to make concessions.

The Third Hokage's expression darkened. He took a deep drag of smoke, slowly exhaled, and spoke 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 an enemy, we can agree."

Kekkei Genkai abilities were the foundation of every village. The mainstream of the Shinobi World was still dominated by great clans, and Konoha's prosperity was built upon them as well.

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

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

"You're trying to threaten us?"

Danzo's voice was cold and merciless as he slowly entered from outside, carrying a palpable killing intent.

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

This had been arranged by the two of them from the start: one would play the villain, the other the good cop.

"There is no need for you to worry. 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 is enough to show how powerful he is."

"Amegakure is not content with its current territory and wants to invade and expand. Konoha will certainly be the first target."