Kakashi, Rin is talking to you!
Are you polite? You should answer other people's questions properly!
Wearing goggles, Obito Uchiha blocked Kakashi's path and shouted.
Kakashi glanced slowly at Obito, then Body Flicker Technique on a tree branch, dodging his attack.
"Who goes there? Show yourself!"
Seeing the three Sunagakure boys appear in the middle of the road ahead, Kakashi reached out and gripped his Ninja Blade.
"Hello, we are ninjas from Sunagakure who have come to welcome the delegation."
"Excuse me, are you from the Konoha delegation?"
Only after the other party revealed their identity did Kakashi release his grip on the sword.
Rin Nohara also showed the other party the delegation's flag.
"Hello, we are the Konoha delegation. Minato-sensei and the others will be there shortly."
The inspection was successful, and Asagiri Rin, now much more composed, stepped aside to guide him:
"My name is Asagiri Rin, this is Shira, and this is Kari. We are Konoha's envoys. This way, please. Teacher Mukai is waiting for you at the Oasis Fortress."
When Minato Namikaze Shizune Tsunade at the Oasis Fortress, they were immediately stunned by the magnificent building:
"Is this the border of the Land of Wind?"
How was such a magnificent building constructed?
The bluish-gray exterior walls appear to be constructed from seamless boulders.
The city wall was nearly twenty meters high, and ordinary ninjas couldn't even get up there using their Body Flicker Technique.
On the city walls, it seemed that ninjas were patrolling. They entered the oasis fortress through long doorways, and there weren't enough eyes to take it all in.
So many unfamiliar machines, and they managed to pull such a huge pile of stuff up the city wall using only ropes?
Those large carts without oxen pulled by oxen passed by, carrying loads full of Iron Sand, while other large carts carried various steel products.
The Land of Artisans outside needs many artisans; Ninja Blade that takes a month to make—there's more than one cartload of them here!
Is this the impoverished and weakened Land of Wind?
Just as Tsunade like a country bumpkin visiting a grand garden, Mukai came out to greet her with Sasori and Konan:
"Greetings, envoys from Konoha. I am Mukai from Sunagakure, entrusted by the village elders to be in full charge of this negotiation."
This way, please.
This was the first time Mukai had faced Tsunade. As a prime example of someone who achieves great things from small beginnings, he gave this legendary figure a thorough once-over.
A green robe with the word "gamble" on the back—you won't find another like it in the entire Shinobi World.
After the guests and host sat down, Tsunade Gate of Opening, directly requesting that Sunagakure send troops to participate in the war:
"Let's skip the formalities; you all know why I'm here."
Mukai, I never imagined that someone as young as you could be so powerful in Sunagakure.
You should be well aware of Konoha's situation; it's besieged on three sides and in grave danger.
On behalf of Konoha, I hope that Sunagakure will honor its alliance and send troops to contain at least one enemy, thus relieving the pressure on Konoha.
She Gate of Opening, without any beating around the bush.
This is Tsunade's style—straightforward and direct. She has always detested political intrigue.
Mukai was wearing light Chakra Metal soft armor, which looked similar to ordinary clothes, but in reality, it far surpassed the defense of the warriors of the Land of Iron in this era.
The metal glove tapped on the table, making a crisp sound.
Instead of directly answering Tsunade's request, he asked her in return:
"An alliance? Is it an alliance with Konoha, which tacitly approves of Danzo and the Fusa Clan's collusion, attempting to overthrow Sunagakure and even coveting Shukaku's Konoha?"
Tsunade frowned:
That was Danzo's personal act and had nothing to do with Konoha as a whole.
Teacher Sarutobi was unaware of this...
Whether or not they were aware of it, it doesn't change the fact that there's a cancer within Konoha that could harm their allies.
Mukai interrupted Tsunade's explanation, his tone remaining calm:
"The old ninja village order was built on suspicion, betrayal, and narrow-minded clan interests."
The Sunagakure is now walking a completely new path.
Why should we stand together with someone who even betrays their own people?
Tsunade clenched her fists, suppressing her anger:
"If Konoha falls, your Sunagakure will be the next target!"
No matter how strong you are, can you fight against the entire Shinobi World alone?
Why not?
Mukai is no longer as helpless as she was when she first came into this world.
He's very strong now!
A brief silence fell over the meeting room. Even Minato Namikaze felt that this mission was likely doomed to failure.
Now, Konoha needs Sunagakure, but Sunagakure doesn't need Konoha's help.
Now, they command ninjas from both Sunagakure and Amegakure, along with top-tier combat power and this fortified fortress, seemingly capable of handling any threat.
Just then, Mukai the subject:
"However, Sunagakure is not entirely against considering some form of trade with Konoha."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed:
"A trade? What kind of trade?"
"Based on transactions between allies."
I need you... your medical skills, Princess Tsunade.
Mukai looked directly into her eyes.
"This isn't treating ordinary injuries. It's treating a special patient. Only you can go, and you need to swear an oath to your family to keep this a secret."
"Who?"
"A friend of mine, you've met him before."
In his struggle against Hanzō, he overused a forbidden power, severely depleting his mental and physical strength, and remains unconscious to this day.
His bodily functions had stalled, his consciousness had faded, and conventional Medical Ninjutsu was ineffective.
"I need Shizune assistant."
Tsunade did not immediately agree; the secret of her hemophobia must never be revealed.
Mukai to signal everyone else to step back, then gestured to Tsunade's side. Tsunade also told Minato Namikaze and the others to step back.
Minato Namikaze was not worried about Tsunade's safety.
Just kidding, this is Princess Tsunade of Konoha Sannin. It's her safety that you need to worry about, okay?
Everyone left, leaving only Mukai and Tsunade in the large room.
Tsunade looked at the boy in front of her with great interest, clenched her fist, and said:
"Now it's just the two of us, kid, are you trying to take advantage of me?"
"Now that you have such a good opportunity, if you don't act now, it will be too late."
Mukai shook his head, then suddenly said to Tsunade:
Princess Tsunade, do you believe in the existence of a soul or consciousness after death?
Tsunade taken aback, only to see Mukai Xiang rapidly Hand Seals and whisper:
" Spirit Transformation Technique!"
Caught Tsunade off guard, Tsunade's entire consciousness was connected to Mukai's Spirit Transformation Technique!
Within the vast sea of consciousness, Tsunade's mental image clenched her fist and shouted:
"You brat! Where did you learn your Spirit Transformation Technique?"
"What do you want to do by pulling me into the consciousness space?"
Just as she was loudly questioning him, a gentle voice said:
" Tsunade..."
Upon hearing this voice, the furious Tsunade froze on the spot.
She feared she was dreaming, so she slowly turned around and saw that familiar figure.
Wearing Konoha Jonin uniform, with light blue hair and wispy bangs that covered the swirling symbol on his Forehead Protector.
Her bright, large eyes looked at Tsunade, narrowing slightly, just like when they were deeply in love, and she softly called out:
"My Princess Tsunade, it's been a long time."