While Konoha was discussing how to deal with the Light Organization, Aizen and his two companions, who were to be dealt with, had already arrived at the Red Rock Valley.
However, the Red Rock Valley remained as desolate and deserted as ever. But Aizen didn't care.
He knew that news of the battle in Konoha had already spread, and people would soon be coming here.
Sure enough, less than half an hour later, Aizen saw a group of ninjas running rapidly from the northwest of the Red Flame Valley. They were dressed in red ninja uniforms, and the leader was none other than Iwagakure Butō who had previously traded with them. The ninjas beside him were also familiar faces to Aizen; they were the ones who had questioned them during the last transaction.
However, this time, the attitude of the Iwagakure Ninja was clearly different. Each of them had a respectful expression on their face, presumably because they were already aware of Aizen's achievements.
That makes sense. After all, as Konoha's current enemy, Iwagakure must be aware of everything happening in Konoha, otherwise how could they fight against Konoha?
"Haha, everyone from the Light Organization, we've kept you waiting. We from Iwagakure rushed to Red Flame Valley as soon as we heard about your achievements, but you were still a step too late. As expected of the strong individuals who defeated Jiraiya and Konoha's rising star Minato Namikaze, and who even managed to bring Roshi out of Konoha's camp, we admire you immensely!"
As soon as Butō arrived in front of Aizen's Sannin, he immediately expressed his admiration.
He truly hadn't expected Aizen and his group to be so powerful, actually managing to bring back Roshi within the agreed timeframe. What's even more terrifying is that they had only finished discussing things yesterday, and had already completed their mission today.
Such efficiency is simply unbelievable.
If someone had told him before that they could bring out an important prisoner from the Konoha Village camp in a single day, he certainly wouldn't have believed it. But now, he believed it. At the same time, he couldn't help but lament his own shortsightedness and underestimation of the world's strongest.
"These are things we should do, nothing special." Unmoved by Butō's flattery, Aizen simply said, " Butō, it would be more practical for you to give us the remaining reward from the mission."
Aizen had no interest in the praise; the only thing worth wasting his breath on was the remaining reward.
Hearing Aizen's cold response, Butō wasn't angry. Without hesitation, he pulled out four scrolls from his pocket and handed them to Aizen.
" Aizen- san, please accept this. This is the reward we promised: two Release Technique scrolls and the remaining bounty."
Then, pointing to the fourth scroll, he said, "As for this extra scroll, it's a reward from our Tsuchikage for everyone completing the mission ahead of schedule—five million ryo. Although the amount isn't much, as I said before, Iwagakure is willing to build friendly relations with everyone in the Light Organization. We hope your organization won't find it offensive."
Butō was speaking very politely, and his words clearly showed his respect for the Light Organization, but Aizen was not fooled by Butō's words.
He knew that the talk of Butō was definitely at Ōnoki's behest. Knowing Ōnoki's uncompromising nature, he was certain that Iwagakure's overtures to them were for some other purpose.
As for the purpose, we'll have to wait and see what happens next in the Butō.
Then he heard Butō continue, "Furthermore, we hope to form an alliance with the Light Organization to advance and retreat together. I believe you all know that your organization has now offended Konoha and will definitely be targeted by Konoha. It's just that because of the war between Iwagakure and Konoha, things are still fine. Once Konoha is free to take action, your organization will be in trouble."
But things are different now. With Iwagakure diverting Konoha's main attention and your organization providing support, we can defeat Konoha before they even have a chance to Konoha, eliminating any future worries for your organization. To demonstrate Iwagakure's sincerity, we will continue to provide funding, and you will continue to provide resources. We will join forces for a mutually beneficial partnership.
It must be admitted that what Butō is saying now is very inflammatory. After all, the Light Organization has really offended Konoha. If the Light Organization is really just a simple organization, then they really need to consider whether to attack Konoha together with the Iwagakure.
Unfortunately, Iwagakure misjudged one thing: the composition of their Light Organization was extremely complex, existing in a Schrödinger's cat-like state, meaning it could exist or not exist.
They will act when needed by their host, but remain relatively quiet when not needed. Therefore, they are not afraid of being tracked down by Konoha.
Furthermore, with Kōki as the core of Konoha, they will never be destroyed by Konoha, no matter what.
Furthermore, Aizen also sensed the dark undertones in the Butō exchange. Iwagakure was providing the money, while they were providing the manpower—they were planning to use the Light Organization as pawns. Weren't they just using them as shields?
He wasn't that stupid to agree to Iwagakure's malicious request for cooperation.
"Thank you for the kindness of Iwagakure, but we don't need to cooperate. If the people of Konoha really want to come and cause us trouble, then let them come and see for themselves."
Upon hearing Aizen's words, Butō's smile froze. He couldn't understand why something he thought was a sure thing had been rejected.
How could Aizen dare to refuse Iwagakure's goodwill? Did they think that offending Konoha was not enough, and that they were going to continue offending Iwagakure?
Or is he genuinely arrogant enough to think that defeating Konoha master means he can look down on even the strongest Iwagakure? Does he really think the Five Great Nations ' ninja villages are made of clay?
Yes, while it's true that Iwagakure might have ulterior motives, they've Iwagakure given us so much face, can't you be a little more tactful in your words?
"Heh, won't your organization reconsider? Konoha's strength isn't that weak. The real powerhouses didn't appear on your previous battlefields. For example, that brat who captured Roshi with Wood Release wasn't on the battlefield this time. If Konoha sent such a powerful figure to deal with you, you'd be in trouble, wouldn't you? But if you cooperate with Iwagakure, we're fully confident we can restrain that Wood Release brat. You'll be safer."
Although Aizen had explicitly refused, Butō still tried his best to persuade him. While he disliked Aizen's arrogant personality, their strength was indeed formidable, making them a perfect target for attacking Konoha.
Unfortunately, Butō was unaware of Aizen's connection to Konoha, and his suggestion was once again ruthlessly rejected by Aizen.
"I'm sorry, but as I said before, we will not accept Iwagakure's invitation. We are just a small, ordinary organization, and we dare not directly intervene in a war between two great powers. I believe Konoha will not make a fuss over something as insignificant as us."
Now, Butō's smile vanished completely, and he said stiffly, "Since you put it that way, then fine, we at Iwagakure won't insist. We hope there will be opportunities to cooperate with you again in the future."
After saying that, he turned and ran towards Iwagakure with Roshi without looking back. Clearly, Aizen's repeated rejections had made Butō unable to control his anger, and he left in a very impolite manner.