After half a day of negotiation, Hiruzen Sarutobi eventually yielded slightly, offering some compensation to Iwa-nin. After all, the upcoming operation would rely primarily on Iwa-nin's strength. In the ranks of the smaller nations, Amegakure was already considered the strongest, and it also had the presence of Hanzo, the "Demi-God."
Hiruzen's concession was largely due to Hanzo. Though no recent information about Hanzo had surfaced, Konoha knew better than anyone how difficult he was to deal with in the past.
The title of the Sannin, though prestigious, was a name bestowed by Hanzo. And that was because he had refrained from killing them out of respect for Konoha's power. If Hanzo had been even slightly more ruthless, there would be no Sannin to speak of.
Once the compensation agreement was finalized, the meeting between Ōnoki and Hiruzen ended.
After they left, Kurotsuchi finally asked Ōnoki, "Father, why did we agree to Konoha's terms just for some supplies? If we make our move early, we could probably attract most of Amegakure's attention."
Ōnoki rubbed his aching back and exhaled sharply. "Even so, some things must be done, Kurotsuchi."
He had maintained a stiff posture during talks with Hiruzen to project Iwa's strength, and now the toll was showing. If he didn't get a massage soon, he feared his back might go out again.
"A small country like the Land of Rain has an iron industry that accounts for nearly 70% of the Land of Earth's output. And you've seen the intelligence ANBU uncovered: Amegakure has prepared over 100,000 tons of steel for collaboration with the Sand Federation."
Even Konoha, the wealthiest of the Five Great Nations, used relatively little steel in construction. Yet Amegakure's buildings were nearly ten times more advanced—and far more steel-intensive.
That revelation was what solidified Ōnoki's decision.
Resources in the shinobi world were limited. If others claimed them first, it would widen the gap between them and Iwa.
While massaging his lower back, Ōnoki continued, "Kurotsuchi, when you become Tsuchikage someday, there are two forces you must never underestimate. One is Kumogakure, our long-standing enemy who constantly prepares for war. The other is the Sand Federation, a unified military government."
"This war against Amegakure is a perfect chance to drag the Sand Federation into conflict. If we can't eliminate them now..."
Ōnoki didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear: if a new system can survive a war, then it proves its legitimacy—just like the village system itself.
When Senju and Uchiha founded the first hidden village, it ended years of civil strife in the Land of Fire. Other countries followed, giving birth to the "one nation, one village" system that has lasted over fifty years.
Now the Sand Federation was doing something similar. The difference was that no one had stopped Senju and Uchiha after their reconciliation.
But the Sand Federation might face resistance from across the shinobi world. The daimyos of the various countries wouldn't allow such a system to exist. Ōnoki had already received several invitations from the Earth Daimyo, though he hadn't had any detailed talks yet.
The Land of Wind had lost over half its territory. The Daimyo's government placed a large bounty on the Kazekage, leading to the Fourth Kazekage's death—something all village leaders found unacceptable. If the daimyos truly decide to destroy the Sand Federation, they'll spend heavily to persuade all the Kage.
Kurotsuchi could guess the part Ōnoki left unsaid. The Five Kage wield great power, but none control the finances. This severely limits a village's growth—unless they act like Kumogakure, stealing from others without shame.
They wished they could be like the Sand Federation, but that took immense resolve. Ōnoki was too old, and Kurotsuchi lacked the decisive will. For Iwa to become like the Federation—it wouldn't happen in decades.
After Hiruzen returned, he immediately started redeployment with Nara Shikaku. The Sand Federation was moving aggressively, but as long as Konoha held Kikyo Castle, the border of the Land of Fire would remain secure.
During the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha had already heavily fortified Kikyo Castle. Currently, 300 shinobi were stationed there—enough to hold out until reinforcements arrived.
In the Konoha camp, the list of reassigned personnel was quickly finalized.
Forty Hyuga clan members were present, twelve of whom were to be sent to Kikyo Castle to join the reconnaissance unit.
Kiyo Hyuga was reluctant, but both the Third Hokage and Nara Shikaku had solid reasoning. No matter her objections, she had to send people.
This made it difficult for her to assemble a decapitation team to gain merits. During the Warring States Period, the Hyuga clan had their own squad-based combat methods, but after joining Konoha, they expanded on the Byakugan's battlefield advantages and abandoned their old tactics.
Kiyo Hyuga had intended to form a team of four clan members to earn battlefield achievements, but now, sending members to Kikyo Castle ruined that plan.
The Hyuga had several designated tents in the Konoha camp. The largest one was used by Kiyo to hold meetings with fellow clan members.
Though not her first time leading in war, since the Third Shinobi World War, Kiyo had come to appreciate the burden of commanding her people.
On the battlefield, she usually tied up the ends of her long hair and wore a white, tight-fitting training outfit. Her usual medical combat gear had been damaged beyond repair in the previous war, so she now wore traditional Hyuga attire.
Her pure white eyes showed unwavering resolve. Apart from the calluses on her palms from constant training, her exposed skin was smooth and fair.
"Lady Kiyo, should we request reinforcements from the clan?"
A branch family member noticed Kiyo was distracted and assumed she was worried about manpower, so he offered a suggestion.
Kiyo snapped out of her thoughts and replied, "No need. The clan won't send more. It's just us this time. Besides, there are plenty of issues at home—the clan head would never give us more people and let us gain glory."
She then produced a message scroll. Her grandfather had sent it, informing her of recent developments in Konoha.
Given the Hyuga's influence, having the logistics team deliver some sealed scrolls wasn't difficult.
But this news meant things were about to get very unstable within the clan.
The other branch members, upon reading what Hyuga Mirai had said, all frowned slightly. The matter involved their children and descendants. Even if their own generation was lost, they wanted to know whether Mirai's claims were true.
"Lady Kiyo, this part about the Byakugan..."
One member couldn't help but ask. He was from the Elder's lineage and, though he respected Kiyo's leadership and fairness, concern for his children forced him to speak.
"It's false. The main family might be able to enhance the Byakugan, but not the way he described. And even that method is nearly impossible."
Kiyo answered calmly. Of all the Hyuga, no one knew Hyuga Mirai better than her—and no one had been deceived by him more deeply.
Believing him would be truly foolish. Besides, if something so important could be said in front of so many people, it's easy to infer Mirai's true motives.
Those who can't see through it are simply greedy for the power in his azure eyes, unwilling to face reality.
"If we win this war, it might not mean much to Konoha, but for me and the Hyuga, it's a major turning point. So if any of you can't stay focused, I'll request Commander Nara to reassign you to border patrol."
Kiyo scanned the group. Her branch family members straightened up at her words and accepted her command.
The others also appeared attentive—though what they thought deep inside, no one could tell.
In Amegakure, upon receiving the Sand Federation's message, Konan stood stunned for a moment.
The reform had only just begun. She had fought hard against opposition in both Amegakure and Akatsuki to get it off the ground with Nagato.
Who would have thought Sanki Kaikō would die so soon?
Their relationship had been average at best, but he had opened her eyes to the plight of the Rain civilians and laid out a path forward.
The news of his death left her unsettled.
Not long after leaving Amegakure, she returned the same way and summoned the person in charge.
"Is the reform plan still viable?" she asked directly.
The Amegakure shinobi was stunned at first but answered, "Lady Angel, we're proceeding step by step. Once the surveys are complete—"
Konan cut him off. "What if Sanki Kaikō is dead? Is the plan still viable?"
"Miyuki-san is dead?" the ninja wanted to ask for details but caught himself, remembering he was speaking to the Angel of Amegakure. He replied, "Whether we can continue depends on the Sand Federation and the Kaikō Trading Company. But Miyuki-san did leave a detailed plan. Following it should be no problem."
Konan gave a slight nod, then said calmly, "Go to the Sand Federation immediately. Ask them for follow-up instructions. If they haven't canceled the plan, have them send more people to help."
She paused, then added, "Whoever they send must not be inferior to Sanki Kaikō."
"...That's asking a lot."
Once Konan turned and left, the Amegakure ninja muttered to himself. In his eyes, there were few in the entire shinobi world who could match Sanki Kaikō's capability.
(End of Chapter)