Could it be that after my death, the true legacy of the Hidden Rock Secret Technique resides in Konoha?
"Lord Tsuchikage!"
Fortunately, the envoy from the Hidden Rock Village provided an exit.
"Your Excellency Tsuchikage, don't be too extreme."
Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly stopped the hot-tempered Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, and soothed, "You are a guest invited by Konoha, only here to meet me to discuss the alliance between the Hidden Rock Village and Konoha. We certainly won't forcibly keep a guest in Konoha..."
For people of their age, honor is more important than life.
Sarutobi Hiruzen never thought of keeping the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, in Konoha. He believed that such an action would only cause bigger trouble.
In fact.
Sarutobi Hiruzen never thought of forcibly detaining hostages.
As many people say, asking allies to keep hostages might make them adhere to the alliance, yet it might also plant seeds of hatred between the two villages.
Because any hostage must be an important figure from the allied village, and this person, after returning, would certainly influence the ally's decisions, and obviously resent the humiliating days as a hostage.
The Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, was just an exception.
After all...
The Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, stayed in Konoha purely for self-exile. Though he felt living as a hostage was humiliating, it was incomparable to the agony of being controlled by Uchiha Obito. Now, even as a hostage, he could bring peace and benefits to the Hidden Mist Village.
The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, is different.
This Tsuchikage of the Hidden Rock Village had nothing at odds with the village and was fully supported by the Hidden Rock Ninjas. If forced to stay in Konoha as a captive, such an event could easily spark a war, which was against Sarutobi Hiruzen's principles.
After speaking, Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered, "Everyone follow the command: this matter is classified as a top-secret of Konoha. No one is allowed to leak it. His Excellency Tsuchikage is only visiting Konoha as a guest!"
"Yes!"
A group of Dark Department had long received this order.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed his sincerity in sealing the news, he looked at Onoki and continued explaining, "Rest assured, Konoha will not threaten His Excellency Tsuchikage's life, and will not deliberately harm the interests of the Hidden Rock Village for Konoha's sake. We hope both nations can achieve mutual beneficial cooperation..."
"In the past, due to hostilities, we couldn't trust or communicate with each other, not even able to exchange envoys. We've never established a channel for connections between the two ninja villages. This is an opportunity for Konoha and the Hidden Rock Village to re-establish communication and cooperation."
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen talked expertly about these matters.
The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's intentions. However, he was a bit conflicted, as Sarutobi Hiruzen deliberately lowered his stance and didn't talk about Konoha's interest, but rather the common interests of both ninja villages, which made him feel more at ease.
However...
This isn't what he cared about the most!
What he cared about the most was the leakage of Dust Release!
"Is the Third Hokage implying to send His Excellency Tsuchikage back?"
Akihara Kagura appropriately voiced, frowning slightly, appearing somewhat anxious, "I'm worried that when His Excellency Tsuchikage returns, he might hold a grudge against us in the future..."
"Hehehehe, how could that be?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly waved his hand and, smiling softly, looked at the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, continuing, "We're all at this age, you merely invited His Excellency Tsuchikage to visit..."
"...I won't!"
The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, gritted his teeth, understanding the implication behind Akihara Kagura's words, "You have nothing to worry about, boy, this old man is not so petty!"
"This old man will definitely not hold a grudge against you, boy!"
The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, deeply glanced at Akihara Kagura, as if reminding, "Boy... you'd better not go around talking... this old man... this old man needs some dignity too!"
Upon saying this, the others present instantly had rather strange looks.
Because once a dignified Tsuchikage is kidnapped, what dignity is left!
Only the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, knew that he hoped Akihara Kagura wouldn't leak the secret of Dust Release, even though learning Dust Release is extremely difficult, yet who can guard against a ninja with talents like Akihara Kagura!