Chapter 20: Cloud Village Delegation Arrives at Konoha
The next day, a squad of shinobi wearing Cloud Village headbands slowly approached Konoha Village.
Leading them was a burly middle-aged man with dark skin, followed by several similarly dressed shinobi, each face wearing an appropriate smile.
"Welcome, friends from the Cloud Village!"
"Long live peace!"
Banners and slogans hung across the streets. Villagers lining both sides of the road held flower petals, tossing them into the air by the handful.
Pink, white, and yellow petals danced through the air, drifting down with the breeze onto the Cloud delegation. Those petals fell like snow, covering most of the street, producing soft rustling sounds when stepped on.
The Cloud delegation's leader, Nukarai, raised his hand and waved to the crowds on both sides, his smile appearing sincere and warm.
At the front of the procession stood the Hokage building. Sarutobi Hiruzen stood on the steps before the office building with several Anbu beside him.
"Welcome, welcome to our friends who've traveled so far."
Sarutobi Hiruzen extended his hand first. Nukarai quickly stepped forward, gripping it firmly.
"Lord Hokage, it's truly our honor that the Cloud Village can join hands with Konoha in reconciliation today."
Their hands clasped tightly together as the surrounding crowd erupted in cheers again.
Hiruzen patted the man's shoulder, his tone sincere. "War has brought too much pain to both sides. Being able to end all this—I believe it's not only the will of both villages' leadership, but the heartfelt wish of everyone in both nations."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across each member of the Cloud delegation.
"Today everyone has traveled far and must be exhausted. I've already arranged accommodations. Tonight, please rest well. Tomorrow morning, we'll formally sign the ceasefire agreement."
Nukarai naturally nodded repeatedly. "Lord Hokage's consideration is truly thorough. We'll gratefully accept."
Hiruzen turned to an Anbu beside him. "Take our guests to their quarters to rest."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
That jonin made a "please" gesture to the Cloud delegation. The group headed toward Konoha's western district as Konoha villagers behind them continued scattering petals.
Konoha had prepared a complete set of independent estates for receiving guests. Each room was cleaned spotlessly, windows overlooking small courtyards with decorative rocks and ponds visible.
"Konoha really is wealthy."
A Cloud ninja stood by the window observing, his voice carrying several shades of mockery.
"Watch your mouth."
Nukarai sat at the table, lifting his teacup for a sip without any interest in savoring it. He set down the cup and narrowed his eyes.
"Did everyone note what we saw today?"
Several trusted subordinates gathered closer. "The main street layout and Hokage office building location all match the map Lord Raikage provided with minimal differences. We can confirm our current location is separated from the Hyuga clan by only two streets."
Nukarai nodded. "Scout the location tonight to confirm target conditions. Execute tomorrow night."
The room fell into brief silence. The other Cloud ninja felt surprised and couldn't help asking, "Scout?"
Now that they were inside Konoha, scouting operations could very likely expose their true intentions. This order seemed unreasonable no matter how you looked at it.
Nukarai didn't know why he'd inexplicably made this decision, but he firmly believed doing so was correct.
"Lord Raikage's orders are very clear—we must obtain the Byakugan. Even if it alerts Konoha Village, they'll need to keep us here for three days. Worst case, we directly activate Plan B tomorrow night. For the Cloud Village, for the Land of Lightning, we fear no sacrifice!"
"Yes." Everyone acknowledged quietly.
No shinobi would disobey a superior's orders.
...
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood by the window, pipe in hand, gazing toward the Cloud Village delegation's guest quarters. His face showed exhaustion, but more than that—a relieved lightness.
Behind him, the three Hokage advisors along with Nara Shikaku and several Anbu were confirming tomorrow's signing ceremony details.
"The long Third Shinobi World War is finally coming to a complete end."
Shinobi operations typically pursued efficiency. Even wars didn't last too long.
Combined with how most ninjutsu's destructive power scaled with area, large-scale troop combat rarely occurred in all-out war—otherwise jutsu might easily injure friendly forces, binding hands and feet.
For instance, in one battle, Iwagakure had dispatched multiple shinobi to attack Konoha's defensive line. When Namikaze Minato arrived as reinforcement, the combat numbers were fifty-one versus four. Minato then proceeded to slaughter all fifty-one Iwagakure shinobi within one second while carrying four people, forcing Onoki to set a precedent for all shinobi worldwide: "Upon encountering the Yellow Flash, you may immediately abandon your mission and flee."
The Yellow Flash...
This war had lasted too long, changed too much. Right now, Sarutobi Hiruzen desired its end more than anyone.
After confirming all preparations were complete, Nara Shikaku stepped forward to report.
"Lord Hokage, tomorrow's ceremony procedures are arranged. The signing ceremony will be held atop the Hokage building so all villagers can witness this historic moment."
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned and nodded. "Very good. This war has lasted too long. The village's losses have been far too great. Peaceful resolution is the best outcome for Konoha."
"Lord Hokage is wise."
The others all agreed—only Shimura Danzo frowned, once again playing devil's advocate.
"Hiruzen, I still think this is improper. With the temperament of those Lightning Country barbarians, would they really agree to a ceasefire so easily?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent for a moment. "I understand your concerns, but the Cloud Village's losses aren't small either. The Third Raikage died in battle. The Fourth Raikage just took office. They also need to recover."
Shimura Danzo knew his old friend too well. Though Sarutobi Hiruzen had become indecisive now, he'd once been called the Professor—a man whose decisions, once made, were difficult to change.
"Regardless, we must strengthen vigilance. Root must maintain surveillance density on the Uchiha—we can't spare personnel. Have Anbu handle it."
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled white smoke. "I believe the Cloud Village has come sincerely for peace. Dispatching Anbu to monitor them would be judging a gentleman's heart with a petty person's mind—it would make them uneasy. Tomorrow, everything ends."
The others in the office all nodded in agreement.
Koharu Utatane even advised, "Danzo, perhaps you're overthinking this time."
This was Konoha. Even if the Raikage came, he'd have to behave. What could a few Cloud ninja possibly do?
A trace of worry flashed through Nara Shikaku's eyes. He opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.
Only Shimura Danzo left behind his usual line: "Hiruzen, you'll regret this."
He'd said it too many times. No one took it to heart.
***
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