Recalling the events of a few days ago, Chiyo wasted no time and swiftly made her way to the front lines, fully prepared to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with both the Grass Village and the Rain Village.
Despite being considered a relatively small ninja village in the present day, Chiyo had gained a deeper understanding of the Grass Village's growing influence during her recent visits to both the Land of Grass and the Land of Rain.
While the Grass Village's reputation in the ninja world had suffered due to the leadership of their current leader, who was perceived to lack in traditional ninja ethics, Chiyo acknowledged that their ascent could not be halted.
Even neighboring Konoha harbored disdain towards the Grass Village, yet it was undeniable that, under the leadership of their current leader, both the village and the surrounding territory had experienced significant growth in strength.
This leader possessed a broad perspective, formidable strength, and a pragmatic approach that contrasted with the arrogance displayed by figures like Hanzo. He had effectively guided the Land of Grass and extended his influence to the Land of Rain, steering them towards a path of greater strength and resilience.
Furthermore, his unorthodox methods and shameless demeanor set him apart from conventional leaders, a trait that their own Kazekage lacked. While their Kazekage possessed decent strength and unique abilities, he paled in comparison to the dynamic leadership demonstrated by the Grass Village's leader.
Nevertheless, he remained their Fourth Kazekage, and under his guidance, the Sand Village had made gradual strides towards recovery in recent years. Therefore, this unexpected turn of events fell squarely on her shoulders to address.
In her assessment of the situation, despite facing pressure from the Four Great Ninja Villages, the Grass Village leader displayed unwavering resolve. However, the perils of this war were undeniable for the Grass Village.
The issue lay in Konoha's unwavering determination to retain control of the Nine-Tails. Should the Grass Village find itself at a disadvantage, it would inevitably draw the attention of neighboring nations and major ninja villages, leading to potential intervention.
It was common knowledge that the Grass Village had amassed considerable wealth in recent years. Given the financial strain incurred by ongoing conflicts, the surrounding major powers were eager to secure adequate funds for their own recovery efforts.
Initially, she, herself was tempted by the prospect of financial gain. However, her perspective shifted during her visits to the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass. She realized that, more than ever, the Sand Village yearned for peace, aspiring to quietly rebuild itself in the manner of the rejuvenated Grass Village.
Hence, confronted with such a perilous predicament, Chiyo holds firm in her belief that the Grass Village will be amenable to a ceasefire should the Sand Village pursue it. If necessary, they could offer compensation in the form of gold dust to facilitate an agreement.
Chiyo is confident that once the Sand Village makes concessions, the Grass Village will be inclined to accept them. Surrender, however, is out of the question. As one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, the Sand Village cannot afford to lose its dignity by capitulating after just two days of conflict. Such an outcome would invite scorn and mockery.
Echoing Rasa's sentiments, Chiyo acknowledges that the Sand Village possesses the capability to compel the Grass Village to retreat if they fully commit to the battle. However, the associated costs are deemed prohibitive. Thus, all preparations have been made, with negotiations being the final step.
And Her expectations proved accurate initially. The Grass Village leader and the Rain Village leader welcomed her visit without hesitation, displaying a warm reception.
However, when she presented the Sand Village's ceasefire request, the Grass Village leader unexpectedly outright refused. Even though Chiyo subtly suggested that prolonging the conflict between the Grass Village and the Sand Village would only serve to benefit the other three major ninja villages.
Despite Chiyo's subtle insinuations that deploying most of the Grass Village's forces to the Sand Village's frontlines would only create an opportunity for Konoha to exploit, potentially leading to the peril of nation or village annihilation, the result was disheartening.
The audacious Grass Village leader dismissed her concerns with nonchalance, remarking, "No worries. If the Grass Village is razed, we'll just relocate and rebuild elsewhere, no big deal."
He even went so far as to extol the virtues of the Wind Country's picturesque landscapes, refreshing breezes, and the faint scent of sand. Furthermore, He added that he was tired of the grass in the Grass Village and that moving elsewhere wouldn't be so bad.
In a show of solidarity, nearby Hanzo nodded in agreement, adding remarks about the abundance of gold in the Land of Wind. He had heard that after the Wind Country's Daimyo ceased funding, the Sand Village had managed to sustain itself solely through gold mining, turning it into a veritable treasure trove.
Hearing this, Chiyo felt the urge to deliver a swift punch to the Grass Village leader's face right then and there. While she doubted these two would actually follow through with such drastic actions, the intentions of that Grass Village leader remained shrouded in uncertainty.
Recalling the Grass Village's notorious reputation for disregarding ninja ethics, Chiyo couldn't help but reflect on their past transgressions. From selling false information during the First Great Ninja War to orchestrating fake battles during the Third Great Ninja War, the Grass Village had a history of deceitful tactics.
Just days ago, they brazenly took away the Konoha's Nine-Tails, and now, when faced with retaliation from Konoha, they pivot to attack the Sand Village. Their erratic behavior bordered on lunacy. Who's to say they truly intend to relocate and establish a new ninja village elsewhere?
Despite her role as a retired advisor to the Sand Village, Chiyo staunchly refused to entertain any compromises. Although she had stepped forward out of necessity, she was acutely aware that she was the only one capable of navigating this precarious situation.
However, Before she could utter a word in response, the Grass Village leader seated across from her blinked, wearing an unsettling smile as he spoke, "Elder Chiyo, wouldn't it be best for the Sand Village if they remained unaware that their hero, Pakura, is still alive?"
Beside him, Hanzo echoed with the same unsettling smile, "Old hag, surely you wouldn't wish to witness the swift demise of all the Sand ninjas in this vicinity."
These words sent a chill down Chiyo's spine, and if not for the gravity of the situation, she was even tempted to poison them right here.
As a seasoned member of the Sand Village, Chiyo's entire lineage had been dedicated to its service. Throughout her long life, spanning the reigns of the First and Fourth Kazekage, she had witnessed the ebb and flow of the ninja world, from the height of the First Hokage's glory to the establishment of the ninja village system. Her wealth of experience was unparalleled.
Yet, even with her extensive background, she found herself utterly helpless in this unprecedented predicament. The Rain Village leader, once revered as a legendary figure in the ninja world and a mentor to younger generations, now displayed a sinister demeanor that defied comprehension.
How had he descended into such darkness in just a few short years? Where had the noble demeanor of the legendary ninja vanished to? These questions lingered in Chiyo's mind, casting a shadow over the grim reality before her.
In the end, she found herself with no other choice but to compromise. Refusing to do so would have undoubtedly led to dire consequences, as these individuals seemed intent on following through with their threats. Thus, after intense negotiations, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the two villages.
Simultaneously, the Sand Village deployed troops to the border near the Land of Fire. However, they had no intention of engaging with Konoha. As per the Grass Village leader's stipulations, their role was to encircle them without launching an attack, merely applying pressure.
It was this condition that compelled Chiyo to acquiesce. Otherwise, she would have staunchly refused. If combat was inevitable, she reasoned, it would be preferable to continue facing the Grass Village.
"Young people truly have something about them," Chiyo sighed as she observed the Land of Fire's border ahead, speaking to herself, "It seems like the Sixth Great Ninja Village will emerge following this war."
As for Hanzo, she couldn't suppress a disdainful scoff at the shameless old man. Even in his advanced years, he seemed to have abandoned all sense of dignity and integrity. Lacking any trace of ninja ethics, he even boasted about having a grandson, claiming the boy was superior to her own grandson, Sasori. Chiyo couldn't help but question the character of his acknowledged grandson, Sasori.
Whirling around to face the Sand ninjas beside her, she commanded, "Pay attention, all of you. No rash actions. Anyone who dares to stir up trouble... will face the consequences from me!"
Her words hung heavy in the air, causing the Sand ninjas to freeze in place, their responses resounding in unison, "Understood!"
With the affirmation from her comrades, Chiyo pivoted back, her gaze landing on the assembly of Konoha ninjas not far away. A self-satisfied grin crept across her features as she remarked, "The Third Hokage... must be grappling with a headache right about now."
…
Meanwhile, on the Konoha side, true to Chiyo's prediction, the moment the Third Hokage received the frontline intelligence, a curse escaped his lips involuntarily.
Despite there being no formal agreement, there existed an unspoken understanding among the Four Great Ninja Villages to concentrate their efforts on the Grass Village. Then… why did the Sand Village, in the midst of clashing with the Grass Village, abruptly shifted their focus back to Konoha once more?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.
.
.
You can read 15+ chapters ahead of everyone on my Patreon
p@treon.com/Kaiszer
(replace ' @ ' with ' a ' for the link)