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After obtaining information on Sasori from the underground exchange, Yōichi learned of his appearances only in the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Craftsmen.
Although the Sand Village was also searching for the missing Sasori, compared to the Third Kazekage, this genius puppeteer wasn't considered as crucial.
With the information in hand, Yōichi set off towards the Land of Rivers, where negotiations were reaching their conclusion.
Given the new Daimyo of the Land of Rivers favored the Land of Fire and that the Leaf Village targeted only the Sand Village without opposing the Rain Village, the Leaf and Rain Villages almost aligned themselves together in the tripartite negotiations.
After the latest round of negotiations, Jiraiya and Shikaku achieved a significant victory.
"Shikaku, with even the Rain Village siding with us and Minister Yoshikuni suggesting we take a firmer stance to exclude the Sand Village, forming an alliance among the three of us seems feasible," Jiraiya shared with Shikaku.
He wasn't adept at negotiations and was there merely as a show of strength for the Leaf Village.
Having survived an encounter with Hanzo and earning the title of one of the Sannin, his reputation alone was enough to intimidate the Sand Village.
"Minister Yoshikuni mentioned that if we could take over the Sand Village's share, the Daimyo's office is willing to increase financial support for the Leaf by one hundred million ryo," Shikaku relayed.
Although the Wind Country and Sand Village had been forced to reduce their shares significantly in previous negotiations, they still earned about four to five hundred million ryo annually from the Cloud River Iron Mine. (The mine's name, this was the reason everything started)
If the Land of Fire could swallow this portion and allocate one hundred million ryo to the Leaf, it seemed feasible.
"Although one hundred million ryo is substantial, the Sand Village likely won't give up without a fight. Forcing them out completely would probably mean war," Shikaku reasoned after some thought, shaking his head.
"We've already gained a significant advantage. If we fully exclude the Sand Village, the Rain Village might be the first to object. After all, Hanzo isn't foolish. If only the Rain and Leaf Villages remain, he'll surely worry about being next."
The proposal was impractical, and the village wouldn't agree. Their mission was to secure advantages for the Land of Fire, not to risk everything to make the Daimyo richer.
"So, it seems we've reached our limit," Jiraiya concluded regretfully. "It looks like the Sand Village is even more anxious than us. Shikaku, the Third Kazekage hasn't shown up yet. Do you think the Sand Village is plotting something?"
The Nara clan had always been the village's strategists. During the Second Shinobi World War, they helped the Leaf achieve numerous victories.
Shikaku, though not yet twenty, was already as sharp as his father, according to the Hokage.
"I don't know, Jiraiya-sama. We lack information. Have the reconnaissance squads not sent any messages back?" Shikaku inquired.
Jiraiya shook his head. "There's been a response, but no findings. One squad even lost contact. I've sent the Anbu for support. I'm just worried the Third Kazekage is plotting something, and we're unprepared."
"What about that Chūnin from the Uchiha? Any news from him?" Shikaku pressed.
"If the other squads found nothing, how could he? Moreover, Yōichi hasn't been in touch with the Anbu. I have no idea where he is now."
Just as Jiraiya finished speaking, someone knocked on the door.
Upon entering with permission, the ninja immediately reported to Jiraiya, "Lord Jiraiya, Chūnin Uchiha Yōichi has returned. He says he has completed his mission."
"What?"
Both Shikaku and Jiraiya were astonished, finding it hard to believe that Yōichi had completed a mission they had little hope for.
"Let's see."
They promptly left to meet Yōichi.
In the hall, upon seeing Yōichi drinking water, Jiraiya anxiously asked, "Yōichi, you've gathered information on the Third Kazekage?"
"Yes, is it appropriate to discuss here?"
Seeing Shikaku nod, Yōichi confirmed, "The Third Kazekage is dead, and the likely culprit is Sasori, the genius puppeteer from the Sand Village."
"Dead, dead?!"
Hearing this, Jiraiya and Shikaku were stunned, seeking clarification, "Yōichi, did you just say the Third Kazekage is dead?"
"Yes, he's already dead!"
"And the culprit... is Sasori from the Sand Village?"
Yōichi shook his head, "It's just a possibility. Sasori likely has defected. This is my speculation, but the Third Kazekage's death is certain."
Jiraiya frowned, "How did you gather this information? How can you be sure the Third Kazekage is truly dead?"
"The Third Kazekage once had a red serpent summon named Shin from Ryūchi Cave. After being betrayed and used by the Third Kazekage for false achievements, Shin disappeared.
Though betrayed, their summoning contract wasn't annulled. I located Ryūchi Cave and had Shin attempt to summon the Third Kazekage using the Reverse Summoning Technique before I tamed it, but there was no response."
No response meant the summoner was dead, as the Reverse Summoning Technique is generally irrefutable. Even if the summon could refuse, the summoner would be aware, something Jiraiya understood well.
"Now that you mention it, he did have a serpent summon before becoming the Third Kazekage, but I'm not sure if it was from Ryūchi Cave. So, Uchiha, you spent a month in Ryūchi Cave?"
Jiraiya inquired, stroking his chin.
Yōichi presented a scroll, "Not only that, but I also investigated Sasori's whereabouts. The Sand Village is searching for him too. Compared to the Third Kazekage, though Sasori is a genius puppeteer and Chiyo's grandson, he's somewhat insignificant."
"I see," Jiraiya took the scroll, seriously telling Yōichi, "I'll confirm with the village. If needed, your summon might need to appear. Once the information is verified, you'll have made a significant contribution."
[End of Chapter]