Tobirama lied because regardless of the appearance or terms of the other party's contract, he would never be satisfied.
This was done to reassure the other party of his willingness to negotiate without any ulterior motives.
"Oh? Hokage, please state your terms."
The Second Raikage showed no surprise, remaining remarkably composed.
He understood that his contract did indeed favor his own village to some extent. After all, it had passed through his hands, so bias was expected.
Naturally, the other party would have objections.
Yet, as long as both sides were willing to sign a peace treaty, the terms were never insurmountable.
"I believe..."
Tobirama stayed, debating with the Second Raikage for quite some time.
Whether dissatisfied with compensation terms or the amount demanded to ransom prisoners, he found fault with everything to avoid arousing suspicion.
Facing Tobirama's dissatisfaction, the Second Raikage patiently explained and negotiated.
The negotiation lasted from morning well into the afternoon.
Eventually, they reached agreements on the treaties and could formalize their signatures.
Kumogakure promptly finalized the revised contract.
"Second Hokage, if everything is acceptable, we can proceed with the signing."
"No issues."
Accepting the offered pen, Tobirama signed the contract.
Likewise, the Second Raikage did the same.
With signatures exchanged, the contract officially came into effect.
"Hahaha, now that the contract is signed, Hokage-sama, would you like to visit our Kumogakure Village?"
"No, I have other plans."
"Really? That's a shame."
Whether sincere or not, the Second Raikage sighed upon hearing Tobirama's refusal to visit the Kumogakure Village.
Behind him, Ginkaku and Kinkaku also sighed, saying, "Indeed, it's a pity."
Afterwards, the two suddenly reached into the Raikage's chest, one on each side.
Ginkaku squeezed the Raikage's heart with his hand, causing it to explode.
Tsk tsk, the dignified Second Raikage met such a cowardly death here.
"The Raikage is dead, the contract is void."
Ginkaku picked up the just-signed contract and tore it in front of the Kumogakure Village ninjas and Tobirama.
"Hokage-sama, it would've been great if you had agreed to Raikage-sama's request. Then we brothers wouldn't have had to fight here."
Senju Tobirama was nearly amused by this shameless statement.
"So, you believe that the reason the Second Raikage died here is because I didn't agree to visit the Kumogakure Village?"
"Absolutely."
Ginkaku and Kinkaku nodded shamelessly.
You don't say.
If Tobirama Senju had agreed to be their guest, the Raikage wouldn't have died here but back in the village.
"Enough talk."
"Then please, Second Hokage-sama, die with our Raikage-sama."
"Attack!"
As soon as Kinkaku and Ginkaku spoke, numerous Kumogakure ninjas emerged suddenly from the rocks to the east of the negotiation site.
It was clear that Kinkaku and Ginkaku's assassination of the Raikage was not spontaneous but planned long ago.
"The Second Raikage was bad at judging people."
When Tobirama Senju saw numerous Kumogakure ninjas rushing towards him, he didn't immediately flee but sighed.
Despite knowing that the brothers Kinkaku and Ginkaku were staunchly pro-war and refused to sign a peace treaty with Konoha, he had still brought them to the signing site.
"Just come along without taking precautions."
"Should I call him foolish or overly confident? Well, it doesn't matter. I should retreat now."
With these thoughts, Senju Tobirama swiftly formed hand seals and unleashed a powerful water-style ninjutsu toward the Kumogakure Army.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique."
A colossal water dragon formed from converging water currents materialized in the air and surged toward the enemy.
"Earth Escape: Earth Flow Wall."
The distinctive abilities of the Kumogakure Village were Lightning Release and Taijutsu, but that didn't mean they were unfamiliar with other attribute techniques.
"Hurry, pursue him!"
Tobirama Senju's water dragon bullet momentarily delayed the Kumogakure Ninjas.
Seizing this opportunity, Tobirama Senju began sprinting towards the Land of Fire without looking back.
Observing this, the brothers Kinkaku and Ginkaku waved their hands, leading the Kumogakure Ninjas in pursuit.
Wasn't one of Senju Tobirama's titles "the fastest"?
In addition to the Flying Thunder God technique, he was also highly skilled in the Body Flicker technique.
When he exerted himself fully, few in the ninja world could keep pace with him.
Fortunately, his objective wasn't escape; it was to lure Ginkaku and Kinkaku's troops into pursuit.
To prevent the enemy from losing his trail, he occasionally slowed down or unexpectedly unleashed ninjutsu from behind.
"Lord Ginkaku, Lord Kinkaku, something seems amiss."
There were sharp minds among the pursuers.
After once again blocking Tobirama's water bullets and determining his whereabouts, this person couldn't help but speak up to advise.
"What's wrong?"
Ginkaku and Kinkaku were extremely excited.
"If we surprise attack and kill the Raikage, the villagers won't obey us. But if we also kill the Hokage, the situation will change," Ginkaku said.
"Firstly, it's to silence a witness and set up a frame," Kinkaku added.
"If we kill the Second Hokage, who saw the Raikage's death, we can shift blame to him."
"After killing the Hokage, we'll return as heroes. Our status will silence any opposition."
"With the Second Hokage dead, we'll control the Kumogakure Village."
With this plan, the brothers eagerly chased Senju Tobirama. They didn't consider why he came alone, nor why he used Body Flicker Jutsu instead of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Occasionally, they lost his trail, only to find him again, as if Tobirama was toying with them.
"Fishing?"
"Okay, I get it now. No need to explain."
Ginkaku regained his composure.
He and Kinkaku were impulsive but not foolish.
With their subordinates' help, Ginkaku realized, "It seems Tobirama Senju isn't destined to die today."
"Stop chasing. There might be traps."
"What traps?" Kinkaku asked.
Ginkaku explained his suspicions, making Kinkaku nervous.
"This Second Hokage is despicable."
"You're no better!"
Senju Tobirama interrupted Ginkaku.
All eyes turned to Tobirama Senju and the Konoha ninja with him.
Seeing Uzumaki Mito, even Kinkaku and Ginkaku were unsettled.
"Sorry, you won't be going back."
****
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