Upon learning that the forces of the Land of Wind had retreated and surrendered all their strongholds, it became clear that they had abandoned the idea of continuing the war. Though they might not admit it outright due to pride, the intention to negotiate was evident.
In today's Ninja World, the Land of Lightning had already withdrawn from the war, and the conflict with the Land of Wind was coming to an end. Other countries welcomed the prospect of peace. The only ones still locked in fierce battle were the Land of Earth and the Land of Water, owing to the longstanding grievances between their village leaders. For Konoha, this meant less pressure, in other words, Konoha could finally begin withdrawing from the larger conflict in the Ninja World.
—It's finally over.
Tobirama reflected on this silently. Nearly three years had passed since the outbreak of the war, and Konoha had suffered heavy losses. It was time to take a breather and rebuild.
At the combat meeting, the ninjas who had made significant contributions were commended. The greatest recognition went to Fumori Masaki, who had defeated the enemy ninja skilled in the Magnetic Release technique, brought back the body, and managed to hold off the Wind Nation's regular army for a considerable period.
Masaki accepted the praise confidently. For him, military merit was crucial. In the world of combat ninjas, nothing provided more political capital than achievements on the battlefield.
After the Third Ninja War, Namikaze Minato's ability to rise to the top, surpassing the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, was not only because Orochimaru had lost his moral compass, which displeased Sarutobi Hiruzen, but also because Minato had led the beleaguered Konoha to victory.
The system for passing on the Hokage title depends on two key factors, one is the designation by the daimyo, which is usually negotiated with Konoha's leaders, and the other is a vote of confidence from the Jōnin. While the Hokage has influence, military merit plays an important role in gaining the trust of the Jōnin. Especially as civilian ninjas rise and the influence of clans diminishes, military merit becomes a key metric that no one can argue against.
Masaki had planned this all along. In terms of military achievements, he was among the most accomplished in his generation. His willingness to risk his life for missions, especially those involving powerful enemies, had paid off. While he lacked the backing of a prominent family, he had inherited some influence from Senju Hashirama, and his close relationship with Sarutobi Hiruzen and Uchiha Kagami strengthened his position.
While still in office, Masaki had room to maneuver and enhance his influence further. It was becoming increasingly likely that he could succeed as the Third Hokage.
Masaki's next goal was to secure a favorable outcome during the peace talks with Sunagakure, ensuring that Konoha benefited from the negotiations. Specifically, the Chakra metal veins were a resource that Konoha needed. In the Chakra technology system Masaki envisioned, these metals were crucial.
While others were content to wait for the Sunagakure to collapse under the weight of its own logistics, Masaki proposed a more aggressive strategy. He argued that they should continue pressuring Sunagakure instead of simply waiting.
"As I've mentioned before, the Land of Wind's territorial ambitions stem from their lack of suitable land for expansion. This is about survival, not mere greed," Masaki said during the combat meeting. "If we don't weaken them to the point where they cannot pose a threat—at least not for a long time—they'll be back soon enough. Defensive strategies might feel safer, but they give Sunagakure a chance to recover quickly."
"But if we continue to fight, our forces will be severely weakened as well. We may not even have the means to deal a decisive blow to Sunagakure. The cost would be too high," Mitokado Homura countered seriously.
"You're right. Military action alone won't be enough, but there are other ways to approach this," Masaki replied.
"Other ways?" Tobirama, who had been quietly listening to the discussions, finally spoke up.
Masaki nodded. "The goal of military strikes is to force Sunagakure into a more submissive position during negotiations. Even if we can't crush them entirely, we can drain them over time."
"What are you proposing?" Tobirama asked.
"First, we should reclaim the lands we ceded when the tailed beasts were divided. Second, we must ensure Sunagakure relinquishes control over part of the Chakra metal veins. While the methods to achieve this may vary, these are essential objectives. The puppet production in Sunagakure has played a significant role in extending this conflict. By depriving them of Chakra metal, we not only weaken their ability to produce weapons but also acquire resources for our own."
"Are you suggesting we study their puppets? We've already captured three valuable ones from Monzaemon, but it will take time before we can figure out how they work. We'd be trying to master a technology that Sunagakure has refined for years, and we might end up failing miserably," Shimura Danzō pointed out.
"I'm not proposing that we study puppets. While I don't have a detailed plan yet, I believe Chakra metal should be used for something far more critical," Masaki replied.
When Danzo attempted to ask further questions, Masaki waved him off. "We can discuss the use of Chakra metal later. For now, let's focus on weakening Sunagakure's forces. Please continue."
"Finally, we should try to align with the peace faction within Land of Wind's capital and suppress Sunagakure at the national level. The samurai pose little threat, but the ninja forces remain a concern. However, in the end, even Sunagakure must follow the orders of the daimyo. If the daimyo opposes war, Sunagakure won't be able to act on its own," Masaki continued.
"And how do you suggest we win them over?"
"By appealing to their interests. The Land of Wind went to war to offset the negative impact of their barren land. While we can't give up territory, we can offer trade deals that benefit them. Instead of spending vast sums on a war for land, they can achieve economic stability through trade. I'm confident they'll make the pragmatic choice," Masaki explained.
The others couldn't help but agree. Given the choice between war and trade, most people would choose the latter. Though it might not be as immediately rewarding as claiming land, trade brought long-term benefits without the costs of war.
"Additionally, we need to assure them that the Land of Fire has no interest in their barren territories. Honestly, it shouldn't be hard to convince them. Who would believe that the prosperous Land of Fire is interested in their wastelands?" Masaki said with a smirk.
The others laughed knowingly. While the Land of Fire might entertain the idea of occupying the Land of Wind, it would be for prestige, not for their barren land. Masaki's strategy to persuade the daimyo with the promise of non-aggression made sense. After all, occupying such land would only lead to further expenses without much return.
"If we can convince the leadership of the Land of Wind, we can pressure them to reduce military spending on Sunagakure. Their harsh environment already makes it hard for Sunagakure to grow, and reducing their budget will only weaken them further," Masaki noted.
"As long as we maintain this situation and carefully manage trade, over time, the Land of Wind will become more reliant on us. The more entrenched our trade becomes, the harder it will be for them to oppose us militarily. Eventually, they'll grow complacent and lose their edge," Masaki concluded. "That's the gist of my plan. I admit it's still a bit rough."
"No, it's quite good," Tobirama said with a slight smile, applauding. "Alright, then. The direction of the negotiations will follow Masaki's strategy. Does anyone have any objections?"
The others shook their heads. Given the limitations of their expertise, none could propose a better plan. Thus, the course of action was settled.
Fumori Masaki, Shimura Danzo, and Uchiha Kagami would lead the forces to pressure the Land of Wind, while ,Tobirama, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu would contact the Wind daimyo's and negotiate with the peace faction in the capital. Everything was set in motion.