Inside the Iwagakure camp, Shigen received the highest level of hospitality.
Even the guest accompanying him was none other than the Second Mizukage of Kirigakure.
However, both the Second Tsuchikage, Mū, and the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki, made it abundantly clear that they were willing to fulfill any of Shigen's requests—except for ending the war.
"We also seek justice for Lord Shigen," Gengetsu said with a broad, almost affable smile. "For the Second Hokage to desecrate the souls of the dead, especially someone as great as you, a healer of unparalleled virtue, is something our sense of justice simply cannot tolerate!"
"…"
Such noble words.
Standing nearby, young Ōnoki nearly gawked at the Mizukage's shameless audacity. How could he so effortlessly say something so self-righteous—right to the person they were supposedly "avenging"?
"I will persuade Tobirama to stop using that forbidden technique."
Shigen furrowed his brow, his tone uncertain. "To me, whether my soul has been desecrated or not is irrelevant. What matters is ending this war, ensuring that no more innocent lives are lost needlessly."
"So it really was that conniving Hokage's doing?"
Gengetsu immediately latched onto this revelation, as if he had caught a weakness. "How utterly despicable!"
"…"
Shigen gave him a strange look.
Why does he sound exactly like Madara?
"Lord Shigen," Mū interjected, his expression calculated, "we understand your noble intentions. However, this war is already in motion. Iwagakure's supply lines are active, and Kirigakure's forces are steadily arriving from overseas. Even if we wished to withdraw, we could not simply stop everything now."
Mū spoke as if he had no control over the situation—despite being the very one who initiated the war.
"Tsuchi no Kuni's governance is complex," he continued, feigning reluctance. "I share power with the feudal lord, and this war was decided jointly. I cannot simply call it off on my own."
"And Mizu no Kuni is even more complicated," Gengetsu chimed in, stroking his mustache. "If we retreat now, certain clans may see us as weak and attempt a coup."
"…"
Ōnoki felt a pang of shame listening to them.
Yet at the same time, he made sure to take mental notes.
While he didn't know much about Kirigakure's internal politics, he was well aware of Iwagakure's—Mū absolutely had the authority to end the war. His influence within the village and the country was more than enough to suppress any dissent.
His teacher was blatantly lying.
More shockingly, Mū was actually going out of his way to be polite.
Usually, he was direct and dismissive, but here he was, weaving words with careful diplomacy.
"Is there really no way?"
Shigen's brow remained furrowed, his face tinged with frustration. "Must you insist on shedding blood to end this conflict?"
"Unless the First Hokage returns from the dead," Mū replied immediately, throwing out an impossible condition. "Only someone as strong as Hashirama, who also desires peace, could command the absolute respect needed to end this war peacefully."
"But Hashirama is dead…"
Shigen sighed, his tone laced with helplessness. "My strength is not on par with his, and I'm not adept in combat. But if defeating all of you is what it takes to stop this war, then I will do it."
"…"
Mū's eyes widened slightly.
Even Gengetsu looked surprised.
Everyone knew of Shigen's unparalleled medical prowess, but because he had dedicated so much time to medicine, most assumed his combat abilities were secondary at best.
Moreover…
He rarely fought.
It was difficult to gauge his true strength.
"Lord Shigen," Mū said carefully, as if confirming what he had just heard. "Are you saying you intend to end this war by defeating us… alone?"
"Yes…"
"If I take action," Shigen said, "there should be minimal casualties. It would give you a justification to withdraw without losing face."
"We don't want to harm you," Mū said instinctively, a rare flicker of hesitation in his voice. "Iwagakure owes you a great debt, Lord Shigen. I should be honoring your request for peace, not—"
Mū, normally a man of few words, found himself rambling.
He even glanced at Ōnoki, silently instructing him to pay attention.
This was how you used words to deflect responsibility.
But Gengetsu, ever the impatient one, decided to cut through the nonsense.
"How about this?"
"If Lord Shigen truly cannot be harmed…"
Gengetsu grinned, stroking his mustache again. "Then let's settle this properly. Mū and I will fight you together. If we lose, we will end the war. After all, if both Kage are defeated, who else could stand against you?"
"You're unbelievable," Mū muttered, shooting him a glare. Then, in a quieter voice, he added, "Do you really think I'd lose?"
"Of course!" Gengetsu whispered back. "He's from the ancient era! Even if he's a medic, his combat abilities could be bizarre! I don't want this war to end just yet, so let's not take any risks."
"Absolutely no losing!"
"If both Kage lose, it would be too embarrassing!"
"Agreed…"
Mū's expression darkened. "Just don't hold me back."
"…"
Shigen fell silent.
These two…
They were unbelievably shameless.
As Mū and Gengetsu prepared themselves, Shigen checked his mission list. The system had generated not one, but three tasks.
[S-Rank Task: Defeat the Second Tsuchikage, Mū.]
[S-Rank Task: Defeat the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki.]
[SSS-Rank Task: End the First Shinobi World War. Defeat the war's initiators—Mū, Gengetsu, and the Second Kazekage, Shamon—and convince them to withdraw from the conflict.]
So that's how it is…
The system assigned tasks based on achievable outcomes.
If it believed he could defeat three Kage, that meant it considered him capable of stopping the war.
For now, he selected the task to defeat Mū.
It was the most logical choice—Mū's defeat would likely reward him with Dust Release, a powerful Kekkei Tōta technique he had yet to acquire.
But before they could begin, Shigen made one final proposal.
"Should we invite the Second Kazekage as well?" he asked. "That might settle everything at once."
"…"
Mū and Gengetsu both stiffened.
…Was that necessary?
…Actually, maybe it was.
Because Sunagakure had also been acting suspiciously.
No…
That wasn't the issue.
Did this ancient medical ninja truly believe he could handle all three of them at once?
Or was this his way of making absolutely sure the war would end?
After all…
Both the Second Hokage and the Second Raikage wanted the war to cease. They were currently preparing for a formal alliance.
The only ones determined to continue fighting were Mū, Gengetsu, and Shamon.
So when the invitation was sent…
Shamon agreed immediately.
"Lord Shamon…"
Chiyo, a Suna kunoichi, hesitated. "The people of Wind Country revere Lord Shigen. If they learn that you—"
"The war must go on."
Shamon's voice was ice-cold. "If Iwa and Kiri stop, we lose our chance to seize territory. We must ensure this battle ends in our favor."
"If we win…"
"Then we will continue our war against Konoha."
"But if we lose…"
Shamon's voice softened slightly.
"If this truly is Lord Shigen's will, then our people will accept the decision."
Soon, word spread.
Three Kage would face Shigen in battle.
Ninjas from all five villages gathered, tens of thousands strong, to witness this unprecedented match.
And then…
BOOM!
A red-armored figure landed in the center of the battlefield.
The ground trembled beneath his presence.
A man whose name alone had left an indelible scar upon the world.
Uchiha Madara.
Only Madara could ensure that these Kage would keep their promise.
And so, the greatest medical ninja in history prepared for his greatest challenge.
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Powerstones?
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