Young Hiruzen Sarutobi's proposal wasn't bad.
Even Tobirama Senju had to admit that Hiruzen's idea was far more fair and upright than Danzo Shimura's.
When Hiruzen explained his plan to the group in the tent, everyone expressed their approval. At the very least, Konoha would stand on the side of peace.
Moreover, it didn't really feel like exploiting Lord Shigen.
Everyone in Konoha knew that Shigen was a pacifist. He would undoubtedly hope to see the shinobi world's wars cease, sparing more lives from being lost to the horrors of conflict.
"By the way…"
Akimichi Torifu, a member of the Hokage Guard Platoon, asked curiously, his chubby face wrinkled like a steamed bun. "What exactly does Iwagakure owe Lord Shigen from the past?"
"Just an excess of compassion…"
Young Danzo's tone was filled with displeasure as if the mere memory annoyed him. "When Iwagakure first attempted to seal the Four-Tails, they lost control of the beast. It rampaged, causing significant casualties…"
"So Lord Shigen treated their injured?"
"…"
Danzo nodded but grumbled begrudgingly, "If we'd known it would come to this, we shouldn't have agreed to help back then… Hmph…"
Of course, that was nothing but frustration talking.
When the plea for help came, it was from none other than Mu, the current Second Tsuchikage, and his diminutive disciple. Danzo would never have been able to sway Shigen's decision.
"Alright, let's proceed with Hiruzen's plan for now."
Tobirama wrote a letter himself, requesting Shigen's assistance in mediating a truce between Konoha and Iwagakure.
As a pacifist, Shigen was unlikely to reject such a request and would likely agree to intervene.
"Fire Lord!"
Just as Tobirama sealed the letter, a shinobi entered to deliver urgent news.
"A messenger from Kumogakure has arrived!"
"!!!"
The Konoha shinobi present were visibly surprised.
In this war, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Konoha were locked in a tense three-way standoff on a small country's battlefield, with each side wary of attacks from the others.
Among the three, Iwagakure clearly had the advantage in numbers, capable of fighting on two fronts. This was precisely why Konoha wanted to avoid a direct conflict with them.
But now, a messenger from Kumogakure?
Although Hashirama Senju had once assisted Kumogakure by driving away Uchiha Madara, who had attempted to seize control of the Eight-Tails, and had even helped them subdue the rampaging beast, such past goodwill rarely held sway during war.
So, what exactly did Kumogakure want?
"Let them in."
Tobirama sealed the letter and spoke firmly, "It seems Iwagakure's numbers aren't just giving us a headache…"
Iwagakure's army wasn't just Konoha's problem.
Apparently, Kumogakure, another great nation, was equally troubled by the situation. The war had spiraled out of control, threatening to decimate all three sides.
When the Kumogakure messenger entered, their intentions became clear: the Second Raikage hoped to form an alliance with Konoha to pressure Iwagakure into retreating.
If they could achieve a truce on the mainland, Kirigakure—isolated overseas—would likely withdraw as well.
"The Second Raikage is deeply grateful for the aid the First Hokage once provided Kumogakure. He hopes that by joining forces, Kumogakure and Konoha can restore peace to the continent…"
"Is the Second Raikage serious about this?"
Tobirama scrutinized the messenger, recalling his impression of the Raikage from the First Five Kage Summit—a seemingly fierce yet oddly amicable figure.
"If the Second Hokage agrees…"
The messenger spoke with confidence, "Kumogakure will publicly announce the alliance, declaring it to all of the shinobi world."
This seemed to be a genuine offer of goodwill.
In an era where national reputation was paramount, a major nation like Kumogakure would not easily tarnish its credibility, especially one as economically and politically stable as the Land of Lightning.
The proposal was difficult to refuse.
"Konoha accepts."
Tobirama's fingers tapped against the table as he spoke firmly, "We have no reason to refuse the Raikage's offer. This alliance is vital for ensuring peace across the shinobi world…"
"That's excellent news!"
The Kumogakure messenger was visibly pleased, bowing repeatedly. "I shall return to report to the Raikage immediately and prepare for the formal alliance ceremony!"
"Peace in the shinobi world…"
Tobirama's tone softened slightly, though it retained its usual weight and gravity. "May it rest in your hands…"
Once the messenger departed, the Konoha shinobi exchanged uncertain glances.
No one had expected Kumogakure to extend an olive branch.
"So…"
Homura Mitokado glanced at the sealed letter in Tobirama's hand and asked, "What do we do with this?"
"Deliver it to Shigen."
Tobirama handed the letter to an ANBU shinobi without hesitation. "If we can secure an alliance with Kumogakure, it will make it easier for Iwagakure to accept a truce. Shigen's intervention can serve as a face-saving measure for them…"
"For us…"
Tobirama's gaze hardened. "Peace is what we need most. The sooner this war ends, the better. As long as we can protect the Land of Fire's borders post-war, that will suffice."
He turned to his team of young and talented shinobi—Hiruzen, Danzo, Koharu, Homura, Torifu, and Kagami.
"Prepare yourselves. Once the time and location for the alliance ceremony are confirmed, you'll accompany me there…"
At Konoha Hospital
The influx of injured shinobi had finally slowed.
Tsunade was at school, and Sakumo Hatake was out on patrol. For the first time in a while, Shigen had a moment of peace.
Until Tobirama's letter shattered the calm.
Upon reading it, Shigen furrowed his brows, puzzled by its contents.
What did Tobirama mean by asking him to mediate between Konoha and Iwagakure for peace, appealing to his belief in pacifism?
"Who wrote this?"
Shigen raised a skeptical brow, questioning the author's intelligence.
Was Tobirama underestimating him? Or was the Hokage letting victory cloud his judgment?
"It was handwritten by the Second Hokage."
The ANBU agent seemed confused. Did Tobirama forget to sign his name?
"His handwriting isn't bad."
Shigen folded the letter and dismissed the messenger, stating calmly, "Tell Tobirama I've received his letter."
"Yes, sir!"
Before leaving, the ANBU agent added, "The Hokage also asked me to inform you that Kumogakure and Konoha are forming an alliance. The announcement should already be public. The Hokage hopes this alliance will pressure Iwagakure into standing down…"
"I understand. You may go."
As the agent departed, Shigen noticed a shadow slowly emerging from the ground nearby—it was Black Zetsu.
Since the war began, Black Zetsu had been waiting for an opportunity to talk.
Shigen held up the letter with a faint smile, finally showing some relief.
"Black Zetsu."
His tone was light, almost cheerful. "It seems this war is finally nearing its end…"
"This isn't the end—it's just the beginning."
Black Zetsu's voice was low and raspy as it emerged fully, its tone tinged with cold amusement.
"The war has proven how short-sighted these chakra-wielding shinobi are…"
It continued to elaborate on its grim worldview, attempting to sow despair in Shigen's heart.
But Shigen, ever calm, simply listened in silence, watching as the shadow ranted. When Black Zetsu finally mentioned Madara's desire to meet, Shigen turned, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Madara, huh?"
Moments later, Shigen walked toward the cemetery, where a familiar figure stood before Hashirama's grave, mocking the late Hokage.
When Shigen arrived, Madara's laughter halted as he saw Shigen approach, holding a bouquet of white flowers.
"Madara."
Placing the flowers gently on Hashirama's grave, Shigen turned to face him, speaking evenly.
"This is Black Zetsu—my will."
Madara froze, his eyes narrowing sharply. "Your… will?"
The dark figure beside Shigen moved fluidly, like liquid shadows.
"Yes," Shigen said, his voice calm yet firm. "It represents my desire to change this broken world… a gift for you."
Madara's eyes glimmered with curiosity and ambition.
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Powerstones?
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