Hidden deep within the rocky cliffs of the Land of Earth, just two hours from the border of the Land of Grass, stood a seemingly ordinary outpost. From a distance, it looked like any other forward operating base. But this was no mere outpost. This was the location handpicked by the Second Tsuchikage—Arano—to serve as his personal command center.
Though the war had mostly stopped, the outpost still stood firm like a stubborn reminder of unfinished business.
The fighting had ceased, yes, but the war itself hadn't ended—not for Iwa. They still could continue. It would be reckless. Dangerous. A massive risk. But if the Tsuchikage willed it… the war could be reignited at any moment.
Under the open sky, around a long wooden table, several elite Iwagakure shinobi sat in quiet discussion. The weather was calm—cool and clear. The warmth of battle was gone, replaced by the distant sounds of birds and the rustle of wind across stone. For once, peace hung in the air.
But not in their minds.
"I don't think our current numbers are enough to wage a full-scale war against Konoha," said Yusu, a former vice-commander, now serving directly under Arano. He leaned forward, stroking his chin, his sharp eyes focused.
"With all of us here," countered Han, the stoic Jinchūriki and former commander, "and with our combined strength, we can defeat Konoha's strongest. Once they fall, the rest will crumble."
"That's a dangerous assumption," replied Azora, calm but firm. The assassin's voice carried quiet intensity. "We could take the Land of Grass. Make them pay for siding with Konoha. But it would cost us dearly. Our troops would bleed for every inch."
Arano remained silent, his fingers steepled in thought.
"I know there are pros and cons to continuing this war," he finally said, his tone low and controlled. "But before any decision is made… I need to know exactly what we're working with."
"If you ask me," Han said, "we can continue the war—but I don't recommend it. All the other Great Villages have stopped fighting. We'd be alone. It would be sheer stubbornness."
"I agree with Han," Yusu added. "Continuing the war now would cost us more lives, more resources. It would weaken us further—and if another Hidden Village chooses to strike while we're vulnerable, we won't survive it. And let's be honest… there's no guarantee we can even win against Konoha."
Azora looked directly at Arano, her voice calm but resolute. "I believe we're all in agreement. Continuing the war would be a mistake. Please, Lord Tsuchikage… don't let vengeance cloud your judgment. This would be a move driven by emotion—not strategy."
Arano exhaled slowly. His gaze drifted toward the mountains in the distance.
"I know the situation," he said. "I know Iwagakure isn't in any shape to keep fighting. I'm not blind. I'm willing to make peace with Konoha."
The others straightened up, surprised by the sudden shift in tone.
"But that peace comes with a price," Arano continued. "If we surrender now, if we accept defeat… the clans that oppose me will see it as weakness. They'll use it to strike. They've been waiting for this moment."
He paused, his voice growing heavier.
"On top of that… we owe the Daimyō a fortune. Money we don't have. If the clans unite and gain the Daimyō's favor, they'll try to take everything from me. They'll call for a re-election. Force me to step down. Replace me."
He clenched his fist.
"I cannot let that happen."
There was a moment of silence around the table.
"…I don't know you that well yet, Lord Tsuchikage," Yusu said quietly, "but something tells me… you already have a plan."
Arano smirked.
"Not a full one. Not yet. But I'm working on it. When the time comes, you'll be the first to know."
Azora nodded. "Then it's settled. We'll proceed with peace. If any clan or the Daimyō causes trouble, we'll… take care of it."
"Han. Azora. Yusu," Arano said, standing up. "You'll lead the peace talks with Konoha. I need to return to Iwagakure… it's been too long since I've walked those streets."
He looked at them, a rare warmth in his eyes.
"And once it's done, return to the village. Take some time off. You've earned it."
Han crossed his arms. "We'll also need to send word to the troops—no more attacks on Konoha shinobi. And we should recall the spies we placed in the Land of Grass. It's nothing complicated, but… crucial if we want this peace to last."
And just like that, in a quiet moment beneath a gray sky, between four warriors hardened by war… the decision was made.
The Third Great Ninja War would end.
Not with a roar.Not with a final battle.But with words.
And the silent hope that it would be enough.