When selecting clothing, even ninja loungewear is somewhat form-fitting, accentuating their curves when they bow or move in certain ways.
Before Ayaka Uzumaki returned, they still needed Kushina's bloodline factor. Unfortunately, Kushina hadn't awakened the Kagura Mind's Eye, otherwise Mirai Hyuga could have tried making a sensory-type ninja tool.
The bracelet fused with the Uzumaki bloodline's Adamantine Sealing Chains was named "Heavenly Lock" by Mirai Hyuga. Although it couldn't truly lock the heavens and earth, once equipped with a thumb-sized compressed Arc energy cell, its power would surpass even Kushina's original version.
This was the power of scientific research—it could grant someone with no training the use of rare bloodline abilities. Despite Kushina's ten years of training, her results were now surpassed by Mirai's technological creation.
"In addition, we can install a nano-scale spatial compressor. The bracelet's already small, so the added feature won't impact its size much."
After several rounds of modification and three full days of work, Mirai Hyuga perfected the Heavenly Lock bracelet.
Aside from being powered by chakra, the bracelet's built-in Ark energy could sustain daily combat for up to 120 years.
Once completed, Mirai summoned Kushina and handed her the bracelet with a chuckle. "This is the finalized first-generation model. This part here links with the user. Once worn, it'll feel as natural to use as moving your own arm."
"Thank you so much, Mirai-kun!"
Kushina bowed happily and examined the bracelet closely. From what she had heard, this was the most advanced version of the Adamantine Chain Lock to date, costing billions to produce. Naturally, she was thrilled.
Naruto Uzumaki was the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki, and Kushina had always wanted to give him a safeguard to help him gain control of the beast earlier. Though Naruto didn't inherit her chains, with this tool, he no longer had to worry about the threat of the Nine-Tails.
"This tool might be a bit much for a child. You'll still need to keep a close watch on him. With Naruto's talent, relying on external tools would be a waste."
Mirai stroked his chin as he advised Kushina. Typically, people who relied on tools were extremely intelligent but physically lacking. Naruto, however, was physically gifted and had the Nine-Tails as a cheat. Depending too much on ninja tools could ruin his potential.
True strength combined with ninja tools brings out greater power. But if someone weak uses tools to become strong—especially if they aren't smart—Mirai could manufacture thousands like them anytime.
On the other hand, for someone like Sara, he could prepare a couple of bloodline-based tools for self-defense.
Kushina nodded firmly and promised, "I understand. I won't let Naruto slack off." She decided to push him harder in taijutsu training once she got home. As for ninjutsu and the rest, since Naruto was set on training with Ayaka, she could only teach him dodging and resilience.
Before she left, Mirai had her lie down so he could extract a bit more blood and tissue, then let her go.
He also reminded Kushina to finally report to the Barrier Division. At the very least, she should set up barrier techniques at key locations in the Federation. Enough of slacking off—how could she be this young and already giving up?
Mirai Hyuga, heir to capital and bloodlines, couldn't stand this sort of thing.
Bloodline-based ninja tools could significantly boost a strong shinobi's power. Right now, Pakura was the weakest among the Five Kage. She could easily defeat a regular jonin, but against other Kage-level fighters, she fell short.
But with just one or two bloodline tools, Pakura's strength could shoot to the top two among the Five Kage.
"Next, let's try something based on the Byakugan or Magnet Release."
After thinking it over, Mirai decided on his next research direction and immediately sought out Sasori.
"Sasori, do you still have any Magnet Release flesh left? Give me some."
---
At Kikyo Castle, Konoha's negotiation team had arrived at the front lines. On the second day of their arrival, they formally requested peace talks with the Suna Federation.
The team was led by Nara Shikaku. In terms of both identity and intelligence, he was the most suitable candidate. Also, most jonin team leaders were idle, and Tsunade had no tolerance for idlers, so she sent him.
When the ANBU came for him, Shikaku was studying shogi. Learning that Tsunade wanted him to lead the delegation made his face fall.
He had no family tradition of direct involvement—strategy was one thing, but being on the frontlines was another.
Still, Tsunade wasn't as easygoing as Hiruzen Sarutobi. After a sigh, Shikaku accepted the task and even roped in Choza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka before departing.
Before they left, Shikaku had gathered plenty of intel. But the more he read, the harder it seemed to persuade the Suna Federation to withdraw—unless they could pacify the Fifth Kazekage.
"Lord Thid, it's not that I don't want to save Elder Danzo, but the Fifth Kazekage values her aide too much!"
Seeing a line in the report flagged as "possibly romantic partners; heavily influenced by the aide in major decisions," Shikaku knew Danzo would have to be handed over.
Didn't they check the guy's identity before killing him? With Keiko Sanki's strength and status, capturing him alive would've benefited Konoha more. Shikaku hadn't expected Danzo to go straight for the kill.
That alone made him dislike Danzo. Still, before he left, the Third Hokage had specifically asked him to secure favorable terms for Konoha in the negotiations.
After arriving at the Suna Federation camp, the team was escorted in. There, the three met the Fifth Kazekage—slightly younger than them, but higher in both rank and power.
"Kazekage-sama, we're here on behalf of Konoha to discuss peace. This prolonged war has cost us both dearly. For the sake of our nations' civilians and shinobi, the Hokage is willing to make concessions in exchange for peace."
Shikaku opened with a slightly humble tone. The Federation was clearly enraged, and being too assertive would have ended talks immediately.
"What's Konoha's sincerity? If it's the same as before, expecting the Federation to submit, then I suggest you go back and prepare for war."
Pakura's tone was cold. Just because Konoha's defenses were hard to breach didn't mean they feared other battles—especially those involving logistics.
What gave Pakura her confidence was that the Federation's logistics far outmatched Konoha's—unless the Fire Daimyo offered them unconditional support.
"Konoha is willing to compensate the Federation for material losses, open key border routes, and establish cooperative relations. We also acknowledge that 2 districts belong to the Federation."
Shikaku concealed their bottom line and started with softer terms. Although Konoha had taken heavy losses, it hadn't technically been defeated. These terms were already generous compared to post-Third Shinobi War agreements.
But Pakura's expression remained unchanged. After a pause to confirm Shikaku had finished, she turned to Maki and said, "Escort them out. Konoha's shinobi should go prepare for war."
"Please wait, Kazekage-sama."
Shikaku quickly stopped the Suna-nin and smiled nervously, a drop of sweat forming on his brow. "If you're dissatisfied with Konoha's terms, please share your own. After all, your willingness to meet us means you must have some hope for peace."
"But you show no sincerity. Did you think such petty offerings would end this war?"
Pakura's voice chilled further. "This isn't negotiation—this is an insult to the Federation!"
"But Kazekage-sama, Konoha hasn't been defeated. You've surely heard about the situation in the Land of Rain—the Hokage has awakened Wood Release. She only seeks peace, which is why she's willing to negotiate."
"Then why doesn't the Hokage come to the battlefield herself? If you want peace, you should first fight—don't just hide in Kikyo Castle and send a team to negotiate."
This point sparked disagreement. The Federation believed a battle between Wood Release and the Rinnegan would end in mutual destruction. Plus, they had Hyuga Mirai, Sasori of the Red Sand, and two Mangekyo Sharingan users—their top-tier forces didn't lose to Konoha.
Shikaku had considered this too. He only briefly mentioned Wood Release, hoping to avoid mutual annihilation. But he had underestimated Pakura's thirst for revenge.
Despite long hours of talks, there was no progress. Shikaku noticed Pakura's patience was wearing thin.
"The Fifth Kazekage's temperament is very similar to Tsunade-sama's. If this fails, there might not be another chance."
Shikaku realized he'd done all he could. Between the conflicting instructions of the Third and Tsunade, he decided to follow Tsunade—prolonging the war would only deplete Konoha further, and the Suna Federation wasn't their only enemy. The Hidden Cloud to the north remained a looming military threat.
"Kazekage-sama, Konoha is willing to take a step back and hand over the person responsible for your aide's death. This is our final bottom line. If your side still refuses peace, then we'll settle this on the battlefield."
Pakura sneered. "And what, you'll toss a few scapegoats and call that justice for Sanki?"
"No. The one who ordered the killing was a member of Root. Root's leader, Lord Danzo, understands the bigger picture. He's willing to give up his life for peace between our nations."
Before Shikaku could finish, Maki interrupted with a frown. "Wait, did you say Danzo? 'Understands the bigger picture'? Willing to die?"
Danzo's reputation was known to high-level officials in every nation—mostly negative. The Federation, in particular, was very familiar with his crimes involving River Country nobles and the Uchiha.
That old hawk sacrificing himself for peace? How many wars had he instigated?
"You're not planning to send a fake Danzo to fool us, are you?"
Shikaku sighed. "Konoha wouldn't do that. Danzo is in Kikyo Castle. After the treaty is signed, your side can verify his identity."
With Shikaku being so forthright, Maki and the others couldn't press further. Besides, Suna had their own sensory jutsu—they wouldn't be easily fooled.
"Kazekage-sama, what do you think?"
Pakura was tempted. The war was largely for avenging Sanki. If Konoha truly surrendered Danzo, peace was possible.
But beyond Danzo, Konoha's offers seemed perfunctory—as if they were clinging to the fact they weren't technically defeated and refusing to concede.
"One more thing. The Land of Rivers will be neutral territory. From now on, both sides will compete freely for influence."
Pakura circled a section on the map and said, "Add this, and we'll sign the treaty."
Shikaku's pupils contracted. He immediately understood Pakura's motive.
She wanted Konoha to relinquish its influence over the vassal nation. The Land of Rivers was chaotic, but its daimyo still leaned toward Konoha. Agreeing to this would dissolve that relationship—despite the lack of any formal treaty.
At the same time, it would open the door for either side to act in the region.
After careful thought, Shikaku determined it was within his authority and agreed.
"Very well. Let's redraft the treaty."
(End of chapter)