Tsunade went to the border alone.
This didn't mean she intended to negotiate with the Kumogakure forces by herself.
When the Kumo shinobi arrived at the border between the two nations, Konoha's forces naturally assembled to "welcome" them. If the Cloud dared to attack, they would face a swift and brutal counterstrike.
When Tsunade arrived at Konoha's camp, the atmosphere instantly grew fervent.
"Hokage-sama!"
"You've all worked hard. For now, I'll first hear the latest intelligence reports. Everyone, return to your posts!"
Without excessive pleasantries, Tsunade followed the frontline commander—a Konoha jōnin—into the temporary command tent.
"Hokage-sama, you must be exhausted from the journey. Would you like to rest first?" Before Tsunade could even sit down, one of the jōnin spoke up with concern.
Due to her nonstop travel day and night, fatigue was visibly etched on Tsunade's face.
Moreover, the fact that no ANBU accompanied her made the jōnin uneasy.
"I'm fine. First, tell me about the Fourth Raikage's movements. He'll likely learn of my arrival by tonight. If I don't prepare in advance, negotiations tomorrow might not go smoothly."
Know your enemy and know yourself, and you shall win every battle.
If she wanted to rest, she could do so after this conflict was resolved.
"Tsunade-sama, the Kumo shinobi haven't made any aggressive moves recently. They've stationed their forces at the Land of Lightning's border, ignored our scouts, and refrained from any attacks." Reported frontline commander Nara Shikiaki.
(TL Note: This guy is not Shikaku)
As a member of the Nara clan, he possessed not only a sharp mind but also unwavering loyalty to the Hokage—the very reason he held this position.
"No attacks?"
Tsunade frowned, raising her head in confusion. "And the Fourth Raikage is in their camp?"
"He is. Our scouts have confirmed his presence, and the Hyūga clan's shinobi have visually identified him. However, aside from training, he hasn't taken any other actions. We didn't dare act rashly either."
The era of peace had lasted too long. The generation that survived the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars now formed the backbone of the villages.
Unless pushed to the brink, no one was eager to reignite conflict.
Even someone as hot-tempered as the Fourth Raikage understood this well.
Of course, if an opportunity arose to take a bite out of another village, no one would refuse.
"It seems the Fourth Raikage is quite the shrewd man. Shikiaki, send a messenger to the Kumo camp. Inform them that I will meet with the Fourth Raikage tomorrow at 10 a.m."
"What about the location?" Shikiaki began to ask but quickly lowered his head. "Understood."
This was a confrontation between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning, between the Hokage of Konoha and the Fourth Raikage.
They were no small villages—basic respect was still necessary.
Since Tsunade had proposed the time, it was only proper to leave the location for the Fourth Raikage to decide. This was an unspoken rule of negotiations.
Naturally, if the Raikage suggested an unreasonable location, Tsunade would refuse.
"Pass down the order: no one is to lower their guard just because I've arrived. The Aburame clan is to maintain defensive reconnaissance, and the Hyūga are to remain on standby. If anything unusual is detected, investigate immediately and report without delay. Tonight's security must be absolute."
Tsunade's orders were firm, emphasizing words like "must" and "immediately".
Shikiaki understood perfectly.
The situation before and after Tsunade's arrival was entirely different.
Before she came, even if the Fourth Raikage caused trouble, there was still room for peaceful resolution. But if someone impersonated a Kumo shinobi and attacked Tsunade, the consequences would be dire.
If Tsunade died, Konoha would undoubtedly declare war on Kumogakure.
The stakes were too high for her not to be cautious.
---
"Greetings, Raikage-sama!"
To ensure Tsunade's message reached the Raikage without distortion, Shikiaki personally acted as the envoy.
"Take a seat, Shikiaki-dono. You're an envoy. While we in Kumo value strength above all, we don't skimp on proper etiquette!" Said the Fourth Raikage, A, with surprising courtesy.
His words were a stark contrast to the Raikage's usual reputation, catching Shikaku off guard.
"Unlike you Konoha folks, our Raikage is the Raikage—no one would dare impersonate him. If you don't believe me, you're welcome to go back!" Darui snapped irritably from the side.
"Hey now, Darui, no need for such hostility. I've finally escaped those tedious documents to relax here for a while—don't ruin it for me." the Raikage chuckled, his tone light yet carrying an undeniable authority.
Shikiaki nodded inwardly.
This was undoubtedly the real Raikage.
"My apologies for any offense, Raikage-sama."
After offering his respects, Shikiaki continued, "The Hokage has arrived at the frontlines and entrusted me with a message."
"Tsunade's finally here, huh? It's been a while since I last saw her. I never expected her to become Hokage after Sarutobi's death—I thought it'd be Jiraiya." The Fourth Raikage mused before casually asking, "Well? What's the message?"
"Just say it outright. Unlike other villages, Kumo doesn't produce traitors."
The jab was unmistakable.
Konoha might be the strongest of the Five Great Villages, but for all its power, it was also infamous for its rogue ninja.
Meanwhile, Kumo? Loyalty was absolute.
Shikiaki's expression remained unshaken. As a Nara, such words meant little to him.
"Hokage-sama proposes a meeting with you tomorrow at 10 a.m. Does this suit you, Raikage-sama?"
"What about the location?" Darui stepped forward, looming over Shikiaki with a demanding tone.
*BONK!*
A fist smashed down on his head. "The Raikage is speaking! Know your place!"
"Enough, Karui." The Raikage smirked at Darui, whose relief was short-lived as the Raikage's next words made him pale.
"We'll deal with you later."
Ignoring Darui's dismay, the Raikage turned back to Shikiaki.
"Let's meet at the border between our nations. As for the setup, Konoha can handle it—after all, you're the wealthiest."
"Understood. I shall relay your words to Tsunade-sama."
Once Shikiaki was escorted out, Darui's expression turned serious.
"The Nara clan of Konoha... truly a sharp bunch. Pity they're not from the Land of Lightning." Gone was his earlier foolish demeanor—his eyes were now sharp and calculating.
"Konoha has no shortage of talent, that's true. But their people love infighting—nothing like our united Kumo." The Raikage leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his face.
"Meeting Tsunade tomorrow... I'm looking forward to it!"
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