"I could simply kill you right now," I said, my voice distorted through the mask. "But I have a better offer. So listen carefully."
They didn't move.
'If only they knew…' I thought. If only they could see that I was just fourteen under this mask. That the legendary Hanzo of the Salamander standing before them was actually a teenager. Not only would they be shocked by my age, but also by my Kage-level strength. Most importantly, they wouldn't take me seriously.
And that... was exactly my advantage.
To them, Hanzo was a veteran, a war demigod on the same level as Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, or even the Daimyō of the Land of Rain. He was supposed to be cautious, ruthless, and wielding power equal to that of a Kage.
In reality, I was maybe at 70% of the real Hanzo's strength… but they didn't know that. And even if they suspected it, none of them would gamble their lives on it.
"First of all," I continued, "you invaded my land. Killed my people. Turned my haven of peace into a fucking battlefield."
My voice grew colder.
"Hiruzen… that old dog. He didn't send a single message, no official request. Just his little prodigies, trying to force a path through my territory to reach Suna."
Jiraiya clenched his teeth. Even poisoned, his fists trembled with rage.
"And yet… despite all that, I'll let you go."
A murmur of shock.
"What?" Tsunade whispered.
"That's it?" Orochimaru asked, eyes narrowed.
"Yes," I nodded. "You've already ordered your troops to retreat. No need for more useless deaths."
'Especially if I'm one of them,' I thought behind my mask with a cold smile. But aloud, I said something else:
"After all, Hiruzen said my power was equal to his, didn't he? And I doubt any of you can defeat your sensei."
Jiraiya grimaced but stayed still. Tsunade furrowed her brow.
Orochimaru chuckled.
"You're not that naive, are you Jiraiya? You really think there's no catch?"
I chuckled quietly.
"Sharp as ever, White Snake."
I took a step forward.
"Here are the terms of your release: Hiruzen will pay compensation to help rebuild Amegakure… and we'll form an alliance to train my next generation of shinobi."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"And what would the… currency of this deal be?"
I turned slowly toward her, locking eyes through my mask.
"Oh, don't worry, Tsunade Senju. You're the bargaining chip."
A stunned silence fell.
"WHAT?!" Jiraiya shouted, trying to stand.
But he stumbled immediately, the poison catching up to him.
Orochimaru placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down, Jiraiya. Now's not the time to act emotionally."
Tsunade exhaled slowly. Her gaze grew steady.
"I understand."
"Tsunade, you can't be serious! It could be a trap—"
"Jiraiya," she cut him off sharply, "you think I can't protect myself?"
"But… let him take me instead!"
"Do you hold any political value?" she asked, arms crossed. "Do you have a powerful clan? Land? A prestigious bloodline?"
Jiraiya opened his mouth. Hesitated.
"No…"
"Then shut up."
Orochimaru chuckled silently.
Tsunade stepped closer.
"Hanzo… you want to use my name to pressure Hiruzen? That's your plan?"
"Exactly."
She stared at me without blinking.
"You're not afraid my clan will crush you with a snap of their fingers?"
I shook my head.
"I'm not suicidal, Tsunade. I'm pragmatic. I want peace for my village. And by keeping you as a… 'resident ambassador,' I put Konoha in a political dilemma. They can't attack without risking your life."
She clenched her fists… but said nothing.
"Also," I continued, "I need a good medical ninja to help my people recover. And a figure to show them that we can forge treaties… even with the great villages."
I pulled a small vial from my cloak and tossed it to Orochimaru.
He caught it.
"An antidote for Jiraiya. Deliver this message to Hiruzen. Tell him war hasn't been declared… but I will tolerate no more intrusions."
---
Meanwhile, in Konoha – Hokage's Office
The air was thick with smoke. Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe, eyes fixed on the map of the Land of Rain.
An ANBU silently entered the room.
"Third Hokage. The Amegakure forces have returned."
Hiruzen looked up slightly.
"Sensei?"
"Full report," he ordered.
"The Demi-God Hanzo appeared. He stopped their advance. Your three students stayed behind to cover the retreat."
A quiet sigh.
"Ah… good old Hanzo the Salamander…" he murmured.
He exhaled a long stream of smoke.
"Should we send someone?" the ANBU asked.
Hiruzen shook his head.
"Unnecessary. The three of them should manage. Hanzo is strong… but he won't kill them. He's not impulsive… or is he?"
A trace of doubt crept into his voice, the slightest crack in his certainty.
"Where's Sakumo?"
"The White Fang is at the Suna border. Rumor says he encountered a kunoichi using Shakuton."
"Interesting… Doesn't matter. We wait. That old Onoki never really wanted to invade Amegakure anyway. He'll pull back at our border."