Chapter 214: Kirigakure Voluntarily Admits Defeat
The arrival of Jiraiya significantly increased the pressure on Kirigakure. Especially his summoned animals, some of which were quite powerful, equivalent to a small Tailed Beast. Ordinary ninja had no good way to deal with them.
After holding out for a week, Kirigakure completely withdrew from the Land of Rivers. Not only that, but they also abandoned their bases and outposts along the coast.
Undoubtedly, this was an admission of defeat.
Konoha and Sunagakure Main Camp
Hoshikawa was listening to Jiraiya explain the Flying Thunder God Technique. Although Jiraiya didn't know the technique himself, his student Minato Namikaze did, so he knew quite a few tips and tricks.
"Tsunade certainly took on a good student." Jiraiya couldn't help but say with emotion. He found that Hoshikawa 's comprehension and understanding far surpassed those of ordinary geniuses. In some respects, he even outshone Minato Namikaze. Jiraiya had thought his own students were already genius enough, but he hadn't expected Tsunade to come later and take on an even more monstrous student. Hoshikawa 's reputation now far exceeded Minato Namikaze's.
"Thank you, Jiraiya-sensei." Hoshikawa replied politely. With Jiraiya's explanation, he had saved nearly half a month of time on learning the Flying Thunder God Technique. As for comprehension and understanding, those were the effects brought by his titles.
"Lord Jiraiya, Lord Hoshikawa ." Just then, a young ninja walked in and said, "Lady Tsunade requests your presence for a meeting in the main tent."
"Let's go." Jiraiya and Hoshikawa went to the main tent together. Besides them, all the Special Jōnin and Jōnin from Konoha and Sunagakure were present. This was a Jōnin meeting.
Hoshikawa suddenly let out a small "Hm?" because he saw an unexpected figure: a Kirigakure Anbu ninja. Hoshikawa was deep in thought. There was only one possible reason for a Kirigakure Anbu ninja to stand so calmly in the Konoha and Sunagakure main camp.
He was here to sue for peace.
"Everyone is present. The meeting will now begin." Tsunade looked at the Kirigakure Anbu ninja standing in the center of the main tent and asked, "What is the Mizukage's business?"
"Lady Tsunade." The Kirigakure Anbu ninja bowed slightly and said, "The Mizukage-sama wishes to negotiate peace with Konoha."
As soon as he spoke, the Jōnin in the main tent all looked pleased. The war was over, and it had ended in their victory; they were naturally excited and couldn't suppress it.
"When?" Tsunade's lips curved slightly, and her mood relaxed.
"After the new year, in January, Kirigakure will send a ninja delegation for peace talks." The Kirigakure Anbu ninja said respectfully. With three hidden villages having fought for so long, they all needed time to rest, and the new year was fast approaching. Furthermore, all three villages needed to internally discuss the terms of peace, so choosing January was not too late.
"Very good." Tsunade waved her hand. "Then we await your arrival."
The Kirigakure Anbu ninja bowed again, then turned and left.
"We won!" As soon as he was gone, someone couldn't help but shout.
"This was a massive victory! Even the Third Mizukage died at our hands!" A ninja from the Akimichi clan concurred.
"Not just the Third Mizukage," Hizashi Hyūga reminded them, "but also the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
"Indeed." A Jōnin from the Nara clan said confidently, "This time, Kirigakure is bound to bleed heavily!" Generally, negotiation matters were handled by the Nara clan. Because of their high intelligence, they often held the advantage in talks.
Chiyo sighed inwardly. Sunagakure's role in this war with Kirigakure was quite limited; they were practically just making up the numbers. Whether it was the Third Mizukage or the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, the greatest credit belonged to Tsunade and Hoshikawa . Compared to Konoha's abundance of talent, Sunagakure seemed inferior. Fortunately, their luck wasn't bad. By clinging to Konoha's strength, they secured a victory. They would also get a piece of the pie during the negotiations.
Tsunade couldn't help but smile. At such a joyous moment, she naturally wouldn't intervene. She subconsciously looked at Hoshikawa . To have grown so much in just three years made Tsunade feel incredibly astonished.
To be honest, when she accepted Hoshikawa as her apprentice back then, her greatest hope was for him to become an excellent medical ninja in the future. Who would have thought that the future would arrive so quickly and far exceed her expectations? Hoshikawa was more than just an excellent medical ninja; he was also an excellent taijutsu ninja, genjutsu ninja, and Five-Elements ninja, among others. In the entirety of Konoha, besides Hiruzen Sarutobi, he could be considered the second all-rounder ninja.
The Jōnin meeting concluded amidst much joy and laughter.
"Tsunade, congratulations." Jiraiya said with a smile, "No one in Konoha has more merit than you now."
"..." Tsunade was speechless. She had already guessed what Jiraiya was about to say.
"So?" Jiraiya asked, just as she predicted. "Any thoughts on the position of the Fourth Hokage?" Because of the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, he was constantly traveling to find the Child of Prophecy and had no intention of becoming Hokage. Besides him, Orochimaru and Tsunade were the most likely candidates. But now that Orochimaru was involved in the Wood Release experiments, he had lost his eligibility in Jiraiya's mind.
"We'll see when the time comes." Tsunade shook her head.
"I thought you would reject the position of Hokage outright, like before." Jiraiya said, somewhat surprised.
Tsunade was stunned. Yes. If it had been the old her, she would have flat-out refused, but now the thought of "I can be it, or I don't have to be it" had emerged.
"I haven't agreed to anything yet." Tsunade glanced at Hoshikawa . "You two prepare; we'll return to Konoha tomorrow."
"I won't be going back with you all." Jiraiya paused. "I'll rush back after Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura return to the village."
"Is the Child of Prophecy that important?" Tsunade frowned.
"He concerns the peace of the ninja world. I must find him." Jiraiya said with a serious expression.
"..." Tsunade hesitated, then finally said, "Then go."
"See you next time." Jiraiya walked to the main tent door, then suddenly looked back. "If you decide you want to be Hokage, let me know. I'll support you when the time comes."
Tsunade's mouth twitched. She had a feeling that the Fourth Hokage position was now hers, and she couldn't escape it even if she tried.
"It's all your fault, you brat!" Tsunade glared at Hoshikawa , complaining.
"Me?" Hoshikawa blinked, looking somewhat innocent. "I didn't do anything."
"You haven't done enough?" Tsunade walked up and stepped on his foot.
"Master, I think you're the child here." Hoshikawa couldn't help but retort.
"Who are you calling a child?" Tsunade narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms, and asked in a threatening tone.
"Master is definitely not!" Hoshikawa said, looking at the curve between her arms.
Tsunade noticed his gaze and subconsciously lowered her arms. For some reason, she felt good, perhaps because her charm was still potent. But she didn't show it. Tsunade let out a light hmph, then left the main tent.
Hoshikawa quickly followed.
"Are we going back?" Kurenai Yūhi and Rin Nohara saw them and eagerly approached.
"Mmm." Hoshikawa smiled, looking at their expectant faces. "We're going back tomorrow."
"That's great!" Kurenai jumped happily, then grabbed Hoshikawa 's hand and twirled him halfway around.
Rin Nohara subconsciously looked envious.
"You two talk." Tsunade glanced at them, then turned and walked away.
Hoshikawa paused slightly. What was that reaction?
The next day dawned.
After breakfast, Hoshikawa began dismantling his tent and packing his belongings. At nine in the morning, everyone gathered punctually at the main camp entrance. The Konoha ninja were leaving first, and the Sunagakure ninja would follow later.
"Granny Chiyo, remember to send a ninja delegation to Konoha for negotiations in January." Tsunade reminded her before leaving. In this war, both Konoha and Sunagakure were victors. Since they had already formed an alliance, Sunagakure also had to participate. Of course, Konoha would still take the lion's share.
"Konoha, huh." Chiyo thought of Sakumo Hatake. It was the White Fang of Konoha who killed her son and daughter-in-law. Due to Hoshikawa 's butterfly effect, Sakumo Hatake had not died, and he was now a thorn in her side. However, Konoha was currently much stronger, and Chiyo could only temporarily suppress the hatred in her heart. She thought for a moment and decided to send a Jōnin. She definitely wouldn't go herself. Otherwise, seeing Sakumo Hatake, she wouldn't be able to resist the urge to kill.
The Konoha group left the Land of Rivers in a grand procession, heading toward the Land of Fire. Along the way, taking advantage of the time, Hoshikawa taught Rin Nohara the Chakra Scalpel.
Two days later, the group smoothly arrived at Konoha. Because this was a triumphant return and there were many people, Hiruzen Sarutobi arranged for ninja and villagers to welcome them again. From the Konoha gates to the Hokage Office, the path was lined with excited onlookers. Their cheers echoed throughout the entire village. Tsunade's name was shouted the most, followed by Hoshikawa 's. This Great Ninja War had made the teacher and student pair famous; they were known throughout the entire ninja world.
"Everyone, please disperse!" Tsunade said loudly upon reaching the Hokage Office. The gathered crowd slowly began to leave.
Tsunade sighed in relief. Such a scene was too troublesome in her opinion. But she couldn't outright refuse, as everyone needed such a victory.
"Hoshikawa , come with me to see the old man," Tsunade instructed. "The rest of you go home and rest."
"Yes." Hizashi Hyūga and the others answered in unison.
"Hoshikawa , get home early." Kurenai Yūhi greeted him, then left with Rin Nohara.
"Your little girlfriend seems reluctant to leave you." Tsunade said calmly, watching Kurenai.
"She's not my little girlfriend." Hoshikawa cleared his throat and corrected her.
"Is that so?" Tsunade didn't ask again and turned to enter the Hokage Office.
Bang! The door to the Hokage's office was kicked open.
"You have all worked hard." Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored the protesting door and said with a smile.
"Remember to hand out the rewards." Tsunade asked quickly. "Is there anything else? If not, I'm going home to rest!"
"..." Hiruzen Sarutobi felt helpless. This student of his was good in every way except that she hated trouble. But as the Hokage, trouble was what he had the most of.
"There is one thing." Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a serious expression. "I just received news that Kumogakure has sent people to Iwagakure to prepare for peace talks."
"What?" Tsunade was surprised. "They can still negotiate peace like this?" In her view, Iwagakure killed the Third Raikage. The current Fourth Raikage was the Third Raikage's son, so she couldn't see any possibility of peace talks.
Hoshikawa 's heart stirred. It sounded absurd. But in the original story, Iwagakure and Kumogakure did indeed halt the fighting. However, given the Fourth Raikage's personality, it was unlikely he would make such a decision; it was probably Mabui's doing.
"Is it because of us, Konoha?" Tsunade suddenly realized something and asked.
"That's right." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. With Kirigakure admitting defeat and Sunagakure being an ally, Konoha no longer had other villages to contend with. In other words, Konoha could now send more ninja and concentrate its power against Kumogakure. Coupled with Iwagakure, Kumogakure was under too much pressure and had to make a choice.
"Will Iwagakure agree?" Tsunade frowned slightly.
"It's hard to say." Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "Iwagakure suffered heavy losses in the siege of the Third Raikage, and coupled with the prolonged fighting, they might agree."
"This is really troublesome." Tsunade felt a headache coming on. She thought winning against Kirigakure would give her a period of ease, but now Kumogakure and Iwagakure were stirring up trouble again.
"We'll wait for their results and then act according to the situation." Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment.
"It can only be so." Tsunade sighed.
"Don't worry too much. Perhaps this is a good thing for us, Konoha." Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and mused.
"Aren't you worried they might form an alliance?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"A son won't easily ally with his father's killer. At most, it will be a truce." Hiruzen Sarutobi analyzed.
Tsunade paused. She roughly understood what he meant. If Iwagakure ceased fighting, only Kumogakure would remain. As long as Konoha defeated them, they could completely end this Great Ninja War. Tsunade thought about it, and it was indeed a good thing. However, the war between Konoha and Kumogakure would likely become even more perilous.
"These are all speculations." Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pipe, preparing to light it. "You two go back and rest."
"Smoke less." Tsunade glanced at him, then turned and left.
Hoshikawa recalled the events from the original story. The war between Kumogakure and Konoha was the longest and ended the latest. This situation was somewhat similar. However, the difference now was that Konoha was strong and well-equipped, unlike in the original story, where only Minato Namikaze was constantly putting out fires.
Hoshikawa let out a breath. After fighting for three years, he was mentally and physically exhausted. If the war could end, that would naturally be for the best.
Time passed slowly. Having returned to Konoha, Hoshikawa resumed his previous life of training. After November passed, in December, news arrived: Iwagakure and Kumogakure had ceased hostilities.
With that, only one battlefield remained active in the entire ninja world.
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