"Boy, are you fifteen this year?"
The Third Tsuchikage leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing with interest. He was clearly intrigued by Lock — the letter in the boy's hand seemed secondary.
Lock replied calmly, "Almost."
"Tch, Konoha really breeds geniuses. During the last Great Ninja War, there were the Legendary Sannin, and now there's you. It's truly enviable."
Though his words carried praise, the sharp edge in the old man's eyes revealed a faint killing intent.
Lock smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Lord Tsuchikage. Who in the ninja world doesn't know the strength of Iwagakure? I'm just a messenger — not worth your concern."
The Third Tsuchikage smirked. "You Konoha types really do have a way with words. Alright then, hand over the letter. Let's see what that old man of yours wants this time."
Lock stepped forward, placing the sealed letter on the desk before moving back, remaining tense. This was the heart of enemy territory — one mistake, and he wouldn't walk out alive.
After scanning the contents, the Tsuchikage chuckled darkly.
"Hah. So this is the Hokage's idea of diplomacy? He wants to drag us into his plans? Typical."
Lock said nothing, but inwardly, he could already guess what the letter contained — a proposal to ally against either the Hidden Sand or the Hidden Cloud.
The Tsuchikage's voice broke the silence.
"Do you even know what your Hokage wrote in this?"
Lock shook his head. "No, sir. I was ordered only to deliver it and return with your reply. Nothing more."
The old man gave a crooked smile. "Then tell me, what kind of answer do you want?"
"I'm not here to decide that," Lock replied evenly.
The Tsuchikage chuckled, though his tone was mocking.
"According to this letter, Sunagakure is in turmoil — a perfect chance to strike. But tell me, if it's such a good opportunity, why would Iwagakure need Konoha's help? We could seize the Land of Wind ourselves. You just want us to start the war for you."
He leaned back with disdain. "You wanted an answer? Fine. Tell your Hokage that if Konoha attacks first, we'll follow. Whatever land you take will be yours, and whatever we take will be ours."
Lock nodded. "Understood. I'll deliver your message, Lord Tsuchikage."
He turned to leave, but the old man's voice stopped him.
"Wait."
Lock halted mid-step.
The Tsuchikage's tone shifted — colder now.
"I've changed my mind. Instead of sending you back... perhaps I'll have you stay here for a while."
In an instant, chakra signatures flared. A dozen Iwa-nin appeared, surrounding Lock from every side. Seals were forming, chakra barriers rising — they had prepared for this.
Still, Lock's expression didn't waver.
"Aren't you nervous?" the Tsuchikage asked, studying his face.
Lock met his gaze. "Would it matter if I were?"
The old man laughed. "You really are something. Tell me your name, boy."
"Lock Fujiwara," he answered simply.
The Tsuchikage nodded. "Well then, Fujiwara-kun... from today onward, why don't you stay in our village?"
Lock's smirk deepened. "You seem confident, Lord Tsuchikage. Confident enough to believe you can stop me?"
The air pulsed with chakra.
"It's impressive how fast your barrier went up," Lock said, "but there's something you should know — it won't help you."
"Blink Strike!"
In a flash, he vanished. The Iwa-nin surrounding him shouted in confusion.
"He's outside the barrier! Already gone!"
"Impossible! The barrier seals all chakra movement — he didn't even use any!"
Lock reappeared several hundred meters away, on a deserted street. The crowds that filled it earlier had vanished — evacuated by Iwa forces.
The Tsuchikage's expression twisted as he sensed the chakra displacement. "So fast...!"
He shot from his chair and streaked into the air after him, his cloak whipping behind him.
But Lock was already gone — his mission complete, his path clear.