Kiyohara stood amidst the drifting smoke and dust, breathing slightly heavily.
What he had just attempted was a simplified version of the "Five Release: Great Combo Technique." He had only used three shadow clones, each one performing a different elemental release: fire, wind, and lightning.
Even so, the intertwining and collision of the three different chakra natures in midair still produced astonishing destructive power.
"Let's stop here for today."
Kiyohara dispelled the shadow clones, and the flood of returning memories made his head spin slightly.
But after just a few seconds, he adapted to the sensation.
Inside his mind, the spiritual form of Toad Kiyohara let out an appreciative croak. "Your learning speed would rank among the best even on Mount Myoboku. However, a technique like 'Five Release: Great Combo Technique' is essentially a composite ninjutsu. In truth, you could also create several shadow clones and have them all use the same elemental release."
"That is true."
Kiyohara nodded slightly.
This jutsu did not really emphasize elemental counters or synergies. Even if he simply used five fire releases to blanket the area, the effect would not differ much.
The next morning, just as Kiyohara finished his morning training, an ANBU shinobi appeared outside Tsunade's residence.
"The Hokage has summoned you. Please proceed to the Hokage Tower immediately."
Kiyohara nodded and went to change his clothes.
Tsunade stretched lazily, the weight of her chest swaying precariously like snow-laden peaks.
From the side, Kiyohara could still glimpse a hint of pale softness.
"I wonder what that old man wants me to do this time."
Tsunade complained a little.
She felt that her teacher was treating them like nuclear-powered beasts of burden.
"Let's go and take a look first."
Kiyohara had already vaguely guessed what it might be about.
After Rasa's retreat last time, Suna and Kiri had erupted into even fiercer conflict.
So this time, it was very likely about further discussions regarding an alliance negotiation.
Hokage Tower.
The only ones going up were Tsunade and Kiyohara. Although Shizune was already a tokubetsu jonin, her certification had not yet been officially issued, so she was not considered a formal tokubetsu jonin.
Thus, Shizune waited downstairs.
Hiruzen sat behind his desk, his pipe emitting thin wisps of smoke.
Danzo stood by the window, his back cast in shadow.
The moment he saw Kiyohara's face, his mood worsened.
Homura and Koharu, the two advisors, sat on either side of Hiruzen.
"Everyone is here."
Hiruzen gestured for them to sit.
"I will keep this brief. Sunagakure has sent a delegation to Konoha. They will arrive this afternoon. The leader is Chiyo, along with the senior advisor Tojuro."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "For Pakura?"
"Primarily for peace talks," Hiruzen said.
"The Third Shinobi War has dragged on to this point, and Suna has suffered heavy losses. Although Rasa is still on the Kiri front, he has clearly begun to consider retreat. If this negotiation succeeds in forming an alliance between our two nations, the pressure on Konoha's western front will be greatly reduced."
Danzo turned around, his single eye sweeping across the room. "This matter requires caution. Suna is cunning. Their intentions may not be sincere."
"That is precisely why Tsunade will be in charge of receiving them."
Hiruzen looked toward Tsunade.
"She is the princess of the Senju clan. Her status is sufficient."
Tsunade crossed her arms. "Old man, you know I hate these kinds of political occasions the most."
"That is why the reward will be generous."
Hiruzen took out a document from his drawer.
"All expenses during the negotiations will be covered by the village, and upon completion, there will be an additional bonus."
Tsunade's eyes lit up.
Kiyohara shook his head inwardly. For someone like Tsunade, who had a strong attachment to money, a financial incentive was indeed the most effective approach.
But Danzo interrupted again. "I believe Orochimaru would be more suitable. He is currently on the front lines. With the Reverse Summoning Technique, he could return within half a day."
Danzo's intentions were obvious to all.
He had always supported Orochimaru. It was not just Kiyohara who knew what Danzo was planning, everyone present understood as well.
In truth, no one who had risen to this level was foolish.
Hiruzen slowly exhaled a puff of smoke and did not speak immediately.
After a while, he said calmly, "Danzo, I am the Hokage. Tsunade is the most suitable for this matter. She has just rendered great service in the Land of Rain, and her reputation is at its peak. Orochimaru is currently under heavy pressure on the battlefield and should not be redeployed."
"You are always like this!"
Danzo's voice suddenly rose.
"For such an important diplomatic mission, you actually assign it to a—"
"To what?"
Tsunade frowned slightly.
Although Danzo had once been her granduncle's disciple, she had never gotten along with him.
"Danzo, if you have something to say, say it plainly."
Danzo locked eyes with Tsunade for a moment, then snorted coldly and turned toward the door.
At the doorway, he paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across Kiyohara's face before disappearing into the corridor.
Bang!
Danzo slammed the door as he left.
Koharu sighed. "Danzo is also thinking for the sake of the village—"
"His considerations often come with selfish motives."
Hiruzen spoke bluntly, a rare occurrence.
Danzo's private dealings with the Land of Rain had already crossed certain lines.
Recently, Hiruzen had grown increasingly distant toward him.
He hoped Danzo would take time to reflect on himself.
"This matter is decided. Tsunade, you will take full responsibility for reception and negotiations. Kiyohara will accompany you as guard and assistant."
"Understood."
Tsunade responded, though her brows remained slightly furrowed.
After leaving the Hokage Building, Tsunade and Kiyohara walked side by side.
Shizune, who had been waiting, quickly came over.
"Sensei, Danzo seems very eager to have Lord Orochimaru involved in political affairs."
Kiyohara spoke suddenly.
Tsunade sneered. "Of course he does. That old man has always secretly supported Orochimaru's bid for Fourth Hokage. At every important occasion, he tries to give Orochimaru exposure to build political capital."
Shizune said softly, "But regarding the Fourth Hokage… right now, the most popular candidate in the village is Minato, isn't it?"
"That kid Minato is indeed outstanding."
Tsunade's tone was complicated.
"But Orochimaru gives me a strange feeling, as if he is gradually drifting further away from us."
As one of the Sannin, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya had once fought side by side.
Yet Orochimaru seemed to be doing something on his own, shrouded in mystery every day.
Kiyohara did not say anything.
Orochimaru was likely already conducting human experiments, but due to Kiyohara's interference, he had become more cautious, which might even accelerate certain developments.
"But none of that concerns us."
Tsunade shook her head, as if trying to cast off her worries.
"The Suna delegation will arrive this afternoon. Stay sharp. Kiyohara, how is your training? Have you learned the technique the old man gave you?"
"I have mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. As for the Five Release: Great Combo Technique, it still requires time. At present, I can stably perform a four-nature version."
Tsunade glanced at him in surprise. "Four natures? How long has it been?"
"I used shadow clones to train simultaneously and accumulate experience."
"That is still your own ability."
Tsunade patted his shoulder, pride evident on her face.
"My disciple cannot be lacking."
Shizune asked softly, "Lady Tsunade, what preparations do we need for this negotiation?"
"Shizune, you will organize the background information on the Suna delegation that the village has gathered, especially on Chiyo and Tojuro. Both are veteran powerhouses. Chiyo's puppet and poison techniques, and Tojuro's taijutsu and Body Flicker Technique, must be guarded against."
"Yes."
Shizune nodded repeatedly.
Afternoon, Konoha's main gate.
The Suna delegation arrived precisely at the agreed time.
A team of fifteen, led by an elderly woman with white hair, Granny Chiyo.
She wore the traditional light-colored robes of Suna. Though advanced in age, her steps remained steady.
Beside her stood a tall, lean middle-aged man.
Short grayish-white hair, dark markings extending from the corners of his eyes to his jaw, and a uniquely shaped long blade strapped to his back.
Tojuro, a master of taijutsu from Sunagakure and an expert in the Body Flicker Technique.
Kiyohara stood half a step behind Tsunade, calmly observing the arrivals.
Although his Sharingan was not activated, his keen perception had already captured the fluctuations of chakra within the opposing group.
"Senior Chiyo, you must be tired from the long journey."
Tsunade stepped forward, her etiquette flawless.
"Tsunade-hime is too courteous."
Chiyo nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the Konoha group before finally resting on Kiyohara.
"So this is Kiyohara? Truly a hero in his youth."
Kiyohara replied, "You flatter me, Lady Chiyo."
"Flatter you?"
Chiyo smiled faintly.
"The events in the Land of Rain have already spread. A young man who could withstand Hanzo's Iaido slash head-on, how many years has it been since the shinobi world produced someone like that?"
Her words caused a short-haired girl with light brown hair in the Suna delegation to suddenly raise her head.
It was none other than Maki, Pakura's disciple. At this moment, she stared fixedly at Kiyohara, her fists clenched tightly within her sleeves.
Kiyohara sensed that gaze, but his expression did not change. He simply replied calmly, "I had assistance from my companions in the Akatsuki. It was merely luck."
"Modesty is a virtue, but excessive modesty becomes hypocrisy."
Tojuro suddenly spoke.
"Young people should have the sharpness of youth. Wouldn't you agree, Kiyohara?"
As he spoke, Tojuro's eyes narrowed slightly.
Kiyohara could feel the faint hostility emanating from him.
It was not directed at Konoha, but at the very concept of youth itself.
"Advisor Tojuro is right."
Kiyohara met his gaze without hesitation.
"That is why I will continue to grow stronger, until no one can attribute my success to luck."
Chiyo stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, let us not stand at the gate. Tsunade-hime, please lead the way."
"This way, please."
On the road to the guest residence, Tsunade and Chiyo walked side by side, discussing the scenery along the way and the differences in climate between their two nations.
Kiyohara walked two steps behind, while Tojuro remained at his side.
"How old are you this year, Kiyohara?" Tojuro suddenly asked.
Kiyohara stated his age.
"At that age, I had only just been promoted to chunin."
Tojuro let out a soft chuckle, though there was no warmth in it.
"Young people these days improve so quickly. Sometimes I wonder whether old fellows like us should step down earlier and leave the stage to you."
Kiyohara could hear the bitterness hidden in his words.
He turned his head slightly to look at Tojuro. On the face of this powerful Sand shinobi were clearly etched the traces of time: the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, the slightly stooped posture, and that particular aura only found in those who had experienced the decline after reaching their peak, a mixture of pride and unwillingness.
"The stage is never something that is given away."
Kiyohara spoke calmly.
"It is something one stands upon through strength. Advisor Tojuro's Body Flicker Technique remains unparalleled in Suna. For the younger generation to surpass that level of skill will still require time."
Tojuro looked at him deeply. "You speak well."
"I am only stating the truth."
The guest residence was located in a relatively quiet area.
After the Suna delegation settled in, both sides agreed to begin formal negotiations the next morning.
That evening, Kiyohara accompanied Tsunade back home.
Shizune remained at the residence to assist Konoha's diplomatic staff with follow-up matters.
"What do you think of Tojuro?"
On the way back, Tsunade asked.
She could sense that Tojuro harbored a certain hostility toward Kiyohara.
"He is unwilling to accept aging."
Kiyohara answered casually.
This man was the antagonist in Gaara Hiden.
He had even taken action against Gaara after he became Kazekage, and he held an extreme jealousy toward the younger generation.
What he liked most was seeing young people bow down before him in complete submission.
Simply put, this kind of person would get along well with Orochimaru.
Because this behavior was, in essence, a reflection of the pursuit of immortality, only that he lacked Orochimaru's methods.
"He has hostility toward youth, but it is not directed at me personally. It is directed at the concept of youth itself."
Kiyohara paused briefly before continuing.
"You have a very accurate assessment."
Tsunade nodded. "Tojuro was once one of Sunagakure's top taijutsu masters. His Body Flicker was so fast that it could leave afterimages in the desert. But now that he is older, his physical abilities have declined. Although his experience is greater, his speed and strength are no longer at their peak."
She paused, her tone becoming more serious.
"People like that are the most dangerous. Because they know they are losing something, they become especially sensitive and are more likely to go to extremes."
"Are you worried the negotiations might run into trouble, sensei?"
"Chiyo is sensible. She knows that peace talks benefit Suna. But Tojuro…"
Tsunade shook her head.
"He is part of the delegation this time. Pay close attention during tomorrow's negotiations."
"Understood."
After returning home, Tsunade collapsed onto the sofa.
"I am exhausted. Political situations are even more mentally draining than fighting."
Kiyohara poured her a cup of tea. "Sensei, please rest first. I will prepare dinner."
"Wait."
Tsunade called out to him.
"You mentioned before that you wanted to go to the Land of the Sea?"
Kiyohara's eyes lit up. "Yes. I heard there is a Summoning Island there. I would like to see it for myself."
Tsunade sat up, looking at him with interest.
"Summoning Island, that is indeed quite interesting. Various summoning beasts gather there, along with shinobi who study summoning contracts. Alright, once the Suna matter is settled, I will help you apply for a mission."
"Thank you, sensei!"
"Do not thank me yet."
A sly smile appeared on Tsunade's face.
"Come with me to the casino tomorrow. My luck has been good lately. I need to win some money first before taking you there."
Kiyohara could not help but laugh. "Understood."
The next morning, the negotiations were held in the conference room of the Hokage Tower.
On both sides of the long table sat the representatives of Konoha and Suna.
Tsunade acted as the chief negotiator, with Kiyohara seated behind her as her assistant.
Opposite them were Chiyo, Tojuro, and three Sunagakure diplomatic officials.
Hiruzen did not participate directly, but a monitoring room had been set up next door, where he and the two advisors observed the proceedings in real time.
The negotiations began with border delineation.
Suna was willing to withdraw from certain occupied areas within the Land of Fire, but requested to retain several strategic locations.
Tsunade insisted on full sovereignty for Konoha, and both sides engaged in a prolonged back-and-forth.
Kiyohara listened quietly, though his attention was focused on observation.
Every time Chiyo spoke, she struck at the key points. Tojuro remained silent most of the time.
Maki stood behind Chiyo as an escort, her gaze never leaving Kiyohara.
By the third hour of negotiations, the issue of prisoner exchange was brought to the table.
"Konoha currently holds a total of one hundred forty-seven Sunagakure prisoners of war, including three special jonin and forty-two chunin."
Tsunade read out the figures.
"Sunagakure currently holds eighty-nine Konoha prisoners, including one jonin and thirty chunin."
Chiyo responded calmly, "Prisoner exchanges will proceed according to the usual one-to-one ratio. As for the surplus, Sunagakure is willing to pay a ransom."
"Agreed."
Tsunade nodded.
"However, there is one individual who requires separate discussion, Pakura."
At this point, Tojuro finally spoke, his voice cold.
"Pakura is a hero of Sunagakure, not a prisoner of war."
"She was captured on the battlefield by a Konoha shinobi."
Tsunade gestured toward Kiyohara.
"My disciple Kiyohara captured her alive. According to the conventions of the shinobi world, that makes her a prisoner of war."
Maki's body trembled slightly.
Chiyo pressed a hand on Maki's arm, signaling her to remain calm.
"What conditions does Tsunade-hime propose for Pakura's exchange?"
"Two options."
Tsunade raised two fingers.
"First, Suna grants Konoha mining rights to three border mines for a period of thirty years. Second, Suna signs a ten-year non-aggression pact with Konoha and promises to remain neutral in conflicts between Konoha and Iwa or Kiri."
Both conditions were extremely harsh.
Tojuro sneered. "Do you not think that is too greedy, Tsunade-hime?"
"Pakura's value justifies the price."
"And if we refuse?"
"Then Pakura will remain in Konoha."
Tsunade leaned back slightly.
"We will guarantee her personal safety, but she may never return to Sunagakure."
Maki could not hold back and stepped forward.
"You cannot—"
"Maki!"
Chiyo sharply stopped her.
The girl bit her lip, her eyes reddening.
Kiyohara watched this scene without much emotional fluctuation.
To be honest, remaining in Konoha might even be safer for Pakura than in the original timeline.
The Suna leadership wanted to bring her back now because her current value made it worthwhile.
But once something of greater value appeared, they could discard her just as easily.
At the same time, deep within the Root base.
Danzo stood before an observation window in a laboratory, where a surgery was underway.
A Root shinobi lay on the operating table. His right eye was covered with bandages, but on his exposed right arm, three crimson Sharingan had already been embedded.
"How is the transplantation progressing?" Danzo asked.
A Root medical shinobi behind him replied, "The three Sharingan in the right arm have begun to fuse, but the rejection reaction is stronger than expected. We will need more Hashirama cells to balance it."
"And the samples sent by Orochimaru?"
"They arrived this morning. The cells have already been injected. The sample appears to show no rejection toward any form of transplantation."
The medical shinobi hesitated for a moment.
"Lord Danzo, the risks of continuously transplanting Sharingan are extremely high. Even with Hashirama cells, it is possible that—"
"I will bear the risks."
Danzo interrupted him.
"Continue the procedure. I want to see results before the end of the month."
"Yes."
Danzo turned and left the laboratory, a cold glint flashing in his single eye.
In the shadows of the corridor, he muttered to himself, "Sharingan… Wood Release… once I possess both of these powers, Hiruzen, what qualifications will you still have to sit in the Hokage's seat?"
"I am the one most suited to lead Konoha, the true Hokage."
The negotiations lasted for three full days.
In the end, both sides reached a preliminary agreement. Sunagakure would withdraw from its occupied territories in the Land of Fire, prisoners of war would be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, and the surplus Sunagakure prisoners would be redeemed with ransom.
(End of Chapter)