In the Land of Rain, at the Leaf Village encampment, similar scenes of confusion were unfolding.
"What? You're saying everyone from Sunagakure retreated, and they didn't even leave a sapling behind?"
An astonished female voice rang out from inside the command tent. The source of this voice was none other than the granddaughter of the legendary God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju... Tsunade.
This Tsunade was not yet the legendary Sannin of the future; although her blonde hair was unmistakable, her features still held the softness of youth, making her seem slightly immature compared to the hardened veteran she would become.
Beside her stood two other young men: one with spiky white hair and an energetic demeanor, and the other with long, straight black hair and pale skin—evidently Jiraiya and Orochimaru. These three were the prized disciples of the strongest Kage of the era, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Since their decisive battle with Hanzo the Salamander had not yet taken place, the title of the "Legendary Sannin" had not yet been bestowed upon them.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade. They have indeed retreated completely, and the Third Kazekage personally covered the rear guard."
"Something is wrong. This feels entirely incorrect."
Before Tsunade could fully process the scout's report, Orochimaru, standing nearby, had already narrowed his snake-like eyes in suspicion.
"Orochimaru, what exactly do you find suspicious?"
Jiraiya, seeing Orochimaru muttering to himself, couldn't help but step forward and ask.
"You idiot, Jiraiya. Why would the Kage of a Great Village personally make a trip just to cover a retreat? It is strategically unsound."
"Arrogant Orochimaru! I, the Great Jiraiya, noticed that long ago. I was merely testing you."
"Idiot."
"Arrogant bastard."
The young Jiraiya was immediately provoked by Orochimaru's single, venomous word.
"Enough! Regardless of the Third Kazekage's intentions, we just need to remain vigilant."
At the crucial moment, it was Tsunade who interrupted the farce, slamming her fist onto the table.
***
Amegakure, the Village Hidden in the Rain, was a metropolis built of steel and sorrow. Its interconnected metal pipes and towering steel spires set it apart from the more traditional architecture of other ninja villages. Illuminated by artificial lights against the perpetual gloom, it resembled a cyberpunk city lost in time.
Hanzo of the Salamander, known across the lands as the "Demigod of the Shinobi World," resided in the highest tower of this steel labyrinth.
Today, twelve guests arrived at the heavy gates of Amegakure.
"Lord Kazekage, my master requests your presence."
The arrivals were Shiro and his elite guard. After ensuring their own main force had safely retreated, they had come here directly.
Upon entering the main hall, they saw Hanzo seated on a raised throne, a massive kusarigama scythe leaning ominously against his seat. More than twenty Rain ninja stood guard nearby; judging by their chakra signatures, they were all elite Jonin. Clearly, this display of force was meant to intimidate the young Kazekage.
But did Shiro care about such theatrics? Not in the slightest. His expression remained perfectly calm.
"Hahaha! I have long heard of the great reputation of Hanzo the Demigod, but I have never had the pleasure of meeting him. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your name—magnificent and extraordinary!"
"..."
Watching Shiro stroll in so casually, ignoring the heavy killing intent in the room, the corner of Hanzo's eye twitched slightly.
*Is this really the Kazekage?*
*Where is the arrogance typical of the Five Great Shinobi Nations?*
*As expected, youngsters are just youngsters.*
*It's just that his words... his words... are surprisingly pleasant to hear!*
Hanzo saw that Shiro wasn't taking the bait of intimidation, so he couldn't maintain his cold posture any longer. He stood up with a hearty, booming laugh.
"Hahaha, you flatter me! I heard rumors that the new Kazekage of Sunagakure is both charismatic and possesses strength beyond his years. Seeing you today, those rumors are certainly true."
The other ninja in the room: "..."
Under the watchful, confused eyes of their subordinates, the two leaders burst into laughter, shaking hands tightly, looking for all the world like old friends reunited after a decade.
*"So easy to fool,"* both men thought simultaneously.
After the initial greetings, Shiro took a seat at Hanzo's invitation.
The elite guard he brought imitated the Jonin of Amegakure and stood stoically on either side of their leader.
"The reasons for my visit to Amegakure are twofold: first, to end the friction between our two sides, and second, to seek cooperation with the Village Hidden in the Rain. After all, Sunagakure is a peace-loving village. We fully respect the sovereignty of the Land of Rain and are willing to sit down and listen to your demands. Unlike our mutual neighbor, Konoha, which simply invades to prevent the Land of Rain from prospering."
*That's right. Blame Konoha. Always blame the evil Konoha.*
"Heh." Hanzo merely chuckled dryly at Shiro's words.
Among the three great nations, Sunagakure was second only to Konoha in terms of ferocity. Although Sunagakure focused mostly on Konoha, many Amegakure ninja had died screaming at the hands of Sand puppets and poison. How could this guy have the nerve to call it mere 'friction'?
However, the person opposite him was, after all, a Kage of one of the Five Great Nations. Although Sunagakure was currently considered the weakest of the five, the Land of Rain couldn't afford to provoke them unnecessarily. Furthermore, the other party had offered an olive branch; refusing it would be foolish. If they could remove one major enemy from the board, perhaps the Rain could actually win this war.
Following this line of reasoning, Hanzo's demeanor shifted to become extremely accommodating.
"Exactly, exactly! It is all just friction, instigated entirely by Konoha. Damn Konoha, damn Hiruzen Sarutobi! They live in luxury and won't let us live in peace."
Hanzo leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Lord Kazekage, I solemnly invite you here to join me in crushing Konoha. Of course, I am not doing this just for the Land of Rain, but for the peace of the entire Shinobi World. As the self-proclaimed leader of the Five Great Shinobi Nations, Konoha lacks the magnanimity required for such a title. They deceive and ambush my small nation without shame. They have absolutely no ninja ethics! Such a Konoha does not deserve to rule."
"But I see that you, Lord Kazekage, possess an extraordinary bearing and a benevolent heart, willing to listen to the wishes of smaller nations. You are a model for the Shinobi World. If you are willing, I, along with the Land of Rain, am ready to follow you as our alliance leader to overthrow Konoha's cruel hegemony together. What are your thoughts?"
"Heh." Faced with Hanzo's flowery attempt to manipulate him, Shiro thought: *Anyone who believes that is an idiot. If you want me to be your cannon fodder, just say so directly.*
"Alas, Lord Hanzo, I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments. However, after the defeat of the Second Kazekage, Sunagakure has lost all morale. We have no strength left to fight. Although I am deeply interested in collaborating with you on this great endeavor, I have only just assumed the position myself and have no resources to spare."
Shiro paused for effect, then smiled like a merchant. "While Sunagakure cannot mobilize manpower, we can certainly provide surplus supplies to Amegakure. As long as you agree, Lord Hanzo, goods currently valued at ten million ryo can be yours for only five million. This is a discount you cannot afford to miss! Just say the word, and I will arrange the shipment."
*Translation: Me fighting Konoha is impossible, but if you want to fight Konoha, I will happily sell you the weapons to do it.*
Hanzo: "..."
After lengthy and intense negotiations, a formal agreement between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain was finally signed. It was witnessed by the ninja of both sides, Hanzo's summoned Salamander, and Shiro's construct, the Giant of Gold Dust.
The simplified agreement was as follows:
1. The Land of Rain granted ten years of mining rights for three mineral deposits near the border to the Land of Wind in exchange for humanitarian aid.
2. The Land of Wind was permitted to establish manufacturing factories within the Land of Rain, provided they employed the local population.
3. The Land of Rain permitted the Land of Wind to station a small security force of ninja within the factory grounds, with the strict stipulation that they were forbidden from leaving the factory premises.