Chapter 319: The Official End
The Chūnin Exams had come to an end.
Tonari had been waiting for this grand gathering to take place, and finally, it had arrived.
Once again, representatives from all the hidden villages gathered in the Konoha conference hall.
This time, all the leaders and delegates from the major villages were present.
Tonari didn't bother with pleasantries, speaking bluntly,
"I'll skip the formalities. Let's make this meeting as quick as possible and get straight to the point."
Tonari's attitude was more direct than usual, as his mindset had changed after gaining the power of the Rinnegan, entering Sage Mode, and possessing the Six Paths power with five Truth-Seeking Balls.
He could now clearly sense the immense gap between his strength and that of others. If anyone dared oppose him, he would simply crush them until they complied.
His current goal was to consolidate the power of the entire ninja world as quickly as possible to face the potential threats of Uchiha Madara and Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
Previously, he had thought of relying on Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke to handle those future threats. But now, after experiencing the battle against the Tenseigan, he had realized something important:
Why pin his hopes on others, especially two brats who were still toddlers, crawling around with diapers?
Why couldn't he, with his own power, take charge and become the one to protect the world?
Especially considering how his actions had already changed so much. Naruto, originally destined to be a hero's orphan and a hated Jinchūriki, was now a girl whose father never became Hokage or sacrificed himself heroically. Naruto's destiny had already veered far from the original story.
Similarly, Sasuke, once fueled by hatred and loss, was now just a brat pretending to be cool, with the Uchiha clan living harmoniously within Konoha.
Therefore, Tonari decided that rather than leaving the world's fate to these two, it would be far more reliable to act on his own.
His first target was Kumogakure, but he needed to draw them out first.
Tonari turned his attention to the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.
"Fourth Mizukage, what are your thoughts on the future relationship between Konoha and Kirigakure?"
Though Yagura was under his control, Tonari still played his part formally.
Yagura, with his childlike face, propped his chin on his hands, pretending to think deeply.
"We at Kirigakure hope to peacefully end this pointless conflict with Konoha and establish a defense alliance."
The words immediately caused a stir among the representatives.
An alliance of this nature would mean that Konoha and Kirigakure would act as one, both offensively and defensively. It would force any potential enemies to face the combined might of two great villages at once.
Even Ao and Mei Terumī, standing behind Yagura, were shocked by his words.
Tonari simply nodded and agreed,
"Good. Let's do it."
The most troubled person in the room was Tutai, the representative from Kumogakure.
If Konoha and Kirigakure truly formed an alliance, it would pose a serious threat to Kumo, as they could be attacked from both sides at any moment.
Before Tutai could respond, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure, dropped another bombshell.
"Sunagakure also wishes to form a defense alliance with Konoha."
The room was stunned once again.
Even Tonari was slightly surprised, though he quickly realized Rasa's intention to draw closer to Konoha.
An alliance between Konoha, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure would effectively form a tripartite power bloc, further isolating Kumogakure.
Tutai, visibly distressed, argued,
"But Fourth Kazekage, wasn't it Sunagakure that first attacked Konoha, triggering the Third Shinobi World War?"
Rasa remained stoic, crossing his arms.
"Indeed. But that war was incited by the betrayal of Sasori of the Red Sand, who assassinated our Third Kazekage and framed Konoha. We've already accepted responsibility and are still paying reparations annually."
Tutai, cornered, was at a loss for words.
Tonari, sensing the shift, turned his gaze to Tutai.
"So, Tutai, what's Kumogakure's decision? War or peace?"
Tutai hesitated, knowing full well that the Raikage had already chosen peace.
However, Kumogakure had wanted compensation and benefits, especially the return of the Two-Tails, but the situation now made that impossible.
Seeing the grim determination on Tonari's face, Tutai finally gave in,
"Peace. We choose peace."
Tonari smiled. "Good. Then let it be known—the Fourth Shinobi World War has officially ended."
The minor village representatives sighed in relief, as they had suffered the most during the war, their lands ravaged and economies ruined.
However, Tonari wasn't done.
"But... Kumogakure's breach of our alliance and their unprovoked attack on Konoha cannot be ignored."
Tutai argued,
"It was because Konoha took the Two-Tails from us! That was our reason!"
Tonari scoffed.
"First of all, it wasn't Konoha that took the Two-Tails. It was your own Jinchūriki who sealed it into me before dying, rather than allowing it to be lost. Blaming us for that is ridiculous.
Secondly, Kumogakure's history of treachery precedes even that. Remember when your predecessors betrayed the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, during peace talks?
You have no right to speak of honor."
Tutai was stunned, unable to refute. He knew well the disgrace of the Gold and Silver Brothers incident.
Finally, Tonari put forth his condition.
"I don't want money or reparations. I want a simple promise. When the time comes, Kumogakure will join Konoha in fighting our common enemy. Can you agree to that?"
Tutai, caught off guard by the vague demand, eventually agreed.
"If it's just a promise, then yes."
Satisfied, Tonari signaled Shikaku to prepare the alliance documents.
With each village leader signing, the Third Shinobi World War was finally declared over.
As the leaders left, some appeared lost, unsure of whether to feel relieved or apprehensive about the future.
Tonari remained in the conference hall, a subtle smile on his face.
"Now, with the major villages united, we're finally prepared for whatever comes next..."
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