"Tomorrow's already the eighth month,"
Mahiru Uchiha sighed.
"Let's try to wrap up Iwa's issue within three to five days, then return to our village together,"
Hyuga Soushu hugged his beloved Mahiru-chan close and gently kissed her forehead.
After leading the Coalition Force of Ninja Clans to the border between the Herb Country and the Land of Earth, Hyuga Soushu didn't rush to make contact with the alert Iwa forces waiting across the boundary. Instead, he chose to tour scenic spots with Mahiru Uchiha.
The frontier areas of the Herb Country offered vastly different scenery compared to its monotonous inland grasslands, clearly transitioning from rolling prairies to towering mountain ranges.
Through his Byakugan, Soushu could faintly make out Iwa ninjas scouting along the other side of the border. However, what concerned him most were the primary forces of Iwa's ninja troops, deeply concealed within the mountain valleys and ravines.
Unlike temporary labyrinthine earthworks created hastily using ninjutsu, the fortifications Iwa built along the borders of the Land of Earth far surpassed expectations in both complexity and durability. Even the so-called "all-seeing eye," Byakugan, struggled to penetrate due to the immense thickness of soil layers obstructing visual range.
"General Soushu!"
Just as the two were lost in their quiet conversation, a Hyuga ninja hurried over, gasping for breath as he reported, "Urgent message from the Uchiha Cat Clan! The current Tsuchikage, Onoki of Iwagakure, has been confirmed inside the Border City! Furthermore, among Iwa's forces, another chakra signature has appeared—our estimation indicates it should be the Five-Tails Jinchuriki!"
"They're really going all-in this time! Don't they worry about Sunagakure sneaking into the more critical Bird Country?"
Hyuga Soushu expressed surprise.
He had abandoned his original plan to expand into the Land of Waterfall and the Land of Rain mainly due to Sakumo Hatake's secret message hinting at Sand activity, preferring instead a step back for broader strategic peace, hoping Iwagakure would remain focused fighting against Suna without distractions.
But unexpectedly, now Iwa had deployed their elite combat units directly to the frontline!
"Can we pinpoint the Jinchuriki's exact location?"
Hyuga Soushu paused briefly before asking.
"This..."
The reporting Hyuga ninja hesitated, unsure how to reply.
Their intelligence originated from the Uchiha Clan's ancestral allies—the Ninja Cat Clan. His role was simply to filter the information within the cooperation framework between the Hyuga and Uchiha. In essence, his job was just to pre-screen the data provided by the cats. Whether these strange felines could accurately locate Iwa's Jinchuriki remained unknown and uncertain to him.
"Never mind; don't dwell on it."
Realizing this, Soushu decided not to press the matter further:
"Report this information to the Jonin leaders of each clan!"
"At once!"
The Hyuga ninja bowed immediately in agreement, then vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.
"Another Jinchuriki."
After the passerby had gone, Mahiru Uchiha quietly muttered, "That old man Ai sure has a high opinion of us, huh?"
"He definitely learned his lesson from the battlefield in the Land of Rain."
Hyuga Soushu boasted unapologetically.
"Our wedding..."
But Mahiru Uchiha wasn't particularly interested in such feats of achievement. Her mind was still occupied with their marriage date and wedding plans.
"Try to settle it within three days!"
Soushu added another condition.
Mahiru was extremely satisfied with this.
The reason there were no voices of opposition from within the Hyuga Clan regarding the two getting married was twofold: first, Soushu had risen completely through sheer strength and had firmly established himself as superior within the clan; second, Mahiru truly had little interest in political maneuvering or using her status to gain benefits for her natal clan. Because of this, although those old stubborn members of the Hyuga weren't exactly willing to bless this marriage, at least they saw no point in actively opposing it.
Moreover, some more deviously-minded members of the Hyuga family viewed the inter-clan marriage between Hyuga and Uchiha as having two potential outcomes—one being that it might dilute Soushu's Tennin bloodline, weakening the possibility of legitimate bloodline inheritance for the clan leadership; the other being that it could potentially produce even stronger offspring, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing for the Hyuga Clan.
"Check if anyone's around."
Mahiru licked her lips and reached out to grab Soushu's belt.
"It's broad daylight, and we're out in the open—it just feels wrong."
Soushu declined hesitantly.
But Mahiru didn't hesitate—she was already taking action.
Therefore, Soushu—who went with the flow—gave in and made love beneath the open sky.
It wasn't until nightfall that a rejuvenated Soushu returned to the Coalition Force of Ninja Clans' command center, cradling a blushing and boneless Mahiru Uchiha in his arms. To avoid drawing attention, the two steered clear of patrol routes and slipped straight back to their quarters.
After finishing their post-coital cleanup, the command center's strategy room suddenly grew noisy, and the commotion even reached Soushu's residence.
"What business are they stirring up at this hour?"
Soushu frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
Moments later, a messenger ninja arrived outside Soushu's room, lightly knocking to request entry.
"Come in."
Though drained from overwork, Soushu couldn't simply ignore a messenger coming to report, so he replied gruffly.
"Honorable Soushu,"
A Nara strategist gently pushed the door open slightly but didn't step inside, instead speaking from outside: "Patrol teams at the border have intercepted a caravan claiming to belong to the Earth Daimyo's envoys."
"The Earth Daimyo's envoys?"
Soushu paused momentarily. "What? Are they trying to negotiate peace?"
"Their intentions remain unknown. However, your orders on how to proceed would be appreciated."
The Nara strategist's reply was short and respectful.
"Where are they now?"
Rubbing his temples, Soushu signaled for Mahiru Uchiha to help him get dressed.
"The patrol squad is escorting the guests to the base; they should arrive in about an hour."
Chief of Staff Nara replied immediately.
"Then arrange a meeting!"
Hyuga Soushu had no objections either.
"At once!"
Nara obeyed promptly, gently closing the door as he exited.
"Another hour to go!" Mahiru Uchiha, having regained some strength after freshening up, spoke eagerly.
Hyuga Soushu glanced at his lover whose longing for more was obvious. Without hesitation, he shrugged off the robe he had just put on and lunged forward like a tiger pouncing on its prey.
The Earth Daimyo's envoy, filled with deep apprehension, finally felt somewhat reassured upon safely reaching Konoha Ninja Force's base.
This was because Fugaku Uchiha had already been dispatched to wait for him at the entrance of the base.
Although Commander-in-Chief Hyuga Soushu himself hadn't come out personally to greet him, the presence of the prestigious Uchiha clan made him feel honored. Even his previously gloomy expression gradually brightened.
"You've traveled a long way and must be exhausted," said Fugaku Uchiha, heir of the Uchiha Clan. Though proud by nature, he certainly understood the art of diplomacy. As soon as the Daimyo's envoy stepped down from his carriage, he approached immediately, warmly gripping the man's hand. "Konoha is known for its hospitality; we've prepared a modest feast inside the camp to honor your arrival, though I apologize beforehand if our simple arrangements fall short of your expectations."
When someone spoke this generously, if the envoy still couldn't grasp the implied courtesy, he wouldn't deserve to claim noble heritage.
"I truly appreciate all the efforts of the honorable Konoha representatives," responded Envoy Niimi Kanbee. "I am Niimi Kanbee, currently serving as Minister of State Affairs in the Land of Earth. I was sent here by Lord Daimyo specifically hoping to mediate conflicts between our villages and preserve the peace established by Lord Hashirama."
Niimi Kanbee spoke in formal bureaucratic language, deliberately adopting a humble tone: "Now that I've arrived, it seems both countries and villages actually share minimal disputes. In fact, loyal and valiant Konoha ninja are exemplary peacekeepers across the shinobi world. I sincerely hope to meet with Commander Soushu for discussion."
"This way please!"
Fugaku Uchiha waved broadly with one hand and began leading the way forward. "Commander Soushu is already in the banquet hall!"
Following aristocratic tradition of hidden meanings, although Envoy Niimi Kanbee's words appeared grandiose, what he truly implied was a diplomatic overture—an official peace proposal sent in the name of the Earth Daimyo.
What surprised him slightly was the contrast between the Hyuga clan, renowned for their refined aristocratic manner, and the Uchiha clan—who, while equally powerful among the two great shinobi clans, carried themselves more as ninja than noblemen. Therefore, Fugaku Uchiha failed to grasp the envoy's deeper meaning, treating everything merely as casual polite conversation.
"Excellent, excellent!"
Envoy Niimi Kanbee was slightly taken aback but didn't dwell too much, quickly following closely behind into the heart of the base.
Despite successfully entering Konoha ninja's encampment, Niimi Kanbee remained observant, scanning the layout and positioning throughout the camp as he walked forward.
Uchiha Fugaku's demeanor might have been interpreted by the envoy as a sign of dissatisfaction with this so-called peace talk, or even a deliberate snub. It was hardly surprising, after all, since the Uchiha Clan had long been perceived as bloodthirsty and war-mongering, thus creating this stereotype.
From a ninja's perspective, envoy Niimi Kanbee's attempt at covert observation was practically equivalent to openly staring around. However, emboldened by their recent decisive victory, the entire Ninja Force saw no need to obstruct such trivial behavior.
Soon enough, under Uchiha Fugaku's guidance, the envoy entered the grand hall where the banquet had been prepared. Already seated were Hyuga Soushu and other senior jonin from various ninja clans, freshly bathed and changed into ceremonial robes.
"I, Niimi Kanbee, hereby greet all esteemed generals!"
Although none of those present made any move to welcome him, the envoy still performed a respectful bow on his own initiative while announcing his name and purpose: "By command of my Honored Sovereign, I have come seeking resolution to the conflict between our two Hidden Villages."
"You must be tired from your long journey. Have a few cups of light sake to refresh yourself first!"
Hyuga Soushu's smile appeared genuinely warm and approachable.
This amiable attitude somewhat eased the envoy's tension.
Subsequently came rounds of sake drinking and lighthearted camaraderie.
Though lacking entertainers or dancers, the deliberately cultivated congenial atmosphere among Soushu and his peers proved sufficient to set the envoy completely at ease.
Especially after several cups of rice wine coursed through him, Niimi Kanbee began loosening up considerably, voluntarily broaching the true purpose of his visit with Hyuga Soushu.
"Honorable Lord Soushu, for generations our two countries and villages have lived side by side in harmony. To engage in hostilities over temporary misunderstandings would surely bring sorrow to our allies and joy to our enemies. Therefore, to rebuild the bridge of friendship between our lands, my noble lord has specially dispatched me here, earnestly requesting an opportunity for peaceful negotiations!"
Niimi Kanbee spoke with utmost humility and sincerity. Upon finishing his statement, he lifted his cup and drained it in one motion, demonstrating both respect and determination.
"Brilliant!"
Hyuga Soushu clapped appreciatively, his words clearly conveying approval: "Ultimately, these grievances between our nations stem solely from provocations by malicious elements. Our Daimyo's original intentions were commendable, but unfortunately certain individuals tasked with carrying them out twisted those noble aims."
"Precisely, Lord Soushu speaks truly!"
The envoy quickly nodded in agreement, clearly resonating with this interpretation. Particularly regarding the analysis that the Daimyo maintained virtuous intentions but specific executors distorted them, he resolved to personally reiterate this penetrating insight before the court upon returning.
That was truly masterful rhetoric—both diplomatic and tactful, deftly shifting blame elsewhere. It was like pure gold when it came to high-level communication!
The more Niimi Kanbee reflected on Hyuga Soushu's refined eloquence, the more he felt its brilliance rivaled even that of the Minister of State himself. This heartfelt reverence deepened his respectful posture even further, bowing him nearly ninety degrees, like a bowing immortal from ancient legends.
Meanwhile, sitting at one side, Uchiha Fugaku silently shifted his glowing red eyes away, giving Hyuga Soushu a slight nod upon catching his gaze.
Although Niimi Kanbee, as a nobleman, had some basic knowledge about Ninja, for Uchiha Ninja who specialized in Genjutsu and possessed powerful ocular abilities, even an ordinary Jonin was nothing more than an amusing toy. It was extremely simple for them to secretly manipulate the consciousness of ordinary humans using minor Genjutsu techniques.
Besides, Fugaku Uchiha had already been given orders in advance and was only giving subtle hints—just a small trick. Even the Konoha Ninja Clan's Jonin present within the Banquet Hall could not detect anything unusual, let alone someone like Niimi, who had lived a life of luxury and comfort.
"Mr. Niimi has good intentions!"
Hyuga Soushu immediately raised his wine cup in response. "Since the Daimyo wishes to restore peace, I won't hold back either!"
"In short, the Konoha Ninja Forces only ask for three things."
"Peace! Equal standing! Mutual gain!"
Hyuga Soushu raised three fingers on his left hand, then drained the cup in his right with one gulp.
"Excellent!"
Niimi Kanbee was equally delighted, and quickly took advantage of the moment to press further. "In that case, would the Konoha Ninja Forces consider withdrawing first, to ease the current tense situation?"
"The Konoha Ninja Forces will begin their withdrawal within three days!" Hyuga Soushu said solemnly. "Only the Border Forces will remain stationed along the border. This is my decision, made in my capacity as Warlord and head of the Hyuga Clan!"
"To peace!"
Niimi Kanbee immediately raised his cup in return.
"To free trade!"
Hyuga Soushu laughed heartily, and Mahiru Uchiha poured him another drink. Then all the Konoha Jonin in the hall raised their cups to join the celebration!
This went too well!
It felt like the Land of Earth had struck a secret deal with Konoha from behind the scenes!
Even though they hadn't drunk much, all the Konoha Jonin in attendance began to feel slightly tipsy.
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