In the Konoha camp within the Land of Rain, the same events were unfolding.
"What? You're saying the people from Sunagakure have all retreated, leaving not even a small sapling behind?"
A surprised female voice rang out from within the camp tent. The source of this voice was none other than the granddaughter of the legendary God of the Ninja World, Senju Hashirama—Tsunade.
At this time, Tsunade was not yet the Tsunade of the future. Although she already had her signature blonde hair, her iconic features had not yet fully developed, leaving her looking somewhat youthful and inexperienced.
Beside her were two others: one with spiky white hair and another with long, straight black hair. They were clearly Jiraiya and Orochimaru. The three of them were the disciples of the strongest Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Since they had not yet had their decisive battle with Hanzou, they had not yet been granted the title of the Sannin.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade. They have indeed withdrawn, and the Third Kazekage himself was responsible for the rearguard."
"Something's wrong. Something is very, very wrong."
Upon hearing the report from the scout, Tsunade had not yet reacted, but Orochimaru, standing to the side, was already becoming alert.
"Orochimaru, did you discover something wrong somewhere?"
Seeing Orochimaru muttering to himself, Jiraiya couldn't help but step forward and ask.
"You idiot, Jiraiya. What kind of retreat requires the Kage of a Village to make a special trip?"
"Arrogant Orochimaru, I saw that long ago too! I was just testing you."
"Idiot Jiraiya."
"Arrogant Orochimaru."
The young Jiraiya was immediately triggered by Orochimaru's words.
"Enough. Regardless of the Third Kazekage's goal, we just need to be prepared."
At the critical moment, it was Tsunade who interrupted the farce.
---
Amegakure was a Village forged of steel. With its interconnected metal pipes and towering iron spires, it was distinct from any other Ninja Village. If lights were added, it would look like a cyberpunk city.
And the man hailed as the Demigod of the Ninja World, Hanzou, lived within the tallest of those towers.
Today, twelve guests arrived at the gates of Amegakure.
"Lord Kazekage, my master requests your presence."
The newcomers were Sayan and his group, who had arrived here after seeing their own Ninja retreat safely.
Entering the main hall, they saw Hanzou sitting upright in the seat of honor, a large scythe leaning against his chair. Beside him stood over twenty Ninja; sensing their auras, they were all Jonin. Clearly, he intended to give Sayan an intimidating reception.
But did Sayan care about these things? Not at all. His expression remained composed.
"Hahaha, I have long heard of the great name of the Demigod Hanzou, but I have never seen your true face. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation—majestic and extraordinary."
"..."
Watching Sayan walk over so casually, the corner of Hanzou's eye twitched slightly.
Is this really the Kazekage?
Where is the arrogance of the Five Great Ninja Villages?
As expected, a junior is just a junior.
But the way he talks... talks... is quite pleasant to the ear!
Seeing that Sayan wasn't falling for his intimidation, Hanzou found it hard to keep up his airs, so he also stood up with a laugh.
"Hahaha, you flatter me. I heard that the new Kazekage of Sunagakure is handsome and possesses exceptional strength. Seeing you today, you are indeed worthy of the name."
The other Ninja: "..."
Under the gaze of the other Ninja, the two laughed heartily and clasped hands tightly, looking like old friends meeting at last.
"So easy to fool."
"So easy to fool."
After a brief meeting, under Hanzou's invitation, Sayan also took a seat.
The other Ninja he brought followed the example of the Amegakure Jonin and stood on either side of Sayan.
"Coming to Amegakure this time, first, I wish to end the friction between our sides, and second, I am here to seek cooperation with Amegakure. After all, our Sunagakure is a peace-loving Ninja Village. We fully respect the Land of Rain and are willing to sit down and listen to the Land of Rain's demands. We aren't like the neighboring Konoha, who comes knocking on your door just to prevent the Land of Rain from living a good life."
That's right, this is Konoha—the evil Konoha.
"Heh."
Hanzou let out a chuckle upon hearing Sayan's words.
Among the three great nations, besides Konoha, Sunagakure was the one fighting the hardest. Although Sunagakure fought Konoha most of the time, many Amegakure Ninja had died at the hands of the Sand. How could this guy be thick-skinned enough to call it 'friction'?
But the opponent was, after all, one of the Five Great Ninja Villages. Although they were recognized as the weakest, they weren't someone the Land of Rain could easily mess with. Since the other party had already offered a graceful way out, it would be ungrateful not to take it. After all, the fewer enemies to fight, the better. Perhaps with one less party involved, he might actually win. Just maybe!
Following this logic, Hanzou appeared very enthusiastic.
"Exactly, exactly. It was all just some friction, all due to Konoha's instigation. Damn Konoha, damn Hiruzen Sarutobi. He lives well himself but won't let us have a good life."
"Lord Kazekage, I solemnly invite you here to attack Konoha together." Hanzou's expression turned serious as he continued. "Of course, I do this not just for the Land of Rain, but for the peace of this Ninja World. As the leader of the Five Great Ninja Villages, Konoha has no magnanimity as a great power. They even come to deceive and sneak-attack a small country like my Land of Rain; they simply have no Ninja virtue. Such a Konoha is not fit to be the head of the Five Great Ninja Villages."
"And I see that Lord Kazekage is extraordinary and harbors benevolence, willing to listen to the wishes of small nations. You are a role model for the Ninja World. If Lord Kazekage is willing, I and the Land of Rain are willing to follow you, recognize you as our leader, and together overthrow this cruel rule of Konoha. I wonder what Lord Kazekage thinks?"
"Heh."
Facing Hanzou's flowery words, Sayan thought to himself that whoever believed this was an idiot. If you want me to charge at the front, just say so.
"Sigh~, I highly agree with Lord Hanzou's idea. But after the defeat of Nidaime(2nd)-sama, my Sunagakure has lost its spirit and has no strength left to fight. Although I intend to plot great things with Lord Hanzou, unfortunately, I have only just succeeded the position and have no manpower to speak of."
"However, while Sunagakure cannot mobilize manpower, we can provide surplus supplies to Amegakure. As long as you nod your head, Lord Hanzou, supplies worth ten million can be yours for only five million. This is a rare opportunity; if you say the word, I will get them for you."
In any case, it was impossible for him to fight Konoha, but if Hanzou wanted to fight Konoha, he would absolutely support it.
Hanzou: "..."
After a long negotiation, finally, under the witness of the Ninja from both sides, the Summoned Beast Ibuse, and the gold dust giant, the agreement between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain was finally signed.
The summary of the agreement is as follows:
The Land of Rain would trade the mining rights of three mines near the Land of Wind for ten years in exchange for humanitarian aid from the Land of Wind.
At the same time, the Land of Wind was allowed to open factories in the Land of Rain, but they had to recruit citizens of the Land of Rain.
The Land of Rain allowed the Land of Wind to station a small number of Ninja within the factories in the Land of Rain, but they were not permitted to leave the factory premises.