Malphegor
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HSU: Ch. 128
🕑 Added 2025-01-09 17:28:48 +0000 UTCFor the first time since that battle, Masashi once again saw Ōnoki.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, a small black dot first appeared in the sky. Soon, it grew large enough for those on the ground to recognize it as a person.
As Ōnoki's figure became clearer, the Iwa ninjas present couldn't help but show admiration in their eyes.
Except for Kitsuchi.
Facing away from the Konoha group, his expression was one of utter helplessness.
He felt like he and his father were completely out of sync mentally. On practically every issue, their opinions clashed.
To Kitsuchi, Konoha sending a powerhouse like the White Ghost as an envoy signified that Konoha's diplomacy under the Fourth Hokage followed a tough approach. Under such circumstances, Ōnoki, as Tsuchikage, should have received them in his office.
But how long had it been since he left? The old man had flown over himself.
"Long time no see," Ōnoki floated before the group, his gaze seemingly fixed only on Masashi, and surprisingly, his expression was rather kind.
After all, he immediately noticed the two youngsters behind Masashi. His heart eased. With his spirits lifted, even his tone became gentler, not as sharp as before.
"Have you given my previous suggestion any thought?" Ōnoki asked with a smile while stroking his beard. "Iwa warmly welcomes the Uchiha clan."
The Iwa ninjas, who had felt a bit helpless by the Tsuchikage personally coming out to greet the Konoha delegation, suddenly had an epiphany.
They thought they understood now.
His humbling gesture wasn't for Konoha—it was an attempt to recruit the Uchiha clan. That was different, then. Recruitment looked like this: showing sincerity, negotiating terms, and then forming a partnership.
Masashi may have devastated the Iwa forces on the battlefield, taking down thousands of them alone. But back in the village, there wasn't much resentment towards him. He was just too strong to hold a grudge against.
Kitsuchi's expression, however, turned even more exasperated.
In his heart, he had a dream—to crush Kumo. And Konoha was, in his view, the perfect ally for this.
As long as Iwa and Konoha could maintain long-term peaceful relations, Iwa would have the freedom to bully Suna to the south and team up with Konoha to crush Kumo to the north. Iwa's happiness was simple and straightforward like that.
"No, I haven't considered it." Masashi shook his head. "Tsuchikage-sama, this tactic is too weak."
"Hm, you're a greedy little guy, aren't you?" Ōnoki pursed his lips. "Fine, then. I'll be waiting for you in the Tsuchikage's office."
With that, the old man let out a "BIU" sound and flew off.
"Kitsuchi, is your Tsuchikage always this cheeky?"
"The Tsuchikage is a free-spirited man. He can be like this sometimes," Kitsuchi replied, keeping his expression under control. "This way, please."
He turned and resumed leading the group.
An old man sidled up to Masashi and nudged his arm.
"What is it?" Masashi asked, turning to look at him.
"Masashi, Ōnoki isn't quite what I imagined," the old man said. "This might be promising."
The old man was from the Shimura clan. Although it was amusing to say, the Shimura clan was the opposite of the Inuzuka clan—almost everyone in it was a dove, except for the notable exception of Danzō.
This particular old man had been one of the legendary doves who stood up to Danzō in the Hokage's office to support the Uchiha clan. He was said to have infuriated Danzō to the point of turning pale but left him helpless. After all, in terms of seniority, Danzō had to call him "senpai."
"He's exactly what you imagine him to be. Don't say anything rash later. This old guy is shrewd," Masashi sighed. "He came here to tease us and blow off steam."
"That can't be…," the old man doubted. "He's a Kage. Would he really be so idle?"
"You met the First Hokage. What was he like?" Masashi countered.
The old man froze.
"Ah, you youngsters love your gossip too much. Don't believe everything those storybooks say. The First Hokage was actually very kind," he muttered, retreating to the back with a disgruntled expression.
Masashi's words had reminded him. Having grown too accustomed to Hiruzen's demeanor, he had almost forgotten that a Kage could indeed be idle.
Among the old ninja clans in the village, it was common knowledge: the First Hokage was genuinely a good person, but many things about him were… complicated.
It was just that no one could beat him; otherwise, he would've been disciplined long ago.
Following the Iwa ninjas, the Konoha delegation passed through the grasslands and re-entered the mountains. This time, it wasn't long before they saw Iwa.
Unlike Konoha, Iwa had no walls.
On second thought, it made sense. The village was in the mountains, and with every Iwa ninjas proficient in Earth Release, what was the point of a wall?
But Iwa did have a gate. After all, the village's buildings were connected by bridges. The so-called gate was at the entrance of the main bridge that linked the mountains.
When the Konoha delegation arrived, Iwa had prepared a welcome ceremony befitting their status. The reception's grandeur was usually determined by the status of the envoy, considering not only the village's own standing but also the envoy's rank.
For someone of Masashi's Kage-level stature, Iwa spared no effort in showing respect.
As the delegation crossed the main bridge, they saw ninjas and civilians alike standing on the surrounding suspension bridges. Flower petals rained down from above, and fireworks rose from within the village.
In this regard, Iwa wouldn't give Konoha any grounds for criticism. Unlike Kumo, Iwa took such matters seriously.
Even during the Third War, when the two villages agreed to a ceasefire, Iwa had sent Kitsuchi to Konoha for the signing ceremony, ensuring all proper courtesies were observed.
As an old-school ninja from the same era and a long-time rival, Ōnoki had a certain respect for Hiruzen.
Sitting in the Tsuchikage's office, listening to the commotion outside, he pondered how to negotiate with Konoha.
The Yellow Flash had become the Hokage. While Ōnoki acknowledged his strength, he still subjected him to the traditional tests of a Kage's worthiness.
The results weren't great.
Konoha had grown more united, and the Flying Thunder God hadn't disappeared from the battlefield. Its new wielder was now an Uchiha.
Meanwhile, the Iwa ninjas forces had suffered greatly. An entire division had been decimated, the elite Demolitions Unit had lost all combat effectiveness, and his disciple and granddaughter had been taken as captives.
Though they were eventually returned unharmed, he couldn't help but feel a bit stung.
Knock, knock…
"Come in," Ōnoki said, rising to pick up his Tsuchikage hat.
"Tsuchikage-sama, the Konoha delegation is about to enter the building."
"Good. Lead them directly to the conference room," Ōnoki commanded, fully donning his hat with authority. "Let's see how that White Ghost plans to negotiate."
He was very confident. After all, negotiations required wit and rhetoric. An Uchiha? Give me a break.
---
After entering Iwa, Masashi officially handed over Deidara and Kurotsuchi to Kitsuchi.
Times had changed. Konoha no longer needed to use these two kids as bargaining chips in negotiations; their purpose was to earn some goodwill. And goodwill was far more valuable than any hostage.
At this stage, all of Konoha's diplomacy was based on one goal: to maintain friendly relations with the other villages without compromising Konoha's interests and to pressure Kumo into submission.
Masashi felt that this goodwill was effectively earned.
Kitsuchi's expression softened significantly, and during the trip to the Tsuchikage's office with the group, he started engaging in conversation with Masashi rather than staying silent.
Upon entering the Tsuchikage's office, he noticed one thing immediately: Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, the Hokage's office was undoubtedly the smallest.
Kitsuchi, serving as their guide, performed his duty diligently.
After receiving the Tsuchikage's instructions from the clerical staff, he led the Konoha delegation straight to the meeting hall.
Upon entering the hall, the first thing that caught everyone's eye was Ōnoki, already seated, along with the other Iwa high-ranking officials. However, Masashi didn't recognize any of them.
He only knew Ōnoki and Kitsuchi.
The Konoha delegation took their seats in order, with Kitsuchi sitting next to Ōnoki.
The representatives from Konoha sat upright, brimming with confidence and enthusiasm.
It had been a long time since they had encountered a Kage who adhered to protocol so strictly. They felt a sense of familiarity and were optimistic about delivering an exceptional performance today.
Once everyone was seated, Ōnoki didn't speak immediately, and neither did Masashi.
With the two leading figures remaining silent, everyone else could only exchange glances in awkward quiet.
Masashi looked at the stubborn, defiant gaze of Ōnoki and decided he couldn't let the other side act up again. He resolved to take the lead.
"Tsuchikage-sama," Masashi broke the silence, instantly drawing the attention of both delegations.
"For decades, Konoha and Iwa have maintained diplomatic relations, advancing hand in hand. The traditional friendship between our two villages has stood the test of time and grown even stronger."
Huh? What is this White Ghost talking about?
"All along, under the joint leadership of our two villages, mutual political trust has been firm, and the results of our collaboration have been fruitful. Particularly in maintaining regional peace, we have engaged in close and effective cooperation across various fields. When unrest broke out in the Land of Rain recently, our two villages supported each other and faced the challenges together, demonstrating a brotherly bond in times of adversity!"
After finishing his long speech in one breath, Masashi, with a confident wave of his hand, boldly proclaimed, "Tsuchikage-sama, it is necessary for us to take our partnership further and establish a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual trust and win-win cooperation."
The entire room fell silent. Everyone was too stunned to react.
Iwa was dumbfounded, and the Konoha delegates were even more astonished.
Ōnoki's previously sarcastic smile had vanished, his mind now buzzing.
Supported each other? Faced challenges together? A bond of brotherhood in adversity?
What nonsense was this?
Mutual trust? Win-win cooperation?
Was this even human speech?
After replaying Masashi's words in his head, he was shocked.
Was this really an Uchiha? Is this what the Uchiha clan has become now!?
Kitsuchi was equally stunned.
He looked at Masashi with admiration.
So it turns out his kindred spirit was right here all along!
The veteran Konoha diplomats weren't just shocked—they were enlightened.
So, this was how you fabricate nonsense!
They had been too hasty. They had assumed the Uchiha clan only knew how to fight and flip tables at the slightest provocation. They were already prepared to step in and salvage the situation if things went south.
Now? What was there to salvage? Masashi was way more skilled at this than they were.
"Masashi, are you flaunting your strength?" Ōnoki suddenly snorted coldly. "Between Iwa and Konoha, how many shinobi have died? The blood debt is enormous. Where is this so-called 'support'?"
"How could it not exist?" Masashi countered. "Let's not look too far back. Take the Third Great Ninja War, for example. Iwa and Konoha joined forces to stop Kumo from escalating the unjust war they initiated, ultimately killing the bandit leader, the Third Raikage. Doesn't this demonstrate the deep friendship between our villages over decades of diplomatic relations?"
Everyone was stunned—so the Raikage was now a bandit leader!?
"Iwa's military actions have nothing to do with Konoha," Ōnoki retorted, though his tone had softened considerably. After all, as the Tsuchikage, he had to maintain some dignity.
"Tsuchikage-sama, you're being overly modest. This is precisely why I propose that our villages establish a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual trust and win-win cooperation."
Masashi maintained his smile and continued.
"Think about it—you and the Hokage are miles apart, yet you cooperated so seamlessly in dealing with Kumo. Isn't this mutual trust? Shouldn't we pass down this spirit of sincere friendship and mutual support to future generations?"
The Iwa high-ranking officials couldn't help but nod instinctively.
Then they caught themselves—wait, this guy's words were so smooth, and his phrasing so novel, that they had unconsciously gotten swept along.
"Stop twisting words and distorting facts," Ōnoki realized he couldn't stay on the defensive. He needed to counterattack. "This war inflicted significant losses on Iwa because of Konoha's expansionism, which escalated the conflict. While we've agreed to a ceasefire, Iwa deserves compensation."
"Sigh… Tsuchikage-sama," Masashi suddenly shook his head, his tone sounding disappointed. "Your vision is too narrow."
"???"
This little Uchiha brat is really infuriating!
How am I narrow-minded? For fuck's sake, I'm the greatest Tsuchikage in the village! Everyone says so!
"What do you mean by that?" He suppressed his anger and asked.
"The Trade Association is willing to offer various public-sector products to the Land of Earth to support its infrastructure development and operations. They can even assist the daimyō's government in issuing special bonds."
"Huh?" Ōnoki was taken aback.
He had heard of this Association—it controlled vast resources, but it only conducted business in the Land of Fire and its allied countries.
Ōnoki, having some understanding of economics, had looked into this organization.
It was indeed ridiculously wealthy!
It seemed Konoha was very sincere this time.
"It looks like the Fourth Hokage is very sincere," Ōnoki said with a smile.
He had no choice but to smile.
Iwa was large, and the Land of Earth even larger. There were countless expenses to cover, and the Land of Earth was perpetually short on funds. The daimyō's government slashed budgets annually, with everyone knowing the unspoken rule: cut every proposal by 30% off the top.
Masashi also smiled.
The Land of Fire currently had too much money circulating in the market, mainly because the nobles had amassed immense wealth over the years. Now, not only were interest rates being reduced to the point of reaching the nobles' expected yield limits, but the cost of living for the general populace was also rising.
This wasn't good.
The excess money had to be released into the market. But such a large amount of money required a sufficiently vast and stable market to absorb it.
The Land of Water was out of the question; they weren't short on wealth but on investment opportunities, much like the Land of Fire.
The Land of Lightning? Forget it. From top to bottom, they lacked the basic spirit of honoring agreements—they'd probably default on their obligations as easily as breathing.
The Land of Wind was too poor. Apart from abundant minerals, they lacked everything else. Pouring money into their economy would be like throwing it into a black hole.
Masashi was looking to improve financial efficiency, not intentionally lose money.
After careful consideration, the Land of Earth was the only suitable option.
Its financial system was even more primitive and underdeveloped than the Land of Fire's had been. If they didn't take this opportunity, would their conscience allow it?
Wage war? By the time Iwa realized what was happening, it would be too late—they'd already be entangled with Konoha. They'd have no choice but to fight Konoha's enemies instead.
Seeing Ōnoki's expression, Masashi knew the old man was tempted. His smile became even more amiable.
Hmm? Why aren't the other Konoha diplomats saying anything?
With a sidelong glance, he noticed the group of old diplomats furiously scribbling notes.
What were they writing?
Never mind. As long as they didn't disrupt the negotiations, it didn't matter.
