Malphegor
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HSU: Ch. 156
🕑 Added 2025-01-24 16:49:09 +0000 UTCWhen it came to what action Masashi might take, the Konoha Five were well aware of his capabilities.
That was exactly what they hoped to see. And he handled it even better than they expected.
After all, everyone present had taken many lives in their time. Killing didn't stir a single emotion in them anymore.
What mattered to them was whether the killing was justifiable.
When negotiations between two ninja villages reached this level, killing was never the issue. The inability to kill, however, would be a problem.
In the original timeline, the head ninja tried to stir up trouble in Konoha, only to be slapped to death by Hiashi without hesitation.
The only thing he hadn't anticipated was that Konoha's grassroots forces at the time were so weakened.
Back then, Konoha still had its fair share of top-tier ninja. But having strong individuals didn't mean the village could afford a war with Kumo.
Financial resources were one thing; manpower was the key.
Before starting or responding to a war, any ninja village had to first assess whether it would suffer structural manpower losses.
Unfortunately, at that time, a war between Konoha and Kumo would have caused precisely that.
Konoha's position meant it could never have the luxury of a one-on-one fight.
The village was equidistant from any of the other villages, which also meant those villages could coordinate attacks on Konoha.
If the other villages formed an anti-Konoha alliance, Konoha would be in serious trouble.
The prowess of elite ninjas wreaking havoc on the battlefield might be an impressive spectacle, but in wars dominated by mobile ninja units, these units had enough tactical maneuverability to bypass any opponent they wanted to avoid.
After the era of Hashirama, the overall outcome of wars was determined by the vast majority of rank-and-file ninja.
The Flying Thunder God maximized battlefield mobility, but even the master of the technique, Minato, couldn't guarantee zero casualties in an entire war zone.
Deaths still happened.
He ran himself ragged during the Third Great Ninja War, but Konoha still lost many lives in battles against Kumo and Iwa, so much so that they had to forgo compensation from Iwa in order to expedite a ceasefire.
In this timeline, while Kumo had lost two jinchūriki, the village's main forces—its genin, chunin, and jonin—remained intact. Their last defeat hadn't hurt Kumo's foundation. It was still a major power in the ninja world, fully capable of negotiating with Konoha.
Naturally, both sides would thoroughly test each other's bottom line.
This time, however, Konoha had the upper hand diplomatically and struck first.
Now, it was up to the Raikage to respond.
In the Hokage's office, the Konoha Five and Masashi quickly devised a new plan.
They would heal Matsu and have him return with a personal letter from the Hokage.
As Hokage, Minato would sternly condemn Kumo's improper behavior: falsifying documentation, attacking Masashi, and other infractions.
The letter would demand that the Raikage personally meet with the Hokage to discuss a peace agreement, warning that Konoha reserved the right to take further action if these demands were not met.
That was the gist of it.
Masashi had no objections.
Kumo's attempt to replicate the original timeline's systematic scheme—fake agreements, real kidnappings, massive feints, multi-nation coordination, and strong reinforcements—was impossible in this timeline. With their options limited and Konoha striking first, Masashi predicted that the Raikage would yield for now.
The real drama, however, would unfold once the Raikage arrived in Konoha.
No matter what performance he put on, it wouldn't be as entertaining as the show Masashi had prepared for him.
Using the transcription seal placed on Yugito, Masashi had ensured plenty of time for his plan to unfold.
It involved the Totsuka Sword, which would target the seal restraining Matatabi, releasing the Two-Tails.
Since the attack focused on the seal, it would trigger without any warning signs.
While Minato was writing his letter in the Hokage's office, Masashi explained everything in detail.
"This is the plan," he said. "This way, we can secure a ceasefire with Kumo while temporarily depriving them of their tailed-beast power."
He was determined to make Kumo lose the two tailed beasts they had originally purchased from Konoha.
As for who would claim the beasts after they were resurrected, that would depend on everyone's abilities.
In any case, he intended to claim Matatabi for himself.
"Additionally, considering the potential destruction caused by Matatabi's release, I suggest holding the negotiations in the Land of Hot Water," Masashi added. "If I recall correctly, the Second Hokage also chose that location for negotiations with Kumo."
"Isn't this a bit too risky?" Surprisingly, Minato, the man whose wife was nearly kidnapped by Kumo, voiced his opposition.
"I've dealt with the Fourth Raikage before," Minato recalled, referring to his battle with A. "When faced with adversity, he doesn't lack the courage to risk everything. His personality is the biggest variable."
"Even if we hold an absolute advantage, would he still act that way?" asked Fugaku, considering whether they should just eliminate the Fourth Raikage as well. After all, Kumo had done the same thing before, pinning the blame on a jinchūriki doomed to die anyway.
"Most likely, yes," Minato nodded. "We all know Kumo's internal dynamics are somewhat different from ours. The Raikage absolutely cannot show any signs of weakness. If pushed too far, he might directly declare war on us."
Fugaku understood his concern.
Minato wasn't keen on starting a war at this moment. Konoha's alliance with Kiri and Iwa was still in a critical stage of development. Disrupting that process with a war would be counterproductive.
A few more years of peace would allow the three sides to fully integrate. Conflicts with Kiri and Iwa would be suppressed due to their shared interests. Additionally, the intelligence network formed by this alliance would enable Konoha to finally break free from its long-standing predicament of facing multiple enemies.
At that point, Konoha wouldn't have to fear any village acting out. They could handle any threat with ease.
Masashi's plan, however, risked pushing the Raikage too far, possibly provoking an extreme reaction.
Starting another war wasn't ideal. While Konoha was unlikely to lose, it could give Kiri and Iwa the impression that Konoha was overly aggressive. Trust between ninja villages was already tenuous. Disrupting the hard-won alliance at this stage would be problematic.
Seeing this, Masashi began to reconsider whether he was being too hasty.
Just as the three men fell into silence, a voice filled with murderous intent suddenly broke the silence in the room.
It was Hiruzen who spoke.
"Even if war breaks out, we have nothing to fear. Our opponent is Kumo," said the once-kindly elder, now wearing an intimidating expression. "What's more, Kumo has a precedent for this behavior. If it happens again, no one will think Konoha is at fault."
"Exactly," Koharu agreed. "If Kumo starts a war, we can pull Iwa into it. Ōnoki's concerns about Kumo far outweigh his concerns about Konoha."
Homura nodded as well. "Allow us to formally request participation in this negotiation. Can we hold the meeting in the same location where the Second Hokage once negotiated with Kumo?"
The three elders were exuding such killing intent that it seemed completely out of character.
It wasn't a change in style; it was a complete collapse of their usual demeanor.
This caught Masashi off guard and even changed his opinion of the trio.
It seemed the Senju clan had chosen their allies wisely back in the day.
---
At his old age, Hiruzen has witnessed everything in Konoha.
In the fifth year of Konoha's founding, he was born in the same year as his friend Danzō.
His childhood was a happy one. When he was born, his father, Sasuke, was among the strongest ninjas under Hashirama and Madara.
When he was five, the Sarutobi clan joined Konoha, along with their long-standing allies, the Shimura clan. Similarly, the Akimichi clan, as followers of the Sarutobi clan, also joined the village at this time and brought along their close allies, the Nara and Yamanaka clans.
In the early days of Konoha, Tobirama founded the Ninja Academy to ensure the village's stability and longevity. The Academy served two purposes: to educate and select the finest children from each clan, and to instill the Will of Fire into their very souls through political and ideological education from a young age.
It was here that Hiruzen met the two people who would influence his entire life: Hashirama and Tobirama.
Even as a young boy, he displayed extraordinary talent. From a young age, he was guided by Hashirama and Tobirama and later became a member of Tobirama's team.
In the 20th year of Konoha, Hiruzen's life changed when his teacher, Tobirama, sacrificed himself to protect the team.
From that moment, he developed a deep-seated hatred for Kumo.
But there was no time for sorrow, as the war continued, and he became the Hokage.
As the Third Hokage of Konoha, he didn't garner resentment from anyone—not from allies or enemies, elders or juniors. Everyone agreed he was an exemplary person, as if his public and private virtues were flawless, and his interpersonal skills were perfect.
Even his lifelong rival and collaborator, Danzō, admitted he could never surpass him.
Not even the Uchiha clan had truly bad things to say about him. Instead, they believed his role as Hokage was incredibly challenging.
But Hiruzen knew he wasn't as good as others thought—not only because Danzō bore much of the darker burden for him, but because Hiruzen himself had grudges he wanted to settle.
He longed to avenge Tobirama in a straightforward and unrestrained way.
But as Hokage, he didn't have that privilege.
Decades passed, and now he was old. Yet, the regrets of the past remained buried deep within his heart.
Those who were of Tobirama's team could never forget.
Sadly, Danzō and Kagami were gone. Among their generation, these two and Hiruzen were the strongest and had received the most guidance from Tobirama.
"That's how it is," Hiruzen said, standing in the Hokage office as Minato looked at him in astonishment. "I'm no longer Hokage now, and I'd like to do something selfish."
"Sandaime-sama…" Minato quickly stood up. "You're being too hard on yourself. Of course, I'm not opposed, but…"
"I understand." Hiruzen smiled. "I understand your thoughts perfectly. I'd probably feel the same way if I were you. After all, Danzō and the others are gone, and I might join them soon. I can't meet them empty-handed, can I?"
"I understand." Minato sighed. "Of course, I'll participate too. Let's all work to minimize the risks."
"We will. Absolutely," Hiruzen said softly.
Minato sighed again. The old man was being stubborn.
No one could persuade him.
Being Hokage had this downside: you had to force yourself to be rational.
If he weren't Hokage, Minato would've agreed to punch the Raikage himself.
Wait—why was his first thought punching the Raikage? Shouldn't it be signing a treaty?
"Well then, Masashi, could you prepare a draft plan before the Raikage gives an official response?" Minato asked, deciding to stop thinking about irrelevant things.
It wasn't like he still held a grudge against Kumo for nearly costing him his wife back then.
How strange. Was there really no one in this building who had a good relationship with Kumo? Even he, as Hokage, felt a growing itch to take action.
"No problem," Masashi readily agreed. "I'll get it done, even if I have to work overtime."
"Don't remind me about overtime… sigh…" Minato looked at his desk mournfully. The papers on it seemed to be perpetually stacked high.
"I'll leave it to you, then."
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama. I'll deliver good news."
As Minato watched Masashi leave with a spring in his step, he had a strange premonition. He was sure Masashi was adding to his workload.
"He is a good kid," Hiruzen suddenly remarked.
"You seem to have a higher opinion of him lately," Minato said with a smile. "Indeed, aside from being a bit impulsive at times, he's very capable."
"Young people, after all." Hiruzen chuckled. "Minato, you must be more understanding. Well, I'll head back now and not disturb your work."
He stood up and put away his pipe—only to realize he had accidentally broken it.
He was instantly heartbroken.
---
After leaving the Hokage Building, Masashi headed to the Konoha Hospital.
His first stop was the ward where Kumo ninja was staying.
At the door of Matsu's room stood two members of the Police Force—the same team that had previously escorted Matsu, one from the Inuzuka clan and one from the Aburame clan.
"Masashi-sama."
When they saw him, they saluted immediately.
"You've worked hard. How's the Kumo ninja doing?"
"He's stable. The medical team said he was brought in just in time; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to continue as a ninja."
"Good. I'll go in and have a word with him."
"Understood. Please go ahead."
The two opened the door, and Masashi stepped in.
Inside, Matsu lay on the bed, looking utterly dejected.
To the left of the bed stood an Uchiha, and to the right, a Hyūga—Konoha's two great dōjutsu clans, both watching him intently.
Talk about VIP treatment.
"Matsu," Masashi said as he approached. "Do you remember me? Long time no see."
"???"
Did he have memory problems?
Hadn't you just beaten me up and killed my teammates?
"Don't speak. I don't want to hit you again." Masashi waved dismissively, cutting off Matsu's attempt to respond. "I'm just here to let you know: the Hokage has refused to meet with you. Once you've recovered, we'll send you an official letter signed by the Hokage. Take it back with you."
"Konoha has agreed to form an alliance with us?"
"Did I not beat you hard enough?" Masashi asked. "The letter is to tell you that if you want to negotiate, the Raikage must come himself."
