Hanzo was also aware of the Third Hokage's reasons for not inviting him into Konoha, and he didn't mind, as long as he could release this mission.
"Third Hokage, may I release a mission in Konoha?"
Hanzo got straight to the point, mainly because the Third Hokage was too good at dragging things out, spending most of the day talking nonsense. He was busy with daily affairs and didn't have that much time to waste.
As Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered his head to smoke, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Hanzo had finally revealed his true purpose, and Hiruzen also had some understanding of the situation in Amegakure.
Hanzo and Danzo seemed to have had some conflict with the Akatsuki Organization. Danzo even sought his help, saying something about destroying the Akatsuki Organization and that he would become the first barrier protecting Konoha.
Hmph! Hiruzen Sarutobi had experienced everything; Danzo's words automatically translated in his ears to: 'Monkey, I can't beat them, please help me with a blow.'
"Oh? What kind of mission does the esteemed Demigod wish to release? Is Amegakure unable to complete it?"
The Third Hokage estimated that Hanzo and Danzo's goals were similar, so he needed to carefully discern Hanzo's objective. After all, the Akatsuki Organization was founded by Jiraiya's disciple, and it was a force that could be won over.
"Third Hokage should know that my Amegakure and the Akatsuki Organization have had a small misunderstanding. For the peace and stability within the Land of Rain, I hope Konoha can send someone to mediate on my behalf."
Hanzo naturally didn't dare to say he intended to trick Konoha. As for why Uchiha Rei came up with this method to trick Konoha, he also didn't know.
"Oh? Is that all? You know, this shouldn't be difficult for Amegakure, right?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't believe Hanzo's words at all. This fellow never spoke the truth, or rather, he was hiding some ulterior motive, and this mission was very likely proposed by Danzo.
He knew Danzo too well. If he couldn't get help from him, he would definitely find a way to achieve his goal. Perhaps he would ambush the Ninja he sent to the Land of Rain.
He would then claim that the Akatsuki Organization had killed them. At that time, the Akatsuki Organization and Konoha would very likely fight due to Danzo's manipulation and provocation.
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought he had guessed Danzo's motive and couldn't help but curse, "Damn Danzo! He's actually harming the Village for his own benefit."
In an underground base near the Land of Rivers, Danzo was currently imprinting the Orochi Tongue Seal on newly trafficked orphan Ninja.
The previous encirclement of the Akatsuki Organization had severely weakened his Root, so he could only train a new batch of Ninja to fill the gap. Relying on by-products from Wood Release research, these newly joined orphans had been catalyzed to a certain level of strength.
To avoid any mishaps, Danzo would usually begin to carve the Orochi Tongue Seal once they reached Chunin strength. Unexpectedly, while carving, his nostril tickled, and he suddenly sneezed.
A spray of saliva splattered all over the face of the Ninja on whom he was carving the Orochi Tongue Seal, and the carving naturally failed. The Ninja in front of him also died instantly.
"Damn it! Who is cursing me again? Hmph! It must be that inherently evil brat, Uchiha Rei!"
Danzo's face was gloomy, mainly because Uchiha Rei's current strength was a huge threat to him. However, all he could do was increase Uchiha Rei's bounty and curse her; he couldn't do more.
Second Body would never have thought that after all that, it would come back to her, the culprit. At this moment, Second Body was still discussing Sealing Technique with Kushina.
Mainly, Kushina was very interested in the Sage Art Sealing Technique that Second Body used, but Second Body couldn't really explain Sage Art in public, so she could only talk about the ancient sealing runes on the Adamantine Bracelet.
You wouldn't believe it, but Kushina actually knew these ancient sealing runes and said she had a scroll that recorded such ancient runes, and she would let her study it when they went to her house.
Second Body was a bit annoyed that Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hanzo still hadn't finished their discussion. She had been standing at the Village entrance for most of the day and wasn't allowed to enter.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was contemplating whether to send a Ninja to complete this so-called mediation mission. Originally, knowing there was a conspiracy behind it, he didn't want to agree.
But Hanzo was offering too much, and he found it difficult to refuse. So Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated like this, and Hanzo was also extremely anxious.
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that as long as the dispatched Ninja were strong enough, they wouldn't die, but apart from Uchiha Rei, he really couldn't think of anyone else who could complete this mission.
Sending Jonin on such a mission would be a near-certain death. However, Uchiha Rei had just returned, and it would be unkind to assign her this mission before she even entered the Village.
However, he thought of two other candidates: Jiraiya and Homura Mitokado. Both of them were strong enough and wouldn't be attacked by Danzo or the Akatsuki Organization.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi still decided to ask Uchiha Rei first, in case his little disciple wanted to go out for another stroll?
"Hanzo, Konoha accepts this mission, but the funds and agreed-upon requirements must be in place."
A little funding was nothing. The main thing was that Hanzo had promised to help deal with Iwagakure after this mission was completed, which was extremely important for Konoha and could relieve a lot of pressure.
"Of course, no problem. These are the funds for this mission, calculated at the highest S-rank mission rate, and the assistance in dealing with Iwagakure can be written into the agreement."
Hanzo was quite pleased, finally having tricked Konoha. As for dealing with Iwagakure, once his goal was achieved, Iwagakure would inevitably invade the Land of Rain to seize the Rinnegan.
There would definitely be a battle then, and that would count as fulfilling the agreement to help Konoha deal with Iwagakure. Hanzo chuckled sinisterly to himself.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, was still unaware that he had been tricked and was counting the money in the scroll. After confirming everything was in order, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hanzo exchanged a meaningful look.
Both sides thought they had gained an advantage, so the atmosphere was very relaxed. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi still did not intend to ask Hanzo to enter Konoha.
"Hokage, I'll leave this mission to you. Amegakure is busy, so I'll take my leave first."
Hanzo had achieved his goal and didn't want to stay there any longer. He needed to go back and prepare to spread rumors about Konoha seizing the Rinnegan.
"Alright, alright, Leader Hanzo, it was a pleasure working with you. Farewell."
Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled, smoking, and watched Hanzo leave. Then, with a smiling face, he approached Uchiha Rei. If Second Body agreed to go, he wouldn't have to trouble his old comrades.
"What do you want?" Second Body tilted her head, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi's suspicious smile, and instinctively moved to hide behind Kushina.
"Ahem, Second Body, you see, Hanzo just released a mission. Are you interested in going?"
The Third Hokage also knew his expression was a bit too exaggerated, so he cleared his throat to cover his embarrassment, then asked seriously.
"No, I just got back. I want to rest. Let someone else go."
Second Body was tired of the constant travel and just wanted to rest comfortably for a few days; she had no desire to go on another trip.
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