That night, near the inn where the Kumogakure delegation was staying, Root shinobi replaced the ANBU under the pretext of a routine rotation.
The ANBU were clearly displeased, but with Sarutobi Hiruzen away on official business—and the ANBU Commander absent as well—they could only obey the directive issued by the Konoha Council.
Not long after the ANBU withdrew, Shimura Danzō appeared alone outside the room of the delegation's leader.
He knocked.
"Come in."
The voice belonged to Tsuchikage Tsuchidai—known simply as Tsuchidai, senior advisor of Kumogakure and trusted aide to the Raikage.
Danzō pushed the door open and entered.
"So it is Danzō-dono."
Tsuchidai rose politely, though a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes.
Among Konoha's elders, Danzō was infamous for his hawkish stance. During the recent peace negotiations, he had made matters exceedingly difficult for Kumogakure.
Now that the treaty had been signed and only final transfers remained, this late-night visit was… unexpected.
Danzō did not immediately speak. His gaze shifted toward the young blonde woman seated in the room.
She was Samui—Tsuchidai's deputy and future successor.
Understanding the implication, Tsuchidai spoke first.
"You may speak freely. Samui is the vice envoy of this delegation—and my chosen heir."
Samui remained silent, watching Danzō calmly.
After a pause, Danzō said, "Kumogakure certainly does not lack talent. Congratulations, Tsuchidai-dono."
Tsuchidai smiled lightly.
"We are but a remote mountain village. Hardly comparable to Konoha."
Then, without further pleasantries:
"To what do we owe this visit? The schedule for material transfer remains unchanged, I believe?"
Under the ceasefire treaty:
Kumogakure acknowledged defeat.
Compensation and ransom were to be paid for damages inflicted upon Konoha.
A and the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki Killer B would be redeemed.
Both armies withdrew from the Land of Hot Water.
Given the enormous indemnity, payment would be delivered in mineral resources over multiple installments.
A had already been released to assume the mantle of Fourth Raikage.
Half the debt remained. Final settlement would occur in fifteen days, after which the delegation—and Killer B—would return home.
For weeks, the Kumogakure envoys had kept a low profile.
Yet trouble had found them regardless.
Danzō spoke calmly.
"As long as both sides honor the treaty, there will be no issues."
Then he changed direction.
"Tell me, Tsuchidai-dono—having observed Konoha these past days, what is your assessment of our current situation?"
Tsuchidai's eyes narrowed slightly.
A dangerous question.
Publicly, the delegation had done nothing.
Privately, they had gathered every scrap of intelligence within reasonable bounds.
Konoha's internal tension over the Fourth Hokage election was no secret.
Still—admitting such awareness would be unwise.
He chose his words carefully.
"I hear your village is selecting a Fourth Hokage. As outsiders, we refrain from commentary."
Danzō's gaze sharpened.
"Let us not waste time. I have come to discuss cooperation."
Samui's expression did not change, but Tsuchidai's interest was piqued.
"Does this proposal represent Konoha… or merely yourself?"
"It represents both," Danzō said evenly. "I am Konoha."
Tsuchidai smiled faintly.
"A bold claim—for a candidate."
"It is only a matter of time."
Confidence radiated from Danzō's tone.
"Very well," Tsuchidai said. "What form does this cooperation take?"
Danzō leaned slightly forward.
"Third Hokage Hiruzen departed today for the Daimyō's court. Konoha's internal defenses are… thin."
"In such circumstances, it would not be surprising if ANBU—distracted by greater events—failed to prevent certain high-value prisoners from escaping Konoha's prison."
Tsuchidai's pupils contracted.
He understood instantly.
Still, he maintained composure.
"ANBU are elite. Carelessness is unlikely."
"Under normal conditions," Danzō agreed.
"But what if something… catastrophic occurred?"
He paused.
"For example, if the Third Hokage were to die outside the village."
Silence.
Tsuchidai stared at him.
Even Samui's gaze sharpened.
Danzō continued calmly.
"Do not look at me so. Compared to Kumogakure's history, this is merely imitation."
He referred, of course, to the infamous incident in which the militant faction led by the Gold and Silver Brothers assassinated their own Second Raikage—while also killing Senju Tobirama, Konoha's Second Hokage.
Danzō had lived through that era.
Tsuchidai's voice cooled.
"That was internal strife."
"We did not invite foreign hands to murder our own leader."
"The nature of what you suggest is entirely different."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
The night outside seemed to deepen.
And the line between alliance… and treason… grew dangerously thin.
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