Two days later, inside a Konoha conference room.
"Our Kumogakure delegation brings peace this time," Arui, the Kumogakure leader, said, crossing his arms with a look of absolute composure. "Lord Raikage has stated that as long as Konoha compensates Kumogakure with one billion ryo in cash, along with another billion ryo worth of rations, iron ore, and special metals... we will reluctantly sign an agreement with you."
Hearing Arui's demands, a cold glint flashed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes. He took a drag from his pipe and replied frostily, "Envoy of Kumogakure, I'm afraid you've forgotten that your village was the losing side in the Great Ninja War. If anyone is paying reparations, it should be Kumogakure paying Konoha."
Arui scoffed loudly. "Defeat? Kumogakure did not lose. Lord Raikage decided to retreat simply because he desired peace and couldn't bear to see the shinobi world plunged into further misery. How is it that our Lord Raikage's move for peace is seen as a defeat in Konoha's eyes? These are our terms. If Konoha refuses to sign, then let there be war."
Acting on previous instructions from Assam, Arui dropped the ultimatum and led the Kumogakure delegation out of the conference room.
Once all the Kumogakure shinobi had left, Hiruzen slammed his hand heavily onto the table. "They go too far! Do they really think Konoha is afraid of war?"
"Lord Hokage, Kumogakure has no sincere intention of negotiating. I fear that dragging this out will only lead to unforeseen complications," Shikaku Nara said, his brow furrowed in a grave expression. "Therefore, I propose we temporarily suspend negotiations, or send our own delegation to Kumogakure to gauge the Raikage's true intentions before deciding whether to sign a peace treaty."
"We will try engaging with them one more time in a few days," Hiruzen said with a cold snort. "If they maintain this attitude, we will cancel the negotiations and proceed with your suggestion, Shikaku."
"This..." Shikaku hesitated for a moment. From their interactions over the past few days, he felt Kumogakure lacked any sincerity; reaching out again would likely yield the exact same result. But since Hiruzen had already made his decision, Shikaku didn't press the issue. He bowed and left the room to prepare for the next round of talks.
"You handled that well today, Hiruzen. Everything is proceeding according to plan." Shortly after Shikaku left, Danzo slowly walked into the conference room, leaning heavily on his cane.
"According to our latest intelligence, the Kumogakure delegation's true purpose in Konoha is to steal the Uchiha clan's bloodline," Danzo said with a cold sneer. "When one of their clansmen is taken by Kumogakure, the Uchiha will undoubtedly mobilize their forces to ensure the Sharingan doesn't fall into enemy hands."
Hiruzen took another drag from his pipe, closing his eyes in thought. "Then we will proceed with the original plan. But Danzo..."
Hiruzen's eyes snapped open, a sharp, imposing glint within them making even Danzo inwardly flinch. "Word of this must absolutely not leak. If the Uchiha catch wind of our involvement, the consequences will be something neither of us wants to see."
"Rest assured, Hiruzen," Danzo replied. "Everything is under control."
"According to the intel sent back by our spy, the Hyuga main and branch houses will hold a meeting tonight," Assam told the gathered Kumogakure shinobi inside their inn, holding up a scroll. "The internal defenses of the Hyuga compound will be incredibly sparse. Tonight is our best opportunity."
"Additionally, Karui, Arui," Assam continued, shifting his gaze. "Tonight, our spy will cause a disturbance outside the Uchiha compound. Once the Uchiha guards are drawn away, you two will infiltrate their territory and extract an Uchiha child. Preferably, a child whose parents have both awakened the Sharingan, or at least one of them. Once you succeed, do not engage the enemy. Retreat immediately towards the border of the Konoha. Lord Raikage has already deployed a team to receive you. Complete this mission, and you will all be heroes of Kumogakure. Move out!"
"Yes, sir!"
Outside the Uchiha compound, Karui and Arui silently bypassed the surveillance of Konoha's Anbu, hiding within the branches of a large tree overlooking the perimeter.
"There are three patrol squads within the Uchiha compound. Each squad consists of two Jonin and four Chunin—all elite shinobi who have awakened their Sharingan," Arui recounted from the intelligence report, inhaling sharply.
Elite Jonin were considered high-tier combatants in any village, yet a single Uchiha patrol squad boasted two of them. Furthermore, several of these squads operated simultaneously. Such defensive power was terrifying.
"When will the spy make their move?" Karui asked in a hushed voice.
After being severely injured by Jie Uchiha, Karui had received top-tier treatment at the Konoha Hospital. Though her chest wound had been brutal, it was ultimately just physical trauma; under the effects of medical ninjutsu, she had recovered quickly. With her combat strength restored, Karui had resolutely volunteered for the operation, deliberately choosing to target the Uchiha clan to settle the score.
"I don't know, but it should be soon," Arui said, shaking his head.
Boom! A sudden explosion rocked the far side of the Uchiha compound.
"Who's there?!" The two nearest patrol squads immediately rushed toward the source of the blast.
While the remaining squad held their posts, their attention was inevitably drawn to the chaos echoing across the compound.
"This is our chance!"
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