Vortex Shinji's attitude alone represented the will of both the Akatsuki Ninja Village and the Uzumaki Clan. At this stage of the war, even Iwagakure was preparing to intervene. And even if Iwagakure joined at the last minute, disregarding the massive advantage the Akatsuki and Uzumaki had already secured, the battlefield would still be:
Konoha + Akatsuki + Uzumaki vs. Hidden Cloud + Iwagakure.
Three against two.
No matter how one analyzed it, the advantage clearly lay with their alliance.
So when Vortex Shinji shouted, "We are ready to fight to the death—why is Konoha the one to surrender first?"
the upper ranks of Akatsuki erupted in support.
To them, accepting an unconditional ceasefire at such a moment was absurd.
However… Konoha's stance mattered. In fact, it could determine the entire war's outcome.
If Iwagakure entered the war in full force, Akatsuki and the Uzumaki alone would struggle.
Konoha's cooperation was essential.
And within Konoha, only three people truly held the power to decide its fate:
Senju Hashirama
Uchiha Madara
Senju Tobirama
---
Konoha's Three Kings of Influence
As overall military commander, Tobirama had already made his stance clear. The notoriously cynical and sharp-tongued Senju clearly wanted no further escalation.
Hashirama's stance was even clearer. He had always advocated for peace, believing too much blood had been spilled, and many conflicts could be resolved through diplomacy rather than war. Negotiating with the First Tsuchikage on an unconditional ceasefire aligned perfectly with his ideals.
The only unpredictable factor was Uchiha Madara.
For reasons unknown, he voiced no opinion.
According to the Uchiha clan, Madara had been secluded inside the compound, spending long stretches of time inside Naka Shrine, seemingly immersed in contemplation, detached from worldly affairs.
So among the three:
Two supported unconditional ceasefire.
One remained silent.
Even without discussing it openly, everyone in Konoha could see which direction their leadership leaned toward.
Even if many of them felt it was a waste.
After all, the war was clearly in their favor. They had marched a long distance, reorganized their troops, and were fully prepared to seize victory. Konoha's younger generation, after years of training, were desperately eager for achievements—this was the perfect chance.
But regardless of their private frustrations, no one dared to speak.
Because the higher-ups had no authority to overrule those three men.
The tent was filled with uneasy silence.
---
Uchiha Makoto Observes the Crowd
Makoto watched the Konoha delegates closely and immediately understood their conflict.
A large number of Konoha ninjas wanted to continue the war. For them, this was both revenge and opportunity.
There was no contradiction between beating the enemy when they were down and earning a share of Akatsuki's victory.
Unfortunately…
They had two "parasites" above them.
Leaders who wanted peace.
Makoto stepped forward at the perfect time.
"Everyone has traveled far to be here. There is no need to decide such a major issue today."
He smiled.
"Let us set aside the ceasefire discussion for now. How about we share a meal first? Today, Akatsuki Ninja Village will host."
Tobirama instantly understood Makoto's intent.
Convincing Akatsuki to accept an unconditional ceasefire would not be easy.
So he nodded. And more importantly…
He was hungry.
Since Uchiha Makoto was paying, Tobirama fully intended to bankrupt him through sheer appetite.
Makoto accepted the challenge calmly.
A single meal wouldn't bankrupt Akatsuki—not even close.
---
An Akatsuki-Style Feast
Thanks to Konoha's stable payments from the Fire Daimyo, their financial condition wasn't poor. But Tobirama had allocated most of the budget toward weapons and medical supplies. Food quality? Not a priority.
Akatsuki was different.
Makoto had imported a master chef from the Land of Fire and trained the entire logistics corps to prepare meals worthy of noble households.
To overworked and underfed Konoha forces, the feast was a revelation.
"This tastes incredible."
"You Akatsuki guys eat this every day?"
"Of course. These are personally arranged by Kage-sama. His kindness—how does it taste?"
"…Delicious!"
Chatter spread across the tables.
After marching long distances and living on field rations, this kind of meal was heavenly.
Even the mighty Akimichi clan—renowned gluttons—looked tear-eyed from joy.
"I remember Kage-sama once invited the Akimichi to join Akatsuki."
"Yes… if only…"
"Shut up! Don't let anyone hear you!"
The nearby Nara quickly silenced them.
Meanwhile, Akatsuki cooks continued delivering dish after dish without pause.
"Dessert time! Chocolate or ice cream?"
"I want both!"
By the end, Konoha ninjas leaned back with watermelon-sized stomachs.
That was when Akatsuki ninjas made their move—approaching in small groups, talking casually.
"You guys took a while to arrive."
"But luckily you made it before Iwagakure fully entered."
"Can you believe Iwagakure wants us to accept an unconditional ceasefire now?"
"Your high-ranking officials support that, right? No way you'd betray us… right?"
The mix of sarcasm, humor, and provocation worked instantly.
"How could we betray anyone?!"
"We only came late because of supply preparations!"
After eating Akatsuki's food, how could they speak against Akatsuki?
Even Tobirama couldn't fully unify his forces—many young Konoha ninjas immediately defended Akatsuki with passion.
Akatsuki members exchanged knowing smiles and mingled even more.
Unseen by Tobirama, Makoto's people were quietly stealing hearts all across the camp.
---
Tobirama Attempts to Influence the Uzumaki Clan
While ordinary ninjas mingled, Tobirama dragged Vortex Shinji aside.
He still cherished hopes of "saving" the Uzumaki Clan.
For the clan's future, he believed Shinji should immediately align with Konoha, pressure Uchiha Makoto, and help end the war. Konoha—according to Tobirama—would never mistreat the Uzumaki.
He didn't say it bluntly, but the meaning was clear:
Uchiha Makoto is dangerous. He is using your clan.
Return to Konoha's protection while you still can.
Tobirama spoke sincerely, even passionately.
Even after the Uzumaki:
abandoned the Senju
distanced themselves from Konoha
allied with Akatsuki
accepted political marriage
and sided with Akatsuki at the critical moment
Tobirama was still willing to forgive everything—if only they would open their eyes.
But Shinji simply answered coldly:
"Hmph. I'll consider it."
He restrained himself from splashing sake in Tobirama's face.
From Shinji's perspective, Tobirama's words were nothing but nonsense.
Makoto was a Konoha Uchiha. The Uzumaki were allies of the Senju. They were equals.
Meanwhile, Akatsuki had already proven their reliability—launching a war for just three missing ninjas.
If the Uzumaki were in danger one day…
who would stand up for them?
Konoha, with its hesitation?
Or Akatsuki, with its decisive action?
The answer was obvious.
Shinji quickly ended the conversation.
Tobirama returned to his seat, frustrated yet convinced he had done his duty.
---
Tobirama Confronts Uchiha Makoto
Since the Uzumaki could not be swayed, Tobirama turned to the real pivot of the war: Uchiha Makoto.
With his elder brother supporting the ceasefire and the First Tsuchikage aligned with Hashirama, Tobirama felt confident.
For once, Hashirama's naive idealism worked in his favor.
Makoto still held overwhelming support among ordinary ninjas.
The war's benefits were obvious.
But Tobirama hoped Makoto would recognize reality on his own.
Unless Makoto was truly insane enough to break from Konoha and lead Akatsuki alone into a two-versus-one war…
Konoha's decision was already made.
And if Makoto really did defect…
that would only benefit Tobirama even more.
With that subtle triumph hidden behind his expressionless face, Tobirama walked toward Uchiha Makoto.
The real battle between them was about to begin.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)