Gazing at the furious Hiruzen Sarutobi, Chiba smiled calmly and finally stepped into the true heart of the negotiations.
He was well aware from the very beginning that there was no possible way Hiruzen would agree to all of his demands. That was precisely why he had deliberately raised the stakes first,forcing Konoha into a corner before allowing any room for retreat.
The two sides negotiated for a long time, maneuvering carefully through words, silences, and concessions, until the final terms were settled at last.
Chiba obtained all of Orochimaru's research materials that had been sealed within Konohagakure.
These documents included extensive research on Hashirama cells, Wood Release secret techniques, and the Sharingan, as well as the results of countless experiments related to these forbidden powers. They also contained Orochimaru's self-developed techniques,his personal Orochimaru-style secret arts,alongside numerous theories that bordered on what could only be described as scientific research.
Among them were studies on cellular transplantation, cloning technology, and genetic modification. These very foundations would later become the sources of power for figures such as Shimura Danzō, Yamato, and Uchiha Shin.
Naturally, Orochimaru's work did not stop there. His research also encompassed a large number of forbidden techniques, including the Immortality Reincarnation technique that ultimately granted him an undying body. However, the version preserved within Konoha was incomplete, clearly indicating that Orochimaru had not fully perfected the technique at the time.
Even so, Hiruzen was fully aware of the Immortality Reincarnation technique's existence. That was precisely why, during the Konoha Crush incident, he had been shocked to discover that Orochimaru had completed it,rather than being completely ignorant of the technique itself.
In truth, Orochimaru had also studied many of the forbidden techniques left behind by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. Among them, the most critical and infamous was undoubtedly the Edo Tensei.
Yet just like Immortality Reincarnation, Orochimaru's research into Edo Tensei was far from complete. In fact, it never truly reached perfection under his hand alone. It was Yakushi Kabuto, together with the resurrected Orochimaru, who would eventually refine the technique to its terrifying peak.
One only needed to compare the power displayed by the First and Second Hokage during the Fourth Great Ninja War with their performances during the Konoha Crush to understand just how vast the difference in precision truly was.
Chiba, however, was unconcerned by any lack of completeness.
After all, he possessed an unparalleled ability to analyze, deduce, and perfect techniques.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, of course, had no knowledge of this.
It was precisely because nearly all of Orochimaru's research materials were incomplete that Hiruzen had ultimately agreed to hand them over. As for artifacts like Tobirama's Scroll of Seals,records that preserved complete and intact forbidden techniques,he had firmly refused to surrender them.
Even so, what Chiba gained from Orochimaru's research alone was already an immense harvest.
The final and most fiercely contested prize between them, however, remained the same.
The body cells of Hashirama Senju,the so-called God of Shinobi.
This was nothing less than the greatest artifact in the entire Naruto world.
There was no chance Chiba would let it slip away.
In the current shinobi world, only Konohagakure and the forces connected to Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Obito possessed Hashirama cells. Naturally, Chiba had no intention of attempting to obtain them from Obito.
That left only one option.
To squeeze Hiruzen Sarutobi,and Konohagakure itself.
Hiruzen struggled desperately at the very end.
"The Shodaime Hokage's body cells are not only Konoha's most precious asset," he said heavily, "they belong to the Shodaime Hokage himself. Handing them over would be an act of desecration."
Chiba could not help but laugh.
"Your village has used Hashirama cells for experiments more than once or twice," he replied lightly.
"I've even heard that more than sixty children died because of those experiments."
"ANBU's Yamato,he's the only successful test subject, isn't he?"
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, you can't hide this from me."
Hiruzen was genuinely shaken. These were secrets known to very few even within the village,and yet Chiba spoke of them with absolute clarity.
Just who in the world was this man?
Hiruzen fell silent for a moment before forcing himself to respond.
"Even so, that was internal research conducted by Konohagakure," he said stiffly. "Moreover, Orochimaru's experiments were far too inhumane. I ordered them stopped and expelled him from the village,this is common knowledge."
Chiba smiled faintly.
"That has nothing to do with me."
"All I need are the Hashirama cells."
Hiruzen struggled for a long time, but in the end, he still agreed.
Because suddenly, he understood something crucial.
The terrifying nature of Hashirama cells.
Within Konoha, they had the support of the Hokage, the complete records left behind by Hashirama and Tobirama, and even Orochimaru,the greatest research genius in the shinobi world. And yet, even under those conditions, over sixty lives had been lost to produce a single barely successful case.
And worse still, it was completely impossible to replicate on a large scale.
If that was the case, why should he fear Kirigakure succeeding where Konoha itself had failed?
If Chiba became obsessed with researching Hashirama cells, perhaps all he would achieve was the deaths of even more Kirigakure ninja.
With that thought, Hiruzen finally agreed,at least on the surface.
Thus, the agenda of the first day of the Five Kage Conference came to an end.
Chiba's proposal of an anti-Konoha alliance,uniting Kirigakure with Iwagakure and Kumogakure to apply pressure,successfully secured considerable benefits for all three great nations involved.
The Five Kage Conference was nothing less than a mutated form of a shinobi war.
And the victors were Chiba and Kirigakure, standing at the head of the anti-Konoha alliance.
Konohagakure and Sunagakure became the defeated parties.
Hiruzen Sarutobi departed with a pale, lifeless expression,angry, unwilling, yet forced to endure in silence.
Rasa cast a deep look at Chiba before snorting coldly and leaving as well.
Ōnoki of the and the Yondaime Raikage, however, did not leave.
Instead, they seemed genuinely intrigued by Chiba.
Especially Ōnoki, who looked at him with a grin. "Mizukage-dono, today's spectacle,you deserve the greatest credit."
Chiba smiled in return. "That was only possible thanks to the cooperation of both of you."
Ōnoki burst into laughter. "Seeing that monkey suffer such a massive setback,how satisfying!"
"I haven't felt refreshed in a long time!"
The Yondaime Raikage added bluntly, "That old fox Hiruzen is good at internal struggles but soft when dealing with outsiders. Still, it was only because our three villages joined forces that we managed to gain this much."
"However," his tone shifted coldly.
"Ōnoki, I will never forget the fact that Iwagakure killed my father."
Ōnoki smiled calmly. "I understand."
"After all, that battle made your father,the Third Raikage,famous throughout the shinobi world. Though he died, his name shook the era. In truth, it was Iwagakure that suffered the greater losses."
The Yondaime Raikage snorted, then turned his gaze toward Chiba.
"Mizukage, while Kumogakure holds no grudge against Kirigakure, today's cooperation was nothing more than convenience. Don't think for a moment that the Cloud truly needs you."
Chiba smiled. "I understand that as well."
The Yondaime Raikage let out a cold snort and departed with his guards, Darui and Cee.
Ōnoki watched his back and shook his head. "Still the same reckless brute as ever…"
"Kumogakure's impulsiveness really does get passed down generation after generation."
Chiba replied calmly, "At least he knows how to weigh gains and losses. That already makes him less foolish than most."
Ōnoki laughed heartily. "Mizukage-dono, you really are an interesting man."
"Speaking of which, we both share grievances with Sunagakure. That alone could make us true allies."
Chiba's heart stirred slightly.
"Tsukage-dono… are you suggesting an alliance with Kirigakure?"
Ōnoki smiled. "Why not?"
Chiba looked at the old fox before him, calculations quietly turning in his mind.
Ōnoki.
He was the Sandaime of Iwagakure, a man who had ruled his village for decades and personally borne witness to the rise and collapse of multiple eras within the shinobi world. Time had long since bent his spine and weighed heavily on his body, yet it had honed his mind into something sharp, cautious, and unyielding. Among the living leaders of the Five Great Nations, there were few who could rival his accumulated experience in war, diplomacy, and political survival.
Throughout the shinobi world, Ōnoki was not remembered for lofty ideals or inspiring rhetoric, but for results. In negotiations with other powers, he was precise, coldly analytical, and relentlessly pragmatic, always ensuring that Iwagakure walked away with concrete benefits. Moral ambiguity did not trouble him; to Ōnoki, gray zones were simply the natural terrain of power. Alliances were tools to be used and discarded, promises were temporary instruments, and trust was a luxury reserved for moments of absolute necessity.
Brilliant and deeply calculating, he was also a Tsuchikage who never hesitated to employ extreme measures in pursuit of his village's survival. In past Five Kage Conferences, the other Kage had openly accused him of collaborating with the Akatsuki,of secretly commissioning them to handle matters no village could afford to acknowledge publicly. Whether those accusations were wholly accurate mattered less than what they revealed about his reputation: Ōnoki was a man who understood power, feared decline, and would never allow Iwagakure to be crushed between stronger nations without a fight.
It was precisely this background,this long history of survival through calculation,that caused Chiba to slow his thoughts and carefully weigh Ōnoki's proposal.
Among the Five Great Nations, Iwagakure's overall strength occupied a precarious position. It stood slightly above average,generally inferior to Konohagakure and Kumogakure, yet clearly stronger than Sunagakure and Kirigakure in the past. This delicate balance was precisely what had allowed Ōnoki to maneuver freely among the great powers, shifting alignments and exploiting contradictions, never committing fully until the moment demanded it.
An alliance with Kirigakure, under the present circumstances, was simply another calculated move.
Iwagakure and Kumogakure shared a hatred too deep to ever permit genuine cooperation. At the same time, Iwagakure had recently clashed with Sunagakure, which remained firmly allied with Konohagakure. Stripped of alternatives, Kirigakure was not merely an option,it was the only viable partner left to Ōnoki.
Such an alliance would serve multiple strategic purposes at once. On one hand, it could restrain and deter Kumogakure, Iwagakure's greatest rival. On the other, it would counterbalance the alliance between Sunagakure and Konohagakure, preventing either bloc from exerting uncontested dominance.
After a brief moment of reflection, Chiba realized that this outcome was not unfavorable for Kirigakure either.
By aligning with Iwagakure, Kirigakure would gain the leverage necessary to withstand the combined pressure of Kumogakure, Konohagakure, and Sunagakure. Once united, the strength of two great nations would not only rival the Konoha–Suna alliance,it would surpass it, and certainly overwhelm Kumogakure standing alone.
A faint smile formed on Chiba's lips.
"That's a rather appealing proposal."
"Tsuchikage-dono, I'll give it some consideration."
Although he had already reached a decision internally, Chiba deliberately refrained from offering an immediate answer.
Ōnoki, seasoned by decades of political maneuvering, instantly saw through Chiba's restraint. He burst into laughter, the sound rough yet satisfied.
"Very well," he said. "Then I'll await the Mizukage's response."
With that, he departed the hall alongside his two guards, Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi, leaving the echoes of unspoken calculations behind.
In the end, only Chiba, Terumī Mei, and Kisame Hoshigaki remained in the venue.
Terumī Mei finally released a long breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Even though it was just the Five Kage Conference," she said quietly, "it felt no different from a battlefield."
"Everything was tense,one confrontation after another. It felt like a war could erupt at any moment."
Kisame let out a low chuckle. "I honestly didn't expect Hiruzen Sarutobi to give in."
"What a fragile old man…"
Chiba's expression remained calm.
"That's because he understands the anti-Konoha alliance was never an empty threat," he said evenly. "If he had refused, it would have become reality."
"And in its current state, Konohagakure truly cannot withstand an invasion by three great nations simultaneously."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Of course, Hiruzen's compliance is merely a delaying tactic. He's swallowing humiliation to buy time,time for Konoha to recover its strength."
"I suspect he's already reaching out to two individuals wandering the world."
"The Legendary Sannin,Jiraiya and Tsunade."
Terumī Mei's eyes flickered with recognition.
"The Legendary Sannin… they truly are extraordinary shinobi."
"If even two of them were to return, Hiruzen would regain a great deal of confidence."
Kisame nodded slowly.
"Mizukage-sama, then why didn't you immediately accept Iwagakure's alliance?"
"From our perspective, it seems like a deal with nothing but benefits."
Chiba chuckled softly.
"I know. But the Five Kage Conference has only just begun."
"I want to see how sincere Ōnoki truly is."
"That old fox understands exactly what I mean. In the negotiations to come, he'll naturally support our demands as much as possible."
Kisame nodded in understanding. "I see. Politics really isn't my forte."
Terumī Mei sighed as well. "Same here. I wouldn't have thought that far ahead."
Chiba smiled reassuringly.
"That's enough for today. We've already gained more than enough."
"I've secured nearly everything I wanted."
"As for the rest of the conference… let's see if it exceeds expectations."
With that, the three of them departed the hall.
…
That night, within the residence provided by the Land of Iron for the Mizukage, Chiba was enjoying a rare moment of privacy with Terumī Mei. The tension of the day had finally eased, replaced by a quiet intimacy, when a sudden commotion broke out outside.
Nestled comfortably in Chiba's arms, Terumī Mei showed no desire to move.
But soon, both of them recognized one of the voices amid the noise.
Kisame Hoshigaki.
Terumī Mei stiffened slightly. "Don't tell me Kisame got into a conflict with another village's shinobi?"
At a Five Kage Conference, such an incident could either be dismissed,or ignite disaster.
They dressed quickly and stepped outside.
As expected, Kisame stood facing two shinobi from Konohagakure,Hiruzen Sarutobi's personal guards.
Hatake Kakashi and Might Guy.
Might Guy, in particular, had already assumed a combat stance, his presence brimming with restrained power.
Chiba paused, then let out a quiet, helpless smile.
Was it fate?
Despite how drastically the course of events had already changed, the moment Kisame Hoshigaki and Might Guy encountered one another, conflict still ignited almost instinctively.
"Kisame," Chiba asked calmly, "what happened?"
Kisame had already drawn Samehada, gripping the massive blade in one arm and angling it toward Might Guy. When he noticed Chiba, a feral grin spread across his face.
"This Konoha no Aoi Yajuu (The Sublime Green Beast of Konoha) insisted on provoking me."
The term "Konoha no Aoi Yajuu (The Sublime Green Beast of Konoha)" needed no clarification.
Might Guy bristled immediately. "Hey! You're the one causing trouble here, you creepy guy!"
Kakashi pinched the bridge of his nose.
"My apologies, Mizukage-sama," he said evenly. "Guy acted impulsively. I apologize on behalf of both myself and this guard."
"Guy, let's go."
Kakashi clearly understood the stakes. In a place like this, a single misstep could spiral into war.
Might Guy, though straightforward, trusted Kakashi's judgment. He nodded and turned to leave.
At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived.
"What's going on here?"
Kakashi sighed. "Nothing serious, Hokage-sama. Just a minor misunderstanding between Guy and the Mizukage's guard."
"Oh?"
Hiruzen's gaze moved between Might Guy and Kisame, lingering just long enough to betray calculation. A polite, carefully constructed smile appeared on his face.
"Mizukage-sama," he said mildly, "it's merely a small scuffle between individuals."
"It won't affect anything… will it?"
Chiba immediately understood.
Hiruzen wanted them to fight.
Might Guy was simple, but overwhelmingly strong. Hiruzen was clearly hoping to use him to blunt Kirigakure's momentum,and reclaim a shred of dignity after the humiliation of the day.
Chiba smiled lightly.
"Of course not."
"Let's consider it a sparring match."
"Kisame,don't let it escalate."
Kisame grinned. "Understood, Mizukage-sama."
He turned toward Might Guy, Samehada humming faintly.
"Come on, Konoha no Aoi Yajuu (The Sublime Green Beast of Konoha). Let me see what you're really capable of."
Might Guy's chakra surged as his fighting spirit ignited.
"Fine! Then let's go all out, you freak from Kirigakure!"
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