The Hakimaster of Naruto

Chapter 217 CHAPTER 217: THE ALLIANCE'S BARGAIN

Secret meeting place.

The wily old man—the Third Tsuchikage—and the ambitious young Kage—the Third Kazekage—continued their conspiratorial discussion. The topic: the upcoming tripartite armistice agreement.

"Tsuchikage, you're suggesting we jointly pressure Konoha?" The Third Kazekage's words carried profound meaning.

"Haha, Kazekage, if our two villages don't unite, won't we simply be at Konoha's mercy? Though we lost on the battlefield, we must show strength at the negotiating table. We cannot let Konoha take everything—we must secure our own benefits." Onoki's eyes gleamed. "Don't you agree, Kazekage?"

"But we are the defeated party. Will Konoha accept our demands?"

"What does defeat matter?" Onoki waved dismissively. "Our original purpose in launching this war was land and resources. Kazekage—doesn't the Land of Wind desire fertile territory? Look at that endless yellow sand you call home."

Konoha's agreement was the obvious question. The Third Kazekage studied Onoki's expression, unable to hide his interest.

The Land of Wind's environment was truly harsh. Desert year-round. Its people lived under the worst conditions among the five great nations.

As a young, ambitious Kazekage, he understood deeply: only when ordinary people lived better could a country become truly strong.

But every generation of Kazekage had played with sand. None could transform vegetation.

If they wanted rich, livable land, there was only one path—war.

In his vision, the Land of Fire made the best invasion target. But Konoha was the strongest of the five great ninja villages. After this Second War, he knew they couldn't win.

So they settled for the next best: invade the Land of Rain.

And still lost completely. Now the Rain Country's fate lay in Konoha's hands, beyond Sunagakure's reach.

Onoki rested his hands on his chest, radiating confidence. "We want land. Konoha wants peace. Everyone gets what they want—why would Konoha refuse? The Rain Country's leadership belongs to Konoha now. Our basic demand in the armistice agreement must be dividing the Rain Country into three parts. You understand, Kazekage."

"Dividing the Rain Country into three." The Kazekage's eyes burned as he studied Onoki.

Truthfully, when it came to politics and strategy, he was no match for the old Tsuchikage. But he desperately wanted to hear Onoki's full plan.

"Weak countries have no diplomacy." Onoki's voice hardened. "You, me, Konoha—any of us could consume the Rain Country alone. The Rain Country has no initiative in this war. Its survival will be decided by great nations like ours. During the tripartite talks, if you and I jointly pressure Konoha... I believe Konoha will agree to divide the Rain Country for the sake of peace in the ninja world."

"Hahaha. Brilliant. Truly brilliant."

The Third Kazekage wasn't foolish. He understood Onoki's meaning perfectly.

To Konoha, the Rain Country was essentially dispensable. The Land of Fire was vast, resource-rich, environmentally blessed—the strongest of the five great nations. They had no appetite for Rain Country's miserable territory.

And the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had only held office for a few years. For Konoha's development, he naturally sought stability.

Though Konoha had won the war, they likely didn't want to antagonize two other great powers over a land they didn't even want.

BANG!

White smoke erupted nearby as an Iwa-nin ANBU materialized, dropping to one knee.

"Lord Tsuchikage! The Rain ninja have been defeated. Konoha's Sannin have returned in triumph."

Onoki exchanged a proud smile with the Kazekage. "You hear that? The Rain ninja are finished."

"But... 'Konoha's Sannin'?" The Third Kazekage frowned. "What does that refer to?"

"Hanzo—the one called Demigod—battled Konoha jonin Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru for three days. The three ninja remained undefeated. In the end, Hanzo named them the 'Legendary Sannin' and spoke of them highly."

The two Kage stared at each other. Only they could fully understand the weight of this news.

First Konoha's White Fang. Then Konoha's Rakshasa. Now this—the Legendary Sannin.

White Fang was genuine Kage-level. Rakshasa's strength—both Kazekage and Tsuchikage knew it intimately. And these Sannin? Their power must be comparable to Kage level as well. No doubt.

What kind of blessed land is Konoha Village? How do so many geniuses keep emerging?

Invisibly, both Kage felt severely shaken.

The Third Kazekage's eyes shifted. An idea formed.

"Senior Tsuchikage." He added the honorific deliberately, showing humility. "As allies... there is another matter where I hope you might assist us."

Onoki's expression brightened at the respectful address. "Haha, tell me. If I can help, I will."

The Kazekage considered his words carefully.

"It concerns jinchuriki. If Senior Tsuchikage doesn't mind... I hope to obtain your methods for controlling jinchuriki."

"Jinchuriki?"

Onoki's face darkened. This topic touched a raw nerve. His Iwa Ninja Village had lost a tailed beast in this war—and not just any tailed beast, but the powerful Five-Tails.

The price had been steep.

But jinchuriki matters were inherently risky. One careless mistake could destroy an entire village. Though losing the tailed beast pained him, Onoki could accept it.

Now the Kazekage sought his control methods.

"We have methods for controlling tailed beasts," Onoki said slowly. "But they're not perfect. You saw for yourself—the Five-Tails lost control on that battlefield."

"Not perfect?" The Kazekage leaned forward. "That's acceptable, Senior Tsuchikage. Sunagakure has long studied jinchuriki plans, but we lack experience. We keep failing. We can't even properly fuse tailed beasts with hosts."

The One-Tail Shukaku still roamed wild in Sunagakure's territory, barely suppressed by sand. If the jinchuriki plan succeeded—if they could harness tailed beast power—Sunagakure's strength would multiply.

Onoki weighed the situation. The tripartite talks required the Kazekage's full cooperation. Refusing him now would be unwise.

Besides, their jinchuriki control methods truly weren't perfect. The tailed beasts could always potentially rebel against their hosts.

An imperfect technique, exchanged for the Kazekage's complete support.

A worthwhile trade.

"Of course, as allies, I must help." Onoki's face adopted a righteous, fearless expression—the picture of a leader who truly valued his partners. "When our alliance grows stronger, we both benefit."

The Third Kazekage suspected Onoki's eagerness hid something. But he didn't dwell on it.

Nothing mattered more than obtaining jinchuriki secrets.

(End of Chapter)

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