As the war ended and days of peace arrived, it was originally expected that the victorious Allied Ninja Forces would divide the spoils and establish new territorial boundaries. However, events unfolded in a way completely unexpected by Iwagakure. The existing order had been utterly disrupted.
They were excluded entirely, as if the Allied Forces hadn't even considered them. On their own, they negotiated among themselves without involving Iwa. In the months following the end of the war, even some previously hostile minor villages were given a seat at the table.
For a powerful village like Iwagakure—one that had participated in all three previous Great Ninja World Wars and played a significant role in shaping the post-war landscape—this was a grave insult. They would absolutely not allow themselves to be so disregarded. Being left out of such a pivotal moment in ninja history was unbearable for them.
They were Iwagakure—no one dared ignore their influence when redrawing the map of the continent!
Therefore, when they received an invitation for a meeting from Konoha, they accepted without hesitation.
Sunagakure was geographically closer to Konoha, but during the final weeks of the war, Iwagakure had attempted to seize Amegakure using what they called a "high-risk maneuver," aiming to simultaneously annex Sunagakure as well. This left Suna's ninjas deeply resentful toward Iwa, avoiding them at all costs now.
Konoha was the second-closest member of the Allied Forces to Iwagakure, and they would send representatives to conduct negotiations with Iwagakure.
Onoki believed this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a chance for them to regain control.
"We can use this meeting to restore our leverage," said Kurotsuchi, standing beside her grandfather, while her partner Akatsuchi stood nearby listening.
"Even if he's stronger than before, he's just one person. At most, he'll bring three guards. Something... unfortunate might happen before he gets back to Konoha," she added.
"Quiet, girl!" Onoki replied in dissatisfaction. "He's not just another Jinchuriki—he's Tsunade's chosen successor, the next Hokage. Whether it's five years, ten years, or even an emergency appointment, he'll likely become the next Hokage."
Akatsuchi, tall and burly, cracked his knuckles while seemingly doing calculations in his head. "Uh…how old can he even be?" He looked up at his leader. "Lord Tsuchikage, how old are you? When are you planning to choose a successor?"
"When I find the right person! Must you keep asking this?"
Kurotsuchi sighed helplessly; she had long grown accustomed to her grandfather's response. For decades, this had always been the case—even long before she was born. Iwagakure had mastered the art of playing the system for their own gain.
This was a battle of wits, and in this particular game within the ninja world, Onoki wasn't naïve enough to think some brash kid could outwit him.
The door to the meeting room opened, and two Iwagakure guards escorted a Konoha diplomat into the room.
Naruto scanned the room quickly, taking in his surroundings before walking up to Onoki and bowing respectfully. His guards remained outside—he knew Onoki would do the same with Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi, as it was a private meeting between just the two of them.
"Uzumaki Naruto," Onoki said with a smile, his tone carrying a hint of cunning. He gave a slight wave of his hand, signaling Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi to step out.
Both recalled their brief meeting during last year's Chunin Exams in Sunagakure. During that short time, they had barely interacted at all, so neither had formed any strong opinion about the other.
Once the room contained only the two of them, Naruto walked over and sat down by the table, steepling his fingers in front of him. It was a classic negotiation posture—something Tsunade always insisted he use.
"Lord Tsuchikage, I must admit, when we learned you reached out to the Allied Ninja Forces, both the Mizukage and Raikage were quite surprised."
"You certainly get straight to the point," Onoki's smile never faded. "Where are the Hokage and Kazekage?"
"To be honest, Gaara doesn't really care about this as long as Iwagakure leaves Sunagakure alone," Naruto shrugged his shoulders, gesturing with his hands as if weighing options. "Right now, only our four villages are involved in these talks—we need mutual compromises and checks on each other. You understand what I mean, right?"
"If that's the case, then let me speak plainly—this is for the Hokage." So saying, he handed a scroll to Naruto.
Naruto accepted the scroll and unfurled it, discovering it listed the conditions under which Iwagakure would join the Allied Ninja Forces. His eyebrows lifted slightly as he read, internally laughing at the sheer nerve of their demands.
Demanding unconditional support to exert pressure on Amegakure and claim war reparations—"Out of the question."
Ceding territory along the western border of the Land of Fire—"Absolutely not."
Hosting the next Chunin Exams in Iwagakure—"Not happening."
Agreeing to join a trade pact designed to help rebuild the economies of defeated nations—"Absolutely not."
Allowing Iwagakure to annex minor villages between the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth—"Completely unacceptable."
With every rejection, Onoki's smile gradually disappeared. When he heard the final condition denied, his face darkened considerably.
"...You haven't even shown what's written here to the Hokage or any of the other Kage."
"Of course I didn't."
"It seems you've misunderstood your role—you're just a messenger. No matter what title you give yourself—'diplomat,' 'envoy,' whatever—it doesn't change what you are. Your job is just to deliver this scroll to Tsunade and return with her response. Go back and forth until we reach an agreement."
"You're right... but not quite."
Naruto said bluntly, setting the scroll aside with a dismissive gesture. "Lady Tsunade trusts me—that's why she sent me here to talk to you… And let's be clear—this isn't a negotiation at all. If you want to join the Allied Ninja Forces, you'll have to accept our terms as they are—no room for discussion. I'm probably the only one bold enough to say this to your face—unlike the rest who'd waste six months haggling back and forth."
A Suna ninja would've stepped in already, saying it even more bluntly just for kicks. But under the current circumstances, that kind of approach would only push Iwa to act even more recklessly. No doubt about it—Konoha won't budge an inch.
Iwa was the last of the Five Great Countries to join the Allied Ninja Forces—but that doesn't make them special. They missed their chance—now they expect everyone else to make an exception for them? Not a chance. All four other villages have already refused their request unanimously.
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