Under the deliberate tolerance of Danzo Shimura, combined with other factors such as Hatake Sumao and Orochimaru gaining the recognition he craved but could never achieve, Danzo Shimura slowly descended into corruption. Even after striking at Hatake Sumao and others from the shadows, he still felt unsatisfied, his heart growing emptier and more consumed by ambition, eventually coveting the radiant position of Hokage.
Since Konoha had emerged victorious on both fronts in the war against Iwa-nin, Onoki had no choice but to send envoys forward to express his willingness to negotiate.
As expected by Shiyu Uchiha, the moment Iwa made the first diplomatic gesture, Hiruzen Sarutobi and others immediately accepted, displaying none of the arrogance usually expected from a winning side. Meanwhile, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane urged their delegation to push the negotiations forward at full speed, leaving the Konoha representatives at a disadvantage at the negotiating table.
Eventually, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru overcame the forces of the two great hidden villages and set out to bring the conflict in Ame to an end. Without waiting for instructions from Hiruzen Sarutobi, the three pushed deep into Ame, closing in on Ame Ninja Village, where they faced off against Sanshouo Hanzo—the so-called "Half-God" who stood atop the ninja world.
The result was never in doubt. The so-called "Half-God" Sanshouo Hanzo successfully suppressed Konoha's elite forces—Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade.
At this time, the three had not yet reached Kage-level strength. They only possessed the power to face a Kage with the aid of summoned beasts, much like how a Tokubetsu Jonin differed from a true Jonin. Working together, they might defeat an average Kage, but against a powerful Kage like Sanshouo Hanzo, it was simply too difficult.
However, anticipating that the war would ultimately end in Konoha's favor due to its overwhelming advantage on all other fronts, Sanshouo Hanzo chose to stop the fighting early and withdraw while ahead.
In order to show goodwill and express his desire for peace, Sanshouo Hanzo—who held the position of victor and respected elder in the ninja world—bestowed the title of "Sannin of Konoha" upon Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.
Unlike in the original timeline, Hatake Sumao's power surpassed that of his former self, allowing him to end the war on the front against the Land of Wind much earlier, delivering a strong warning that prevented Wind Country from reigniting hostilities.
After concluding the peace treaty with Wind Country, Hatake Sumao had just returned from battle when Hiruzen Sarutobi received news from Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. For precautionary measures, Hiruzen dispatched Hatake Sumao to Ame, just as the trio faced off against Sanshouo Hanzo. He arrived precisely when Hanzo bestowed the title of Sannin upon them.
Out of respect for his opponent, Hatake Sumao no longer concealed himself. He let his killing intent burst forth, boldly declaring his arrival before Sanshouo Hanzo.
Immediately afterward, his figure moved, transforming into a streak of white lightning. At some point, the blade on his back had unsheathed itself. Concentrating all the lightning around him into a single line, he slashed straight toward Sanshouo Hanzo.
[Pi]!
At this moment, Hatake Sumao's conviction had long surpassed his former self after personally ending a war, fighting against one of the Kage without defeat, and then reflecting for about a year. Naturally, the blade intent he had achieved through conviction had also continuously evolved alongside his strengthened belief, becoming even more terrifying in its sharpness.
Facing Hatake Sumao charging toward him, Sanshouo Hanzo sensed the horrifying sharpness radiating from him. He knew a life-threatening opponent had finally arrived—one who was also a swordsmanship expert. Therefore, he needed to face this threat with all his strength. Swinging his sickle to its peak, he erupted with blade intent no weaker than Hatake Sumao's.
The figures of Hatake Sumao and Sanshouo Hanzo moved like lightning, exchanging dozens of blows in an instant before separating once again. It wasn't because one side had gained the upper hand. Sumao had realized just how tenacious his opponent was and took the chance to break away, planning to let Orochimaru and the others escape first.
While fighting, Hatake Sumao had detected a large group of elite ninja approaching—ninja who didn't belong to either side. He suspected they were Iwa-nin. Although he was confident in his ability to move freely alone, the situation was very different for Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.
The three of them were already severely drained, especially Jiraiya, who had sustained grave injuries. If surrounded by enemy forces, and with the uncertain presence of Sanshouo Hanzo nearby—who might be friend or foe—the situation could quickly spiral out of control.
Therefore, to avoid being boxed in and exploited by enemies, Hatake Sumao temporarily stopped the fight. For reasons unknown, Sanshouo Hanzo also chose not to continue attacking. Instead, he locked his blade intent onto Sumao while ignoring everything else.
Though uncertain what was going through Hanzo's mind, Hatake Sumao still felt relieved as he quickly spoke to the trio: "Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya—you three go ahead. I'll come soon." His tone was calm but firm, quietly warning them that a group of enemy elites was closing in from a distance.
Orochimaru, the calmest of the three, immediately grasped Hatake Sumao's meaning and said first, "Then be careful, Sumao-san. Come on, Jiraiya and Tsunade, let's go."
Tsunade quickly understood too. Only Jiraiya, still weakened by the lingering poison, was slightly delayed in reacting. However, being an experienced ninja, he noticed the behavior of his two teammates and realized there might be something he hadn't picked up on. He voiced no objections and allowed Tsunade to support him as he quickly followed Orochimaru's lead and retreated.
As Orochimaru fled, he recalled what had just happened, filled with frustration over his current helplessness. The last time he'd felt this powerless was when his student had been killed by an Explosive Tag Formation. A strong determination to become stronger surged within him once more.
As Hatake Sumao watched his classmates and close friends retreat, a heavy burden lifted from his chest. Though he felt some concern for them, the powerful enemy right before him gave him no room for idle thoughts.
Soon, Hatake Sumao fully focused his attention on Sanshouo Hanzo, his blade intent sharpening further into intense concentration, ready to erupt at any moment.
At the same time, Sanshouo Hanzo sensed the increasingly refined Blade Intent radiating from Hatake Sumao. A rare smile flickered across his face as he prepared to draw his blade. However, before Hatake Sumao could strike, he asked one question:
"Lord Hanzo, may I ask why you're doing this?"
Though Hatake Sumao's words were abrupt, Sanshouo Hanzo got the drift. Faced with an opponent that caught his attention, Hanzo surprisingly decided to explain:
"Someone close to me has conspired with the Yan-nin. When those three came to challenge me, they tipped off the Yan forces. Seems like their commander in Yan has quite some guts."
After speaking, Sanshouo Hanzo let out a mirthless chuckle, though it was unclear whether it was aimed at the Yan-nin or the spy by his side.
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