Konoha's proactive request for negotiations struck the Hidden Mist's upper ranks as a… surprise.
This was especially true considering that Kirigakure had only recently instigated a border conflict aimed at the Land of Fire—regardless of whether that decision had truly been made of its own free will.
From any reasonable perspective, Konoha had been the aggrieved party. And yet, despite holding no clear disadvantage, they were the first to extend an olive branch. Such decisiveness inevitably invited suspicion.
Regarding the aftermath of the conflict—one that had begun with aggressive momentum only to collapse halfway through—Genji's original intention had been to remain silent and let the matter fade away.
It was not an admirable strategy, but it was a practical one.
After all, Kirigakure lay across the sea. Any large-scale retaliation from Konoha would be costly, while the Hidden Mist's geography naturally favored defense. As long as they endured quietly, time itself would dull the blade.
However, once Konoha made the first move, Genji judged that this opportunity was worth grasping.
For the foreseeable future, the Hidden Mist—its strength badly depleted—needed rest, consolidation, and stability above all else.
The remaining question was simple, yet crucial: who should be sent to negotiate?
Ao had rendered the greatest service during the operation to free the Fourth Mizukage, but he was not suitable as the village's representative. Even with the Byakugan, his personal strength and authority were insufficient to shoulder such a role.
Zabuza was immediately dismissed. The blood he had spilled during the graduation exams alone made him a political impossibility.
That left only one choice.
"Mei," Genji said decisively, "you will lead the negotiations with Konoha."
"Ao will command the Anbu detachment from the rear and provide security support."
He went over the negotiation framework carefully, outlining acceptable concessions, bottom lines, and—most importantly—safety protocols.
"Konoha's core demands are easy to predict," Genji warned. "Border stability. An end to harassment. Possibly additional conditions."
"But we cannot rule out retaliation disguised as diplomacy."
"Until Ao confirms absolute safety, you are not to approach the central negotiation area."
After a brief hesitation, Mei accepted the order and set out with an escort of Kirigakure ninja.
The affiliated territory of the Land of Tea lay closer to Konoha. By the time the Hidden Mist delegation arrived, Konoha's representatives were already present.
Ao's unit carefully swept the surrounding terrain. Only after confirming that there were no ambushes or abnormal chakra fluctuations did they send two ninja to inspect the already erected negotiation tent.
When the final all clear signal arrived, Mei took a quiet breath and stepped forward.
Inside the tent, she paused slightly.
Konoha's lead negotiator was… young. Younger than she had expected.
"I am Konoha jōnin, Roshi," the black-haired youth said calmly.
"Kirigakure jōnin, Mei Terumī," she replied, taking her seat with practiced composure.
Roshi wasted no time.
"First, on behalf of Konoha, I thank the Hidden Mist for agreeing to these talks."
"Prolonged border conflicts benefit neither of our villages."
"Your willingness to be here suggests that Kirigakure shares this understanding."
"Therefore," he continued evenly, "these negotiations are premised on the cessation of hostilities. I assume your side has no objections."
What is this? Mei thought, her brows knitting slightly. He's already boxing me in—and he's not even hiding it.
His tone was calm, but the words were sharp. If she accepted his framing outright, Kirigakure would be negotiating from a lowered position.
Yet… denying it outright would only escalate matters.
Mei cleared her throat, her mind racing as she weighed every word.
"This discussion was initiated by Konoha," she said carefully. "Whether it should be entirely bound to that premise is something that perhaps—"
Roshi raised an eyebrow, his gaze steady.
"Oh?" he said mildly. "Does the Hidden Mist intend for the border conflict to continue?"
The temperature inside the tent seemed to drop by several degrees.
Mei's thoughts were abruptly cut off. A flicker of irritation crossed her eyes, though she forced her expression to remain composed.
"Not at all," she replied evenly. "We also hope to reach an outcome that benefits both villages."
"That is precisely the objective," Roshi said calmly, seizing the opening without hesitation. "And that objective can only be realized if it is built upon the foundation of ending hostilities."
"So," he continued, his tone still unhurried, "if we proceed with our dialogue on the premise of a ceasefire—your side agrees. Is that a correct understanding?"
…So persistent.
Mei studied the young man across from her. His expression hadn't changed in the slightest, as though it genuinely made no difference to him whether she said yes or no. That composure, more than the words themselves, was what unsettled her.
A sense of quiet powerlessness crept in.
She drew a slow breath, suppressing her reluctance. "Yes. The Hidden Mist agrees to proceed on that premise."
'Don't let your temper slip', she reminded herself.
Konoha had momentum on its side. The joint Chūnin Exams with Sunagakure and Kumogakure had openly demonstrated its growing influence. Their eastern forces were also formidable—far stronger than what the Hidden Mist could currently muster without pouring in enormous resources.
Upon hearing her answer, the oppressive undertone in Roshi's demeanor seemed to vanish. A mild, almost cordial smile appeared, as though the earlier pressure had never existed at all.
"Excellent. Then the primary objective of this meeting has been achieved."
He produced a scroll and placed it on the table. "This is Konoha's draft proposal outlining the specific terms of the peace talks. Please take a look."
Mei's eyelid twitched as she accepted the scroll.
Already achieved?
What does he mean, already achieved?
Despite her misgivings, this was ultimately the outcome the Hidden Mist wanted. Still, his earlier assertiveness made her wary. Konoha wouldn't be planning to slip in something excessive later, would they?
Suppressing that unease, she unrolled the scroll and read carefully.
To her surprise, the contents were… reasonable.
"Cease all infiltration and sabotage activities against the other party."
"Sign a peace treaty prohibiting ninja and officials from issuing hostile missions against one another."
"Establish a basic border-incident communication and response mechanism…"
Roshi summarized the terms succinctly, then waited in silence.
"These baseline conditions are largely acceptable to the Hidden Mist," Mei said after a moment, lifting her gaze. "However, there are certain details we believe require further discussion."
"For example, the clause demanding the complete withdrawal of all our personnel and strongholds from the Land of Waves is… less than equitable. It also raises practical security concerns."
"And regarding the hierarchy and response time within the proposed communication mechanism…"
Roshi listened without interruption. When he responded, it was measured and patient, addressing each point in turn.
This, after all, was only an initial exchange. Any formal treaty would still need approval from the highest levels of both villages. Further negotiations were inevitable.
But Roshi had already obtained what he came for.
If Obito still held firm control over the Hidden Mist, Mei would never have conceded so readily at the outset. Even her resistance to the ceasefire premise had been largely symbolic.
Which meant one thing.
Obito had likely lost his grip on the Mizukage.
The Hidden Mist's sudden withdrawal and silence after hiring mercenary forces now made perfect sense.
Having confirmed this, Roshi settled fully into the negotiation. His composure deepened, his movements growing unhurried and assured.
So assured, in fact, that Mei began to wonder—uneasily—whether she had already misstepped somewhere without realizing it.
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