Qian Dai and Hai immediately recognized Chen Xing.
The so-called Peacock King from the intelligence reports—the man who had once infiltrated their residence and stolen the forbidden reincarnation scroll—was standing right in front of them.
"So you're the Peacock King," Qian Dai said coldly, her gaze sharp.
"You're younger than I expected. No wonder you had the nerve to break into my sister's home and steal forbidden techniques."
Chen Xing smiled calmly.
"It's been a long time, you two."
There was no hostility in his tone. After all, if someone had stolen from him and then calmly showed up for negotiations, he doubted he would be much friendlier himself.
Still, this meeting was about diplomacy.
Both sides suppressed their past grudges and entered the prepared conference room without delay.
---
Negotiations
Ninja negotiations were never long-winded.
Most of Celestial Shadow Village's initial conditions were straightforward, and after brief discussion, Qian Dai and Hai agreed to them.
However, when Chen Xing demanded full wartime compensation, Hai stood up immediately.
"That's impossible," Hai said firmly.
"Celestial Shadow's losses are significant, but Sunagakure's losses are even greater. The Wind Daimyō will never approve such terms."
Chen Xing's expression cooled.
"You lost because you started the war," he said flatly.
"Our village suffered massive casualties and logistical damage. Compensation is non-negotiable."
The room fell silent.
---
The Agreement
After two days of intense negotiation, both sides reached a preliminary treaty.
1. Sunagakure acknowledges responsibility for initiating the war.
2. Celestial Shadow Village returns occupied territory, while the Wind Country compensates all wartime losses, including personnel and supplies.
3. Sunagakure and Celestial Shadow Village formally become allies, pledging non-aggression.
4. Sunagakure officially recognizes the title "Celestial Shadow", acknowledging Celestial Shadow Village as an equal power.
5. All Sunagakure ninja who defected to Celestial Shadow Village are to be recognized as Celestial ninja; all bounty and assassination orders against them are revoked.
Notably, the Fourth Kazekage was never mentioned.
Both sides understood why.
Being captured alive was an unbearable humiliation for Sunagakure, and Chen Xing had no interest in pushing the matter. A controlled Kazekage was far more useful than a disgraced one.
---
Aftermath
Three days later, under immense pressure, the Wind Daimyō formally signed an alliance treaty with the Celestial Country.
Shortly afterward, the Fourth Kazekage was returned to Sunagakure—unharmed.
As for the massive compensation shipments, Chen Xing delegated the details. Such matters no longer concerned him.
---
Celestial Shadow Village — Shadow Office
"What? Kirigakure sent envoys?"
Chen Xing raised an eyebrow as the ANBU operative reported.
"At this time?" he murmured.
Kirigakure was supposed to be focused inward, stabilizing itself under the Fifth Mizukage. An overseas diplomatic mission was unexpected.
"Bring them in," Chen Xing said after a moment.
---
The Kirigakure Delegation
Half an hour later, three figures entered the office.
Two were ordinary jōnin.
The third immediately drew Chen Xing's attention.
The man wore Kirigakure's forehead protector, a patch covering his right eye, and had a sharp, vigilant presence.
Chen Xing smiled.
"If I'm not mistaken," he said, stepping forward in a blur, "you're Ao of the Hidden Mist."
Ao's pupils shrank.
He barely saw Chen Xing cross the desk before appearing in front of him.
"Fast…" Ao thought grimly.
"Yes," Ao replied after regaining his composure.
"I didn't expect the Celestial Shadow to recognize me."
Chen Xing chuckled.
"A transplanted Byakugan is hard to miss," he said.
"You've been on more than a few bingo books."
The two Kirigakure ninja behind Ao stiffened.
They were standing in front of a man infamous in the underground world—someone who had eliminated S-rank missing-nin without hesitation.
Chen Xing waved it off lightly.
"So," he said, returning to his seat, "what brings Kirigakure here?"
Ao stepped forward and produced a sealed letter.
"By order of the Fifth Mizukage," he said respectfully,
"Mei Terumī requests talks—regarding an alliance with Celestial Shadow Village."
Chen Xing's eyes narrowed slightly.
"The Fifth Mizukage…"
---