The next day, a group of ninja wearing Kumogakure forehead protectors slowly approached Konoha.
At the front was a broad-shouldered middle-aged man with deep dark skin. Behind him were several similarly dressed ninja, each wearing a polite, practiced smile.
[Welcome, friends from Kumogakure!]
[Long live peace!]
Banners were hung across the street. Villagers on both sides held flower petals in their hands, tossing them up into the air in handfuls.
Pink, white, and yellow petals danced in the air, drifting down with the breeze onto the Cloud delegation. Like snow, they blanketed most of the street, making a faint soft rustling sound underfoot.
The delegation's leader, Nukai, raised his hand and waved to the crowd, his smile warm and sincere.
At the front of the procession stood the Hokage Tower. Sarutobi Hiruzen waited on the steps outside, several ANBU stationed at his side.
"Welcome—welcome, friends who have come from far away."
Hiruzen extended his hand first. Nukai strode forward and gripped it firmly.
"Hokage-sama, it is truly our honor that Kumogakure can join hands with Konoha today and make peace."
Their hands clasped tight, and the surrounding crowd erupted into cheers once more.
Hiruzen patted his shoulder, his tone earnest. "War has brought both sides far too much suffering. To bring it to an end—I believe this is not only the wish of both villages' leaders, but the heartfelt hope of everyone in both countries."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across every member of the Cloud delegation.
"You've traveled a long way today, and you must be exhausted. I've already had lodgings arranged. Please rest well tonight. Tomorrow morning, we will formally sign the ceasefire agreement."
Nukai nodded repeatedly. "How thoughtful of you, Hokage-dono. Then we'll gladly accept your hospitality."
Hiruzen turned to an ANBU beside him. "Take our guests to their accommodations."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
The jōnin made a "this way, please" gesture, and the group headed toward Konoha's western district, while villagers behind them continued scattering petals into the air.
Konoha had prepared an entire separate estate for the delegation. Every room was spotless, and outside the windows was a small courtyard where you could see a rock garden and a pond.
"Konoha really is filthy rich."
A Cloud ninja stood by the window observing, his voice carrying a hint of mockery.
"Watch your mouth."
Nukai sat at the table and took a sip of tea, though he had no interest in tasting it. He set the cup down and narrowed his eyes.
"Did you write down everything we saw today?"
Several close subordinates gathered in. "Konoha's main street layout and the location of the Hokage Tower match the map the Raikage provided almost exactly. We can basically confirm that from where we are now, we're only two streets away from the Hyuga clan."
Nukai nodded. "Tonight, we scout to confirm the target. Tomorrow night, we move."
A brief silence fell. The other Cloud ninja were startled and couldn't help asking, "Scout?"
Now that they were inside Konoha, "scouting" carried a high risk of exposing their true intent. The order didn't seem reasonable at all.
Nukai didn't know why he'd made the decision on impulse either—but he was convinced it was the right one.
"The Raikage's orders are clear. We must obtain the Byakugan. Even if it makes Konoha suspicious, they still have to keep us here for three days. Worst case, tomorrow night we activate Plan B. For Kumogakure—for the Land of Lightning—we fear no sacrifice!"
"Yes," they responded quietly.
No ninja disobeyed their superior's orders.
…
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen stood at the window with his pipe in hand, gazing in the direction of the delegation's guest estate. His face showed fatigue, but even more than that, the relief of having a weight lifted.
Behind him, the three Hokage advisors, Nara Shikaku, and several ANBU were confirming the details for tomorrow's signing.
"The long Third Great Ninja War… it's finally going to end completely."
Ninja operations prized efficiency—wars included. They rarely dragged on too long.
And because the destructive power of most ninjutsu scaled with area, full-scale warfare seldom involved massive troop formations. Otherwise, ninjutsu could easily hit allies, forcing everyone to fight with one hand tied.
For example, in one battle, Iwagakure once sent a large number of ninja in a single strike against Konoha's defensive line. By the time Minato Namikaze arrived to reinforce them, the numbers were 51 versus 4. And then Minato—along with his four "attachments"—slaughtered all 51 Iwa ninja within a single second, forcing Ōnoki to establish a precedent for all shinobi worldwide:
"If you encounter the Yellow Flash, you may immediately abandon the mission and flee."
The Yellow Flash…
This war had lasted too long, and too much had changed. More than anyone, Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted it to end.
Once everything was confirmed ready, Nara Shikaku stepped forward to report.
"Hokage-sama, tomorrow's ceremony schedule has been arranged. The signing will be held on the roof of the Hokage Tower so the entire village can witness this historic moment."
Hiruzen turned and nodded. "Good. This war has gone on too long, and the village's losses have been far too great. Resolving this peacefully is the best outcome for Konoha."
"Wise as always, Hokage-sama."
The others voiced their agreement—except for Shimura Danzo, who frowned and opposed him yet again.
"Hiruzen, I still think this is unwise. With the nature of those barbarians from the Land of Lightning, would they really agree to a ceasefire so easily?"
Hiruzen fell silent for a moment. "I understand your concerns. But Kumogakure has suffered heavy losses too. The Third Raikage died, the Fourth Raikage has only just taken the seat—they also need time to recover."
Danzo knew his old friend well. Even if Hiruzen had grown hesitant with age, he was still the man once called 'the Professor'—and once he made a decision, it was hard to change.
"Either way, we must strengthen security. Root must maintain surveillance on the Uchiha. If you don't have the manpower, order the ANBU to do it."
Hiruzen exhaled a plume of white smoke. "I believe Kumogakure came sincerely for peace. Sending ANBU to watch them would be like judging gentlemen by a petty man's standards. It would only make them uneasy. Tomorrow, everything will be over."
Everyone else in the office nodded in agreement.
Koharu Utatane even advised, "Danzo, perhaps you're overthinking it this time."
This was Konoha. Even if the Raikage came, he'd have to behave. What could a handful of Cloud ninja really do?
A flicker of worry crossed Nara Shikaku's eyes. He opened his mouth, but in the end, said nothing.
Only Danzo, as always, left behind the same line: "Hiruzen, you'll regret it."
He'd said it too many times. No one took it seriously anymore.
~~~
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