I, Konoha's Sage of Life-Chapter 109 - : What I Give You Is Truly Yours

Kirigakure.

Yagura had returned.

He often visited the village, but the reason for his return this time was downright ridiculous.

The first time, it was because the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were wiped out. Now, it was because of a threat—one that forced him to return and discuss the possibility of surrender.

But he didn't go to the Mizukage.

The Third Mizukage was gravely ill. The fact that he had even managed to hold on this long was already impressive. Since no final decision had been made yet, Yagura decided to consult someone else first—

Elder Genji.

"Yagura, what is it this time? The elders are still deliberating on the peace negotiations. We need a few more days."

"No time."

"What?"

Elder Genji was momentarily stunned, unable to grasp what Yagura meant.

But soon—

He quickly realized that something must have changed on the front lines. Otherwise, Yagura wouldn't have come rushing back like this.

"What happened?"

"Kanda Kyoichi has brought his forces to force our surrender. Additionally, Orochimaru has left Konoha."

Yagura delivered two pieces of news in a straightforward manner.

Kanda Kyoichi...

Bringing troops to demand their surrender, and even Orochimaru had left Konoha?!

Elder Genji stood frozen for a few seconds.

Konoha was being unusually aggressive this year—completely different from their usual style.

Then again...

It made sense. Under normal circumstances, they would never appoint a sixteen or seventeen-year-old kid as a battlefield commander. Knowing Hiruzen Sarutobi's personality, the man probably lost sleep every night after making that decision.

Genji considered himself quite familiar with Sarutobi Hiruzen. He was convinced the Hokage wouldn't have dared to make such a bold move on his own.

After much deliberation, Genji asked, "Do we have anyone inside Konoha?"

The moment he asked, he regretted it.

As expected—

Yagura gave him a look as if he were an idiot.

As an elder of the village, Genji had considerable authority. In fact, for some time now, he and Yagura had been jointly handling the Mizukage's duties. He really shouldn't have made such a rookie mistake.

But the question had slipped out purely out of habit.

Of course, Kirigakure had no spies inside Konoha. If they did, they wouldn't have to sit here making blind guesses.

After thinking it over, Genji felt a headache coming on.

Konoha was pushing hard. If they didn't come up with a response soon, the war was as good as started.

"I think the village needs to make a decision soon. If we're going to fight, we should mobilize the Kaguya and Yuki clans and go all in against Konoha. If we're not going to fight, then we should negotiate. Dragging this out any longer... is pointless."

After long contemplation, Yagura finally voiced his opinion.

"Speak."

Elder Genji was old, but not senile.

He could tell that Yagura leaned more toward the latter option, meaning Yagura must have his reasons—Yagura only looked young; he wasn't actually young.

"I can't see through Kanda Kyoichi's strength."

Yagura said, "The first time we met was during the Hozuki Chikage incident. I didn't expect Chikage to be subdued so quickly. I just felt it wasn't safe for that guy to be there."

"The second time was when he came to ambush us..."

Yagura rambled on about his two encounters with Kyoichi, detailing his thoughts and analyses—things he hadn't mentioned in the previous Elder Council meetings.

Elder Genji's expression grew increasingly grim.

But...

When Yagura described the latest confrontation, Genji's face turned stiff.

"This time, we don't know the specific details, but the opponent learned the Hiding in Mist Jutsu and Silent Killing Technique. His chakra reserve is enormous. Even when seven or eight of our Chunin cast the jutsu together, he overpowered them single-handedly."

"His mastery of the Silent Killing Technique is exceptional—silent, extremely fast, and killing our Jonin in the mist as if it were nothing."

As Yagura described it, for some reason, Elder Genji couldn't help but think of a certain man.

This felt too familiar!

His lips twitched as he asked, "So, this person's Water Release, swordsmanship, genjutsu, and taijutsu are all strong, with high aptitude. He mastered things within days of learning them?"

"Konoha also has assassination techniques. Although slightly different, the core principle is the same. It's possible the opponent already had a strong foundation in assassination and Hiding in techniques."

This was the most likely explanation Yagura could think of.

Aside from assassination techniques, he also believed he could manage the Hiding in Mist Jutsu.

Because the Hiding in Mist Jutsu itself was simple—only C-rank. What he couldn't match was Kanda Kyoichi's enormous chakra reserves, far above ordinary levels.

Genji understood immediately.

After a long silence, he asked, "What do you want to do?"

"I want the Elder Council to immediately agree to peace with Konoha. We need to negotiate the return of Munashi Jinpachi and the six swords, and request Konoha not to spread the Hiding in Mist Jutsu."

Yagura had made up his mind.

Konoha had too many leverage points against them. They had no real bargaining power—nothing else, just the public exposure of the Hiding in Mist Jutsu would be disastrous for Kirigakure.

That was their livelihood!

"They might not agree. Many of the clans are eager to profit from the war."

"If they don't agree, then let them handle the problem themselves, or we'll eliminate them."

Yagura said coldly.

Genji had a headache.

The difference between Kirigakure and Konoha was that, while both had many clans, here the clans held even more power.

For example, the Kaguya Clan and the Yuki Clan often ignored village orders.

Even...

The territories of these two clans weren't even within Kirigakure itself. Other clans had similar issues. Compared to them, the Hozuki Clan seemed downright obedient and loyal.

If they followed Yagura's plan...

A lot of people would probably die.

At this moment, Genji could finally understand what the Third Hokage felt.

This was truly a situation where...

No matter what you did, it was wrong.

"I'll make sure they give us an answer today. Even if I'm old, they still have to show me some respect."

"Thank you, Elder Genji!"

Genji nodded slightly and then called for his aides.

Respect...

Those clan elders had to give it, whether they wanted to or not!

---

"The Hiding in Mist Jutsu, huh. Looks like we have another bargaining chip."

"That's all for now."

Kyoichi laid out their leverage in front of Orochimaru and Inoichi Yamanaka.

Inoichi pondered over what benefits to ask for, while Orochimaru, after a moment's thought, raised his head and asked, "Your plan is to push Kirigakure to fight Kumogakure, isn't it?"

"Something like that."

Kyoichi didn't hide it. He did have this idea.

Orochimaru studied the map for a few seconds, then said, "That wouldn't be wise. That's not a condition we should propose."

"Hmm?"

Kyoichi thought for a moment. He vaguely sensed something, but couldn't quite grasp it.

Inoichi, however, understood.

He chuckled, "Kyoichi, you might not know Kirigakure well. That village has an even deeper clan influence than Konoha. The Mizukage might not be able to decide everything."

Clans?

A flash of inspiration hit Kyoichi's mind.

Got it...

He instantly understood and said, "You mean, if the clans in Kirigakure don't get what they want, they'll pressure the village to take from Kumogakure instead?"

"Pretty much."

Orochimaru nodded.

"Then how do we make sure they won't backstab us later?" Inoichi asked.

From his perspective, it was better to push Kirigakure into an immediate conflict with Kumogakure, keeping both too occupied to bother the Land of Fire.

But if they let things develop naturally, Kirigakure might eventually turn against Konoha.

"That's not too hard. Kirigakure's weaknesses are quite clear."

Kyoichi fully understood.

In Konoha's current state, if the Mizukage and enough respected elders died, then by stirring up the Kaguya and Yuki Clans, Yagura wouldn't be able to keep control.

Even if he did, the Land of Water would be too weak to continue any war.

"Leave the negotiations to me."

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Orochimaru chuckled softly, "What are your requirements? Although those clans will push back, we don't need to be too generous. We should at least appear to make some concessions."

"We won't return Samehada, the Thunder Sword, or the Executioner's Blade." Kyoichi said.

"Agreed..."

Orochimaru didn't hesitate.

Such a lenient condition meant he could secure many more benefits.

Kyoichi was at ease.

When it came to negotiations, Orochimaru was certainly more capable than he was.

They also discussed cutting off Kirigakure's communications. Both Inoichi and Orochimaru agreed, with Orochimaru suggesting they bring in the Yamanaka Clan's shinobi.

Their crows weren't great in battle, but as communication tools, they were much stronger than typical messenger beasts.

After the discussion, Kyoichi found himself rewarded again—though just a "mediocre" rating, granting him some proficiency in the Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave...

It must have been from Yagura.

He didn't mind.

If the "chives" offered themselves, why not take it?

Furthermore...

Recently, training in Silent Killing and Hiding in Mist techniques had slackened at the camp.

Even if he had mastered these techniques, it wasn't an excuse for everyone else to be lazy!

Whether Chunin or Jonin, they all needed to train.

After discussing it with Inoichi, soon the area around Nagano Mountain was bustling with training once more.

Kyoichi was quite pleased, offering occasional pointers.

On the fourth day, Kirigakure sent representatives.

As planned, Kyoichi entrusted the negotiations to Orochimaru.

Yagura was bewildered.

He had mentally prepared himself for talks with Kyoichi, even considering his strategies, only to find himself face-to-face with Orochimaru instead.

All his plans fell apart.

Under Orochimaru's sharp negotiation tactics, Yagura found himself increasingly cornered. Konoha's threats struck right at Kirigakure's weaknesses, and he realized Konoha truly could carry them out.

In the end, Yagura was forced to concede.

After the talks, Yagura couldn't hold back.

"I want to meet Kanda Kyoichi."

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