stonecrandall Chapter 171 Negotiation, Yin Seal
Chapter 171 Negotiation, Yin Seal
Chapter 171 Negotiation, Yin Seal
Before the gates of Konoha, Chiyo, the envoy of Sunagakure, finally arrived in Konoha. After completing the necessary procedures, the group finally left the place they had longed for.
In their imagination, they were leading the ninja army all the way into the gates of Konoha, but now they are just envoys, walking into the gates of Konoha under the watchful eyes of others.
Chiyo looked at the scene in Konoha Village. Although the villages were frequently fighting each other, Konoha was still as prosperous as ever. The crowds on the streets had not decreased, and even the laughter and joy were more abundant and unrestrained than in Sunagakure.
This is exactly what Chiyo envies. Konoha's geographical location is too good. If only it were Sunagakure!
At this moment, on the balcony of the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura were looking towards the gate, where Chiyo of Sunagakure was entering Konoha.
"Hiruzen, Sunagakure's visit this time is definitely about the prisoners. You must not give anything away; letting these people go back will be a hidden danger."
"Danzo, have you received the recent intelligence from Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure?" Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't answer directly, but instead asked an unrelated question.
Danzo fell silent. He had received the intelligence, and it was even more detailed. He understood what Hiruzen meant, but he was still very unwilling.
"Then, no matter what, demand a larger ransom and squeeze the Sand Village dry."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded silently. "Pass on the word. There are too many things to do today. We will not see the Sunagakure envoy for the time being. The specific time is yet to be determined."
"Yes!" From the shadows behind him, a ninja from the Anbu took the order and left.
Danzo looked at the Hokage: "Are you trying to put them on hold and make them anxious?"
"Indeed, Sunagakure needs these prisoners more, after all, Iwagakure isn't stable either!"
On her way to the Hokage Building, Chiyo was suddenly stopped by a Konoha ANBU ninja. She then received a notification from the Hokage's office: The Hokage is busy with official duties these days and does not have time to meet with the messenger. Please wait.
Chiyo wore a mocking smile as she looked towards the Hokage Building in the distance, as if she could see Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo on the balcony.
She didn't say a word, displaying complete calmness and composure, as if she didn't care about the prisoners at all, and followed the ninja who was leading the way to an inn to stay in.
Soon, the performance of the Sand Village envoy was reported to the Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo exchanged glances, both knowing that Chiyo of Sunagakure was indeed a cunning old fox from their generation, and that this negotiation would likely be very difficult.
Time flies, and a week has passed.
Chiyo from Sunagakure stayed at the inn for seven whole days, eating and drinking as she pleased, and even strolling around the streets of Konoha when she had free time, showing no signs of being an envoy at all.
Other Sand Village ninjas accompanying her also expressed their objections. But unfortunately, as both an elder of Sand Village and the plenipotentiary representative for this mission, she had the authority to make decisions arbitrarily. If she wasn't in a hurry, there was nothing others could do about it.
It's not surprising that Chiyo wasn't in a hurry. Along the way, she experienced not even being able to meet the commander at the Konoha front, then received the latest intelligence from Sunagakure, and finally learned about the villagers' attitudes towards the war in Konoha over the past few days.
Chiyo had already sensed that Konoha's internal attitude towards the war didn't seem very positive.
Unlike other ninja villages that actively waged wars to expand their territory, Konoha and even the Land of Fire were in such a good geographical location that they lost their ambition.
Think back to World War I, when the Second Hokage was in power. Konoha took the initiative and attacked the other major ninja villages one by one. They beat the other ninja villages so badly they had no chance to fight back.
When the third generation succeeded to the throne, in order to stabilize his position, the third generation Hiruzen Sarutobi was quite brave and diligent in his work.
But once he had secured his position, Hiruzen Sarutobi became increasingly conservative and cautious in his actions.
Otherwise, those who understand you best are often your enemies.
The Sand Village has thoroughly studied the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, over the years.
According to the latest intelligence, Jiraiya on the front lines is indeed maintaining a strong drive for advancement, but unfortunately, he can't fight against the powerful. The higher-ups at Miyano want to maintain the current stability and don't want to provoke either side too much.
With that, Chiyo was no longer in a hurry. These prisoners would simply be used to fill gaps in Konoha's front lines. Since Konoha didn't want to launch an offensive, it didn't matter whether the prisoners returned sooner or later.
Why did Chiyo take such initiative, only to find herself in a passive position?
Chiyo wasn't in a hurry, but Konoha was. Various countries were constantly increasing their military presence at the border, putting immense pressure on Konoha.
If the Sand Village's visit to discuss the prisoners could lead to some degree of cooperation with them, it would undoubtedly be good news for Konoha.
However, since Chiyo entered Konoha a week ago, she has not shown any intention of taking the initiative to negotiate even once, which is unbearable for the Konoha leadership.
Isn't it Sunagakure that you want to exchange prisoners?
I just didn't see you the day you came, right?
What's the meaning behind your current behavior?
"Hiruzen, why don't you go see Chiyo first? We can't just keep leaving her hanging like this."
In the Hokage's office, Koharu Utatane spoke up, giving Hiruzen Sarutobi a way out. Although she knew that Hiruzen had brought this upon himself, he was the Hokage, and such a humiliating thing could only be done by the advisors.
"Yes, Hiruzen, we've kept her waiting long enough. It's time to bring her over to discuss the prisoners."
Mitokado Homura chimed in, saying that the village desperately needed a clear stance on Sunagakure—whether to be wary or to cooperate—and there was no time to wait any longer.
Danzo watched silently from the side, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. He had been right there when Hiruzen refused to see Chiyo, and now Hiruzen was just as smug as he had been then.
After a long silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke: "Alright, inform Chiyo that negotiations will begin this afternoon. However, I won't be going. Koharu and Homura, you two go and negotiate!"
Koharu and Homura looked at each other, never expecting that this thankless task would end up falling on their shoulders.
Both of them could see the other's wry smile, but since the Hokage had already spoken, they couldn't refuse.
Soon after, a negotiation between the two elders of Konoha and the first elder of Sunagakure began in the afternoon.
In the large conference room, there were two rows of tables and chairs facing each other.
Besides Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, Konoha also had two assistants, and the four of them sat together on the left side of the conference room.
Chiyo and the other three from Sunagakure sat on the right side of the conference room.
"Elder Chiyo." Mitokado Homura cleared his throat, breaking the silence first, and said bluntly, "Regarding your prisoners, including the frontline commander Shamon and more than one hundred ninjas, Konoha's terms are as follows."
He had his assistant hand him a document and then said, "First, Sunagakure must pay a total of 200 million taels in war reparations and ransom for the personnel."
Within the second and third years, Sunagakure is not allowed to be involved in any commissioned missions within the Land of Rivers.
Third, Sunagakure needs to sign a non-aggression pact with Konoha and jointly announce this to the ninja world.
If the above conditions are met, Konoha will immediately release all Sand Village prisoners.
These conditions were extremely harsh, practically treating Sunagakure like suckers. Even Chiyo, who already had a plan in mind, frowned upon hearing this, while the three Sunagakure members beside her had veins bulging. If this weren't Konoha, they would have immediately launched an attack.
Before Mitokado Homura could finish speaking, he added, "This is reasonable compensation, based on the large-scale invasion by Sunagakure and the enormous sacrifices made by Konoha!"
Chiyo had regained her composure. She glanced at the document but didn't look at its contents. Her expression remained completely calm, as if she were looking at an unimportant list.
A moment later, she raised her eyes, her voice as calm as if she were discussing the weather: "Konoha's appetite seems quite large."
"
Mitokado Homura paused slightly, "What does Elder Chiyo mean?"
"What I mean is—" Chiyo's voice suddenly turned as cold as winter, "All your demands, including compensation, ransom, and mission requests, are rejected. I will not agree to any of them!"
"What!" This exclamation was not only from Mitokado Homura, but also from Utatane Koharu and the other two assistants!
"Elder Chiyo, you must take responsibility for your words. The ransom was proposed by your Sunagakure. Your terms are disrespectful to Konoha. Do you want to reignite the war?!"
Mitomon En spoke sternly and angrily, rebuking Chiyo for her nonsensical remarks.
Chiyo's lips curled into a faint, yet noticeable, smile.
She slowly stood up, supporting herself on the table with both hands, leaning forward and looking at Mitokado Yanagi.
"Does Konoha really want to start another war? Now, Kumogakure has sent troops south, and Iwagakure is frantically increasing its forces in the Land of Grass and the Land of Rain. Kirigakure is also strengthening its patrols at sea."
What you need most right now is a stable southern front, not to continue wasting time in the Land of Rivers with a defeated Sand Village after just losing hundreds of ninja.
Chiyo's words left the two elders of Konoha speechless. They wanted to refute her, but they didn't know how to say it. Chiyo's words were exactly what they were worried about; otherwise, they wouldn't have urged Hiruzen Sarutobi to start negotiations.
Chiyo has now seized upon Konoha's weakness and wants to use it to pressure Konoha. However, the two elders want to exchange these prisoners for some benefits, while also wanting to make peace with Sunagakure and maintain stability in the south.
"If Sunagakure doesn't want these prisoners, then we can just execute them and save some food."
"If Konoha kills these Sand Village ninja, Sand Village will immediately declare war on Konoha. Then we'll see if the other ninja villages will join in the attack!"
The two sides continued their back-and-forth, poking at each other's sore spots, neither willing to give an inch.
At this moment, Koharu Utatane stopped Homura Mitokado, who was about to speak again, and gestured for Chiyo to stop arguing as well. "Elder Chiyo, this will only lead to endless arguing. Since we both want to exchange prisoners, why don't we both back down?"
Chiyo returned to her seat and stopped being confrontational.
After a long silence, she stated her conditions: "Sunagakure is willing to reach a ceasefire agreement with Konoha, promising a three-year non-aggression pact on the fire and wind borders. At the same time, they can reach a defensive alliance treaty with Konoha against the Land of Earth."
If Iwagakure attacks Konoha, Sunagakure will act as an ally, providing necessary containment and defensive support. Similarly, if Sunagakure is attacked by Iwagakure, Konoha will provide the same support.
Upon hearing this, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's expressions immediately became quite interesting. They had only wanted to cooperate with Sunagakure, but Chiyo hadn't expected her to go so far as to form an alliance with Konoha.
This is not bad for Konoha right now; it's actually great. It has just solved Konoha's current predicament of being attacked from multiple sides.
However, before Koharu and Homura could be happy, Chiyo's next words plunged them into silence again.
"But since we're allies, shouldn't we release all the prisoners?"
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged a glance, both seeing hesitation in each other's eyes. Clearly, this situation was beyond their ability to handle.
"Elder Chiyo, are you sure you can make the decision regarding the alliance?" Koharu Utatane asked curiously.
"Of course, I am the plenipotentiary representative, and I can make all the decisions." Chiyo gave an affirmative answer without the slightest hesitation.
"This matter is of great importance, and I apologize that we cannot make a decision immediately." Koharu Utatane stood up, already packing her things. "I will report to the Hokage immediately and await his decision. In the meantime, please ask Elder Chiyo to return to the inn and await further news."
"That's only right," Chiyo said politely, completely unlike her previous aggressive demeanor.
Watching the two Konoha elders hastily depart, one of the Jonin who had come with them finally couldn't help but ask the question that had been lingering in his mind: "Elders, are we really going to form an alliance with Konoha?"
Chiyo glanced at him and replied calmly, "Of course we should form an alliance, but when we break it is another matter entirely!"
The Sand Village Jonin suddenly realized that this kind of alliance was only needed when it was required; when it was no longer needed, it was just a piece of waste paper.
Three days earlier, at the southern camp, Taiyi, who had been busy for almost a week, finally finished his work at the medical camp.
Now that Sunagakure has mostly retreated, Konoha's patrolling ninjas rarely encounter them, so conflicts between the two sides have naturally decreased, and the medical camp is not as busy as it used to be.
With some free time, Taiyi finally had his own time to himself.
A few days ago, Tsunade finally replied. As Konoha's former top medical and combat ninja, she naturally understood the predicament Taiichi faced.
Taiichi is different from her. Although she has not awakened any special bloodline limit, as the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju, her abundant chakra is unmatched by ordinary people.
That's how it was; she often encountered situations where she didn't have enough chakra back then.
Therefore, when she learned that Taiyi had this need, she immediately sent him the Yin Seal technique and her learning notes.
After all, Taiichi was one of the few people she cared about in Konoha, and she wanted to pass on all her skills to him.
Because he was busy for a while, he only studied the theory and made a preliminary attempt at using shadow clones. After all, this kind of sealing technique requires the main body to be used, so even if the clones are used, it will not be effective.
Now, after several days of theoretical study and experimentation, and with ample time available, Taiyi can finally begin to formally cast the Yin Seal.
As an S-rank sealing technique, the Yin Seal not only requires a certain foundation in sealing techniques, but also extremely subtle control over chakra.
These two points may be difficult for others, but they are too easy for Taiyi.
Level 11 chakra control and Level 11 sealing techniques are something that even her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki, didn't have the foundation to learn, let alone Tsunade.
This allowed Taiyi not only to learn the sealing technique, but also to improve it to some extent, making it more suitable for his own usage habits.
Therefore, even an S-rank sealing technique was performed so smoothly and naturally when Taiichi used it for the first time.
As each hand seal was formed, the chakra within Taiichi converged on his forehead in a specific manner. As the chakra accumulated, a faint diamond-shaped mark took shape on Taiichi's forehead.
When Taiyi's chakra, which was over 50,000 points, was depleted to just over 10,000 points, the diamond-shaped mark was finally fixed in place.
From this point on, an additional space for storing chakra was officially created.
Taiichi could clearly feel that strands of chakra were spontaneously gathering in this space from the mark on his forehead as Taiichi's own chakra recovered.
This is simply its ability to autonomously attract chakra.
With a thought from Taiyi, a large amount of chakra was poured into this space. In just a short moment, a shallow layer of chakra, like flowing water, accumulated at the bottom of the space.
Based on this trend, Taiyi estimates that to fill this space completely, he would need at least 10 times his own chakra, which is 50 chakra points. And this is only because he has just learned it so far.
As sealing techniques become more advanced and chakra control becomes more precise, Taiyi believes that the storage capacity of this space will definitely be larger, and it may even surpass the Nine-Tails, which is said to possess "infinite chakra," one day.
Once everything was finished, Taiyi withdrew his hands from the hand seals and gently touched his forehead. The slight bump there told Taiyi that a vast chakra storehouse was quietly waiting for him to use it.
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