CHAPTER 115

Minato Namikaze was notably late for the rendezvous—delayed not by choice, but by diplomacy. At the time, he had been leading high-stakes negotiations with Iwa-nin representatives, alongside Jiraiya and Shikaku Nara. As the key force behind Konoha's victories in the Land of Grass, Minato's mere presence was a powerful strategic deterrent. His words carried undeniable weight.

During a heated exchange with one of the Iwa delegates, Minato suddenly sensed the faint signal of a Flying Thunder God Kunai—chakra flaring in urgency. It was Kakashi's. Instantly, Minato knew something was wrong. Fujiu Hangpei and the others were likely under attack. Yet, the negotiation was at a critical juncture. The outcome could influence not just the war's end, but the long-term balance of power.

Though clearly anxious, Minato forced himself to remain, pushing through the talks as quickly and clearly as possible. Once he wrapped up the minimum necessary discussions, he teleported to Kakashi's signal—arriving moments too late to make a true difference.

Kakashi had already wrapped up his battle, showcasing once again why he was considered a genius. His refined swordsmanship, combined with his Sharingan and lightning-based ninjutsu, made him more than a match for most Iwa-nin. Earth Release techniques were especially vulnerable to his Lightning Style. Though not as effortlessly graceful as Uchiha Kai, who cut through enemies like a butterfly among flowers, Kakashi's skill and precision were lethal.

Minato eliminated a lingering Iwa-nin to assist and quickly assessed the situation. Learning that Fujiu Hangpei's team was in worse condition, he immediately teleported there.

It was the right call. Hangpei had indeed been overwhelmed, and Nohara Rin lacked the firepower to hold off their attackers. Minato dealt with the enemy easily and instructed Rin to focus on healing. Without wasting time, he leapt to his next marked location—Aya Hyuga and Kenta Imai.

Surprisingly, when Minato arrived, he found the two holding their own. Though they bore signs of a hard-fought battle, they had the upper hand. Impressed, Minato couldn't help but smile—Uchiha Kai's team really was exceptional.

But Kai himself remained unaccounted for. Minato hadn't encountered Iwa's elite commander—Loess—along the way, and that worried him. He knew Kai and Kenta had nearly fallen to Loess before. The man was formidable.

What Minato didn't expect was to find Kai on the verge of finishing Loess off.

"It seems Loess really wasn't meant to die just yet," Kai muttered. "But that's how it has to be."

"I'm sorry, Kai," Minato replied quietly. He hadn't come fast enough. He couldn't protect everyone.

"Tell me," Kai said, tilting his head slightly. "How did the negotiations go? I might have some... interesting intelligence that could help."

Minato sighed. "Iwa's delegation is still rigid. And the Third Hokage's bottom line…"

He trailed off, then began to explain, knowing full well that he was crossing a line. But Kai had just spared Loess—an unspoken favor—and Minato respected his strategic mind.

Kai listened in silence, the corner of his mouth twitching at the absurdity of the terms. The clause stating that "the Land of Earth acknowledges no wrongdoing and provides no reparations" had been altered—barely. Konoha now demanded a nominal indemnity, and in return would return all Iwa prisoners, including the Five-Tails' jinchūriki, and even supply free military equipment.

It looked better on paper. But in practice? It was hardly an improvement.

"Honestly," Kai said, "that final clause is a humiliation. We're essentially giving them the resources to fight the Land of Lightning, all while pretending to be the victors."

Minato rubbed his temples. "The Third believes that ending the war is the top priority. And Jiraiya-sensei… even Shikaku… they agree, reluctantly."

"In the end, we gain nothing but the label of a 'victorious nation,'" Kai said flatly. "After sacrificing so much."

Minato's tone dropped. "Kai… I don't want it this way. None of us do. But I'm just a jonin, even if I am the commander. Jiraiya-sensei's influence is greater, but even he's fighting an uphill battle."

A pause.

Then Kai smiled slightly.

"Minato-senpai," he said quietly, "what if I told you I had a way to flip the table—to force Iwa's hand in the negotiations?"

Minato's eyes narrowed.

"And what," he asked, "do you want in return?"