Chapter 65: Negotiating an Alliance Pact

"You can let go of Jiraiya now. I've already agreed to your conditions. It's time for you to show some sincerity." Tsunade's eyes were locked on Jiraiya, her meaning clear without needing to be spelled out.

Hyuga Gakuya manipulated the chakra serpent coiled around him. It slithered up and bit into Jiraiya's neck, injecting a pulse of chakra into his body. A strange curse mark began to form.

Only then did Gakuya release him. He followed up with a healing jutsu, carefully removing Jiraiya's external injuries.

"Apologies," Gakuya said calmly. "I had to be cautious until our alliance was confirmed. But don't worry—once the pact is sealed, I'll lift the curse mark."

"You bastard!" Tsunade hissed through clenched teeth. But there was nothing she could do—not while Jiraiya was still under his control.

Just then, another Anbu arrived to deliver a message. "Lady Hokage. Lord Mokushū."

"The two elder advisors of the Leaf, as well as the Daimyōs of the Land of Fire and Land of Fields, are waiting in the Hokage's office."

"Let's go," Tsunade said, already heading out.

Gakuya followed at her side, both of them making their way toward the office.

...

As soon as they left, medical-nin rushed to Jiraiya's side, trying to analyze and break the curse mark.

Gakuya glanced back and warned, "That mark comes from Ryūchi. I'd be careful if I were you. If it gets triggered, even I might not be able to save him."

Jiraiya coughed up blood, smirking bitterly.

"You've really covered every base, huh?"

"Caution is essential," Gakuya replied with a faint smile.

...

Inside the Hokage's office, the two entered in succession.

Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane sat on Konoha's side, with the Daimyō of the Land of Fire behind them. Gakuya, representing Otogakure, sat alone across from them, backed by the Daimyō of the Land of Fields. The neutral observers—Raikage A from Kumogakure and the daimyōs of smaller nations like the Land of Waves, Hot Springs, and Valleys—stood as impartial judges.

Gakuya gave a slight bow to the Daimyō of the Land of Fields. "My lord."

The Daimyō gave a small nod and lazily waved his fan, gesturing at the seat in front of him. "

Well done. Sit down."

Of course, the Daimyō had long since fallen under Gakuya's eye techniques. Now he was nothing more than a puppet, putting on a show for appearance's sake.

A scribe from the Land of Fire stepped forward to deliver the customary opening remarks—empty formalities, claiming both countries would negotiate on equal footing to establish a peaceful and friendly treaty.

Then Gakuya, along with the three Konoha elders, stood and bowed toward each other, signifying the official start of negotiations.

Gakuya picked up a copy of the proposed alliance document and handed it to the scribe beside him.

"The Land of Fields has always maintained a peaceful stance. This recent conflict began only because one of your Konoha elders, Shimura Danzo, invited us to step in and help restore order."

Koharu immediately shot back, "Danzo is now recognized as a traitor to Konoha and has already been executed. Any agreement he made is worthless to us."

Gakuya didn't flinch.

"That's your internal issue. When we signed that alliance, Danzo was still officially serving as your village's adviser."

Homura tried to soften the mood. "To show our sincerity, Konoha is willing to agree to clauses 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 of the treaty."

"But you must also show goodwill. If Konoha goes to war again, Lord Mokushū must lead Otogakure's forces as reinforcements on our battlefield."

"And Otogakure must acknowledge that they were defeated in this conflict."

They were clearly laying the groundwork for the future. With Konoha still in a weakened state, war could erupt at any moment. Having a powerful ally ready to fight at their side could be crucial.

As for the second clause, it was mostly symbolic—acknowledging Konoha's victory and saving face for the great nation.

Gakuya countered smoothly, "Then Konoha must provide wartime supplies, pay compensation to the families of fallen shinobi, and regardless of victory or defeat, cover monetary fees for every participating Oto-nin."

Homura and Koharu looked toward Tsunade, silently asking whether Otogakure's reinforcements were worth the price. They'd never fought alongside them before, so they had no idea what their combat strength was really like.

Tsunade nodded once.

Only then did the two elders nod back in agreement.

"Very well. We accept. If Konoha goes to war, Otogakure will serve as hired reinforcements. We will pay a fair rate for each ninja."

Gakuya smirked. "And what's the fee for someone of my level?"

The Konoha representatives exchanged glances, then quoted a number that felt reasonable.

"Fifty million. One-time payment after the war."

Gakuya's grin widened. "Konoha truly is generous. I look forward to our cooperation."

"Let's proceed with signing the pact," Homura said, his expression sour. Konoha had paid a heavy price, but under the current circumstances, it was necessary.

Gakuya cut in again. "Before we finalize it, we need to discuss the prisoner exchange. I'm still holding onto your Jiraiya. How much are you offering for his release?"

"What?!"

The usually composed elder advisors lost their cool for a moment. They knew full well how powerful Jiraiya was—and it was hard to believe this young upstart had managed to subdue him.

They quickly regained their composure. One must never show weakness in a negotiation.

"Fifty million. Same as your personal fee. That's already a generous offer."

"Of course," Gakuya agreed without hesitation.

He was more than happy with the bonus rewards—his true focus remained on matters involving Naruto Uzumaki.

As the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade gave the final word.

"Then let's move forward. I ask all parties to uphold fairness and neutrality."

Raikage A let out a hearty laugh. "Naturally."

He'd just watched an entertaining performance—who would've thought the small Land of Fields would produce such a formidable figure?

...

Two copies of the treaty were quickly prepared.

Gakuya didn't hesitate to sign, using the alias Mokushū Chiba.

Next came the signatures of the two daimyōs. Finally, the neutral witnesses signed as well.

Gakuya stood and shook hands with Tsunade, who had only recently stepped into her role as Hokage.

Then Homura piped up again, wearing a crafty smile.

"Would Lord Mokushū be interested in staying a little longer in Konoha? Perhaps attend the Hokage inauguration ceremony the day after tomorrow?"

Gakuya had been wondering how to justify sticking around. Now they'd just handed him the perfect excuse.

"With pleasure. We're unbreakable allies now, after all."

Tsunade eyed his grin and felt a deep wave of irritation. Just moments ago, they'd been on the brink of killing each other—and now he was playing the part of a loyal partner?

...

Raikage A stepped forward to chat with them as well.

"I never expected to meet such a capable man among the shinobi. Leaving Kumogakure today was truly worth it."

He had gained a lot this trip—not only discovering Konoha still housed users of Wood Release, but also catching glimpses of its darker political undercurrents.

"You flatter me," Gakuya said politely.

Tsunade interjected. "Let's head to the hospital. Time to lift the curse mark you placed on Jiraiya."

"Of course," Gakuya nodded.

...

They arrived at the Konoha Hospital, where Jiraiya was sprawled out on the bed, snoring loudly. He muttered in his sleep, "Tsunade… not there… don't touch that… Tsunade…"

Gakuya couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Tsunade, meanwhile, stood at the door, face twitching. Her clenched fists trembled as she muttered under her breath, "He's still a patient… he's still a patient…" before storming into the room.

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