Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 279 Firmly Support Hiruzen Sarutobi

To welcome Sakumo Hatake, the Third Raikage hosted a small banquet. There weren't many attendees, but they were all high-ranking figures in Kumogakure.

"Congratulations to Senior Sakumo on escaping your cage and being reborn."

Sitting next to Hatake Sakumo, Tamura Hiroshi offered him a glass of juice. He had been plotting against him for a while, but he never expected that before he could actually make a move, Sakumo's wife and children would come to him for help.

He no longer cared about the bond between Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha. After realizing that Obito Uchiha's Kamui eye technique was not simple, he understood that Kakashi Hatake's influence on Obito Uchiha's path was not essential.

Even without Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha would still awaken Kamui and become a key player in defeating Kaguya Otsutsuki during the Fourth Shinobi World War.

"You've been plotting against me all along?"

Sakumo Hatake reluctantly drank the sake in his cup, realizing that he had been tricked all along.

"Lord Tsuchidai made a detailed plan for everyone who could be recruited. He originally planned to wait until after this battle when Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others would take action against the senior, and then recruit the senior."

The treasured sword given as a gift when seeking advice on swordsmanship and the Yin Seal given in the Land of Hot Water were all just preludes to further enhance the senior's strength, thus making Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others increasingly wary.

It was also a way of preparing for the seniors not to kill our Hidden Cloud Village ninjas on the battlefield, so that they wouldn't be hated by the village ninjas after they came here.

We just didn't expect this turn of events, which ironically saved us a lot of trouble.

Tamura Hiroshi did not deny it, and decisively shifted the blame to Lord Tsuchida, saying that everything was Lord Tsuchida's scheme and credit.

"Your Raikage's advisor truly lives up to his reputation as the greatest strategist in the ninja world; his schemes are incredibly profound."

Sakumo Hatake's eye twitched slightly. Although he was annoyed, he was convinced.

However, Sakumo Hatake's sigh made the Third Raikage and the others twitch their eyes, especially when they thought about Tsuchida's bounty soaring year after year, they didn't know what to say.

In this war, their Hidden Cloud Village suffered the least losses and also benefited the most. Afterwards, Tsuchikage's bounty will definitely increase again.

If it were truly worthy of the name, that would be fine, but the earthen platform is just a scapegoat, which is really unfair.

Of course, this is not without its benefits for Tu Tai. Nowadays, Tu Tai's reputation in the village is higher than that of Ying Du, and he is an idol to many people. When he walks on the street, many girls will come up to him for autographs.

"I can't lay a hand on my former comrades unless they attack me first."

After a moment of silence, Hatake Sakumo made a request.

Joining the Hidden Cloud Village is nothing special, but he can't possibly attack people from Konoha; that would violate his principles and bottom line.

Of course, this isn't absolute; he simply won't actively target his former colleagues, but if they attack him first, then he'll have no choice but to draw his sword.

Since they have chosen to join the Hidden Cloud Village, they naturally need to show sufficient attitude.

"That's no problem."

The Third Raikage readily agreed; there was nothing wrong with that.

Their goal is the entire ninja world, and even the whole world; they will have many enemies in the future.

Moreover, Hatake Sakumo has great potential. Once he masters many of their village's secret techniques and even integrates Swift Release, his strength will definitely not be inferior to his own, and their Hidden Cloud Village will gain a top-tier expert.

Such powerful individuals are certainly not meant to deal with minor figures in Konoha.

"By the way, this knife would be perfect for you, senior."

Tamura Hao handed over the Kusanagi Sword Raijin that he had brought earlier; he had brought the sword with him when he returned to the Spirit World.

This is a modified version of the Kusanagi sword, Raijin. The original Raijin was a straight-bladed longsword, but he added a slight curve to the blade to make it easier to chop and cut. The Hatake sword technique is based on slashing.

"Clang!"

"A fine knife!"

Sakumo Hatake did not refuse. He took the long sword, drew it, and channeled chakra into the blade. The smooth, silky feel of it made him exclaim in delight.

"This knife is still missing one last step. We'll start working on it after our senior comes back to the village with us."

This sword is currently only a semi-finished product, lacking a suitable sword spirit. This requires Hatake Sakumo to make a trip to Turtle Island, use the real waterfall there to cut off the dark side, and then seal the core of the dark side into the sword, so that it can become one with himself and the sword.

"Um!"

Sakumo Hatake didn't ask about the specifics, but he couldn't help but admire the magnanimity of Kumogakure. No wonder so many people who joined Kumogakure became true Kumogakure people.

Even Tsunade and Nawaki, who hadn't died, switched their allegiance to Kumogakure, and even went to their clan's territory to bring their clansmen to join them.

Everyone ate, drank, and chatted, and the banquet lasted until late at night.

The next day, the Third Raikage brought Tamura Hiroshi to a stone house created using Earth Release techniques.

Kikyo Castle has been completely destroyed. The mountain itself was almost destroyed, and all the buildings have been reduced to ruins. Now everyone lives in simple stone houses built by the Iwagakure ninja.

The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, was already waiting inside, along with Rasa, who had just succeeded as the Fourth Kazekage, and Terumi Sora, the Fourth Mizukage.

Tamura Hiroshi glanced at Misaki Sora again, because according to the information, she had a daughter named Terumi Mei.

In addition, each of the three brought a deputy: Chiyo stood behind Rasa, Yotsuchi stood behind Onoki, and Genji stood behind Terumi Sora.

"Everyone, what do you think should be done about signing this ceasefire agreement?"

After the Third Raikage sat down, Onoki spoke first, indicating that everyone should speak up, as the purpose of this gathering was to discuss the ceasefire agreement to be signed with Konoha.

A ceasefire is necessary. This Ninja World War was too brutal. All five major ninja villages suffered heavy losses. Even the Hidden Cloud Village had many wounded and killed, with many missing limbs. Such injuries are tantamount to being crippled.

However, the terms of the ceasefire agreement need to be carefully discussed.

"Konoha must hand over the Tailed Beasts they stole."

Mikiku said angrily, "The losses suffered by Kirigakure this time are too great. We don't know how long it will take to recover."

Most importantly, there is a lack of high-end power, which is very difficult to make up for. At present, we can only try to find a solution with the tailed beasts. The Three-Tails, which was taken away by Konoha, must be taken back.

"I also want to take back the Four-Tails that was taken by Hiruzen Sarutobi, but they definitely won't hand it over. Moreover, Fugaku Uchiha and Tokisui Senju, who possess the Seven-Tails and Eight-Tails respectively, have escaped, and Danzo Shimura, who took the Three-Tails, has also run away. Hiruzen Sarutobi doesn't have the ability to command those three."

Onoki was also very annoyed, but he understood that he couldn't make Konoha hand it over, mainly because Konoha still maintained enough high-end power, especially Minato Namikaze.

Konoha suffered even greater losses this time, and they certainly won't hand over the tailed beasts they've acquired, which is a major challenge.

"Raikage, it seems Konoha used a sealing technique from the Uzumaki clan to split the Nine-Tails in two, creating two Nine-Tails Jinchuriki with immense power. Could you offer this sealing technique for trade?"

After exchanging a few words in hushed tones with Chiyo behind him, Rasa asked a question.

Their Sunagakure village is also in dire need of Kage-level shinobi. One person alone is not enough. The One-Tailed Jinchuriki is also getting old, making it increasingly difficult to suppress the One-Tail.

Although they cut off the One-Tailed Beast's tail and limbs to create split-tailed beast jinchūriki, it also made the One-Tailed Beast increasingly violent, constantly causing trouble.

In order to maintain the seal, the Jinchuriki can only continuously refine chakra to strengthen it. Over time, their bodies will inevitably become depleted, and their lifespan will be continuously shortened.

He hopes to further weaken the One-Tailed Beast without killing it.

At the same time, he was very envious of the power that Minato Namikaze had shown and wanted to try it out himself.

Onoki and Terumi Sora also wanted to try it out, especially Onoki. Although his Dust Release was incredibly powerful, it consumed a terrifying amount of energy, and he had to carefully calculate every use, which was quite awkward.

If one could become a Jinchūriki of a Tailed Beast, or even obtain the power of Minato Namikaze, then Dust Release could be used at will.

"That forbidden technique!"

The Third Raikage's expression was solemn, and he then glanced at his disciple to his side and behind him.

Seeing the teacher looking at him, Tamura Hao explained, "That's the forbidden technique of the Uzumaki clan, the Corpse Demon Sealing Technique. It can summon the Grim Reaper to steal other people's souls and can be seen as a special kind of summoning technique."

Before her death, Mito Uzumaki used that forbidden technique to extract the soul of the Nine-Tails and seal it, along with her body, into the bodies of Minato Namikaze and Kyuuben Uzumaki, creating two Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

However, it requires a Kage-level powerhouse to perform, and in the end, one's own soul will be taken by the Grim Reaper; it is a forbidden technique used to perish together with the enemy.

Furthermore, it is very difficult to control the Grim Reaper to seal the extracted soul separately; only a powerful person like Mito Uzumaki could do it.

However, we also have a forbidden technique called the Reincarnation of the Underworld, which can strip away the soul and transfer the enemy's soul from the body to a barrier. But this forbidden technique is also very dangerous, and it is difficult for the caster's soul to return to the body.

To extract the soul of a tailed beast, at least ten Jonin would need to work together.

The existence of the Yomi Reincarnation Technique was revealed. This was the technique used by the Sound Four during the Fourth Shinobi World War, which forcibly brought the souls of Nara Shikamaru and his companions into the barrier.

"Ten Jonin!"

The group fell into thought; the price was considerable, but not unacceptable.

While a fully-fledged Jonin certainly cannot be sacrificed, this battle has resulted in the loss of many disabled ninjas, so we can start making arrangements to address this.

After discussing it, the group decided to purchase the forbidden technique.

The Third Raikage would not refuse such a deal.

Although the three great ninja villages suffered heavy losses in this Fourth Shinobi World War, they still possessed many valuable items.

Next, everyone discussed the ceasefire agreement in detail, set some conditions, and finally talked about their plans for the next Shinobi World War.

"Konoha must be destroyed; it's too dangerous to keep it alive."

Onoki grew increasingly wary of, even fearful of, Konoha.

Through this Ninja World War, they deeply realized the strength of Konoha. If it weren't for the internal discord within Konoha, even if all four of their ninja villages were combined, they would still be no match for them.

Even the strongest of the four great ninja villages, Kumogakure, is far inferior to Konoha. It's truly terrifying and must be destroyed.

If we can't do it in this Shinobi World War, we must do it in the next Shinobi World War.

"The biggest threat to us right now is Minato Namikaze. His Flying Thunder God Technique combined with the Tailed Beasts is almost unstoppable. Even if we have targeted sealing techniques and barriers, it will be difficult to completely resist him."

"If Minato Namikaze isn't eliminated, Konoha can't be destroyed."

Rasa was most wary of Minato Namikaze. He had noticed Minato during the Chunin Exams and was only wary of his talent for learning the Flying Thunder God Technique. But who would have thought that he would become the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and possess such terrifying strength in the blink of an eye.

In this respect, even Tamura Hiroshi, who is also a genius, cannot compare.

The combination of the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Tailed Beast Ball is simply too unstoppable.

Not to mention, according to the intelligence from this battle, Minato Namikaze also possessed the Mangekyou Sharingan and a bloodline limit, which was even more deadly.

Looking at the worried and fearful crowd, Tamura Hao could understand. The Tailed Beast Ball was just like the nuclear bomb in his previous life. The nuclear bomb itself was already insane, and with the addition of a teleportation service, it was simply terrifying. Anyone who faced it would have a headache.

"Space-time ninjutsu is inherently unsolvable, and we can't think of a solution either."

The Third Raikage also wore a distressed expression; the fact that these people were so wary of Konoha was exactly what he wanted to see.

The Flying Thunder God Technique isn't truly unsolvable, because it still requires a technique as a medium. Even though Minato Namikaze had a similar eye technique to Hikaru Uchiha, it still needed a medium, at most a more subtle and freer one.

The Flying Thunder God Technique can be restricted simply by destroying the medium or isolating the perception of the medium.

In some more forceful ways, one can distort or vibrate space, which can also limit the use of the Flying Thunder God Technique.

There are many methods, so Minato Namikaze is not a big threat to them.

Of course, this cannot be said aloud. What Kumogakure wants to do is to portray Konoha as the common enemy of the Four Villages Alliance, and the existence of Minato Namikaze is a good external pressure.

"Even Hao-kun's speed can't stop Namikaze Minato?"

Rasa looked at Tamura Hao. Although he had been dealing with the three Uchiha Fugaku in Yamashiro during the previous battle, he was aware of this man's achievements, and that it was this man who had held back Namikaze Minato.

"That's not called a restriction; I used Jiraiya to restrain him."

The Flying Thunder God Technique transcends the definition of speed. No matter how fast I am, I can't outrun it. In our previous clashes, Minato Namikaze had always been in control, and I could only passively defend myself.

Tamura Hao showed a helpless expression; spatial abilities are indeed quite frustrating.

"Even Miss Hikari can't be restrained?"

When Terumi Sora mentioned Uchiha Hikaru, she said that he was also a powerful user of spatial techniques.

"His talent in spatial manipulation is somewhat inferior to Minato Namikaze's, so even though he was much stronger than Minato Namikaze in the past, he still couldn't catch him, and the gap in talent has only widened over time."

The light has reached its peak, but Minato Namikaze still has great potential to be tapped.

Shaking his head slightly, Tamura Hao knew very well what Hikaru's spatial talent was all about; it was essentially stolen from Tobirama Senju.

Even Tobirama Senju himself was inferior to Minato Namikaze in terms of spatial talent, let alone the talent power he stole through a heart.

"If I had known this would happen, I should have eliminated him at all costs back then."

Clenching his fists, Rasa was extremely unwilling, and his killing intent towards Minato Namikaze grew even stronger.

"With someone like Minato Namikaze in Konoha, it's probably impossible for us to destroy him. His schemes are too ruthless."

Onoki couldn't help but marvel at Mito Uzumaki's cunning once again. It was Mito who visited their four great ninja villages and brought the First Shinobi World War to an end, and now they were still having headaches over the contingency plans left by the enemy in the Second Shinobi World War.

He truly lived up to his reputation as someone who came from the Warring States period.

"Those people from Konoha are a problem; they left behind too many backup plans."

Terumi Sora couldn't help but sigh and complain. None of the people in Konoha were easy to deal with. The First Hokage left behind his own cells, which allowed Konoha to create one Wood Release master after another. The Wood Release technique was almost rampant.

The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, left behind the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Impure World Reincarnation, both of which are incredibly powerful and difficult to counter.

Mito Uzumaki created an unsolvable Minato Namikaze, enough to intimidate other ninja villages and forcibly prolong Konoha's life.

In comparison, the four great ninja villages are far inferior, not even on the same level.

"The suppression of Konoha must continue. We cannot allow them to develop unchecked. Our four-village alliance still needs to be maintained."

The Third Raikage declared that the Four Villages Alliance must be maintained.

No single family could stand against Konoha alone; they might even be wiped out instantly. Only by uniting could they contend with Konoha.

None of the three Shadows objected to this; it was something that had to be maintained.

"We don't know which side will start the war next time. Hopefully, it won't be Konoha."

Terumi Sora was worried about this. If Konoha started the war, it would mean that they were prepared, which was not a good thing for them.

Everyone's expressions turned somber; this was the last thing they wanted to see.

"If possible, I hope that you can join us in supporting Hiruzen Sarutobi. Only with him in that position can we best limit the development of Konoha."

The Third Raikage made a timely proposal, expressing his willingness to support Hiruzen Sarutobi in securing the position of Hokage. This was also the reason why he was the first to stand up and join forces with Hiruzen Sarutobi on the battlefield.

"He was indeed a good Hokage, a good Hokage for us."

Onoki paused for a moment, then smiled.

The main reason they were able to fight Konoha to a draw in this Shinobi World War was due to the schemes of Hiruzen Sarutobi and others, who successively crippled Uzushiogakure and the Uchiha clan. In the previous battle, the Senju ninja were also wiped out by Hiruzen Sarutobi's Edo Tensei army.

However, the internal conflicts within Konoha have not yet been resolved, as Hiashi Hyuga, Fugaku Uchiha, and Tokisui Senju are still alive.

As long as these internal conflicts persist, Konoha will be unable to truly unite, and Hiruzen Sarutobi is at the heart of these conflicts.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi truly deserves the title of the strongest Hokage of all time!"

Rasa agreed, noting that the First and Second Hokage had brought Konoha to its peak during their reigns, and even Orochimaru, who had previously served as acting Hokage, had raised the strength of Konoha's elite members by at least one level.

During the Third Hokage's reign, Konoha's overall strength declined rather than increased, and the village even openly or secretly betrayed its own people.

The damage Hiruzen Sarutobi and his ilk inflicted on Konoha was greater than what the four great ninja villages had done combined; he truly deserves the title of the strongest Hokage.

"Konoha should never have a Fourth Hokage again."

Terumi Sora also expressed her support, saying that the Hokage of Konoha should only be the Third Hokage, and there is no need for a Fourth or Fifth Hokage, especially not the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.

Konoha can only be the Konoha of the Third Hokage. As for the Hokage, the four great ninja villages only recognize Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"In that case, some conditions can be appropriately lowered when signing the subsequent ceasefire agreement."

Onoki also saw the long-term benefits and believed that it was necessary to consolidate Hiruzen Sarutobi's status and position in Konoha, which was much better than taking more benefits from Konoha.

It would be even more perfect if Hiruzen Sarutobi could have tricked and killed Minato Namikaze.

(End of this chapter)