They're promoting the "Konoha threat" theory, and spouting nonsense about the Hidden

Chapter 148 Gathering in Kirigakure!

"...Let us gather in Kirigakure to discuss the grand plan for peace in the ninja world. I hope everyone will prioritize the greater good of the ninja world, set aside past grievances, and work together for this great cause..."

"Ha, trying to play peacemaker? Kirigakure certainly has a big mouth!"

The Third Raikage looked at the invitation in his hand and let out a cold laugh.

After three years of war, even someone as tough as him had to admit that Konoha was indeed the strongest ninja in the world.

Despite being outnumbered three to one, they were managed to turn the situation into a war of attrition by being outmaneuvered from all sides. In fact, thanks to the strong foundation of the Land of Fire, the stalemate has lasted until now.

Now, the war supplies that Kumogakure had accumulated before the war have been almost completely used up. Even the village's funds have flowed to Kirigakure through various roundabout routes because of the purchase of supplies from outside.

However, despite such a huge expenditure, the territory of the Land of Lightning did not increase much, which made the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning feel a little dissatisfied with the Third Raikage.

In this situation, how could the Third Raikage, who was fighting on the front lines, not feel displeased to see Kirigakure, which he had always looked down upon, taking the initiative to step forward and try to mediate the Shinobi World War?

"That's right, Dad! Why should we fight tooth and nail outside while that cowardly Shingetsu gets the credit? What peace talks? He's not worthy of them! I'd like to see how he gets out of there if we don't go!"

The future Fourth Raikage, now Yozuki Rai, immediately shouted after hearing his father's words, implying that he would teach Hozuki Shingetsu a lesson.

"Damn it! Are we not going to attend the talks? Are we just going to let that meat grinder continue to torment my life?"

The Third Raikage, enraged by his son's foolish behavior, activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode and gave his son a hard flick on the forehead.

Although Ye Yue Lei had seen this kind of sudden change of heart from his father many times before, he was still very indignant.

You've said both good and bad things, making me look like a fool.

"It's a pity I'm not strong enough... otherwise I would have given you a taste of what it's like to have your head smacked..."

Yotsuki Rai looked at the Third Raikage, his eyes flashing with a rebellious light.

At this moment, the Third Raikage was naturally unaware that his eldest son had entered his rebellious phase; he was still thinking about how to make good use of this peace truce talks.

First and foremost, it's clear that I will definitely participate in this meeting. After all, Konoha can't stand him, and neither can Kumogakure, and even the other villages like Iwagakure and Sunagakure.

The three-year-long war, with no hope in sight, had already exhausted the ninjas' energy, even without considering the consumption of resources.

All parties need a buffer period to adjust their situation and recuperate.

"However... while participation is one thing, and your Hidden Mist Village went to such great lengths to build such a grand stage, who actually performs on that stage is a matter of skill!"

The Third Raikage understood this perfectly well. Despite his dissatisfaction, he still had to attend the meeting. However, how he behaved on the scene was beyond the control of Kirigakure.

What cannot be obtained on the battlefield may be obtained at the negotiating table.

"Go and deliver this letter to both Iwagakure and Sunagakure villages!"

Upon realizing this, the Third Raikage immediately wrote two letters and handed them to the Anbu members present, instructing them to deliver them to Iwagakure and Sunagakure respectively.

If even Kumogakure couldn't hold out, then the other three great ninja villages certainly couldn't either, and they would definitely be eager to take advantage of this peace talks to regroup and recuperate.

In that case, the three-way alliance formed during this Ninja World War still has its place. The three ninja villages can band together and continue to put pressure on Konoha at the negotiating table, trying to get what they can't get on the battlefield!

"Konoha... truly has a deep foundation!"

The Third Raikage turned around, looking southwest towards Konoha, his tone wistful.

This three-way attack on Konoha can be considered the best opportunity to destroy it.

Even so, Konoha persevered, how could he not feel resentful?

After receiving the invitation from Kirigakure and the letter from Kumogakure, Iwagakure and Sunagakure, after a brief consideration, agreed to the Third Raikage's decision to maintain their alliance during the peace truce talks.

Like Kumogakure and Konoha, both sides were also weary of this bloody, grinding war and were very interested in Kirigakure's proposal for a peace truce.

Of course, it would be even better if you could bite off a piece of Konoha's flesh during this process.

Since everyone is a fox spirit, the Third Raikage's idea of ​​taking this opportunity to act as the leader of the Three Kingdoms Alliance and gather the forces of the three kingdoms to put pressure on Konoha was naturally known to Onoki and Shamon.

However, they didn't care. If the Third Raikage wanted to be the leader, so be it. After all, they acknowledged that the Third Raikage was the leader, and if they didn't, he was nothing.

Moreover, with the Third Raikage leading the charge, they can relax a bit. They can just divide the spoils after they've taken a bite out of Konoha.

-

Upon receiving the message from Tsunade in Kirigakure, Hiruzen Sarutobi was momentarily stunned before realizing that this was actually the optimal solution to end the war.

After all, war is unpredictable, and even if Kirigakure sends troops, it still cannot guarantee that Konoha will win 100%.

In this situation, holding a peace truce meeting could at least ensure that Konoha does not lose the war.

"However, Hiruzen, it is foreseeable that at the meeting to be held in Kirigakure, the three countries of Rai, Tsuchi, and Kaze will continue to maintain their alliance and keep the pressure on us."

Koharu Utatane said to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Two years ago, the Sky Ninja stole some of the forbidden techniques from the Book of Sealing from her, causing unprecedented losses to Konoha. As a result, Koharu Utatane has been at the forefront for the past few years, trying to atone for her sins.

She only returned from the front lines because a large conference was to be held to discuss and negotiate peace.

Konoha was actually somewhat aware of the alliance between Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure in diplomatic arenas.

After all, if they were in different positions, they would certainly continue to maintain their alliance in diplomatic arenas and preserve their advantage over Konoha.

Moreover, unlike on the battlefield, having an extra person on the diplomatic stage significantly boosts one's prestige.

"It's just the wailing of a loser, don't pay it any mind!"

The clattering sound of a cane approached as Shimura Danzo pushed open the door and entered, speaking coldly.

"Unless they intend to continue pouring the village's resources into that bottomless pit, this peace negotiation is bound to succeed. All the pressure along the way is nothing but bluff!"

Danzo Shimura understood this very well and knew clearly the bottom line of each village.

"Hiruzen, let me go on this trip to Kirigakure!"

Although Kirigakure did not participate in this Shinobi World War, given the precedents of the Second Raikage and the Second Hokage, and considering various variables, it is certain that the Kage of each village will not personally go to Kirigakure's headquarters.

Apart from Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura is the best choice for Konoha from every perspective.

Of course, Shimura Danzo must have had his own reasons for recommending himself in this way.

"The people are already tired of three years of war. When they realize that the war was only stopped because of my intervention, I will be one step closer to becoming Hokage..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was unaware of Danzo Shimura's thoughts. After careful consideration, he realized that Danzo Shimura was indeed the best choice, so he agreed to his request.

"Then you can go to this meeting! Nara Shikakan happens to be in Kirigakure as well, so the two of you can coordinate well. Considering the hatred with Sunagakure, Sakumo shouldn't go. Let Orochimaru go with you to bolster our morale!"

Danzo Shimura had no objection to the arrangement regarding Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Thus, after mutual discussions and communication, the peace negotiation teams from the four major ninja villages finally embarked on their journey.

Target: Kirigakure!

(End of this chapter)