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

Chapter 169 Befriend Distant Friendlies and Attack Nearby Friendlies & The End

"However, the current Impure World Reincarnation technique in Konoha was developed by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and is not the version improved by Orochimaru. Whether there is a difference in effect, and whether the resurrected dead can meet the requirements, is indeed a question..."

Hozuki Shingetsu suddenly thought of an important question.

The Impure World Reincarnation technique that he was "familiar" with in his previous life was actually mainly the version modified by Orochimaru, which was the version used by Kabuto Yakushi during the Fourth Shinobi World War.

However, Orochimaru certainly hasn't had time to improve the Impure World Reincarnation technique yet, so it's hard to say how effective it will be.

With White Zetsu cells as a foundation, Kirigakure doesn't need to worry about the effectiveness of this sacrifice. However, if the resurrected dead have incomplete strength or memories due to this ninjutsu, that would be quite ridiculous.

"Wait, Impure World Reincarnation... resurrection from the dead... immortality..."

Hozuki Shingetsu suddenly had a good idea. If this method worked, then even if the unmodified version of the Impure World Reincarnation technique that Black Zetsu obtained was flawed, he would still have a way to obtain Orochimaru's modified ninjutsu.

"Immortality... Ha, I forgot. In this world, who doesn't crave immortality? When a ninjutsu that can truly bring the dead back to the present appears, who wouldn't go crazy? Especially those in high positions."

"From the perspective of the ninja village, I certainly can't force Orochimaru to research and improve the Impure World Reincarnation technique, but this world isn't just about ninjas!"

"Trade between nations isn't limited to just between ninja villages!"

Hozuki Shingetsu turned his head to look westward, towards the direction of the Daimyo's capital, the Land of Fire, and his mood instantly soared.

-

After the peace truce meeting concluded, the representatives of the other major ninja villages, having failed to gather intelligence on Kirigakure, also decisively submitted their resignations to Kirigakure.

After all, those who can come here to represent the ninja village are all pillars of their respective families.

Now that the war is over, they cannot stay away for long. On the one hand, they need to rush back to the village to participate in various affairs, and on the other hand, they need to return to the village in person to report the gains made this time to the leaders of the various ninja villages.

Hozuki Shingetsu expressed his regret, as he had originally planned to sign an additional mutual aid treaty with Sunagakure based on the principle of befriending distant states while attacking nearby ones.

After all, judging from the map of the ninja world, the most suitable villages to form an alliance with Kirigakure are Iwagakure and Sunagakure.

Because neither of them borders Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) in the Land of Water, and they are separated by the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire, there is actually no conflict between them in terms of territorial disputes and interests. They are natural allies.

However, considering the relationship with the Five-Tails, it's estimated that Onoki will not agree to this treaty.

Or rather, the primary condition for getting him to agree would probably be the return of the Five-Tails.

However, the Five-Tails was also a necessary means for Hozuki Shingetsu to prevent the Ten-Tails from appearing in the ninja world. It was an insurance policy he left for himself after becoming a Six Paths level cultivator. Therefore, he would never hand over the Five-Tails to Iwagakure under any circumstances.

In addition, given that Hozuki Gengetsu died in the Land of Earth and Onoki's greedy and treacherous nature, Iwagakure can almost be abandoned in this regard.

The situation in Sunagakure was much better. Putting aside the geographical location between the two villages, the current Kazekage, Shamon, preferred to stay at home and farm rather than fight. It was under his guidance that Sunagakure developed the Puppet Technique and Magnet Release.

As allies, a leader who enjoys farming is naturally better than a restless leader.

Moreover, in terms of strength, Sunagakure itself is not strong. It can be said that it and Kirigakure together occupy the last place among the five great ninja villages, so there is no question of who is stronger or weaker.

In addition, the Land of Wind is resource-poor and has a strong desire to import goods, making it a natural market for Kirigakure to dump its products.

Therefore, Hozuki Shingetsu would naturally prefer to establish an alliance with Sunagakure.

However, just as Hozuki Shingetsu had finished sorting out matters related to Shimura Danzo and Black Zetsu and was about to extend an invitation to Chiyo and Ebizo according to plan, the representative of Sunagakure was the first to submit his resignation to him.

Although she said she needed to rush back to the village to oversee post-war work, Hozuki Shingetsu still noticed a hint of worry in Chiyo's eyes.

Judging from the behavior of others, Hozuki Shingetsu deduced that something big must have happened in Sunagakure, to the point that even a strong woman like Chiyo couldn't hide her emotions.

To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, Hozuki Shingetsu did not propose signing a "mutual support" treaty with Sunagakure. After all, Sunagakure wouldn't run away. He planned to observe the situation in Sunagakure for a while before bringing up the matter with them.

With Sunagakure taking the lead, representatives from Kumogakure and Konoha also bid farewell to Kirigakure.

Modibi wanted to leave this shameful place as soon as possible, while Shimura Danzo... well, he was naturally preparing to go back and launch a series of plans in full swing!

"I didn't have time to have a proper chat with Orochimaru during this meeting..."

Hozuki Shingetsu watched the departing Konoha members with a heart full of regret.

Among all the scientific research talents in the ninja world today, Orochimaru is undoubtedly the top one.

The Chakra Research Institute today has no shortage of talent, funding, or projects; what it lacks is a leader like this.

Although Orochimaru's research primarily focuses on biology, his scientific mindset is applicable to various fields, which is precisely what the Chakra Research Institute currently lacks most.

Although Orochimaru is still far from defecting from Konoha and still cherishes memories of his teacher Hiruzen Sarutobi and Konoha, that doesn't stop him from wielding a hoe to loosen the soil in Konoha!

After all, Orochimaru's obsession with immortality is growing stronger every day, and if Hozuki Shingetsu were to offer any unusual idea, there might actually be a slight possibility of it.

For example... physical suffering, mechanical ascension?

It's worth mentioning that Tsunade also left with the Konoha delegation.

According to her, she would return to the village to pick up a child, and after finishing up some remaining tasks, she would return to Kirigakure to fulfill the three-year agreement.

As for who the child she picked up was, there was no need to think too much; it was undoubtedly the young, doomed girl destined to be cuckolded, Kato Dan's niece, Kato Shizune.

Hmm... Actually, if you put it that way, in a sense, Tsunade also has a kind of widow-like quality?

(End of this chapter)