Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"The Mizukage's visit is not to demand an explanation!"

The Third Hokage spoke slowly and with a somber tone: "She... wants us to choose between severely punishing Qingwu and establishing diplomatic relations with Wuyin!"

……

Chapter 267 Multiple Choice Questions

When the so-called "punishment" was mentioned, Koharu Tsurugi lowered her head as if she were ashamed.

She wasn't stupid, of course; she was just unwilling to accept it.

They were unwilling to accept that Danzo had died so easily while the "sinner" went unpunished.

"Hiruzen, is there even a need to choose?"

Mitomon Homura had completely regained the upper hand with reason, declaring, "Of course, we should establish diplomatic relations!"

“Establishing diplomatic relations with Kirigakure will not only break their external isolation, but also restrain Iwagakure and Kumogakure to some extent.”

"This is the only way to break this deadlock right now, Hiruzen!"

"As for Thousand-Handed Green Wu..."

He gritted his teeth, a look of resentment and humiliation flashing in his eyes, but he still managed to say, "I have no choice but to... compromise for now!"

"Hiruzen, we must immediately revise our decision regarding Jonin Aogo and stop the spread of those rumors that are detrimental to him!"

"The previous... disposal plan is hereby nullified!"

"Not only should they not be severely punished, but they should also... they should make a gesture of appeasement, at least on the surface."

"We must first stabilize Shuiying, achieve the goal of establishing diplomatic relations, and overcome the current difficulties before we can talk about anything else."

Upon hearing this, Xiaochun, who was switching dorms, opened her mouth as if to object.

Mitomon Yan quickly added, "As for Qingwu... we'll settle the score later!"

"..." Xiaochun, who had just switched dorms, remained silent.

No matter what happens in the future, she knows that Konoha has no other choice right now.

Faced with the survival of the village, personal likes and dislikes, and so-called rules and dignity, must all give way.

"It seems... our previous discussion of 'raising the bar but letting it go' will now have to turn into 'raising it but not letting it go,' or even 'raising a hand to appease it.'"

The Third Hokage gave a self-deprecating laugh, a bitter smile. "Send word: invite Lord Mizukage in. No, we'll go greet him ourselves. Also..."

He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength.

"In the name of the Hokage, issue a notice to lift the confinement order on Jonin Qingwu."

"Furthermore, since he has already resigned from his position as captain of the Shadow Guard, his request will be granted, but he will be compensated in other ways."

"cough……"

"Given that although he did protect his companion and there were reasons for it in this incident, his methods were excessive and his behavior was inappropriate, he is hereby given a serious warning."

"We hope he will deeply reflect on his actions and that this will not happen again!"

"Other……"

"In recognition of his past achievements and contributions to the Eastern Front and the Mist Village, his territory in the Forest of Death is hereby legalized and enshrined in the Konoha Laws!"

This was something he had promised long ago. Qingwu had promised to resolve the Yunyin matter in exchange for ownership of the Death Forest.

Although the peace talks with Kumogakure have not yet yielded any real results, the Third Hokage is no longer concerned about that.

The first half of the announcement was a perfunctory "serious warning," while the second half simply became a promise to "fulfill the commitment."

It was less of a punishment and more of a clear act of appeasement.

"Hiruzen, this..."

Mitokado felt this was too obvious; didn't the higher-ups have any pride?

"If you're going to do it, then go all out!"

The Third Hokage waved wearily, "Stop being ambiguous. Only in this way can we make our intentions clear to the Mizukage and to those forces that are watching from the sidelines..."

Konoha's attitude and... the so-called 'internal strife' never existed.

Mitokado Yan also fell silent.

He knew that the Third Hokage was making a show of things to the outside world—that Senju Seigo was still an important member of Konoha, that Konoha valued talent, and that the village was internally stable.

As for...

For the families within the village, this is a special time, and the stability of the village is the top priority.

After discussion and agreement, the instructions were disseminated one by one through the Hokage Building.

Then, the Konoha F3 tidied their clothes and went downstairs to wait for the Mizukage's arrival.

Soon, the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, arrived at the plaza in front of the Hokage Building, led by the reception staff.

The third generation leader waved his hand, and the pre-prepared drums and music began to play. He stepped forward to give a formal welcome, forcing a chrysanthemum-like smile onto his face.

"Lord Shuiying, you have come from afar. Please forgive me for not greeting you properly."

Mei Terumi nodded slightly. "You're too kind, Hokage."

She looked around and said calmly, "My purpose in coming here remains the same: to discuss the important matter of establishing diplomatic relations between Kirigakure and Konoha."

At this point, she changed the subject:

"However... while passing through your country, I heard that there seems to be some turmoil in your village recently. I wonder if it will affect important matters between our two countries."

The third generation cursed inwardly, but his smile remained unchanged.

"I apologize for the misunderstanding, Lord Mizukage. It was just a minor misunderstanding and friction within the village, which has been properly resolved and will not affect the friendship and diplomatic relations between Konoha and Kirigakure."

"Konoha is extremely sincere about the specific terms of establishing diplomatic relations, and we can begin detailed discussions at any time."

"Oh? You handled it so quickly?" Mei Terumi raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on her lips.

"I wonder how the Hokage will handle this... Well, it's ultimately your family matter, so I won't interfere."

"What are you pretending for?" Koharu Utatane, standing behind the Third Generation, couldn't help but speak up.

Mitomon Yan pulled hard on her sleeve... They've clearly come for Qingwu, don't walk right into their trap.

"It's alright. I've heard that my Shadow Guard captain has a very close personal relationship with Lord Mizukage. If you'd like to know more, I'm happy to tell you."

The third generation tried his best to maintain his chrysanthemum-like smile.

"Oh? In that case, I won't refuse."

Mei Terumi's purpose in coming was very clear, so naturally she wouldn't miss the opportunity to gather intelligence:

"Yes, I have indeed met Jonin Qingwu a few times and we have some acquaintance. I've heard that he's young and impetuous, and it's inevitable that he'll make mistakes. I wonder if the village will be... too strict with him?"

Still pretending? The Third Hokage was frustrated, but outwardly he could only go along with it:

"Qingwu is a young and promising ninja with outstanding achievements. Although his behavior was inappropriate this time, considering that there were reasons for it, the village has decided to give him a minor punishment as a warning."

"A detailed announcement regarding the handling of the situation will be released to the entire village shortly."

"A small punishment to serve as a warning?" Mei Terumi repeated, a faint smile curving her lips.

It seems that external pressure has indeed thrown Konoha into a panic.

"His Hokage is fair in rewarding and punishing, and considers the overall situation, which is admirable. With that, I am relieved. Now, regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations..."

"This way, Lord Mizukage."

Given this situation, Kirigakure, which had originally taken the initiative to establish diplomatic relations, has now become Konoha's lifeline, and Mei Terumi has completely taken the initiative in the conversation.

The Third Hokage led Mei Mizukage into the Hokage Building.

After that, they began preliminary discussions on the specific details of establishing diplomatic relations.

During the negotiations, Konoha inevitably made some concessions and reciprocal agreements in exchange for Kirigakure's support.

Finalizing the alliance and stabilizing the situation as soon as possible is Konoha's top priority!

A diplomatic incident seems to have been temporarily resolved through the "tacit understanding" between the two sides.

Konoha, feeling aggrieved, withdrew its actual punishment of Qingwu and offered him some reassurance.

Wuyin achieved its goal of supporting Qingwu and gained tangible benefits.

Qingwu, who was at the eye of the storm, seemed to have nothing to do with everything and completely disappeared from everyone's sight.

……

……

The Land of Rain, a cave stronghold of the Akatsuki organization.

Pain stood indifferently in the center, with Konan standing quietly beside him.

Orochimaru leaned against the rock wall, his golden snake eyes gleaming with amusement.

Sasori of the Red Sand remained silent, hiding among the Hiryu Koko.

Kakuzu counted the stack of banknotes he had just received, while Juzo Biwa polished his guillotine.

"Everyone knows about the news from Konoha."

Pain spoke calmly, "Danzo is dead!"

His tone was indistinguishable to others, but Xiao Nan detected a rare emotional fluctuation in it.

A few years ago, Yahiko died, and besides the fact that Hanzo, the leader of the Land of Rain, was involved, Danzo Shimura was also partly responsible.

Behind Pain's Deva Path is Nagato, who has "awakened" the Rinnegan, who is manipulating things.

Hanzo of the Salamander is dead. Konan and he originally planned to seek revenge on Danzo, but Konoha's size made it unresolved.

I never expected Danzo... to die like this?

He died at the hands of a brat from Konoha...

"Hehe... The bounty is higher, but it's also hotter to handle." Kakuzu chuckled softly.

His primary concern was naturally the bounty on the underground gold exchange, which had already risen to an unbelievable level due to the "threat" that Thousand Hands Green Wu had shown to the major powers.