LRAB Chapter 131 I want Hiruzen Sarutobi to come and sign the surrender document in person!
Chapter 131 I want Hiruzen Sarutobi to come and sign the surrender document in person!
Chapter 131 I want Hiruzen Sarutobi to come and sign the surrender document in person!
Gojiki Makoto successfully seduce Mizuki Hiiro.
Whether from the village's perspective, from the perspective of medical care, or from her own perspective, Mizuki Hyo could not refuse Makoto Kajitachi.
The ninja world has never been a warm and fuzzy fairy tale world, especially for Kirigakure.
Power is the only truth.
Now, with a brand new path to power and a huge threat looming ahead, Mizuki Hyo naturally wouldn't refuse Kariji Makoto.
Of course, Makoto Kuraki did not completely hand over the research on White Zetsu to Hyo Minazuki.
He also created a shadow clone to study the matter with Mizuki Hyou.
Although he was a beginner, Makoto Karatachi, who possessed the Sharingan, had an almost photographic memory. Coupled with the near-maximum talent brought by the Rinnegan, all of this allowed Makoto Karatachi to learn at a rapid pace.
"Third Mizukage, the Third Mizukage has entrusted this matter entirely to Makoto Karatachi, but Makoto Karatachi is completely refusing to accept our request for peace talks."
Grass and Fire Border, Leaf Village Position.
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned as he looked at Narayama, who had briefly returned using reverse summoning.
"His attitude was very firm. He only accepted Konoha's surrender and refused to negotiate at all. Secondly, he was very dissatisfied with the amount of compensation we offered, believing that it was far from meeting his expectations."
"I tried threatening him with war, but he didn't care at all."
"They even said—if Konoha doesn't surrender, then we'll fight until Konoha surrenders!"
Narayama's words were like a boulder thrown into already stagnant water.
The air inside the tent seemed to freeze instantly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand holding the pipe froze in mid-air, and for the first time, a kind of almost absurd shock was clearly reflected in his deep eyes, which had weathered countless storms.
Akimichi Torifu behind him also suddenly raised his head, his face filled with disbelief.
"That damned bastard, does he really think Konoha is helpless?!"
One of the more hot-tempered Jonin, his face contorted with rage, couldn't help but growl, "The intelligence department has sent over the latest battle report from Kirigakure. Their forces are almost wiped out. If it really comes to war, who's afraid of whom?!"
"That's right, Makoto Karatachi is just trying to take advantage of Kazama Kazuya's momentum to make exorbitant demands. Third Hokage, we absolutely cannot give in!"
"A mere brat, relying on some strange abilities, dares to be so arrogant! Who does he think he is? Does he really think he's Madara Uchiha?!"
The people in the command center reacted strongly, and even Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing in them.
He really wanted to see just how strong the guy who killed Fugaku and Jiraiya really was!
"That's enough!"
A deep shout came from Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouth, and the tent fell silent.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath and looked at Mount Nara.
"Go tell Makoto Karatachi that Konoha has agreed to his conditions!"
"Sandaime!"
"Hiruzen!"
Everyone present was shocked. Akimichi Torifu stared at his companion in disbelief, unable to believe that these words could come from his mouth.
In its nearly fifty-year history, Konoha has experienced numerous wars and three Hokage, and has never surrendered.
now.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage who served the longest, was hailed as the professor of ninjutsu, and was praised as the strongest Hokage, actually uttered the words "surrender"!
This is a blatant trampling of Konoha's decades of glory and countless sacrifices!
"Hiruzen, do you know what you're saying?"
Akimichi Torifu's voice trembled with disbelief: "Surrender? Surrender to Kirigakure? Do you know what that means?!"
This means that Konoha has conceded defeat in a direct war for the first time since the village's founding.
This means that the Land of Fire will suffer an unprecedented humiliation.
This means that the village's morale, prestige, and even its status and influence in the ninja world for the next few years will suffer a devastating blow!
It also means————
Hiruzen Sarutobi will become the first Hokage in Konoha's history to sign a surrender agreement, forever nailed to the pillar of shame!
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent.
The embers in his pipe flickered, reflecting the deep, weary wrinkles on his face.
How could he not know the price involved?
But as Hokage, he had to make the most rational, ruthless, and painful choice for the entire Hidden Leaf Village and the country.
"Fetch the wind, and all of you—"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was slow and heavy, as if each word weighed a ton.
Do you think I wanted this?
"Look at where we are now, look at the situation we face."
"Iwagakure is unleashing its full firepower, Kumogakure's army is pressing in, and Sunagakure is waiting for an opportunity to strike. On the eastern front, we've suffered a complete rout!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept over every face in the tent.
"Our Konoha is being besieged by the four great ninja villages! And it's an unprecedented, almost simultaneous, all-out war!"
"Our forces are stretched thin, our resources are nearing depletion, and our ninjas—have shed too much blood!"
"What will be the result if we continue fighting?"
"It's a complete collapse! The nation's borders have been breached! Villages have been burned! Our children, wives, and parents have been slaughtered and enslaved! Konoha's fifty-year foundation has been destroyed in an instant!"
The tent was deathly silent.
Only Hiruzen Sarutobi's heavy breathing and the faint groans of wounded soldiers coming from outside could be heard.
"Makoto Koji—he saw that."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice lowered again, carrying a deep sense of powerlessness.
"He doesn't care about peace talks or reparations at all. What he wants is for us to surrender, to use Konoha's shame to solidify his own and Kirigakure's reputation, to pave the way for Yagura Karatachi's rise to power, and to completely break Konoha's backbone!"
"He wields two pairs of Mangekyou Sharingan, his strength is unfathomable, and he acts with utter recklessness. He can repeatedly launch surprise attacks on our rear, assassinate our Jonin, and destroy our supplies, while we—cannot defend against him, cannot catch him, and cannot afford to waste time!"
"If we don't surrender, he will be like the deadliest venomous snake, slowly bleeding us dry until we bleed to death, and then we will be devoured by other covetous ninja villages!"
The faces of everyone inside the tent grew increasingly grim.
The Mangekyou Sharingan, a space-time ninjutsu, is far too troublesome. If Makoto Karatachi is really as Hiruzen Sarutobi said, then that kind of ending will probably be what awaits them.
Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes, took a deep drag of his cigarette, and slowly exhaled.
Amidst the swirling smoke, he seemed to have aged several years.
"Therefore, we have no choice."
"Surrender, though shameful and at a great cost, will at least preserve the foundation of Konoha, the base of the Land of Fire, and the lives of most of our ninjas and citizens."
"As long as we are alive, as long as the village is alive, as long as the Will of Fire is alive—we still have a future, and we still have a chance for revenge."
He opened his eyes, and there was no longer any hesitation or struggle in them, only a resolute calm.
"A moment of humiliation is better than permanent destruction."
"Everyone, for Konoha, for the future—"
"I'll take the blame!"
Akimichi Torifu opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he just sighed heavily, slumped back into his chair, and clenched his fists until they turned white.
Orochimaru's golden vertical pupils flickered slightly, as if he were lost in thought.
The other Jonin also fell silent.
They may be angry, they may be resentful, but as battle-hardened ninjas, they understand reality better than anyone else.
As the war has dragged on, Konoha has indeed reached its limit.
Goujucheng is like the last straw that broke the camel's back; if he continues to hold on, he may really face the worst possible outcome.
"Nara Mountain."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at his Nara Mountain.
"You shall immediately return to the front lines of Kirigakure and meet with Makoto Karatachi."
"Tell him that Konoha accepts his terms."
"We surrender."
Every word was like a knife cutting through the old Hokage's throat.
"However, the specific terms of the surrender agreement must be finalized through formal talks between the high-level officials of both sides. The location and time should be determined as soon as possible."
"in addition----"
"A complete ceasefire must be implemented before the agreement is signed. Kirigakure must not launch any further offensive military operations; otherwise, Miyo will consider the agreement invalid and will be prepared to destroy everything in its path!"
This is the bottom line.
Surrender is acceptable, but you cannot be bled dry during the surrender process.
Narayama nodded solemnly: "Understood, Third Boss. I will convey your meaning completely."
"Go."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, as if he had used up all his strength.
Narayama bowed, then turned and quickly left.
The tent fell silent once again.
After a long silence, Akimichi Torifu spoke hoarsely: "Hiruzen, even if we surrender, we must try our best to secure the terms of the agreement. Compensation,..."
Ceding territory and restricting military spending—that brat Makoto Karatachi will definitely ask for an exorbitant price.
"I know."
"But we had no choice, and neither did Konoha—"
Carrying Hiruzen Sarutobi's decision, Narayama returned to Kirigakure using the Reverse Summoning Technique and visited Makoto Karatachi once again.
"Lord Cheng."
Narayama walked up to Makoto Karatachi and bowed slightly.
-
"Oh, you're back?"
Makoto Kuraki raised an eyebrow: "So, has your strongest Hokage made up his mind?"
Narayama took a deep breath, looked directly into Makoto Karatachi's slightly mocking eyes, and slowly nodded.
"The Third Hokage agrees to your terms."
"Konoha, accept our surrender."
Even though he had expected it, a barely perceptible look of surprise still flashed in Makoto Karatachi's eyes when those words actually came out of Nara Yamaguchi's mouth.
Hiruzen Sarutobi — he really knows how to endure.
In order to preserve the foundation of Konoha, they were willing to swallow even such a humiliating disgrace.
No wonder he was able to sit in the Hokage position for decades and survive two Shinobi World Wars.
He's ruthless, ruthless to himself and to the village.
"very good."
Makoto Koji poured Narayama a cup of tea: "It seems the Third Hokage is a sensible man. So, what are the specific terms?"
"The Third Hokage means that the specific terms of the surrender agreement must be finalized through formal talks between the high-ranking officials of both sides. The location and time should be decided as soon as possible."
Narayama relayed Hiruzen Sarutobi's request verbatim.
"Furthermore, a complete ceasefire must be implemented before the agreement is signed. Kirigakure must not launch any further offensive military operations; otherwise, Konoha will consider the agreement invalid and will be prepared to destroy everything in its path."
"Oh?"
Gouju Cheng put down the teapot, leaned back slightly in his chair, crossed his hands over his abdomen, and wore a half-smile on his face.
Narayama forced himself to maintain a calm expression and said in a deep voice, "Lord Sei, surrender and peace talks are essentially both about ending the war. They are just different in form. Konoha can accept the fact of surrender, but the specific terms such as reparations and post-war arrangements still need to be discussed and agreed upon in detail by both sides. This is to be responsible to each other and to avoid future troubles."
"As for a complete ceasefire, it is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring that negotiations can proceed without interference. If negotiations continue while the fighting continues, what is the point of the negotiations? Surely Lord Cheng doesn't want an agreement to be nullified because of conflicts on the front lines?"
He paused, his tone becoming even more sincere: "The Third Hokage has already shown the utmost sincerity. In the nearly fifty years since Konoha was founded, this is the first time—we have accepted such conditions. We urge Lord Sei to show him the appropriate respect."
"respect?"
Gouju Cheng chuckled softly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table.
"Lord Nara, you are a clever man, and you speak eloquently. However—have you forgotten that it is now your Konoha that is begging me to accept your surrender?"
"The initiative is in my hands."
"I can accept surrender, or I can—continue fighting."
"We will defeat Konoha until it completely collapses, defeat Iwagakure and Kumogakure's armies until they trample your borders, defeat you until you don't even have the right to sit down and negotiate!"
The cold words, the undisguised murderous intent and oppressive feeling, instantly sent a chill down Narayama's spine.
He had no doubt that the young Mist Hero, Water Shadow Blade, was capable of doing such a thing.
This is a monster who doesn't play by the rules, uses bizarre methods, and has enough power to put threats into practice!
"Lord Cheng————"
Narayama wants to try again.
But Makoto Koji waved his hand, interrupting him.
"However, considering that Hiruzen Sarutobi is somewhat sensible, I can give him face."
"I accept the surrender. As for the terms of the agreement, I agree that they should be finalized through talks between the high-ranking officials of both sides. Let's set the time for three days from now. The location will be the Land of Waves, which is neutral and convenient."
"but."
Gouju Cheng abruptly changed the subject, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"From Konoha's perspective, Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi must personally attend the negotiations and personally sign and affix his seal to the final surrender agreement!"
"What?!"
Narayama's expression changed drastically.
Have the Hokage personally attend and sign the surrender agreement?!
This is not just surrender; it is to trample Hiruzen Sarutobi and the dignity of Konoha underfoot and expose it to the world!
"Lord Cheng, this...this is far too harsh!" Narayama exclaimed urgently. "Negotiations can be conducted by a representative fully authorized by the Hokage—"
"I only want Hiruzen Sarutobi."
Goji Makoto's voice was firm and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Narayama, you can take my words back verbatim."
"Either he comes in person and signs it himself, or—we'll continue fighting."
"6
""
Mount Nara fell silent.
Looking into Makoto Goji's calm yet unfathomable eyes, he knew that saying anything more would be futile.
The other party has made up their mind; this is the bottom line.
"I see."
"I will report Lord Sei's request to the Third Hokage word for word."
"Then, I'll take my leave."
Konoha Command Center.
When Narayama returned with Makoto Karatachi's latest terms, the tent fell into a deathly silence once again.
It was more oppressive and suffocating than before.
"This is outrageous!!!"
A hot-tempered Jonin named Akimichi slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly: "How dare Makoto Karatachi make such demands? How dare he humiliate me like this!"
"This is an insult! A blatant insult!"
"We absolutely cannot agree to this! We'd rather fight him to the death!"
Inside the tent, the crowd was filled with righteous indignation. Almost all the Jonin had flushed red faces, their eyes burning with the flames of humiliation.
Having the Hokage personally sign the surrender document is ten or even a hundred times worse than simply surrendering in defeat!
This will become an indelible stain on Konoha, a shameful mark that Hiruzen Sarutobi will never be able to shake off in his career and even his entire life!
Hiruzen Sarutobi himself, however, remained unusually calm.
He sat there quietly, puffing on his pipe, the smoke obscuring his expression.
Only his slightly trembling fingers holding the pipe betrayed that his inner peace was not as calm as it appeared.
"Hiruzen, this condition—we absolutely cannot agree to it!"
Akimichi Torifu's voice trembled, a mixture of anger and heartache.
"You are the Hokage! The symbol of Konoha! If you personally sign that document—the soul of Konoha will be shattered!"
Orochimaru's golden, vertical pupils flashed with a cold light, and his hoarse voice rang out: "Teacher, perhaps we can try another plan. Let's use the opportunity of negotiation to set a trap and capture Makoto Karatachi—"
He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.
A decapitation strike.
If we can eliminate Makoto Karatachi, the threat from Kirigakure will be greatly reduced, and Konoha's desperate situation will take a turn for the better.
"it's useless."
Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke, his voice hoarse and weary.
"Orochimaru, do you think that young man wouldn't think of what you can think of?"
"Since he dared to designate the Land of Waves and send me there personally, he must have made thorough preparations."
"Don't forget his abilities. The chances of successfully ambushing or assassinating him using conventional methods are extremely slim. If we fail, the consequences of angering him are something we cannot afford."
He slowly exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, and through the smoke, his gaze seemed to pierce through the tent, looking towards some distant place.
"He wants me to go. He wants me to personally sign the humiliation of Konoha."
"Only in this way can we strike at Konoha's morale and prestige to the greatest extent possible, and allow Kirigakure, Yagura Karatachi and Makoto Karatachi to climb to higher positions by stepping on Konoha's and my reputation."
Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe and looked around the tent.
"Gentlemen, I know you are not reconciled, and neither am I."
"However, the moment we decided to surrender, we lost our bargaining power."
"The current Konoha has no right to say no."
"Makoto Kuraki saw this, so he can set conditions at will, and we—have no choice but to accept them."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, his already thin body appearing even more hunched over, but his eyes gradually hardened.
"If my shame can ensure the survival of Konoha, the safety of most people, and the hope for the future—"
'
"Then, I'll bear this shame."
"I'll sign this!"
"Sandaime!!"
The crowd cried out in grief.
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.
"Nara Mountain."
"exist."
"Reply to Makoto Karatachi: Konoha accepts all of his conditions."
"I will personally attend the Land of Waves in three days."
"Let him prepare the agreement!"
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