"This doesn't make sense. Are they setting a trap for us so openly?" Koharu muttered in confusion. Her words intrigued the clan leaders who quickly went through the scroll. Just like Koharu, they had similar doubts.
The scroll contained a request for help. Kusagakure asked Konoha's assistance to finish off their rebels. In return, they agreed to pay Konoha as per their previous deal.
Hiashi muttered in confusion, "Didn't the reports say that they have annihilated half the rebel forces at a great cost? The rest of the job should be far easier. So, why are they requesting our help now? Also…"
Tsu completed his question, "What is this previous deal? When did we reach a deal with Kusagakure?"
Everyone's eyes turned towards Shikaku, who glanced at Homura and said, "I believe Elder Homura can explain it better than ."
They followed Shikaku's gaze and realized that Homura still had the sa weird expression. Koharu asked, "What's the matter?"
Homura composed himself and replied, "It's a bit complicated…"
He sighed internally, 'I never expected that Kusa would accept this absurd proposal… Sigh, Hiruzen's decision to send Fujin was extrely good. I don't think even he anticipated this.'
He turned his gaze towards the council mbers and said, "As you know, Kusagakure had sent such a request to us earlier. However, it was more of an attempt to arm-twist us than transact fairly. Hence, Hiruzen had sent a diplomatic group led by Fujin to Kusagakure, and I had tagged along."
The clan leaders were aware of this as this information wasn't kept hidden. However, none of them were aware of what happened during discussions. Homura recounted the events of that day. Everything seed normal at first, but they were soon left speechless after learning how casually Fujin threatened and challenged them, putting the entire diplomatic delegation including Homura in grave danger. What shocked them more was how unfair the terms of his proposal were!
Homura concluded, "Due to how ridiculous the proposal was, we didn't see a need to discuss it in the council. However, I never imagined that Kusagakure would accept it soday, let alone do it a few days after we were attacked…"
Everyone nodded and began analyzing the situation deeply. As good as the reward for annihilating the rebels was, they understood that it wouldn't be straightforward.
After a few minutes, Senju Hiromasa let out a long sigh and muttered, "Kusagakure… As expected of them. They really excel in diplomacy."
Homura nodded, "Yes. That eting left bad blood between them and Fujin. Even though they would never dare to act upon it, it was extrely clear that they hated Fujin. However, Fujin's performance in the war was too intimidating. They realized the need to improve their relationship with Fujin and quickly acted.
By accepting this proposal, we will gain a large amount of resources at the mont when we need them the most. Since Fujin is the one who facilitated this deal, he'll get the credit and his reputation would improve further. In essence, they're paying to strengthen Fujin's influence in Konoha and using it to reset their relationship with him. Perhaps, they're also hedging their bets on him becoming the Hokage in the future."
Everyone agreed. There was no doubt about it. Even though it would hurt Kusa's pockets, this move was extrely well-tid! As long as Fujin stayed alive, their investnt would have multi-fold returns. Homura suddenly beca serious as he continued, "Of course, this isn't all. Their diplomacy isn't that simple."
Shikaku said, "Yeah. Along with nding ties with Fujin, this is also a test for us. We were attacked by two formidable forces. Our allies are unsure whether they can continue counting on us. Kusagakure likely shares the sa doubt. If we fail or even struggle, it'll send a ssage that we have taken a huge hit. On the other hand, an overwhelming performance will reassure our allies and keep them in check while deterring Iwagakure and Kumogakure from making any unprovoked move.
There's another aspect to this mission as well. Even if they believe the reports going out of the village to be true, they're wary of us attacking Sunagakure for revenge. If we do attack, then our losses will significantly increase which could give openings for others to exploit.
By keeping the army led by Fujin occupied in the Land of Grass, they're limiting our ability to start a war against Suna. As long as we don't go to war, our forces will stay intact and they will be more assured."
A smile appeared on the faces of most council mbers. They already didn't have the will to go to war. And, apart from Hiruzen's injuries, Konoha's forces were intact. The reports weren't lies. So, both these aspects played in their favor.
Koharu said, "If we display our strength properly here, the pressure on Sunagakure will increase further. They'll be subdued during the negotiations."
Shikaku nodded and asked, "I agree. I just wanted to confirm that there was no opposition here."
Everyone nodded. Shikaku said, "Alright, I'll order Fujin to move into the Land of Grass and crush their rebels. We'll decide whether to continue with the military exercises later."
Tsu said, "The army we sent for exercise is fairly inexperienced with most ninjas heading to war for the first ti. The leaders are new as well. Should we send reinforcents?"
Homura answered, "No, we'll look weak if we have to send reinforcents."
Shikaku agreed, "Yes. Besides, with Fujin there, the army is already too strong which compensates their lack of experience with ease. If anything, we should just wait for the news of another overwhelming victory."
Shikaku chuckled, recalling the crazy things Fujin did. Even though Kusagakure's rebels possessed decent strength, they paled in comparison to Kumo's bases which were helplessly slaughtered by Fujin. From Shikaku's perspective, sending three divisions along with Fujin was already an overkill!
Even though others weren't aware of it, they recalled Fujin's performance in the war and agreed.
A dozen kiloter away from the Fire Capital, three thousand Konoha ninjas were practicing. Fujin sat in a tent close by, surrounded by Renjiro, Hoka, Konomi, Illumi and a few other Jounins. All were staring intently at a large paper with various diagrams and words.
After so ti, Konomi comnted, "Hmm, this should be enough. I can't think of any ways to improve it even further."
Renjiro agreed but added, "There will be so flaws that we missed. However, it is not possible to perfect such a complex combination in a tent or even in exercises. We can only improve it further after testing it in war."
Everyone agreed. Fujin said, "True. Make these changes in your respective army's training. Also…"
He was cut off as a Yamanaka ninja called out from outside the tent. After getting permission, he entered and reported, "Commander, we have new orders from the village. Shikaku-sama said that Kusagakure accepted your proposal and asked for Konoha's assistance to eliminate their rebels. He wants you to lead the army to the Land of Grass and eliminate them."
Fujin frowned and wondered, 'They accepted that shitty proposal? That's weird… Reports from Konoha and the Phantom Haven said that they were winning… How did things suddenly beco so bleak?'
Fujin asked, "Do we have intel about the rebels?"
The Yamanaka ninja replied, "It is being conveyed to us as we speak. It'll be brought here as soon as we get everything. Proper scrolls might be sent later while we travel…"
Fujin nodded. Within minutes, another ninja arrived and handed Fujin so notes before clearing the tent. Only Fujin and the other four leaders were left in the tent.
Renjiro said, "This is surprising. I thought they had the upper hand… Hmm? What's the matter?"
As Fujin was reading, a weird look appeared on Fujin's face. Fujin shook his head and said, "They have the upper hand. They are just sucking up to …"
His words confused the ones in the room. Hoka asked, "What do you an? How does going to war benefit you?"
Fujin answered, "It doesn't. It's the price we'll receive to complete this. I had led the negotiation mission and the terms were very unfair for them and we ended on bad terms. So, it'll be very helpful for the village in the aftermath of the war and I'll get the credit."
Hoka's eyes widened. He replied, "I see. That makes sense."
He chuckled and added, "They must have gotten the reports of Sunagakure and Orochimaru's attack on us."
Renjiro agreed, "Yeah. Still, it's impressive how quickly they acted. As expected of a village that excels in diplomacy. How many rebel forces are left?"
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