Chapter 660: Negotiations

Land of Rain, Six Paths City.

After Orochimaru led his team into the city, they were quickly received by the Shinobi Sect.

The Shinobi Sect was, after all, the official Ninja force of the Land of Rain. Before Orochimaru and his team arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already contacted the Shinobi Sect, expressing his desire to resolve the issue through negotiations.

However, the Konoha Ninja in the negotiation team did not relax because of this.

They knew that their demands were somewhat excessive for the Shinobi Sect, and their objective meant that these negotiations would not be easy.

Considering Orochimaru and his team’s long and arduous journey, the Shinobi Sect first led them to the reception area to rest and informed them of the specific time for the negotiation meeting.

After resting for a period, Orochimaru gathered the negotiation team members for a meeting, re-emphasizing some crucial points.

“Our attitude must be firm, showing the prestige of our strongest Ninja Village,” Orochimaru said.

To make Sōsuke agree to the conditions, they had to apply sufficient pressure.

So, even if Konoha couldn’t easily deploy troops, they had to project an aura that implied, ‘If you dare to refuse, we’ll send in a large force to deal with you directly.’

“I wonder if the original Shinobi Sect in history was destroyed for this reason,” Shisui thought to himself.

From the history known from the future Yamato, besides Muzuki’s death, there were three other significant events: the Nine-Tailed disaster that caused heavy losses to Konoha, the brutal Uchiha clan massacre, and the Evil Akatsuki Organization that ran rampant and wreaked havoc on the Ninja World.

According to their calculations, Muzuki’s death should have been changed.

For the remaining three events, their idea was to try their best to change them if possible, to reduce future regrets.

Shisui and his team had ideas and were taking action regarding the Nine-Tailed Night and the Uchiha clan massacre. However, for the Evil Akatsuki Organization, they couldn’t think of how to change it, nor did they currently have the ability to do so.

There were many reasons, and one very practical reason was that they were not in the same country, making many things inconvenient.

Another reason was that this matter was extremely complex.

Before the Shinobi Sect was established, Yahiko and his team had formed the Akatsuki Organization, working for peace in the Land of Rain. During this period, the Akatsuki Organization was undoubtedly a benevolent Ninja Organization.

After the Shinobi Sect was established, Yahiko and Nagato became Sōsuke’s disciples, and the entire Akatsuki Organization joined the Shinobi Sect. The Land of Rain temporarily no longer had the Akatsuki Organization as a Ninja Organization, which was the current reality.

However, in the future where Naruto and his team resided, the Akatsuki Organization was a thoroughly evil Ninja Organization, not only seizing Tailed Beasts but also wantonly killing people.

Based on the known intelligence, Shisui and his team speculated that the birth of the later Evil Akatsuki Organization was very likely due to the Shinobi Sect’s destruction during its development.

But Shisui and his team were currently just a few Konoha Jonin with some strength; they lacked the ability to influence the existence or demise of a Ninja force like the Shinobi Sect.

What was even more critical was that Konoha was the one in conflict with the Shinobi Sect.

As Konoha Ninja, shouldn’t they support Konoha instead of siding with the Shinobi Sect?

The mission came suddenly, and Shisui didn’t even have time to discuss it with Kakashi and the others before being sent to the Land of Rain.

At three in the afternoon, the Shinobi Sect Ninja arrived at the reception area on time, leading the Konoha negotiation team to the Shinobi Sect conference room.

Upon reaching the building, the assembled Shinobi Sect negotiation team met the Konoha negotiation team.

The Shinobi Sect Ninja leading the way stopped and briefly introduced the Shinobi Sect negotiation team.

Orochimaru took this opportunity to size up the Ninja of the Shinobi Sect negotiation team.

The leader was Kakuzu, the second-in-command of the Shinobi Sect.

Generally, a leader would not personally participate in such negotiations, so Kakuzu’s participation already indicated the Shinobi Sect’s seriousness regarding this matter.

Besides Kakuzu, Orochimaru noticed that Nagato, known as the Ninja World’s greatest genius, was also present.

“Hearing about it is not as good as seeing it. You truly live up to the title of Sannin bestowed by Hanzo, your presence is extraordinary,” Kakuzu said with a chuckle.

“Not at all. I can’t compare to Senior Kakuzu. When you made a name for yourself in the Ninja World, I hadn’t even finished my Ninja Academy studies. It’s an unexpected stroke of luck to be able to converse with you today,” Orochimaru retorted subtly.

If it were the former Hanzo, then Kakuzu’s words would be considered praise.

But later, Hanzo broke his promises and was defeated by Sōsuke, and now they were in the Land of Rain, clearly mocking them for not defeating Hanzo back then.

So, Orochimaru was naturally not praising Kakuzu for his early fame, but rather calling him an old geezer.

Kakuzu didn’t get angry, walking calmly into the conference room.

Orochimaru said nothing more, leading his team into the conference room.

Shisui originally intended to sit in the middle of the long side of the conference table; he was too young and lacked seniority.

Before he could reach it, Orochimaru called out to him and arranged for him to sit to his left.

Although Shisui wasn’t entirely clear on Orochimaru’s intention, he still sat down as ordered, as Orochimaru was the captain.

“According to our investigation, our former Hokage Assistant from Konoha was killed by your leader, Sōsuke, during a friendly visit to Amegakure. May I ask, does the Shinobi Sect intend to go to war with Konoha?” Orochimaru took the initiative, questioning with a cold expression.

Although Danzo Shimura’s trip to Amegakure was a private action, for negotiations, one always had to present things favorably for oneself.

From the moment Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to resolve the issue through negotiations, Danzo Shimura was no longer acting privately but was on an “friendly visit” with official Konoha endorsement.

Kakuzu almost laughed in anger when he heard Orochimaru’s words. A friendly assassination, was it?

“So, carrying out assassination missions in Konoha is considered a friendly visit? This is truly the first time I’ve heard that,” Kakuzu said with a smile, his expression gradually becoming serious.

“Don’t you Konoha know why Danzo Shimura was killed? He attempted to assassinate our leader. Fortunately, our leader was more skilled and killed Danzo Shimura in return; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”

“Whether the Shinobi Sect goes to war with Konoha depends on Konoha!”

If Kakuzu had been present, he would have stopped Sōsuke from killing Danzo Shimura, but since things had come to this, and Sōsuke had also stated that he had the power to protect the Shinobi Sect, there was no need to give Konoha face. Just do it.

Orochimaru frowned slightly, a little surprised.

The Shinobi Sect’s attitude was too firm, unbelievably so.

A Ninja Organization with only a few hundred Ninja, even with Amegakure, wouldn’t exceed two thousand Ninja. How could they have the courage to challenge a behemoth like Konoha?

Konoha could not only crush the Shinobi Sect in terms of Ninja numbers, but its Ninja quality also far surpassed that of a small force like the Shinobi Sect. It was an all-around crushing victory.

Orochimaru’s mind raced. Kakuzu’s unexpectedly firm attitude disrupted his negotiation plan.

He originally intended to use his power to pressure the Shinobi Sect and Sōsuke into submission, but Kakuzu’s demeanor suggested he wasn’t afraid of going to war with Konoha.

This made things very difficult, as Orochimaru couldn’t truly declare war on the Shinobi Sect on behalf of Konoha. He didn’t have that authority, and his mission didn’t allow him to do so.

“Oh, it seems the Shinobi Sect was well-prepared,” Orochimaru said while pondering, not remaining silent.

Silence at this point would indicate cowardice; even if negotiations broke down, they absolutely couldn’t back down.

“It’s Konoha that’s prepared, isn’t it? Our Shinobi Sect has been the victim from beginning to end in this matter,” Kakuzu sneered.

Orochimaru’s frown deepened.

“Is that so? Our current Hokage Assistant, Hayate Mugetsu, personally witnessed Sōsuke trying his utmost to kill Danzo Shimura, as if fearing to leave any survivors.”

Nagato:…This meeting, in a sense, was a bit of a torment for him.

“If you continue to distort facts and evade, today’s negotiations don’t need to continue,” Kakuzu vaguely sensed Orochimaru’s bottom line.

Although Orochimaru spoke harshly, under Kakuzu’s firm attitude, Orochimaru had not yet turned hostile, indicating that Orochimaru’s side might also not want to go to war.

“If the Shinobi Sect continues to lack sincerity, then there’s indeed no need for negotiations to proceed. I will truthfully report the Shinobi Sect’s attitude to the Hokage,” Orochimaru said indifferently.

“Konoha is willing to give opportunities to neutral organizations like the Shinobi Sect, but Konoha won’t keep giving opportunities.”

The Shinobi Sect’s attitude was truly strange. Orochimaru estimated that this mission would likely fail.

“Since things have come to this, let’s stop beating around the bush and be frank,” seeing that Orochimaru was about to throw caution to the wind, Kakuzu decided to get a clear answer.

“Since Konoha first sent people to negotiate, you probably also don’t want a war to happen. What exactly do you want? Just state it clearly.”

“A life for a life. If Sōsuke commits suicide, Konoha will consider this matter never happened,” Orochimaru thought for a moment and then stated his demand directly.

With Kakuzu’s attitude, normal negotiations were impossible. If he didn’t say it now, he wouldn’t get another chance.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

A terrifying aura erupted from Nagato, and a powerful Chakra stirred up a gust of wind, blowing away the documents on the negotiation table.

Even though he knew that even if “Sōsuke” committed suicide, Muzuki should be fine, an inexplicable surge of anger still ignited within Nagato.

This reminded him of the memory of the early days of the Shinobi Sect, when Hanzo lured and ambushed them.

At that time, Hanzo, from his lofty position, tried to use the Shinobi Sect as a threat to force Muzuki to commit suicide.

Nagato at that time couldn’t control the power of the Rinnegan and wasn’t very strong. He still couldn’t forget the feeling of powerlessness when Muzuki was injured trying to save him.

Now, Orochimaru was again trying to force Muzuki to commit suicide from a high-and-mighty position. How could Nagato not be angry?

“He’s gotten so much stronger than before.”

Shisui considered Nagato as a hypothetical enemy and realized that even with his Mangekyo Sharingan, he would find it very difficult to defeat Nagato.

Because his Tsukuyomi might not have a good effect on Nagato; Nagato’s eyes were the legendary Sage’s Eyes.

“Such powerful Chakra,” Orochimaru thought in surprise. He actually felt a significant threat from this young man, Nagato.

Who was he? He was one of Konoha’s top combat forces. How old was Nagato? Fifteen? Or sixteen?

Terrifying, Orochimaru could only use this word to describe Nagato’s Ninja talent.

The title “Ninja World’s Greatest Genius,” which seemed like an over-the-top compliment, felt quite fitting for Nagato.

“It seems the Shinobi Sect was indeed well-prepared,” Orochimaru said, giving Nagato a deep look.

“Nagato has a high threshold for humor; he can’t stand low-level jokes. Please forgive him,” Kakuzu said leisurely.

Negotiations? What was there to negotiate?!

The Shinobi Sect could not do without Sōsuke for anyone. Let alone Sōsuke himself, Kakuzu would never agree to such a foolish condition.

“Then can I understand that the Shinobi Sect refuses to resolve the issue through negotiation?” Orochimaru asked.

“As long as Konoha’s demands remain unchanged, there’s nothing to discuss,” Kakuzu couldn’t be bothered to argue further with Orochimaru.

“Aren’t you going to report to Sōsuke first?”

Logically, for such a major diplomatic incident, Kakuzu should not have the final say.

“You Konoha really meddle in everything,” Kakuzu did not answer Orochimaru’s question.

At this point, the negotiations could no longer continue. Kakuzu and Orochimaru stood up one after another, and their subordinates followed suit, leaving the conference room.

Orochimaru did not return to the Shinobi Sect’s reception area but instead led his team directly back to Konoha.

It wasn’t that he was worried the Shinobi Sect would ambush them; in wartime, envoys are generally not harmed, and the lives of negotiation personnel are usually not endangered.

Orochimaru felt that the Shinobi Sect’s attitude was too strange and needed to report to Hiruzen Sarutobi and conduct an investigation as soon as possible.

On the way, Orochimaru didn’t forget to comfort Shisui to gain favor, saying that failure in such a mission was nothing to worry about and the fault wasn’t with those who carried out the mission.

Unfortunately, Shisui wasn’t in the mood to listen to Orochimaru’s comfort; he was thinking about the Shinobi Sect.

“If this continues, the Shinobi Sect will be destroyed, and the surviving Ninja might form the Evil Akatsuki Organization. What should I do…?” Shisui fell into deep thought.

He didn’t know why the Shinobi Sect could be so firm, but no matter what, the Shinobi Sect could not be Konoha’s opponent; the power gap between them was too vast.

Later history also proved that the Shinobi Sect’s ending was not good; neither Naruto nor Yamato ever mentioned the Shinobi Sect as a force.

If Nagato and his team were inherently evil, the matter would be easy to handle: act preemptively and nip them in the bud.

But the Shinobi Sect was not evil; on the contrary, the Shinobi Sect was a highly praised Ninja Organization in the Land of Rain and the Ninja World, which made things very complicated.

Should he just watch a group of peace-loving good people endure hardship and eventually turn into terrorists?

“Perhaps I should confess to Teacher Muzuki about changing the future,” Shisui thought.

Muzuki’s attitude towards the future was subtle; he refused Minato Namikaze to seal his memories, yet he never asked Uzumaki Naruto and his team about future events.

Kakashi and his team couldn’t fathom Muzuki’s thoughts, and coupled with the fact that future information was secretly obtained without Muzuki’s knowledge, these disciples had always been silently working hard while keeping it from Muzuki.

Now that they had already changed much of the future, even if Muzuki had objections, he couldn’t go back in time to change history.

Moreover, Shisui felt that with Muzuki’s personality, he probably wouldn’t want to see a benevolent Ninja Organization suffer and turn dark.

As the Hokage Assistant, Muzuki could do far more than Shisui and his team.

Just being able to voice opinions in high-level meetings was something Shisui and his team could never achieve.

Of course, if Muzuki also failed to prevent all this from happening, Shisui would still find a way to nip the Evil Akatsuki Organization in the bud.

He wasn’t close to the Shinobi Sect Ninja, but Asuma, who would be killed by the Akatsuki Organization, was his friend.