044 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

"Unbelievable! What's going on with Konoha? Even Hiruzen Sarutobi himself has come to pay respects! They're giving Hanzo of the Salamander way too much credit," Yashamaru exclaimed, his surprise evident as he observed Konoha's mourning delegation.

At the forefront of the group stood Hiruzen Sarutobi, clad in solemn white robes. To show respect, even the red Hokage hat he usually wore was covered in white cloth. Behind him followed Danzo Shimura and Homura Mitokado, their expressions equally somber. Nearly a third of Konoha's high-ranking officials had come along.

"Based on reputation alone, Hanzo barely merits this kind of honor," Pakura whispered, "but I suspect the Hokage has other motives for being here."

Pakura's reasoning seemed plausible.

"Let's hold off on making assumptions. We'll adjust as needed. Come, let's greet them," Arashi said, donning a green hat draped in white cloth before heading toward Konoha's procession.

"Hokage-sama."

"Kazekage-sama."

The two leaders exchanged respectful bows, and the delegations walked side by side.

"Hanzo of the Salamander was a legendary figure, spanning eras. It's a tragic end for such a hero," Hiruzen commented as they walked.

"In times of chaos, surviving to his age is no small feat. For a shinobi, dying by the sword almost feels like fate," Arashi replied, his words deliberately ambiguous, offering little substance.

"Even so, the loss of someone as strong as Hanzo will undoubtedly affect the balance in the region," Hiruzen said, steering the conversation toward his point.

Arashi raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Please enlighten me. I haven't received any reports on the matter yet."

Could there be new trouble brewing? Arashi glanced back at Rasa, who shook his head, signaling he knew nothing.

"It's not about intelligence, just an observation," Hiruzen explained. "The people have suffered long enough from war. The northern conflict has only escalated, and now, with Hanzo gone, it's inevitable that the flames of war may spread further. I simply wish to end this chaos as soon as possible."

"Oh? Hokage-sama, such compassion! I would gladly follow your lead."

So that's his play. He wants to mediate the war between Iwagakure and Kumogakure. Fearing his own influence isn't enough to sway them, Hiruzen uses Hanzo's funeral as a pretext to meet me. With the combined authority of the Hokage and Kazekage, they might just pressure the other two into peace. What a shrewd, pacifist move.

"Then I appreciate your support. After the funeral and the Rain's new leader's inauguration, let's meet at Konoha's encampment to discuss further."

"Allow me to host instead. There's a quiet, spacious izakaya by the shores of Lake Tsuki, one of our group's properties. The chef there makes the finest grilled skewers you'll ever taste."

"Is that so? How about the evening after tomorrow?"

"I'll await your arrival with great anticipation."

...

"Lord Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and his delegation from Konoha offer their condolences…"

"Lord Kazekage Arashi and his delegation from Sunagakure offer their condolences…"

"Bow once…"
"Bow twice…"
"Bow thrice…"

As Arashi prepared to bow to the family, he glanced up slightly. Sitting before him was an elderly woman leading a group of five or six young, tearful women.

Which one's the family head? Who's the main mourner here? Arashi glanced at Hiruzen, who looked equally puzzled.

Noticing the two leaders' confusion, a Rain ninja in charge of hospitality quietly approached them.

"The woman in the center is Hanzo-sama's widow. The others are… his concubines."

Understanding dawned on both of them. They bowed slightly to the elderly widow.

Damn it, so all the money I invested in Amegakure went toward this old man's indulgences? If I'd known, I could've saved the 20 million ryo I spent on that Jashin cult mercenary and just booked him a three-day retreat instead.

The funeral committee chairman, and the future leader of Amegakure, Kanashii Kongō, began delivering a lengthy eulogy recounting Hanzo's life. Arashi struggled to stay awake through the droning speech. After what felt like an eternity, the committee finally announced a twenty-minute break before the final part of the ceremony—viewing the body.

In the side hall, Rasa reported to Arashi.

"Kanashii Kongō was Hanzo's chief bodyguard and steward. With our group's backing, he's not only inherited all of Hanzo's wealth but also secured the position of Rain's leader. He's promised not to raise taxes for ten years and has been very cooperative with our policies."

"Good. Relationships like this are worth maintaining. Make sure to send gifts on major holidays," Arashi instructed. "Also, as head of intelligence operations here, don't slack on infiltrating other factions in Amegakure. Always have a backup plan ready."

When the twenty minutes were up, everyone returned to the main hall to pay their final respects. Instead of Hanzo's body, however, they were greeted by a sealed lead coffin. On a tray in front of the coffin rested three of Hanzo's belongings: a shattered chain scythe, an old respirator, and a Rain forehead protector.

While the crowd murmured in confusion, Kanashii stepped forward to explain.

"Please remain calm. The lead coffin is necessary due to unique circumstances. Hanzo-sama carried a highly toxic black salamander venom sac implanted in his body since childhood. The assassin who killed him ruptured the sac, releasing deadly gas. Although days have passed, traces of the neurotoxin remain. For everyone's safety, we've sealed the coffin. We ask that you honor him by reflecting on these relics of his life."

After the funeral, Arashi declined Rasa's invitation to inspect factories or meet with group executives. Claiming fatigue, he canceled all plans and had Pakura prepare a bath with mugwort leaves to cleanse away any lingering misfortune.

...

Soaking in the tub, Arashi glanced toward a shadowy corner.

"Don't worry. I've checked the area with iron sand. No one else is within 800 meters. You can come out."

"One can never be too cautious." From the shadows emerged none other than Danzo Shimura.

"What's Konoha's game here? Mediating the northern conflict? You still haven't cleaned up your mess with Kirigakure in the east. And let's not forget, Nawaki is still recovering in our hospital!"

"You think I want to deal with this nonsense? This bright idea came from Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. They want to join forces with you, the Kazekage, to intimidate Iwa and Kumo into peace. Then, we'd convene a second Five Kage Summit, using the combined power of four villages to pressure Kiri into submission. No fighting, just diplomacy. It's a win-win, ending the war while boosting Konoha's international prestige."

"Huh. Not the worst idea. Done right, it might actually work. But it'll hurt my business. No war means fewer sales for my swords and canned rations."

"It's not just your business. All the sacrifices we made to achieve this fragile peace would feel like a joke if it ends with mere words intimidating everyone into submission."

Danzo's words made Arashi pause. A moment later, he burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Danzo's face darkened.

"Your complaint is misplaced."

"How so?"

"At the end of the day, it's you they'll mock, not me. I'm the Kazekage, standing beside your Hokage as an equal. No one will laugh at me."

"You—!" Danzo's face flushed red with anger.

"Calm down, calm down. No need to get worked up. To be honest, I don't entirely support this plan to mediate the war. But if you want to convince the Hokage and your council, here's how you should pitch it during our meeting the day after tomorrow…"