012 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

Danzo's face was as dark as a thundercloud as he stared at the smiling man seated across from him—Arashi. Internally, he was seething, wishing he could rip the man to shreds.

After winning over the higher-ups of Sunagakure, Arashi had extended an olive branch of peace to Konohagakure the very next day. This couldn't have come at a worse time for Danzo. His "Beast Cage Plan" had failed, and he was scrambling to decide whether to advance or retreat. Now, with Arashi's proposal, Danzo saw a glimmer of hope—a chance to extricate himself gracefully from this quagmire.

In truth, Danzo's overall performance in the war hadn't been bad. In the first phase, he subdued Amegakure and suppressed Hanzō of the Salamander. In the second, he heavily damaged Sunagakure and even killed the Second Kazekage, Shamon. On paper, the war seemed like a triumphant success.

However, things had fallen apart during the "injury time" phase. Ever since Arashi took over the battlefield, Konoha's forces had suffered one defeat after another. The assassination attempt had failed, and the army was now caught in a precarious position. If they continued the offensive, they lacked the supplies to sustain it, especially against a reinvigorated Sunagakure. But retreating posed its own risks—not only would it signify a failed campaign, but Sunagakure could easily ambush them along the way, potentially wiping out the entire force.

On the other hand, accepting Sunagakure's alliance at this moment had several benefits. It would guarantee the army's safe withdrawal, secure Konoha's gains in the Land of Rain, and deter Iwagakure from making any moves. It would also allow Danzo to return to Konoha as a hero, presenting himself to the Third Hokage and the elders as the man who subdued two shinobi villages—one of which was one of the Five Great Villages. He could even boast about having killed a Kazekage.

Sure, there would be questions about the sacrifices and losses during the campaign. But, as Danzo saw it, war always demanded sacrifices. Shinobi died—it was simply their way of life.

The only thing souring this otherwise perfect scenario was the man sitting across from him.

Arashi was undoubtedly poised to gain immense prestige in Sunagakure. Having rallied his village from the brink of defeat, he was consolidating power like no one before him. Now, riding high on victory, he was seeking peace. But what was the catch? What conditions would he demand?

Before Danzo could fully consider this, Arashi spoke, cutting to the chase.

"Danzo-san, it's just the two of us here. Let's not waste time with diplomatic pleasantries or empty words. Here are my terms. Take a look." He slid a sheet of paper across the table.

Danzo scrutinized it. To his surprise, the conditions weren't harsh. In fact, they even seemed to favor Konoha slightly:

Both sides will cease hostilities. Konoha and Sunagakure's forces will withdraw to their respective borders of the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. All prisoners will be released unconditionally.Sunagakure recognizes the Land of Rain as Konoha's sphere of influence and will withdraw entirely from disputes over the northern territories of the Land of Wind.Sunagakure and Konoha will establish an alliance. Diplomatic, military, and commercial actions will be coordinated between the two villages.Both sides will enhance economic and cultural cooperation, reducing trade tariffs for caravans traveling between their lands.

The list was short, yet Danzo read it repeatedly, confirming every detail. His mind raced: What is this man really after?

As if reading Danzo's thoughts, Arashi leaned back and smiled.

"Of course, this is just the preliminary agreement. The formal treaty will be signed after I officially inherit the title of Kazekage. Once my inauguration is complete, I'll personally visit Konoha to finalize the alliance."

"You're coming to Konoha?" Danzo asked, his skepticism evident.

"Of course. It's a gesture of goodwill. Besides, how many leaders do you know who stay cooped up in their villages all day?"

Danzo remained cautious. If their roles were reversed, he would never seek peace while holding the advantage. There had to be an ulterior motive.

"There's no hidden agenda here," Arashi said, his tone light yet firm. "Konoha is strong, Sunagakure is weak. Konoha is wealthy, Sunagakure is poor. A few battlefield victories don't change the overall situation. You can lose a battalion and simply send another. We don't have that luxury. Before things spiral into a cycle of mutual destruction, wouldn't it be better to turn swords into plowshares? Once I leave, feel free to retreat. I assure you, we won't pursue. You can ask around—my reputation is impeccable."

His smile took on a sly edge, almost mischievous.

In the end, Danzo relented. That very night, he ordered the retreat. Both sides celebrated the end of a grueling six-month conflict. True to their word, Sunagakure even sent carts of fresh water and food to aid Konoha's withdrawal.

...

Back in Sunagakure,

Arashi wasted no time. "Not all the forces will return to the village at once. Leave one-third stationed near Lake Tsuki. It will serve as both a security measure and the foundation for our new logistics base."

"Understood, Kazekage-sama," his subordinates replied.

"And let's establish the stationed force as a Production Corps. Karuke, you'll lead it. Focus on land reclamation, tree planting, and production development. I'll discuss the specifics with you later. Don't look so glum—it's a four-month rotation. You won't be stuck there forever."

Laughter rippled through the room.

"Yes, Kazekage-sama," Karuke replied.

Arashi continued delegating tasks. "Elder Chiyo, handle the withdrawal arrangements. Elder Ebizō, inform the Daimyō of the war's outcome and invite him to my inauguration."

By the time everything was settled, Arashi slumped back in his chair, utterly spent. For now, the war was over. Sunagakure could finally rest and rebuild.

...

In an underground cavern, a hunched figure shrouded in shadows spoke in a raspy voice.

"So, this Arashi kid has some talent, huh?"

"Yes," replied a half-faced, blackened creature. "He handled two wars with remarkable finesse."

"Hmm. Leave the Land of Wind alone for now, but keep an eye on him. What's the situation with the Tsuchikage?"

"They're ready for war."

"Then… let's not waste time. Make your arrangements. Cough! Cough!"

The weak coughing echoed through the vast, empty cave.

...

Back in Konoha,

Danzo stared at the small vial in his hand, his expression complicated. Inside was a crimson Sharingan.

"That man… he truly is remarkable," Danzo murmured, recalling Arashi's smirking face during the negotiations.

...

"I hope we can establish a good personal friendship," Arashi had said.

"Personal friendship?" Danzo had scoffed. "I would never betray Konoha's interests."

"You misunderstand. Nobody expects you to betray Konoha. Once we're allies, Sunagakure's interests will align with Konoha's. I simply hope you can speak favorably on our behalf when the time comes. To show my sincerity, please accept this."

When Danzo saw what was in the vial, he couldn't tear his eyes away.

"Is this… Kagami's?"

"It is."

"And the other eye?"

"Destroyed in the process."

"You!"

Though enraged, Danzo eventually regained his composure. Slipping the vial into his sleeve, he extended his hand toward Arashi.

"Very well, Kazekage-sama. You've earned my friendship."