"This doesn''t make sense. Are they setting a trap for us so openly?" Koharu muttered in confusion. Her words intrigued the n leaders who quickly went through the scroll. Just like Koharu, they had simr 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 annihted 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…"


    Tsumepleted his question, "What is this previous deal? When did we reach a deal with Kusagakure?"


    Everyone''s eyes turned towards Shikaku, who nced at Homura and said, "I believe Elder Homura can exin it better than me."


    They followed Shikaku''s gaze and realized that Homura still had the same weird expression. Koharu asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Homuraposed himself and replied, "It''s a bitplicated…"


    He sighed internally, ''I never expected that Kusa would ept this absurd proposal… Sigh, Hiruzen''s decision to send Fujin was extremely good. I don''t think even he anticipated this.''


    He turned his gaze towards the council members 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 n 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 seemed 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 ept it someday, 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 annihting 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 meeting left bad blood between them and Fujin. Even though they would never dare to act upon it, it was extremely clear that they hated Fujin. However, Fujin''s performance in the war was too intimidating. They realized the need to improve their rtionship with Fujin and quickly acted.


    By epting this proposal, we will gain arge amount of resources at the moment 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 rtionship with him. Perhaps, they''re also hedging their bets on him bing the Hokage in the future."


    Everyone agreed. There was no doubt about it. Even though it would hurt Kusa''s pockets, this move was extremely well-timed! As long as Fujin stayed alive, their investment would have multi-fold returns. Homura suddenly became serious as he continued, "Of course, this isn''t all. Their diplomacy isn''t that simple."


    Shikaku said, "Yeah. Along with mending 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 same doubt. If we fail or even struggle, it''ll send a message 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 vige 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 upied 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 members. 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 yed in their favor.


    Koharu said, "If we disy 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 exercisester."


    Tsume said, "The army we sent for exercise is fairly inexperienced with most ninjas heading to war for the first time. The leaders are new as well. Should we send reinforcements?"


    Homura answered, "No, we''ll look weak if we have to send reinforcements."


    Shikaku agreed, "Yes. Besides, with Fujin there, the army is already too strong whichpensates theirck 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 inparison to Kumo''s bases which were helplessly ughtered 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 kilometer 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 arge paper with various diagrams and words.


    After some time, Konomimented, "Hmm, this should be enough. I can''t think of any ways to improve it even further."


    Renjiro agreed but added, "There will be some ws that we missed. However, it is not possible to perfect such aplexbination 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 vige. Shikaku-sama said that Kusagakure epted 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 epted that shitty proposal? That''s weird… Reports from Konoha and the Phantom Haven said that they were winning… How did things suddenly be 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 sentter while we travel…"


    Fujin nodded. Within minutes, another ninja arrived and handed Fujin some 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 me…"


    His words confused the ones in the room. Hoka asked, "What do you mean? How does going to war benefit you?"


    Fujin answered, "It doesn''t. It''s the price we''ll receive toplete 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 vige 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 vige that excels in diplomacy. How many rebel forces are left?"


    ————


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