Peace Accord

"Hmph, Orochimaru, you really do have a twisted sense of humor."

Tsunade’s face was flushed red as she let out a cold laugh.

It was not that she failed to understand the principles behind the Curse Mark. On the contrary, with her mastery of Medical Ninjutsu and Sealing Technique, Tsunade already had an exceptionally clear understanding of it.

The combination of Yin Release Chakra and Sage Chakra was precisely why the Curse Mark was so difficult to remove. Moreover, Hyuga Mirai’s Sage Art was entirely focused on the body. Even the Slug Sage was not confident she could remove the Curse Mark without harming Tsunade.

"Compared to me, the original has an even more twisted sense of humor. Hehe."

Orochimaru chuckled and continued, "The Curse Mark was originally a means for me to cultivate subordinates and spread Natural Energy on a large scale. But Mirai-kun does not think highly of Cursed Seal Sage Mode. He has a more perfect method. As for why he planted a Curse Mark on you, I suspect Mirai-kun also intended to win you over."

"Win me over…"

After muttering that, Tsunade fell quiet for a moment before asking, "Orochimaru, when did the two of you start working together?"

"Probably during the time you left the village. Back then, Mirai-kun spread around many ideas about cell fusion. He was baiting me into seeking him out. Later, I asked why he knew I was researching the First Hokage’s cells, but he never told me."

"You bastard!" Tsunade glared fiercely at Orochimaru. Those were her grandfather’s cells. Still, her second grandfather had researched them as well, and Tsunade vaguely guessed that someone else stood behind Orochimaru. Otherwise, he could never have obtained her grandfather’s cells on his own.

"So you two had been in cahoots that early. Looks like you hid it from Old man quite successfully."

Orochimaru shook his head. "That was not my doing. It can only be said that all of you underestimated Mirai-kun back then, while I may have been the only one who knew a little about his background."

"Tsunade, as an old friend, let me offer you some advice. Do not confine yourself to this village of Konoha. What we should do is surpass those who came before us, not spend our entire lives struggling to follow in their footsteps. That kind of life would be far too boring."

Orochimaru spoke with unusual seriousness. Though he was a Clone Body, he had inherited everything from the original.

"That idiot Jiraiya has already sunk deep into the mire, but you still have hope. If you also confine yourself to this tiny village of Konoha, then in the end, you can only be swept into history’s trash heap alongside the remnants of the old era. If you have the time in the future, you should travel around the Ninja World more."

Tsunade fumed inwardly. "Orochimaru, what gives you the right to say that!"

"You will naturally understand once you join us. But you had better make up your mind quickly. With Mirai-kun’s pace, by the time you come around, perhaps the organization will no longer need you. Tsunade, one step forward may reveal an entirely different world—as long as you have the courage."

After saying that, Orochimaru set down his wine cup, signaled to Guren, and prepared to leave.

He still had plenty of matters to deal with. Spending a little time drinking with Tsunade was enough. If he did not leave now, she would drink him under the table later.

"Remnants of the old era…"

Though Tsunade’s face was red from drinking, she had been thinking about Orochimaru’s words, as well as the argument she had had with Hyuga Mirai at Konoha Hospital long ago.

"Tch, what an arrogant thing to say. Just hearing it pisses me off."

Tsunade slammed a hand on the table and said angrily, "Shizune, we’re leaving."

"Are we going to the hot springs, Tsunade-sama?"

"Not yet. Come with me to take care of something."

"Huh?"

"There will always be another chance to visit the hot springs. Right now, there is something more important to do."

"Fine."

Shizune wore a sulky expression. Tsunade-sama always said that, but she rarely kept her promises.

Unlike Tsunade’s uncertainty, Jiraiya remained deeply determined. After Kumogakure decided to sign the Peace Accord, he informed Sarutobi Hiruzen and immediately prepared to leave Konoha to continue traveling through the Ninja World.

When he passed by Namikaze Minato’s home, Jiraiya hesitated, but ultimately did not go in. Minato was gone, but Kushina was still there. Given Sarutobi-sensei’s way of handling things, he should not allow Kushina and Naruto to suffer. Thus, Jiraiya paused only briefly before leaving the village to gather intelligence throughout the Ninja World.

Yet no matter how hard he searched, he could never uncover any information about Hyuga Mirai. Even among the merchant associations currently active outside, only a handful at the very top knew of Hyuga Mirai.

Neither Android 19 nor Yasunori Sakai would reveal even the slightest piece of information about Hyuga Mirai.

Jiraiya only happened to learn a little about Orochimaru, but by the time he rushed over, Orochimaru had already left.

Other than that, Jiraiya gained nothing. He could not even muster the energy to search for the Child of Prophecy. He felt that if he did not defeat the person the Great Toad Sage had spoken of, then finding the Child of Prophecy would be of no help to the future.

The signing of the Peace Accord held great significance for Konoha. After learning the news, Sarutobi Hiruzen even felt lighter when he smoked.

At last, there would be peace for a while. Once the Peace Accord with Kumo-nin was signed, the last battlefield in the Ninja World would disappear.

The war had dealt Konoha grievous losses. Many Genin and Chunin had died in battle. If peace could last for a time, Konoha could rely on its abundant resources to recover quickly.

At Hokage Tower, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu arrived together at the Hokage’s Office. After seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu said, "Hiruzen, the Cloud envoy will arrive in Konoha in three days."

Mitokado Homura said, "Kumo-nin cannot hold out much longer either. They still have a deep grudge against Iwa-nin. This time, the Fourth Raikage likely decided to sign the Peace Accord because he discovered that Iwa-nin were up to no good at the border."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, took a puff from his pipe, and said, "No matter what, signing the Peace Accord could not be better for Konoha. The war has dragged on for years. If it continues, neither civilian ninja nor Ninja Clan members will be able to suppress their hatred of war."

"Yes, which is why there can be no mistakes with this Peace Accord with Kumo-nin."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "I have already dispatched Anbu to receive the Cloud envoy. Once they arrive in Konoha, we must make proper arrangements."

Mitokado Homura immediately said, "Do not worry, Hiruzen. Before this, I already informed Danzo and Uchiha Fugaku. Root will remain in the shadows, while the Military Police Force maintains order in the village. That should be enough."

Afterward, the three discussed a few more matters before leaving to make their respective arrangements.

After being purchased, the Medical Machine had already been put into use at Konoha Hospital. As its trial period lengthened, its reputation gradually spread throughout Konoha.

Aside from surgery, no matter how serious an injury or illness was, anyone who lay in the Medical Machine could be cured.

This machine was also a boon to Konoha’s Medical-nin. They no longer needed to handle diagnoses and treatment themselves. As long as they ensured the Medical Machine had sufficient Yang Release Chakra reserves, they could save a great deal of time and energy.

The Medical Machine was indeed extremely useful. Kimura was even preparing to submit a proposal to the Third Hokage based on its functions, titled "Screening for Yang Release Chakra Talent." Ideally, testing would begin at Ninja Academy, and any students with talent for cultivating Yang Release Chakra would be trained early.

After all, cultivating the Yang Release nature transformation of Chakra was far easier than training Medical-nin. It would also greatly ease the burden of treatment and might even make medical care available to ordinary Villagers across the board.

While Kimura was focused on her report, the Kumo envoy soon arrived in Konoha.

Thanks to Sarutobi Hiruzen’s publicity, many Ninja and Villagers knew that the Kumo envoy had come to sign the Peace Accord, which meant there would be no more war in the future.

Many people believed this signaled the arrival of peace and that there would no longer be large-scale casualties. To celebrate the day, they held a grand festival to welcome the Cloud envoy.

After entering Konoha’s gates, the Cloud envoy saw streets that looked as though they were celebrating. Decorations even hung from the buildings on both sides, though it was not any special holiday.

"This is…" The leader of the Cloud delegation frowned slightly, unable to understand Konoha’s purpose in putting on such a display.

Shikaku, who was receiving the Kumo envoy, smiled and explained, "This is a spontaneous celebration by Konoha. It is a festival being held to celebrate the arrival of peace."

"Oh, so it is to celebrate peace. Then it certainly should be lively."

After hearing that, the Kumo envoy leader immediately smiled at Nara Shikaku, though his smile carried an unclear meaning.

"Heh."

A Kumo-nin beside him sneered, but another immediately stopped him and shot him a fierce glare.

Although Nara Shikaku noticed the Kumo-nin’s subtle exchange, he did not think much of it. After arranging accommodations for them, he went to report the news to the Third Hokage.

Once Nara Shikaku left, the Kumo-nin checked their surroundings. After confirming that no one nearby was monitoring them, they jointly cast a Soundproof Barrier and began discussing their plan for that night.

Originally, they had intended to wait a few days, probe Konoha’s intentions during negotiations, and act only after ensuring nothing could go wrong.

But Konoha was being far too cooperative. They had actually arranged such a festival, giving the Kumo-nin the perfect chance to fish in troubled waters.

Chapter 1

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