Forming good relations with Konoha was necessary.
What did Kirigakure lack? In this war's prelude of diplomatic maneuvering, what benefits were they aiming for? And from whom could they extract the most?
Once Yagura and Elder Genshi had figured out these three questions, they launched their first wave of diplomatic efforts.
Kirigakure was poor—lacking money and various essential resources. They didn't need ninja scrolls or secret techniques, they had plenty of their own, along with powerful kekkei genkai. Nor were they interested in promises of post-war territorial gains—they wanted real, tangible wealth and resources in hand.
Who had these things? Who could give them to Kirigakure?
—The deep-pocketed Konoha.
Kirigakure was poor. Sunagakure was even poorer. Iwagakure barely managed self-sufficiency.
Kumogakure was also well-off, but their village was fierce and unyielding—they wouldn't agree to Kirigakure's demands easily.
Only Konoha, in its time of crisis, needed allies.
So, Yagura and Elder Genshi deliberately let slip rumors about his position as Acting Mizukage.
It wasn't even a lie—Yagura truly held that stance. The Third Mizukage had made that clear before stepping down.
Diplomatic envoys from all sides sought confirmation, meeting personally with the Acting Mizukage and conducting their own investigations.
Seeing that the Mizukage's office did not refute the claims, Kirigakure's subordinates gladly accepted the envoys' tributes, playing the role of informants who would spill secrets for a price.
Everything fell into place smoothly.
Konoha was pleased. Sunagakure was in distress. Iwagakure and Kumogakure were furious.
The results of these maneuvers were soon reflected in the second wave of diplomatic documents that landed in Yagura's hands from the four major nations.
Iwagakure and Kumogakure's responses were irrelevant for now—they weren't the focus. There wasn't much to gain from squeezing them further.
Konoha, on the other hand, expressed its gratitude for Kirigakure's understanding and generosity, offering support should Kirigakure face difficulties. Their official response spoke of the longstanding friendship between the two villages...
However, beyond neutrality, Konoha sought to secure Kirigakure's allegiance, subtly probing what conditions might be required.
Hiruzen Sarutobi even personally penned a letter to Yagura, echoing the official statement but with a more personal, senior tone—advising and guiding the young leader.
Yagura simply smiled.
Konoha was overthinking things. He had no intention of extorting them or exploiting the situation.
If they demanded too much and took too many advantages, resentment would fester.
That would be unwise—Kirigakure needed to stay out of the spotlight for now.
Exchanging resources with Konoha was a necessity since Kirigakure couldn't afford to pay outright at the moment.
As for Sunagakure... Initially, they had planned to sell resources to them.
However, after Elder Genshi sent a team to assess the value of their available goods, they reached a unanimous conclusion—Sunagakure simply couldn't afford them.
They couldn't afford to put all their eggs in one basket.
Looking at Sunagakure's letter, Yagura could almost see the sheer desperation hidden behind the carefully worded diplomatic phrases.
In the past six months, Sunagakure had endured the death of the Third Kazekage, a sneak attack from Iwagakure, and the defection of a genius puppeteer. Though the latter wasn't mentioned officially, it was another blow to their strength.
Sunagakure was battered.
No matter what a weak party did, they would always be in the wrong.
Yagura stepped down from his chair, handing Sunagakure's diplomatic letter to Elder Genshi before sitting on the couch across from him.
Pouring tea with a satisfied grin.
"Elder, should we reach out to Sunagakure now? If we delay any further, I fear Rasa might suffer a mental breakdown."
Elder Genshi chuckled, taking a sip of tea before reviewing the document. "It's about time."
Their neutral stance, leaning toward Konoha, wasn't just about extracting wealth from them—it was also about pushing Sunagakure's fragile nerves to their limit.
The results were beyond expectations—Sunagakure was even weaker than anticipated.
"I thought we'd need to negotiate a few more times," Yagura mused, shaking his head. "Sunagakure is surprisingly fragile."
Hearing this, Ao and Murasaki Yuki glanced at each other, reading the same unspoken thought in each other's eyes.
Diplomacy was a dirty game—dirtier than war.
"We wish the Fourth Kazekage good health."
...
"Wait! Lords, the Mizukage and Elder are discussing official matters—you cannot—"
"Out of the way!"
—Boom!
The door was shoved open with force.
Ao and Murasaki Yuki instinctively moved in front of Yagura, preparing for a fight.
"We were gone for just a few days, and Kirigakure is already bowing to Konoha?"
A group of men strode into the office.
They barely spared Ao and Yuki a glance before focusing on Yagura and Elder Genshi.
Juzo Biwa bared his shark-like teeth. "Brat, we met back when they sealed the Three-Tails inside you! Do you remember my name?!"
The amused smile vanished from Yagura's face. He straightened his posture and replied politely, "Of course. No one in Kirigakure doesn't know your name, 'Executioner's Blade' Juzo Biwa."
"And the rest of you."
They weren't here for pleasantries.
Yagura's gaze shifted to the others. "'Sewing Needle' Kushimaru Kuriarare, 'Explosive Blade' Jinpachi Munashi, 'Thunder Swords' Raiga Kurosuki. I've long heard of your names. My sensei, often spoke highly of your skills. It must have been exhausting, carrying out missions abroad."
"Hmph!"
Kushimaru Kuriarare snorted. "So this is why the Third Mizukage suddenly sent us away. In our absence, some snot-nosed brat took the seat of Mizukage."
"The strongest should lead. I assume you're all aware of that principle."
They were here to challenge him.
With everything else going on—handling affairs with the Five Great Nations, military operations, and internal administration—Yagura had nearly forgotten about the Seven Ninja Swordsmen who had been sent out on missions.
His expression darkened as he met their gaze.
"If you question my strength, I'm more than willing to prove myself."
"Ahem."
Elder Genshi struck his cane against the floor.
"You are all members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. If you have no urgent matters, then leave. Do not forget your duties."
They might not respect Yagura, but they had to give Elder Genshi some face.
"We have a question for you, Acting Mizukage."
Kushimaru Kuriarare stepped forward, his scarred face twisted into a mocking grin.
"Back when you left for the Chunin Exams, you took on a mission, didn't you? Remember it?"
Yagura's pupils shrank.
Kushimaru sneered. "No need to answer right away. Take your time and think."
And then, he dropped the bombshell.
"Tell us, Acting Mizukage—what noble reason did you have for letting Sunagakure's elite Jonin, Pakura of the Scorch Release, escape?"
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(I've recently started working on an Naruto fanfic with a simulation system. They are very popular now on Webnovel, but the recommendations do not promote my fanfic well, I recommend you to check out "Naruto: I Am Crazy with the Simulation System!" You can find the fanfic through my profile on the site)
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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