With the recent loss of Kirigakure's top combatants, the Third Tsuchikage had chosen this moment to send his son over.
This was more than just a simple diplomatic visit.
Kitsuchi, hadn't come alone.
He brought a sizeable group of Iwagakure shinobi with him.
According to the reports from the Onime clan's sensory units stationed at the border, the chakra levels of these Iwa-nin weren't weak.
Even the least skilled among them had the strength of a Chūnin or higher.
This was anything but a normal diplomatic mission.
At the moment, Kitsuchi and his group had been stopped at the border by the stationed Kiri-nin, who were closely monitoring them and refusing entry into the Land of Water.
Given the urgency of the situation, as soon as Yagura received the report, he personally set out for the northeastern border of the Land of Water.
This wasn't a situation he could delegate to subordinates—only by going himself could he be assured of handling it properly.
He brought only Kisame Hoshigaki, Ringo Ameyuri, and a dozen ANBU with him.
Moving at full speed, it took them less than a day to reach the border.
"Lord Mizukage!"
"You've done well."
After exchanging brief greetings with the stationed Kiri-nin who had come to meet them, Yagura adjusted his slightly disheveled scarf from the journey and strode toward the camp where his shinobi were stationed.
He turned to a border guard who had quickly caught up with him.
"Where are the Iwagakure shinobi?"
The Kiri-nin's voice carried undisguised disdain.
"They're in our main tent. We already informed them that you'd be arriving today and told them to wait."
Yagura nodded. "And they're being properly watched?"
The border guard hesitated only for a second before responding.
"Yes, sir. We have several squads monitoring them at all times. We've also sent out scouts to check if there are any other Iwa-nin attempting to land elsewhere. So far, we've found nothing."
"Good. You've done well."
With that, Yagura followed the lead of the border guards toward the main tent of their encampment.
Lifting the tent flap, he stepped inside, immediately spotting Kitsuchi seated comfortably, sipping tea.
Unlike his small and frail-looking father, Kitsuchi had an imposing, burly frame that made him stand out.
Similarly, to Kitsuchi, Yagura's appearance was just as striking.
Both of them were the kind of men who were impossible to mistake for anyone else.
Kitsuchi was the first to rise from his seat, greeting Yagura respectfully.
"Iwagakure's envoy, Kitsuchi. It is an honor to meet you, Lord Mizukage."
"Welcome, envoy from Iwagakure."
Ōnoki's actions over the past year had been too conspicuous.
Yagura knew full well that the big-nosed old man across the sea harbored no goodwill.
So, he simply responded with polite diplomacy.
"Please, have a seat. Let's talk about why you're here."
"Thank you."
A boy so young, yet already holding the position of Mizukage—truly remarkable.
Even though Kitsuchi had come here on a mission that placed him on the opposite side of Kirigakure, after just this brief encounter, he had formed a good impression of Yagura.
As he settled back into his seat, Yagura leaned back, his cold gaze sweeping over Kitsuchi and the Iwa-nin standing behind him.
"Kitsuchi, I'm not the type to play games. I prefer direct conversations over meaningless pleasantries."
Yagura got straight to the point.
"You've traveled a long way from Iwagakure. You must have an urgent reason. Speak."
Kitsuchi took note of Yagura's attitude.
If he were in Yagura's position—seeing a group of Iwa-nin arriving in such numbers and strength—he would have been just as wary.
Still, he remained focused on the mission the Third Tsuchikage had entrusted to him.
With the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist killed by Konoha, Kitsuchi's mission was to gauge Kirigakure's stance toward Konoha—
And to probe their current strength.
"Very well, since Lord Mizukage prefers directness, I won't waste time." Kitsuchi let out a hearty laugh before glancing at Ringo Ameyuri and Hoshigaki Kisame, who stood beside Yagura.
"Lord Mizukage, we've heard that Konoha ambushed your village's Seven Ninja Swordsmen, resulting in heavy casualties. Our Tsuchikage is deeply concerned about this matter and has sent us to inquire about your stance."
"The Tsuchikage hopes that you will abandon any goodwill or expectations you may have toward Konoha and instead join our alliance. Together, we can make Konoha pay for what they've done."
Yagura frowned slightly.
"Kitsuchi, I believe I have already made my position clear to your village in the past."
Kitsuchi pressed on.
"Circumstances change, Lord Mizukage. If your stance has shifted, our alliance remains open to you. And if Kirigakure has any difficulties, we will do everything in our power to assist you."
Ōnoki had extended this invitation multiple times.
But Yagura wasn't Sunagakure.
Kirigakure was stronger than Sunagakure.
And the Land of Water wasn't separated from the mainland by a mere ravine—it was an entire sea.
If Iwagakure truly had the ability, they were welcome to leave their precious earth and come fight a naval war against Kirigakure.
With that thought, Yagura responded firmly.
"Oh? And what if I still refuse?"
Kitsuchi's expression darkened.
"Lord Mizukage, the combined might of our allied villages will ensure victory in this war."
He then added, in a heavier tone, "I am merely here to advise you. Don't let youth lead you to make a decision Kirigakure will regret."
"Confidence?"
Yagura scoffed.
"With all due respect, if you're so confident, direct that confidence at Konoha instead of repeatedly bothering a neutral neighbor."
"In my view, the death of the Third Kazekage is suspicious. We have no intention of participating in a war with such unclear motives."
Kitsuchi's tone quickened.
"Even after Konoha killed the Seven Ninja Swordsmen? You still insist on this stance?"
"These are separate matters. This is between Kirigakure and Konoha. It has nothing to do with your war."
Yagura remained calm.
"Kirigakure and Konoha have always been neighboring villages. We will resolve our grievances through means other than war."
Neighboring villages? Peaceful resolution?
What a load of nonsense.
If Kirigakure had truly been friendly with Konoha, then why had their previous Mizukage chosen to pick a fight with Sunagakure instead of Konoha?
Simple—because Sunagakure was weaker than Konoha.
By this point, both sides had gotten the measure of each other.
Yagura knew that Iwagakure had come to exploit the recent loss of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and pull Kirigakure into their war.
And Kitsuchi had confirmed that Yagura was not blinded by vengeance against Konoha.
In the worst-case scenario, Iwagakure had suspected that Yagura might have secretly collaborated with Hiruzen Sarutobi, trading the lives of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen for some hidden benefit.
If that were true, then he was truly determined not to join their side.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Kitsuchi changed the subject.
"I've heard rumors that you've reached some kind of agreement with Sunagakure. Is that true?"
This wasn't part of his original plan with Ōnoki—it was something he had heard from an Iwa spy in Sunagakure.
Was he trying to use Kirigakure's relationship with Sunagakure to sway them?
Was this a leak from Sunagakure?
Yagura showed no sign of surprise.
He simply nodded.
"Yes. Kirigakure and Sunagakure have agreed to a non-aggression pact. We provide them with supplies."
And nothing more.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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