The Hand of God Creates the Strongest Hidden Mist Village

Chapter 137 Shocking! The Strongest Hokage actually did this...

Chapter 137 Shocking! The Strongest Hokage actually did this...

The next morning.

In the port of Namino-cho, there is an unassuming seaside teahouse.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat alone by the window, oblivious to the fact that his teacup had long since gone cold. He was simply staring blankly at the Kirigakure warship that had just arrived at the port.

The warship was flying the flag of the Hidden Mist Village, and many Hidden Mist ninjas were chatting and laughing on the deck as they filed off the ship.

This scene stung the old Hokage's eyes.

The Land of Waves is a neutral country, which is one of the reasons why they chose this country as the location for negotiations. However, judging from the current situation, this country will probably soon be controlled by the Hidden Mist Village.

With this foothold, plus Wind Howl Valley.

Kirigakure can use this as a springboard to extend its influence to the entire eastern coastal region of the Land of Fire!

"Lord Hokage."

Minato Namikaze gently pushed open the door and sat down opposite Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"I just used the toad reversal summoning to get some information from the front lines. Lord Orochimaru just fought with Roshi and was seriously injured. The Iwagakure's offensive is getting more and more intense."

Orochimaru is injured?!

Sarutobi Mezan's brows furrowed instantly: "How are your injuries?"

"According to the intelligence reports, he was struck head-on by the Four-Tails Jinchuriki in his tailed beast form, sustaining severe burns, but he has received emergency treatment and is not in immediate danger of death." Minato Namikaze's voice was low: "However, the morale at the front lines has been greatly affected. Moreover, Lord Orochimaru is, after all, one of the Legendary Sannin; if even he is injured, the ninja below will likely—"

He didn't finish speaking, but Hiruzen Sarutobi understood.

Orochimaru's injury means that Konoha's pressure on the northwest front has reached a critical point.

Lao Zi, Han.

These Jinchuriki are even more intimidating on the front lines than Kage-level powerhouses. Onoki clearly wants to seize the opportunity when he is absent and launch a fierce attack at all costs in order to break the deadlock!

Fortunately, the treaty is being signed today, so I can head straight back and make it in time.

For some reason, the thought of signing the treaty later made Hiruzen Sarutobi feel a sense of relief and a great weight lifted off his shoulders.

He picked up the cup of tea, which had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

The bitter tea soothed his chaotic thoughts somewhat.

"Let's go, Minato."

He put down his teacup, slowly stood up, his movements a beat slower than usual, as if the Hokage's robes now carried an immense weight.

Minato Namikaze nodded silently and followed behind Hiruzen Sarutobi.

He seemed to remember something again, opened his mouth, but after looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi's back, he ultimately chose to remain silent.

The two left the teahouse, walked through the alley, and headed towards the inn in the town center.

Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly noticed that the atmosphere today was somewhat different from yesterday.

The streets were filled with many unfamiliar faces, and the closer we got to the inn, the more people there were.

These people are clearly not ninjas.

They were dressed in various ways; some carried strange instruments, some held notebooks and quickly jotted down something, and others pointed in the direction of the post station, their faces filled with barely suppressed excitement.

"These people—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly, a sense of unease rising in his heart.

"He's a reporter."

Minato Namikaze whispered, "They were specially invited by Makoto Karatachi; there are reporters from all over the ninja world."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a wave of dizziness and stumbled.

The news industry in the ninja world is already quite developed, and electric lights, telephones, photography, videography, newspapers, and magazines are already widespread.

Especially during wartime, news media from major countries would send reporters to the front lines to obtain firsthand information about the war situation, which would then be published in newspapers for the public to read.

And at this moment, Gouju Cheng invited these reporters over—

The intention is self-evident.

"Hokage-sama————"

Minato Namikaze looked worried and seemed about to say something, but was stopped by Hiruzen Sarutobi who raised his hand.

"Let's go."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was hoarse, yet unusually calm. "Now that we're here, there's no reason to back down."

He took a deep breath, straightened his slightly hunched back, and strode forward.

We walked through the crowd and climbed the steps of the post station.

The reporters were immediately agitated when they saw Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze.

"The Third Hokage! It's the Third Hokage!"

"Quick, take a picture!"

"Excuse me, let me squeeze to the front!"

Flashes went off one after another, and shutter clicks filled the air, capturing Hiruzen Sarutobi's slightly tired yet dignified face on film.

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked straight into the inn without pausing or even glancing to the side.

Behind me, I could faintly hear the whispers of the reporters.

"The Third Hokage himself came to sign the ceasefire agreement; Konoha really can't hold on any longer!"

"I heard it was a complete defeat; Konoha has to pay a huge reparations to Kirigakure and cede territory!"

"That's not all. I heard that Kirigakure even attacked Konoha's stronghold, and Konoha had no choice but to kneel down and beg for mercy."

"Holy crap, Kirigakure, an island nation, is this strong?!"

"They're one of the five major powers, who are you looking down on?!"

"It's good that they surrendered. If they had continued to be pressured by Kirigakure, the entire Konoha front line might have collapsed."

"It's just a case of focusing on the head but neglecting the tail."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's steps remained steady, but the knuckles of his hand gripping his cane had turned white.

Minato Namikaze followed behind, saying nothing, but his eyes were filled with sorrow and anger.

How humiliating!

The two walked through the corridor and went up to the second floor.

The doors to the negotiation room were open.

The moment Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped into the hall, the scene before him made his already heavy heart clench even tighter.

The negotiation room, which was decorated simply and solemnly yesterday, has completely changed its appearance today.

The long negotiating table was still placed in the center, but behind the seats on both sides, there was a whole row of densely packed chairs.

At this moment, those seats were already filled with reporters carrying cameras and microphones.

There were at least fifteen or sixteen people!

They were clearly from different countries, dressed differently, and spoke different accents, but their facial expressions were surprisingly similar.

Excitement, anticipation, curiosity.

And that fervor of witnessing history unfold!

Several huge camera lights were set up inside the hall, illuminating the entire space as bright as day. Several reporters were also setting up portable recording equipment, preparing to record the entire signing process word for word.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the doorway, his murky gaze sweeping over the flickering cameras in the hall, over the hungry faces that eagerly awaited to witness history.

His steps paused slightly.

Behind him, Minato Namikaze's body trembled slightly.

He couldn't imagine what kind of state of mind this old man who had ruled Konoha for decades, this village's Kage, would have when he stepped into this room surrounded by cameras and flashes.

"The Sandaime----"

Minato Namikaze said in a low voice, "How about I go and negotiate with them to ask them to temporarily withdraw?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't turn around; he simply shook his head.

"No need, Minato."

"A loss is a loss, there's no point in trying to avoid it."

"Moreover—"

'

He glanced at the reporters in the hall, then at Gouju Cheng standing by the window, and a bitter smile appeared on his lips.

"Since they've already set up the stage, how can we refuse?"

Minato Namikaze opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found that he couldn't say anything. He could only silently follow Hiruzen Sarutobi into the hall.

The flashes went off in a flurry, and the shutter clicks were as dense as raindrops.

"The Third Hokage has entered!"

"Quick, take a close-up shot!"

The reporters were so excited they almost stood up, but were politely pushed back into their seats by the Hidden Mist ninjas standing guard on both sides.

Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored the cameras and stared straight at Makoto Karatachi, who was standing by the window.

Gouju met his gaze, her smile deepening.

He raised his hand in greeting.

"Lord Hokage, please take a seat."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't say anything. He walked straight to the side of the negotiating table and slowly sat down in the chair that was facing all the cameras.

Minato Namikaze stood behind him, his blood rushing to his head, his face flushed red.

Makoto Karimoto sat down opposite him, with Mei Terumi standing behind him.

Mei Terumi had specially changed into a formal Kirigakure Jonin uniform today, her long hair tied up, making her look capable and heroic. In her hands she held an exquisite wooden box, inside which was the finalized ceasefire agreement text.

"Gentlemen."

Gouju Cheng stood up and spoke loudly.

"Thank you all for traveling from afar to witness this historic moment."

"Today, Konoha and Kirigakure will officially sign a ceasefire agreement here, bringing an end to this war that has lasted for more than half a year."

""

"This is a major step in the peace process of the ninja world, and it is also the shared hope of the people of Kirigakure and Konoha!"

Before the words were even finished, the reporters had already eagerly raised their cameras, and another wave of flashes erupted.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat motionless, his face expressionless.

But the clenched fist had begun to tremble uncontrollably.

"Next, please confirm the agreement text, Hokage-sama."

Mei Terumi stepped forward, gently placed the wooden box on the table, opened the lid, took out the scroll, and handed it to Hiruzen Sarutobi with both hands.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took the scroll and slowly unrolled it.

The terms and conditions were almost identical to those from yesterday, but he still reread them word by word, not daring to be negligent or careless in the slightest.

The war reparations amounted to two billion taels, to be paid in ten years at an annual interest rate of five percent.

Five sets of research materials on bloodline limits, including but not limited to Sharingan and Byakugan.

Fengming Valley is leased for ninety-nine years, with an annual rent of one tael.

Konoha publicly acknowledged responsibility for the defeat and issued a handwritten apology statement.

Prisoner of war exchange terms.

Most-favored-nation treatment clause.

Trade Representative Office Terms —

Each and every item was like a dull knife, repeatedly cutting into his heart.

He recalled the lofty ambitions of the First and Second Hokage as they stood atop Hokage Rock, overlooking the entire village at the village's founding. He remembered the Second Hokage's heroic death during the First Shinobi World War, leading his army against Kumogakure. He recalled the arduous journey he had undertaken after becoming Hokage, guiding Konoha step by step out of its ruins and rebuilding its former glory.

Now, all of this will be stained with an indelible mark in his hands.

He was the first Hokage in Konoha's history to sign a surrender treaty.

First place!

"The Sandaime----"

The sound of Minato Namikaze came from behind.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't turn around. He simply took a deep breath, closed the scroll, and placed it back on the table.

He raised his head and looked at Gouju Cheng across from him.

"Lord Hokage, are you sure it's correct?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Confirmed."

"very good."

Makoto Karatachi stood up, took an exquisite calligraphy brush from Mei Terumi, dipped it in ink, and handed it to Hiruzen Sarutobi with both hands.

"Then, please sign, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took the pen, his fingers pausing slightly.

In that instant, he considered countless possibilities.

He overturned the table and stormed off, preferring to shatter like jade rather than survive like a broken tile.

Forcibly tear up the treaty and go back to fight to the death!

He was even willing to risk his life to teach this arrogant young man a lesson he would never forget.

But he knew none of this mattered.

The offensive by Iwagakure will not stop.

The threat from the Hidden Clouds will not disappear.

The soldiers on the front lines need support, and the elderly, women, and children in the villages need protection!

The Land of Fire needs Konoha.

Konoha needs him to live, and—to sign this treaty.

Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them.

He slowly bent down, placed the brush on the scroll, and wrote his name stroke by stroke.

Hiruzen Sarutobi

"good!"

"The Third Hokage has signed!"

"Quick, take a few more pictures!"

The reporters were so excited they almost jumped for joy, their flashes going off like crazy, the shutters clicking like a torrential downpour, capturing the moment forever.

Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pen, and in an instant, he seemed to have aged ten years.

Makoto Koji stepped forward, took the pen, and signed his name on the treaty. He then picked up the scroll and showed it to the reporters with a bright smile on his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, witness a historic moment!"

"From this day forward, the war between Konoha and Kirigakure is officially over! Peace has arrived!"

The flashbulbs went off again, freezing the scroll and Makoto's smile forever.

"Captain Gouju, may I disclose the specific details of the treaty?"

"Third Hokage, what are your thoughts on this signing?"

How will Konoha respond to the battles against Iwagakure and Kumogakure?

Reporters bombarded the room with questions, instantly turning the negotiation hall into a press conference venue.

Makoto Goji raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and smiled, "I apologize, everyone, but the specific details of the treaty involve the secrets of both countries and cannot be disclosed to the public at this time."

"However, you can rest assured that this is a fair, just, and open peace treaty, fully reflecting the shared aspirations of the people of Kirigakure and Konoha for peace. I believe that in the near future, the ninja world will usher in a new era of greater prosperity and stability!"

The reporters were somewhat disappointed, but they didn't seem to care too much.

They've got enough footage today!

The scene shows Makoto Karatachi signing his name, his mouth practically splitting open in a wide grin.

Once these photos and videos are released, they will be enough to cause a huge uproar in the ninja world.

They've already come up with a title.

Shocking! The strongest Hokage actually did this! A disgraceful act!

Exclusive Reveal: The Inside Story of Konoha's Defeat, and What Does the Land of Fire's Future Hold?

"The winning attitude, the defeated Hokage!" 》

"Lord Hokage, please wait!"

"Lord Hokage, may I say a few words?"

"Hokage-sama————"

Ignoring the reporters' shouts, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly stood up and pushed the scroll of the signed treaty back in front of Makoto Kouji.

"Captain Gouju, the treaty has been signed. This old man—takes his leave."

After saying this, the Hokage turned and left.

Minato Namikaze followed silently behind, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Anger, humiliation, sorrow!

"Have a good day, Hokage."

Makoto Koji waved with a smile: "Looking forward to seeing you again. Oh, and don't forget to send your surrender declaration, or don't blame us Kirigakure for not honoring the contract."

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly stopped in his tracks, then continued walking out.

But the reporters' enthusiasm was reignited by the scene before them, and they started snapping photos indiscriminately.

No interviews needed, no explanations required.

The scene before me speaks volumes!

"Alright, alright."

Having thoroughly enjoyed the treatment at Subos University, Makoto Koji waved to the reporters.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the signing ceremony has now concluded! Thank you all for witnessing this event!"

"Next, some simple drinks and snacks have been prepared outside the inn. You can rest for a while and enjoy the local delicacies of Wuyin."

Upon hearing that there would be drinks and snacks, the reporters beamed with joy. After thanking them profusely, they reluctantly packed up their equipment and walked out in twos and threes.

But their discussion was quite loud, and it even reached the ears of Hiruzen Sarutobi, who hadn't gone far.

"Kirigakure really hit the jackpot this time! Look at Makoto Karatachi, his eyes are practically disappearing from his grin!"

"Of course! Didn't you see the Third Hokage's face? He looked like he'd swallowed a fly; his hand was shaking when he signed!"

"It's a pity we don't know the specific details of the contract. If it gets leaked, it'll be a complete disaster."

"It doesn't matter. Just the fact that they publicly admitted responsibility for the defeat and issued a personally signed apology statement is already utterly humiliating to the Third Hokage!"

"Keep your voice down, they haven't gone far yet—"

"What are you afraid of? We're just telling the truth. If you're so capable, let Hiruzen Sarutobi not issue an apology statement next time, and let me become a fake."

News, huh?

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused again, then quickened his pace and practically fled the inn.

The moment they stepped out of the inn, the two vanished from their spot, much to the disappointment of many who had hoped to join the fun.

Two days later.

The Land of Water, the Hidden Mist Village.

When the warship carrying Makoto Karatachi and Mei Terumi slowly entered Kirigakure Port, the shore was already packed with people.

Yes, it was packed with people.

The entire port was completely surrounded.

The scene included Kirigakure ninjas in uniform, members of various clans holding their clan banners, ordinary villagers in finery, and even merchants and officials who had come from other parts of the Land of Water.

They crowded on both sides of the pier, standing on tiptoe and craning their necks to look out at the sea.

As the outline of the warship emerged from the morning mist, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.

"Here it comes!"

"It's Lord Gojiju's ship!"

"The negotiations are over. We are the victors. We've won!"

"Long live Kirigakure! Long live Lord Karatachi!"

Cheers swept through the harbor like a tsunami, and the waves surged and churned from the deafening roar.

The warship slowly approached the shore.

Makoto Kujira stood at the bow of the ship, his long hair fluttering in the sea breeze.

He gazed at the dense crowd on the shore, the countless faces contorted with excitement, and the ribbons and flags fluttering in the air, and a satisfied smile spread across his face.

"Not bad, not bad!"

This show-off used a teleportation technique to land directly on the dock from the bow of the ship.

A deafening cheer erupted from the crowd once again.

"Lord Goji!"

"Hero! Hero!"

"Look this way! Lord Goji Berry, look this way!"

Countless hands reached out to Gouju Cheng, some wanting to shake hands, some wanting to offer flowers, and some wanting to hand over autographed books.

With a smile on his face, Gouju Cheng walked forward and casually waved his hand, which immediately triggered another round of screams.

"Make way, make way."

Hozuki Mangetsu, Kisame Hoshigaki, and the others suddenly appeared out of nowhere, squeezing a path through the crowd.

Hozuki Mangetsu, beaming with excitement, leaned close to Makoto Karatachi and whispered, "Makoto-nii, this is quite a grand affair! The whole village has come!"

Gouju Cheng snorted, "There's nothing I can do, your brother Cheng's personal charm is just that great."

"I accept that."

"Wow, so many pretty girls are looking at the captain!" Ringo Ameyuri suddenly pointed at the crowd and said, "Captain, Captain, there's a super cute one over there, she's giving you a flirty wink!"

"Shut up."

Gouju Cheng smacked her on the head in an annoyed tone.

Mei Terumi is right behind you. Can't you just remember the pretty ones first? Why make it so obvious?

As the ship docked, Mei Terumi and the other Mist Ninja disembarked, drawing cheers from many. Mei Terumi's gaze happened to meet Makoto Karatachi's.

Gouju Cheng coughed lightly, winked playfully at her, and was then surrounded by a crowd of people as she walked forward.

Mei Terumi felt helpless, but amidst the cheers around her, she felt an immense sense of glory.

Once upon a time, this guy was a notorious playboy in the village, and people would point fingers at him wherever he went.

And now—

He is already a hero of the entire Hidden Mist Village!

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