Moroha quickly closed the distance between them, and swung his sword, with surprising precision and strength.
He's strong, probably Kage level at least on a physical level, Katsuro noted as he drew his own blade and met his opponent's attack.
But even compared to Moroha who was heavily specialised in close quarters, Katsuro's strength was way beyond him. A simple block and push back forced him backwards.
Moroha smiled back in delight, as he looked at his bone sword, which suddenly had cracks where contact had been made. The show of strength would have frightened most people, but Moroha's battle intent only increased. Everyone around them quickly backed away, not wanting to get caught up. "I see you have refashioned the Kiba blades."
Katsuro smiled back seeing Moroha's attitude despite the clear difference in strength, "To call them the Kiba blades would be inaccurate at this point, the Heaven Breaker has shed its former self completely. As I wield it now, there is nothing in this world that it cannot cut through."
Well, at least if I'm prepared to sacrifice my arm, and sanity from Tsunade shouting at me again, Katsuro thought internally.
The proclamation sent shivers down Moroha's spine as he took it as a word of warning.
"My clan may not be very welcomed in this village, but I still have a bond to it, my people live in it. The attack on your young shinobi and our negligence are shameful. They are acts I would not allow if I was in charge, but I will still fight to protect my honour, my clan's honour and this village."
"Why is Sensei doing this now?" Souta shook his head.
His honour? Fine then, Katsuro thought. Now taking the fight more seriously, out of respect for his opponent, he dashed forwards with lightning faintly flickering, causing Moroha to nearly lose sight of him.
He's fast! Moroha's mind raced, both in fear and excitement that he was facing such a strong opponent, for even if he died, it would be a far more satisfying way to die.
Katsuro raised his sword and struck down, but to his shock a vast, dense collection of bones sprouted from Moroha's body, protecting his head, and somehow managed to hold up against the strength of Katsuro, who raised his eyebrow in surprise. Interesting.
The bones can barely hold against his might, and I can tell he's not fighting at even 60% of his true power! Moroha gritted his teeth, still grinning, and backed away, just as the bones from his body shattered under the pressure of Katsuro's attack.
That was close, next time I have to- where did he go?!
In the next moment, the Kaguya clan Patriarch felt a cold, firm grip on the back of his neck that swiftly pulled downwards, forcing him to collapse on the floor groaning. Katsuro stood over him, towering, but instead of killing Moroha, he sheathed his sword.
The fight was swift, and Moroha did not have the chance to show his skills. He was a powerful man, but his Kekkei Genkai took time to work, time he was not afforded in front of the Wind Emperor.
I am likely one of the few people other than maybe Minato who counters this man so wholly. His Kekkei Genkai and fighting ability in closer quarters is dangerous, and can easily deal with Kage level opponents if they fight on his terms. Overall, he's probably at a similar level to the Hyuga brothers, though with the Shikotsumyaku he is likely a step above.
"I don't wish to kill you, Kaguya Moroha. You're an honorable warrior, afraid to fight me, and for that you have my respect."
Moroha hastily dusted himself off and got up, still smiling and nodded silently, in acceptance of the wide gap between them. As a fellow warrior he could instinctively tell, Katsuro was nowhere near his full power. One day I'll make him get serious. A death by his sword would have been a worthy one, but the clan needs me yet.
The Konoha group sighed in relief. Killing the Kaguya Patriarch here would have set off an irreversible chain reaction that would have led to an all out fight. Though they were prepared, alternative diplomacy was definitely preferred.
"Now, let's restate our terms, hopefully for the last time," Minato said. The Kiri officials quickly nodded, sheepishly, releasing they were lucky that Katsuro hadn't killed the rest of them, and led the way to a grand hall.
—
"Firstly, we demand that the Hidden Mist Blacksmiths currently at Konoha be permanently situated there, until we decide that they can return." Minato started. The Kiri officials and clan leaders held their breath, knowing there was more to come after this. "Of course, we will continue to show them the utmost care and respect we have been all this time, which I'm sure they will be able to agree with. They will be given regular breaks and holidays in which time they can return to Kirigakure if they would like. We will also allow their families to settle with them in the Hidden Leaf Village if they wish, to build a better bond between our villages."
The Kiri group nodded, not protesting against it, seeing Minato's logic behind the idea of a strong bond between the Leaf and Mist, especially after the incident. They also kind of had to agree, and despite the sting of losing those blacksmiths as well as the blackmail they had over them, it was preferred over the wrath of the God of Shinobi and Yellow Flash.
"Also, we still require the agreed sum of money Lord Sarutobi had proposed earlier to your previous leaders, but it will be double what was agreed upon then." Minato added quickly. Again, there was only silent agreement from the Mist group, as they readied themselves in frustration for what they would hear.
"And apart from that, everything will remain the same, including the previous terms we set after the previous war, of course as long as there is only peace between our two villages," Shikaku stated.
"What?" a female Kiri clan leader blinked.
"There's nothing else?" another asked cautiously, eying Katsuro.
"We cannot bring the dead back to life. However, it is clear that none of you or the people of this village were involved with the slaughter of young shinobi from the Hidden Leaf and the kidnapping of Nohara Rin," Katsuro said, bluntly but harsh, "the compensation will mainly go to the families of those affected not just the village. Like Lord Nara said, we are trying to maintain the peace in our world. You have dealt with those responsible, and will pay us our due compensation, we will not pursue this matter even further unless we are forced to do so. Thanks to a certain someone, you have shown that Kirigakure is not just a village of blood, you have honour too."
The Kiri group was quiet in astonishment. They hadn't expected for the Leaf to be so forgiving, and hearing this, they too felt guilty of the incident, even though they hadn't been involved at all. It made them realise the importance of the peace the Leaf had developed, and they were grateful that Konoha was taking a much more civil and considerate approach, rather than simply taking control over the rest of the Great Villages. Not to mention, Katsuro's last comment turned eyes toward Moroha who clearly played a part, which instantly increased his standing.
"Thank you," the Kiri official slightly bowed his head, as did the rest of the Hidden Mist representatives.
"Right, then we're going to depart," Minato said, as the Leaf group all stood up. Katsuro glanced and nodded at Kaguya Moroha before leaving, but the simple gesture was noticed by all the other Kiri officials and clan leaders. It was a sign that the Kaguya clan's importance was going to increase and its influence on the Hidden Mist Village.
As they exited Kirigakure, Noriyu eyed Katsuro.
"That was surprisingly considerate of you, Sensei," she quickly said, smiling to herself.
"I know it was," Katsuro grumbled.
The others laughed around him. In the past few days, his memory of Madara's recent existence slowly left his mind temporarily, which allowed him to ease up a bit more. Suddenly, Minato looked down at a specialised message scroll that seemed to illuminate in his pocket, and frowned.
"We should hurry, apparently something's happening back at the village. They've found some incredible… disturbing experiments."
Silence fell, and Katsuro had only one person in his mind that would do something like this, and unfortunately, these thoughts were confirmed, as Minato dove into the recent mysteries and events that had been linked to Orochimaru's strange tendencies and momentary disappearances.
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