Although the visit from Cloud Village appeared peaceful, Sarutobi Hiruzen sensed immediately that the envoys were not here solely to negotiate a ceasefire. Hidden motives lingered beneath their polite bowing and diplomatic smiles.
Still, Hiruzen maintained his gentle expression, the classic mask of a seasoned Hokage.
"I didn't expect Lord Raikage's left hand, Shi, to arrive personally. This is quite a surprise."
In Cloud Village, Raikage had two trusted partners:
—Darui, the "right hand," strong and bold like a young Raikage
—Shi, the "left hand," intelligent and versatile
Between the two, their roles were very different.
Darui was a natural warrior—calm, powerful, and suited for direct confrontation.
But Shi was an all-rounder:
A ninja skilled in genjutsu, medical ninjutsu, and sensory abilities, with sharp intelligence and political awareness. His status in the village was extremely high—much higher than ordinary jonin.
His very presence showed that Cloud Village was approaching this negotiation carefully, strategically.
If Raikage had chosen to send Shi rather than Darui, then Cloud Village was not here only for peace.
Hiruzen realized this instantly.
But Shi remained polite and expressionless.
"Lord Hokage, you flatter me. Titles such as left or right hand are merely internal terminology. I am simply here to carry Raikage-sama's message."
Shi carefully placed a scroll on the desk—not directly into Hiruzen's hand, but set down respectfully and slid forward.
Hiruzen nodded in acknowledgment.
Inside the scroll was the typical diplomatic message:
—The Land of Lightning and Land of Fire shared long friendship.
—War occurred due to unfortunate misunderstandings.
—Let us restore harmony.
These were surface-level words.
The real negotiations—the dangerous ones—would come later.
Hiruzen rolled up the scroll.
"Well then, please rest in Konoha for the time being. I will discuss this matter with the council and deliver our answer soon."
Kakashi stepped from the shadows to escort Shi out.
---
Later, at the envoy's hotel
Shi entered the quiet room and immediately scanned it with sensory ninjutsu. After confirming no one was listening, he erected several barriers for extra security.
Moments later, a Cloud chunin entered, looking deeply troubled.
Shi's eyes sharpened.
"How did it go, Cayue?"
Cayue clenched his fists.
They both knew the truth:
Cloud Village did not come to Konoha only for peace talks.
They were here for Hyūga Byakugan.
The Raikage's plan was cruel, yet strategic:
Send a small squad to attempt to kidnap the Hyūga heiress.
Not to succeed.
But to fail on purpose.
If the kidnapping team died near the Hyūga compound, Cloud Village could claim:
"Our envoys were murdered in Konoha! We demand justice!"
And their demand would be:
Hand over a Hyūga—with pure Byakugan.
If Konoha refused, Raikage would say—
"Then the Leaf does not truly want peace."
And war would resume.
But Raikage knew Hiruzen well.
Hiruzen was aging, tired, and desperate to avoid another conflict. He would choose peace over pride.
Cloud Village wanted to walk away from the war with one priceless treasure.
A single Byakugan.
To them, this would turn their surrender into a victory.
Shi let out a quiet breath. He disliked this underhanded method, but he understood the purpose.
"Raikage-sama has decided," Shi said at last. "We must follow the plan."
Cayue nodded reluctantly.
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Outside, Konoha enjoyed its peaceful afternoon…
completely unaware that a dangerous political scheme was already unfolding within its walls.
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