28 Leaf-Sand Alliance

A week had passed since the Kazekage's response to Konoha about the alliance, and currently, the Third Hokage was in his office with Shikaku Nara, discussing the next steps of their plan. "Shikaku, your advice was absolutely spot-on. The Kazekage demanded twice the amount we initially offered as a sign of sincerity, and luckily, we can meet that requirement without any issues," informed the Hokage. Shikaku stood leaning against a wall, his gaze fixed on the window, contemplating the possibilities that this alliance held.

"Lord Hokage, have you decided whether this alliance should be kept private or public? Each option presents its own set of risks and rewards," replied Shikaku, considering the potential consequences that may arise from this collaboration.

"We will strive to keep this as low-key as possible. However, considering the complex workings of the ninja world, we must plan for how other major villages might respond, especially the Cloud Village. They recently sent a message expressing their desire to sign a peace treaty. As a goodwill gesture, they are even willing to participate in the Chunin Exams," explained the Hokage, referring to a letter from the Raikage.

Shikaku pondered over the timing of this outreach and its implications. "Their sudden interest, coupled with their willingness to participate in events tied to the Shigaraki Village, indicates that they too have some stake in it. We must remain vigilant for any potential meetings between Orochimaru and the Raikage," Shikaku asserted after carefully analyzing the Hokage's words.

"Indeed, I have been contemplating that very meeting. I want to run a plan by you—I am considering proposing an operation against Orochimaru, seeking the cooperation of the Sand Village," responded the Hokage, implying his intentions to Shikaku. Shikaku, always quick-witted, sought clarification rather than assuming anything.

"Lord Hokage, are you suggesting that we invite the Cloud Village to participate in this operation?" Shikaku asked urgently, wanting to confirm his deduction.

"Yes, that was an option I considered, should I accept the Cloud's village offer. I believe it might be a way for Orochimaru to be of final use to the village," declared the Hokage with unwavering determination in his voice.

The Third Hokage understood that if three Kages were to join forces, they would be capable of taking down Orochimaru, even in possession of that creature's body. It was an opportunity for redemption, a chance to make up for letting him slip away all those years ago.

Upon hearing the Hokage's plan, Shikaku felt a deep sense of duty to warn him about the potential risks involved. With genuine concern in his voice, he advised, "Lord Hokage, I would strongly advise against this plan. Konoha has historically been at odds with the Cloud and Stone Villages. Honestly, I suggest denying the Cloud Village a chance to participate in the Chunin Exams and observing their actions afterward."

Shikaku diverted his gaze from the window, emphasizing the importance of his advice to the Hokage. However, the Third Hokage, despite understanding Shikaku's concerns, responded with a weary voice, "I acknowledge your concerns, Shikaku. Under normal circumstances, I would never consider such an option. However, the tension in the Ninja World is escalating, and we all know the underlying cause."

The Third Hokage was no fool. He had doubts about the Cloud Village's genuine desire for peace, given the dubious timing of their outreach. Nevertheless, the looming threat of Orochimaru and the army of high-level ninja standing with him left them with limited alternatives. Shikaku, empathizing with the Hokage's predicament, took some time to devise an alternative plan.

"Lord Hokage, if I may make a suggestion," Shikaku began, choosing his words carefully. "Perhaps it would be wise for you to reach out to the other Kages and propose a Five Kage Summit. By promising various benefits and advantages from the alliance, we might be able to rally them and unite against the Shigaraki Village."

Shikaku believed that this alternative plan had a greater chance of success, especially if they could establish an alliance with the Sand Village in advance. With the combined force of multiple Kage-level shinobi working together, he hoped that they could effectively counter the growing threat posed by the Shigaraki Village.

The Third Hokage carefully considered Shikaku's suggestion, realizing that there might be a way to combine both plans. "I see the potential in your suggestion. If we were to form an alliance with the Sand Village and collaborate during the Chunin Exams, we could gather valuable information about Orochimaru. With the Sand as our trusted partner, we would have a reliable source to relay crucial information to the other Kages," the Hokage responded, contemplating the possibilities.

Recognizing the feasibility and benefits of this revised plan that offered protection for Konoha from the risks of engaging directly with the Cloud and Shigaraki, Shikaku casually remarked, "Lord Hokage, I believe this is the best course of action. It would ensure that Konoha is not placed in a potentially dangerous situation, given the need for vigilance with regards to both the Cloud and Shigaraki since we already have to remain wary of the Sand Village even with an alliance."

Acknowledging Shikaku's strategic insight and contributions, the Third Hokage expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Shikaku. Konoha is fortunate to have you here. You are dismissed."

Shikaku, satisfied with the outcome of their discussion, offered a lazy wave of his hand as he made his way out of the office, signifying the end of their conversation. The Third Hokage chuckled to himself as he watched Shikaku leave, appreciating the Nara's wit.

However, he quickly shifted his focus and composed a response to the Kazekage, accepting their demand and proposing a personal signing between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. He summoned a team of three ANBU members and entrusted them with delivering the letter to the Sand Village.

Observing the ANBU team depart, the Third Hokage couldn't resist the urge to reach for his pipe, which he found himself relying on more frequently as he pondered the future. Meanwhile, the ANBU, making excellent time, arrived at the Land of Wind within a day and a half. They met with the Sand ANBU at the border, handing over the Hokage's letter for delivery to the Kazekage.

Rasa, upon receiving the letter, chose not to involve the twin elders in discussing it, realizing that the Hokage had agreed to their terms. However, he found the Hokage's haste to meet in person puzzling. Considering Chiyo's earlier remarks, Rasa started to lean towards the idea that Konoha may be plotting against Orochimaru.

Despite his reservations, Rasa concluded that accepting Konoha's alliance and working with them would be more advantageous. Two major villages allied against a smaller one, even if the latter boasted numerous Kage-level ninja, could still pose a significant threat.

Rasa also considered the fact that both major villages possessed Jinchuriki, and while the power of that creature was formidable, but it had been defeated before. Rasa let this mindset guide his decision, fueled by the belief that Orochimaru was belittling him and the Sand Village by ignoring their attempts at communication.

Rasa prepared his response to the Third Hokage's letter, suggesting a secret meeting between them to take place in the Land of Rivers, as it served as a neutral ground. After finalizing the response, Rasa summoned two Sand ANBU members to deliver it to the Land of Fire.

As the leader of the Sand Village, Rasa always sought ways to improve his nation, especially with the presence of the Shigaraki Village threatening their security. With this in mind, he felt that the current situation presented an opportune moment for the Sand Village to make strategic moves.

Refocusing on the tasks ahead, Rasa began making preparations for the meeting in the Land of Rivers, as well as the upcoming Chunin Exams, which were now less than two months away.

Meanwhile, three days later, in the Hokage's office in Konoha, the Third Hokage reviewed the response letter from the Kazekage. Recognizing the importance of his upcoming meeting with the Kazekage, he summoned the Elders to his office, intending to leave them in charge of the village while he traveled to the Land of Rivers for the awaited rendezvous.

As a knock sounded on the door, the Third Hokage called out, "Come in," and the three Elders entered the room. Danzo, in his characteristic demeanor, entered with a touch of hostility. "Hiruzen, why did you summon me here?" he asked, still clearly bitter over not acquiring the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Koharu and Homura remained silent, patiently awaiting the Third Hokage's news. However, disregarding Danzo's attitude, the Third Hokage spoke calmly, "Thank you for coming promptly. I want to inform you that the Sand Village has agreed to an alliance, and we only need to provide the terms I have already prepared. The Kazekage has also mentioned a secret meeting in the Land of Rivers, which I plan to attend. I entrust the governance of Konoha to you during my absence."

Danzo, upon hearing that Hiruzen planned to leave the village, could only curse Orochimaru and his village for killing his operatives, making it seemingly impossible to act against Hiruzen. Planning to gain some leverage, Danzo spoke up, his tone stern as he stared at the Third Hokage. "Hiruzen, while you're away, I assume you'll have escorts, which should include Jiraiya. I demand to have the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki under my protection in your absence."

The Third Hokage, with his authority intact, responded firmly, "Danzo, I will not grant you custody of Naruto. While I'm away, Kakashi will watch over him. Additionally, I will be taking Jiraiya and the Ino-Shika-Cho squad with me."

At this point, Koharu interjected, trying to steer the discussion forward. "Hiruzen, are you certain about this alliance with the Sand? Can we truly trust them?" Her voice carried a hint of concern.

Hearing Koharu's question, the weight of uncertainty weighed heavily on the Third Hokage. He let out a sigh, his voice tinged with weariness as he responded, "No, Koharu, I am not certain. However, I acknowledge our lack of high-level personnel, which makes it difficult to match Orochimaru's power. Given the absence of direct reports on Orochimaru since he took control of that creature's body, I am more concerned about the threat he poses than the possibility of betrayal from the Sand."

The discussion took its toll on the Third Hokage, his voice revealing the challenges he grappled with as he navigated the complex situation at hand. Understanding the gravity and urgency of the situation, even Danzo decided to set aside his personal grievances and focus on planning a response.

With the help of the Elders the Third Hokage was able to plan a response and find a location for the meeting in the Land of Rivers from the map. With the letter set and meeting to take place in two the meeting was ended as the Third Hokage focus back on the paperwork.

Two weeks later, in a small village located in the Land of Rivers, near the Katabami goldmine village, a meeting between two Kages took place. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, and Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, were engaged in a discussion regarding the Shigaraki Village and the upcoming Chunin Exams.

The Third Hokage wasted no time in addressing the core purpose of the meeting. "Lord Kazekage, I would like to express my gratitude for agreeing to this alliance. As you may have surmised, this alliance is a response to the threat posed by the Shigaraki Village," he stated with a calm, measured tone.

Rasa, feeling validated by this acknowledgment, sighed before responding, "Indeed, Lord Hokage. The emergence of the new Shigaraki Village has significantly altered the power dynamics within the ninja world, particularly due to their display of Kage-level ninja strength."

The Third Hokage concisely laid out his intentions. "Yes, and I intend to leverage the collective pressure from our villages to compel the leader of the Shigaraki Village to engage in a dialogue during the upcoming Chunin Exams, which are scheduled to take place in just over a month," he conveyed. Rasa, with a note of accusation in his voice, expressed his concerns. "I understand, but how can I be certain that this isn't a ploy orchestrated by Konoha, with the so-called 'Leader' of the Shigaraki Village being your former student?" he questioned.

The Third Hokage understood Rasa's wariness and responded wearily, "I acknowledge your concerns, and I hope this can assuage them. Orochimaru holds a deep hatred towards me and has made it clear that he has no desire to communicate or cooperate with Konoha."

Rasa considered the fact that Orochimaru had never responded to any of his own letters and realized that the Hokage might be telling the truth, yet he remained cautious. "Alright, Hokage. I will place my trust in your word as a fellow Kage. However, how can you be so sure that the Shigaraki Village will attend the Chunin Exams, especially considering their enigmatic nature?" Rasa inquired, regarding the Third Hokage intently.

"Based on an analysis of their recent mission records and information obtained from former clients, it is evident that the Shigaraki ninja are a formidable force, consistently surpassing expectations in completing their missions. Given their apparent commitment to upholding their reputation, it is highly unlikely that they would pass up an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially secure more lucrative missions, particularly when the attendees of the Chunin Exams include VIPs from across the lands," the Third Hokage explained, illuminating the clarity of his plan.

Rasa, comprehending the Third Hokage's strategy, began to see the logic behind it. As the pieces fell into place, he reluctantly started to place his trust in this alliance and the upcoming plan to confront the Shigaraki Village head-on at the Chunin Exams.

As the meeting concluded, the alliance between the two leaders was officially established. However, unbeknownst to them, there was a witness to their encounter. This witness held the information that, once leaked, would ignite chaos and frenzy throughout the entire ninja world.