“Is that so?”
Naoki’s heart skipped a beat momentarily, but he quickly feigned a relaxed demeanor while secretly heightening his vigilance as he looked at Orochimaru.
After all, this guy didn’t pour his heart out to his trading partner Danzo!
Orochimaru took a few steps forward, letting the sunlight hit his face as if trying to wash away some gloom.
“If I’m not mistaken, Naoki-kun, if you can lead the Kirigakure forces out of the Land of Fire in a victorious manner, this war could be considered a success.”
“In this battle where you’ve stood out repeatedly as the key to changing the tides, it’s only natural that you, Kaguya Naoki, would gain the most prestige.”
Orochimaru’s eyes flickered, and he couldn’t help but lick his lips, very pleased with this transaction.
Driving Kirigakure back while relieving the village’s pressure and obtaining some rare materials was quite the deal.
Suppressing his excitement, Orochimaru continued, “By then, no one in Kirigakure will have greater prestige than you, Naoki-kun.”
“Of course,” Naoki nodded. This was also why he was hastily preparing to withdraw the troops.
If the army were to be defeated here, no matter how brilliant his previous achievements were, they would be overshadowed by his defeat.
Orochimaru swallowed, his eyes glinting with a cold, murderous intent.
If this brat didn’t possess the Ice Release bloodline, making him difficult to control fully, he wouldn’t need to go to such lengths.
After a pause, Orochimaru smiled again. “Once your prestige surpasses everyone else’s, the position of Mizukage will inevitably be yours.”
“Right, Naoki-kun?”
“Right, but also not right.”
Naoki smiled, unconcerned with Orochimaru’s expression.
“You should understand this well, Orochimaru-kun.”
“After all, the position of Fourth Hokage seems quite distant from a war hero like you.”
At these words, Orochimaru’s eyes turned cold, his face darkening as rare anger welled in his usually calm heart.
This brat.
Clenching his fists slightly, his killing intent grew stronger.
Soon, he smirked, his previous anger and murderous intent becoming a mockery.
Older man, you’re past your prime. This brat has already seen through the future you envisioned!
I look forward to seeing him become Mizukage. I would like to know if you and Minato can suppress this genius from Kirigakure then.
Thinking this, Orochimaru felt much better and let out a few cold laughs, repeating his proposal.
“Naoki-kun, we are both smart people. There’s no need to dwell on useless things.”
“You know very well that you need to withdraw in victory.”
“In exchange, I only need some materials. That’s all.”
Mentioning those materials, Orochimaru’s eyes shone with excitement, barely able to suppress his hunger.
“White limbs and bone powder. Just a bit of them for victory in the war. How could you refuse?”
“Orochimaru-kun.”
Naoki immediately responded.
“You can have the materials. But how do you guarantee we can withdraw in victory?”
Orochimaru licked his lips, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
“Naoki-kun, as the commander of the Konoha forces, I will deliberately engage you in a draw, allowing your Kirigakure forces to retreat.”
“How about that?”
Orochimaru stared intently at Naoki, who remained silent.
Naoki clenched his sleeve, feeling a twinge of amusement.
Looking at Orochimaru’s earnest eyes, Naoki was speechless.
True to his confidence, Orochimaru believed he could easily defeat Uchiha Itachi.
He’s just as confident against me.
Naoki looked up, smiling.
“Not good enough.”
“Orochimaru, how about you lose to me again?”
“After all, you’re not going to become Hokage.”
“Impossible.”
Orochimaru’s expression turned cold, rejecting the idea outright.
No matter how many materials he received, he couldn’t agree to that.
Pretending to lose to this brat again would brand him with a permanent label.
That, he couldn’t tolerate.
“Then…”
Naoki paused, thinking.
I’ll make you lose if you don’t want to pretend to lose.
Calming himself, he continued in a gentle tone.
“Orochimaru-kun, then I have another request.”
“Our troop movements need to be coordinated with Konoha’s forces to facilitate our smooth retreat after our duel ends in a draw.”
“Afterwards, we’ll negotiate peace immediately and stay out of the war. How about it?”
Orochimaru fell silent for a moment.
Naoki waited confidently for his response.
Orochimaru hadn’t completely lost his attachment to Konoha. He wouldn’t do anything severely detrimental to Konoha’s interests.
But facilitating Kirigakure’s retreat and negotiating peace aligned perfectly with Konoha’s current interests!
Konoha didn’t want a prolonged war with Kirigakure. They just wanted to negotiate peace and focus their forces on defending against the other ninja villages.
In a situation that wouldn’t severely harm Konoha’s interests and would grant him his desired materials, how could Orochimaru refuse?
Sure enough, shortly after, Orochimaru nodded slowly.
“Very well.”
With those words, the weight in Naoki’s heart lifted, and a surge of joy filled him.
With this unexpected deal initiated by Orochimaru, the war’s outcome became clear.
Naoki would have the chance to duel Orochimaru one-on-one!
And Minato wouldn’t intervene in the war.
The Kirigakure forces could retreat smoothly.
Meaning a clear, victorious exit for him and Kirigakure.
Great, immense prestige would fall into his hands.
Upon returning to the village, he could initiate reforms, strengthening the nation for future conquests.
Simultaneously, he could gather kekkei genkai, collect secret techniques, and support his path to becoming a sage.
This promising future brought him immense joy.
“Orochimaru-kun, I’ll give you two fingers first. The rest of the materials, after the war.”
Orochimaru smiled.
“Naoki-kun, I hope this deal makes you trust me more and not resort to silly measures to ensure your interests.”
With that, Orochimaru vanished into the forest, while Naoki turned and awaited the war with hope.
. . . . .
“How does my plan sound?”
Orochimaru asked, sitting at the head of the table, waiting for the responses.
Shikaku stood first, followed by the others.
“Orochimaru-sama’s plan is impeccable. This time, we should be able to heavily damage these Kirigakure ninjas!”
Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction, gathering his meticulously prepared plan that showed no flaws.
“Then, everyone, prepare yourselves.”
With that, they all exited the room.
In a secluded spot, Shikaku approached the red-haired Kushina.
“For now, don’t reveal the Nine-Tails’ power.”
This is…
Kushina was puzzled.
Without revealing the Nine-Tails’ power, how could they cause significant damage to so many Kirigakure ninjas?
After a moment, she realized and excitedly asked.
“Is it Minato?”
Shikaku nodded slightly, adding.
“It’s just a possibility.”
“Whether Minato-sama can return is still uncertain.”
“Therefore, Kushina-sama, it’s best not to reveal the Nine-Tails’ power for now.”
“When it’s time to use it, I’ll let Inoichi inform you.”
Kushina nodded heavily.
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