Time has swiftly passed, nearly four months since the surface war between Kumogakure and Konoha. After numerous hasty negotiations and concessions on Ai's part, the two sides finally agreed to a secret signing of the peace agreement.
On this particular day, the delegation from Konoha, led by the second Hokage Tobirama himself, embarked on a journey to a remote area in the Land of the Moon.
"Lord Hokage, it's just ahead. Raikage-sama and the others have been waiting for a long time," said Kumogakure's messenger, leading the way. Tobirama nodded with a composed expression, as he was the acknowledged victor who signed the agreement.
Accompanying him were five of Tobirama's disciples: Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Mitokado Homura, Koharu Utatane, and Torifu Akimichi. Uchiha Kagami, who was killed in action, was absent. The other five disciples wore red ninja armor, symbolizing their sincerity as they walked together.
At this point, Sarutobi was still energetic and neat, Koharu wore glasses, giving her a scholarly appearance, and Torifu Akimichi, despite his ridiculous hat, maintained a dignified and elegant presence.
Even Danzo appeared different from the old man many were familiar with; he was now a handsome young man with a gloomy demeanor.
The deaths of Uchiha Kagami and Danzo cast a somber tone over the group, with Danzo keeping a sullen expression, deep in thought.
This melancholy atmosphere contributed to the prolonged peace talks. Ai, anxious to conclude negotiations, had to offer substantial concessions.
As they approached a valley with faintly visible buildings, Tobirama stopped, paying no heed to the explanation from the Cloud Ninja guide. He carefully sensed the chakra fluctuations around him.
In his perception, apart from Ai's violent thunder attribute chakra, Tobirama detected no immediate threat. He widened the range of perception, but the surroundings remained empty.
"Tobirama-sama, Raikage-sama is sincere. There can't be a threat..."
"How is it, teacher?" Danzo inquired in a low voice, disregarding the persuasions from the Kumogakure guide.
"...Seems fine, but what about C's people?"
Tobirama's gaze pierced through Kumogakure, instinctively recognizing C as a potential threat.
"...Master C didn't come; he's still recovering."
Under Tobirama's scrutinizing gaze, Cloud Ninja reluctantly revealed C's situation, struggling under the oppressive atmosphere.
"Humph! So, he's not dead yet?"
Danzo snorted coldly, his eyes filled with killing intent. C, the direct perpetrator of Kagami Uchiha and Genjiro's deaths, intensified the tension.
Tobirama gazed into the distance. He had spent most of his life in the Land of Fire, only venturing to other countries a few times, primarily conquering the Land of Earth.
This time, if the peace talks succeeded, he might have the opportunity to explore the Land of Lightning, unfamiliar territory for him.
If everything went according to plan.
"Hokage, you're here."
On the other side, Ai approached wearing a hat representing Raikage, flanked by two subordinates. Though many people were present, most were officials from the Land of Lightning, sent by the daimyo – ordinary people.
Despite the recent brutal war, politics dictated that the Land of Lightning must honor its promises now that peace was decided. This wasn't the petty infighting of clans during the Warring States Period. Several big clans from the Land of Lightning had sent stewards to witness and sign related matters at this crucial moment.
"Konoha is truly impressive."
Ai forced a smile, her expression complex as she extended her hand.
"Haha, let it go."
Tobirama smiled lightly, recalling the moments of life and death from their previous battle.
The tension in the air finally lifted, and occasional bursts of cheerful laughter could be heard.
It seemed as though everyone was celebrating the return of peace. No one spoke of the reasons behind the war, maintaining a facade of harmony.
Later, the Second Raikage personally arranged accommodations for Tobirama and his companions and briefed them on the current situation in Cloudyin Village.
While the peace negotiation ceremony was a crucial decision, there needed to be a symbolic process. Although the urgency lay with the situation in Ai, the formal agreement would be signed the next day.
Since the Raikage had already declared his intention to personally shake hands and make peace, Tobirama had confidence in both the sincerity of the gesture and in his own strength. Tomorrow's signing ceremony would mark a significant step towards lasting peace.
However, despite Ai's friendly gestures and discussions about various interesting aspects of the Land of Lightning, he avoided mentioning when Tobirama could send an envoy, creating a slight awkwardness.
"I sense your urgency in dealing with the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn. It's a shame you had to give up on those Uchiha. They seem rather sincere. Did you find them trustworthy?" Tobirama looked at Ai, who maintained a calm exterior, sharing a knowing smile with him.
.....
"Tobirama is surprisingly cautious."
From a distance, Takeshi stood atop a tree, remotely sensing the situation in the direction of the valley.
Around him, birds continued to sing on the branches, seemingly unaware of another presence beside him.
Utilizing his Senjutsu to blend with the surrounding aura, Takeshi's technique had matured, making him nearly undetectable even if someone were looking for him.
"It appears Tobirama checks his surroundings every hour. Quite an impressive range!"
Takeshi's body merged with the tree. In this state, even if others were right in front of him, he'd likely go unnoticed. His abilities surpassed those of White Zetsu.
Moments ago, another subtle chakra ripple spread out. Tobirama's perception technique amazed even Takeshi.
Yet, Tobirama neither sensed Takeshi in the distance nor detected the lurking Golden and Silver Horns.
Not only him but also Ai remained unaware of the whereabouts of the Golden and Silver Horns.
"Damn! Are those two not coming? Why haven't I noticed anything?"
Takeshi frowned. According to the plot, the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn couldn't afford to miss this last chance. Once Kumogakure and Konoha made peace, at least temporarily, Ai would no longer pose a threat.
If the Golden Horn and Silver Horn didn't make their move now, they would be at the mercy of Ai, who had gained the upper hand in the war.
How would they escape Tobirama, the top perceptive ninja of Hokage? And how could they overcome his Flying Thunder God technique?
Takeshi grew increasingly puzzled.
.....
The next day arrived.
"Master Ai, Ginkaku and Kinkaku have been under our surveillance. They've been behaving themselves lately and seem unaware of these secret peace talks. Mr. C has also recovered from his injuries and made all necessary preparations. We're just awaiting the conclusion of the negotiations."
A Cloud Ninja whispered to Ai.
"Good, it seems everything is going according to plan."
Ai stood up solemnly, glancing at Tobirama across from him.
Tobirama maintained a subtle smile, yet it carried the weight of a formidable leader.
Tobirama's five disciples stood beside him, faces slightly serious but not lacking in confidence. They were a temporary alliance of necessity.
Onlookers whispered, casting occasional glances at the two parties.
"The time has come. The alliance ceremony between Kumogakure and Konoha officially begins!"