"This doesn''t make sense. Are they setting a trap for us so openly?" Koharu muttered in confusion. Her words intrigued the clan leaders who quickly went through the scroll. Just like Koharu, they had similar doubts.

    The scroll contained a request for help. Kusagakure asked Konoha''s assistance to finish off their rebels. In return, they agreed to pay Konoha as per their previous deal.

    Hiashi muttered in confusion, "Didn''t the reports say that they have annihilated half the rebel forces at a great cost? The rest of the job should be far easier. So, why are they requesting our help now? Also..."

    Tsume completed his question, "What is this previous deal? When did we reach a deal with Kusagakure?"

    Everyone''s eyes turned towards Shikaku, who glanced at Homura and said, "I believe Elder Homura can explain it better than me."

    They followed Shikaku''s gaze and realized that Homura still had the same weird expression. Koharu asked, "What''s the matter?"

    Homura composed himself and replied, "It''s a bit complicated..."

    He sighed internally, ''I never expected that Kusa would accept this absurd proposal... Sigh, Hiruzen''s decision to send Fujin was extremely good. I don''t think even he anticipated this.''

    He turned his gaze towards the council members and said, "As you know, Kusagakure had sent such a request to us earlier. However, it was more of an attempt to arm-twist us than transact fairly. Hence, Hiruzen had sent a diplomatic group led by Fujin to Kusagakure, and I had tagged along."

    The clan leaders were aware of this as this information wasn''t kept hidden. However, none of them were aware of what happened during discussions. Homura recounted the events of that day. Everything seemed normal at first, but they were soon left speechless after learning how casually Fujin threatened and challenged them, putting the entire diplomatic delegation including Homura in grave danger. What shocked them more was how unfair the terms of his proposal were!

    Homura concluded, "Due to how ridiculous the proposal was, we didn''t see a need to discuss it in the council. However, I never imagined that Kusagakure would accept it someday, let alone do it a few days after we were attacked..."

    Everyone nodded and began analyzing the situation deeply. As good as the reward for annihilating the rebels was, they understood that it wouldn''t be straightforward.

    After a few minutes, Senju Hiromasa let out a long sigh and muttered, "Kusagakure... As expected of them. They really excel in diplomacy."

    Homura nodded, "Yes. That meeting left bad blood between them and Fujin. Even though they would never dare to act upon it, it was extremely clear that they hated Fujin. However, Fujin''s performance in the war was too intimidating. They realized the need to improve their relationship with Fujin and quickly acted.

    By accepting this proposal, we will gain a large amount of resources at the moment when we need them the most. Since Fujin is the one who facilitated this deal, he''ll get the credit and his reputation would improve further. In essence, they''re paying to strengthen Fujin''s influence in Konoha and using it to reset their relationship with him. Perhaps, they''re also hedging their bets on him becoming the Hokage in the future."

    Everyone agreed. There was no doubt about it. Even though it would hurt Kusa''s pockets, this move was extremely well-timed! As long as Fujin stayed alive, their investment would have multi-fold returns. Homura suddenly became serious as he continued, "Of course, this isn''t all. Their diplomacy isn''t that simple."

    Shikaku said, "Yeah. Along with mending ties with Fujin, this is also a test for us. We were attacked by two formidable forces. Our allies are unsure whether they can continue counting on us. Kusagakure likely shares the same doubt. If we fail or even struggle, it''ll send a message that we have taken a huge hit. On the other hand, an overwhelming performance will reassure our allies and keep them in check while deterring Iwagakure and Kumogakure from making any unprovoked move.

    Fujin asked, "Do we have intel about the rebels?"

    The Yamanaka ninja replied, "It is being conveyed to us as we speak. It''ll be brought here as soon as we get everything. Proper scrolls might be sent later while we travel..."

    Fujin nodded. Within minutes, another ninja arrived and handed Fujin some notes before clearing the tent. Only Fujin and the other four leaders were left in the tent.

    Renjiro said, "This is surprising. I thought they had the upper hand... Hmm? What''s the matter?"

    As Fujin was reading, a weird look appeared on Fujin''s face. Fujin shook his head and said, "They have the upper hand. They are just sucking up to me..."

    His words confused the ones in the room. Hoka asked, "What do you mean? How does going to war benefit you?"

    Fujin answered, "It doesn''t. It''s the price we''ll receive to complete this. I had led the negotiation mission and the terms were very unfair for them and we ended on bad terms. So, it''ll be very helpful for the village in the aftermath of the war and I''ll get the credit."

    Hoka''s eyes widened. He replied, "I see. That makes sense."

    He chuckled and added, "They must have gotten the reports of Sunagakure and Orochimaru''s attack on us."

    Renjiro agreed, "Yeah. Still, it''s impressive how quickly they acted. As expected of a village that excels in diplomacy. How many rebel forces are left?"

    ————

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