Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand

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Sitting across from him, Jinghang wore a calm, composed smile, but Danzo's face was as dark as a storm cloud. Inside, he was seething, wishing he could tear this man to pieces. After pacifying Sunagakure's elders, Jinghang had wasted no time extending an olive branch of peace to Konoha the very next day. For Danzo, whose Beast Cage Plan had failed and who was now caught in the dilemma of advancing or retreating his forces, Jinghang's proposal was like a lifeline.

To be fair, Danzo's overall performance in this campaign wasn't bad. In the first half, he had conquered Amegakure, bringing the mighty Hanzo the Salamander to his knees. In the second half, he dealt a crushing blow to Sunagakure, even killing the Second Kazekage, Shamon. On paper, if the war ended now, it would undoubtedly be a triumphant return. Yet, who could have foreseen the disaster during the "injury time"? Ever since Jinghang took over the battlefield, Konoha's forces had suffered repeated losses. Not only had the decapitation operation failed, but the army was now also stuck in a precarious position.

If they continued the offensive, their depleted supplies and low morale made victory nearly impossible. Worse still, the army risked annihilation due to supply shortages. On the other hand, retreating would mean admitting the failure of the expedition. And if Sunagakure were to ambush them during the withdrawal, the army might not even make it to the Night-Singing Sand Sea before being decimated.

However, accepting Sunagakure's offer of alliance at this moment could ensure the army's safe retreat, pulling them out of this quagmire of war. It would also solidify their gains in the Land of Rain, deterring Iwagakure's ambitions. Furthermore, it would provide Danzo with a respectable narrative to present back home. Before the Third Hokage and the Konoha Council, he could boast: "Look at me! I subdued two shinobi villages, one of which is one of the Five Great Nations, and even killed a Kazekage. This is a resounding victory!" Signing a peace treaty would undoubtedly be acceptable to Konoha's leadership. It would save face for all parties involved, allowing Danzo to return to Konoha as a conqueror and victor, securing a higher position among the upper echelons. As for the sacrifices and losses in this campaign? Well, wars always come with casualties. Shinobi are destined to make sacrifices, after all.

Yet, the one thing that truly irked Danzo was the man sitting before him.

Carrying on the legacy of his predecessors, Jinghang had navigated the battlefield with remarkable prowess, defeating formidable enemies in desperate situations and turning the tide of war. There was no doubt that he would gain immense prestige in Sunagakure. His authority there was on the verge of becoming absolute. Now, riding the momentum of his victory to propose peace, who knew what harsh terms he might demand?

As Danzo was still pondering, Jinghang broke the silence. "Danzo-senpai, it's just the two of us here. We're both straightforward men, aren't we? Let's skip the formalities and the diplomatic jargon. Here are the terms; take a look." With that, he handed over a piece of paper.

Danzo took it and was surprised to find that the conditions weren't harsh at all. In fact, Konoha seemed to gain a slight advantage.

Sunagakure and Konoha shall cease hostilities, and both sides' shinobi shall withdraw to the borders of the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire. All prisoners shall be released unconditionally.

Sunagakure shall recognize the Land of Rain as Konoha's sphere of influence and will fully withdraw from territorial disputes in the northern regions of the Land of Wind.

Sunagakure and Konoha shall establish an alliance, maintaining consistency in all diplomatic, military, and commercial actions.

Both sides shall strengthen economic cooperation and cultural exchange, lowering taxes on trade caravans traveling between the two nations.

…

The treaty wasn't long, but Danzo scrutinized it thoroughly, reading it over and over again. Finally, he looked at Jinghang with a puzzled expression. What was this man up to?

"Of course, this is just a preliminary agreement. The formal treaty will be signed after I complete my Kazekage succession ceremony. I'll personally visit Konoha to finalize it," Jinghang said.

"You're coming to Konoha?" Danzo asked.

"Yes, as a gesture of goodwill. Once the succession ceremony is over, I'll send an official diplomatic notice to Konoha. Leaders don't just stay cooped up in their own countries, do they?" Jinghang replied with a smile.

Danzo's doubts lingered. If he were in Jinghang's position, he would never propose peace when holding such a strong advantage. There had to be a hidden agenda.

"There's no conspiracy here," Jinghang said, as if reading Danzo's mind.

"Konoha is strong, and Sunagakure is weak. Konoha is prosperous, while Sunagakure is impoverished. A local victory doesn't change the overall disparity. You've lost an army, but Konoha can always send another. We, on the other hand, don't have enough shinobi to sustain further losses. Before our enmity deepens irreparably, why not turn swords into plowshares? Once I leave, you can retreat your forces. Don't worry; we absolutely won't tail you. You can ask around — I have a stellar reputation," Jinghang said with a sly smile.

In the end, Danzo relented. That very evening, he issued the order to retreat. Both sides' shinobi erupted in cheers. After nearly six months of fighting, the war was finally over. Sunagakure even generously sent several carts of fresh water and food to Konoha's forces.

"Not all our shinobi will return to the village at once. At least one-third should remain at Moon Lake. This will serve both as a precautionary measure and as the foundation for turning Moon Lake into our logistics base," Jinghang instructed.

"As expected of the Kazekage, always so thorough," the council members murmured in agreement.

Satisfied with their response, Jinghang nodded. Successfully concluding the war had solidified his position as the Third Kazekage. He had shown both strength and diplomacy, securing his role as leader of Sunagakure.

"Since the war is over, the remaining shinobi will form a production and construction corps. Karuki, I'll need you to take charge as the corps commander. Lead the stationed troops to cultivate the land, plant trees, and develop resources. I'll provide detailed plans later. Don't look so glum; the stationed forces will rotate every four months. You won't be stuck there forever," Jinghang said, prompting laughter among the crowd.

"Understood, Kazekage-sama," Karuki replied.

"Chiyo, please oversee the withdrawal arrangements."

"Jōsō, inform the Daimyo of the Land of Wind about the war's outcome and invite him to attend my Kazekage succession ceremony."

After issuing a series of orders, everything was temporarily settled. Jinghang slumped back in his chair, as if all the tension had drained from his body. Finally, it was over. "You all can keep fighting your wars. Sunagakure needs some well-deserved rest."

"Seems like this Jinghang kid is quite capable," a frail voice echoed in a shadowy underground cavern.

"Indeed, he fought two brilliant battles," replied a monstrous figure with half of its face blackened.

"Hmm, let's leave the Land of Wind as it is for now. But keep an eye on that kid. What's the situation with the Tsuchikage?"

"They're ready for war."

"Since they're ready… cough, cough… let's not keep them waiting. Go make the arrangements. cough, cough."

The cavern echoed with the old man's weak coughing.

Gazing at the small vial in his hand, Danzo's thoughts were complicated. Inside the vial was none other than a crimson Sharingan.

"He's quite the character," Danzo muttered, recalling Jinghang's face during their negotiations.

"I hope to establish a friendly personal relationship with you," Jinghang had said.

"Personal relationship?"

"Surely, Danzo-senpai's voice carries weight among Konoha's leadership. I hope you can speak on Sunagakure's behalf when necessary."

"You underestimate me. I would never betray Konoha's interests."

"Rest assured, no one will ask you to betray Konoha. Once the alliance is signed, our interests will naturally align."

"Then why…?"

"Don't worry; I won't put you in a difficult position. As I said, I only seek your friendship. To show my sincerity, please accept this."

Jinghang had then presented the small vial. The moment Danzo saw what was inside, he couldn't look away. Everyone knew what this meant.

"Is this… Kagami's?" Danzo asked.

"Yes."

"And the other one?"

"Accidentally destroyed."

"You—!"

Danzo glared at Jinghang, who maintained his ever-smiling demeanor. After a long silence, Danzo calmed down, tucked the vial into his sleeve, and extended his hand.

"Very well, Kazekage-sama. You have my friendship."