Naruto Card King

Haruto Saito was momentarily stunned. "Mifune..." he murmured. So, Mifune was already the General of the Land of Iron?

Previously, Haruto had been uncertain because Mifune was still quite young, only in his twenties. However, according to the original records, during the Second Shinobi World War, Mifune had faced off against Hanzō. To be able to fight Hanzō, and for Hanzō to rely on poison to defeat him, meant that even at this time, Mifune already possessed terrifying strength—undoubtedly at the Kage level!

It wasn't surprising that he became the General of the Land of Iron in his twenties.

Leaders of the major shinobi factions often ascended to power at a young age. Hiruzen Sarutobi became Hokage during the First Shinobi World War. He was born in Year Eight of the Hidden Leaf, and the First Shinobi World War took place in Year Thirteen. That meant Hiruzen became Hokage in his twenties. Similarly, Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, took office during the First Shinobi World War, only five years older than Hiruzen. The Third Raikage of Kumogakure, A, also ascended in his twenties.

And in the original records, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, became Hokage at just twenty-three!

"If the Land of Iron is truly here for the Black Samurai Armor and intends to negotiate diplomatically, my teacher might agree," Tsunade said, resting her chin on her hand with a worried expression. "If that happens, the decision of whether or not to hand over the Black Samurai Armor will no longer be yours! You absolutely must not act recklessly."

Tsunade wasn't particularly concerned about the Land of Iron's interest in the armor; rather, she was worried about Haruto himself. Given his personality, there was no way he would willingly give up the Black Samurai Armor!

"Where are they now?" Haruto asked as he jumped off the couch.

"In the reception hall of the Hokage Building," Tsunade replied before stepping closer. "Listen, kid, don't rush in. This is an official diplomatic meeting. The area is completely sealed off, and Sensei is personally meeting with Mifune. You won't be able to get in."

Haruto stopped in his tracks and blinked. "Then what do I do?"

"Wait!" Tsunade said firmly. "We can only wait for the outcome!"

Hokage Building, Reception Hall.

The room wasn't crowded, but the atmosphere was solemn. On a large tatami mat, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat on the northern side, a small wooden table in front of him laden with tea and pastries. Beside him sat a middle-aged woman—Koharu Utatane, a high-ranking Konoha advisor.

On the southern side of the tatami, a young and imposing samurai sat behind a long wooden table, with two expressionless middle-aged samurai seated behind him.

This grand and lavish reception hall contained only these five individuals.

As for the guards on both sides, they were stationed outside, ensuring that the meeting remained completely sealed off.

The young samurai with an air of dignity was none other than Mifune, the current General and leader of the samurai of the Land of Iron! He was hailed as the most gifted samurai of his era. A few years prior, he had already become undefeated in the Land of Iron. At just twenty-four years old, he was a force that no nation, faction, or individual could afford to underestimate.

"I have long heard of the Hokage's esteemed reputation," Mifune began, his voice calm yet resonant. "In times of crisis, the Hokage bore great responsibility, orchestrating brilliant strategies that turned the tide and brought peace to the shinobi world. I have long admired your valor and wisdom. Meeting you today is truly an honor. I apologize for the abrupt visit and hope you can forgive the intrusion."

"You are too kind, Mifune," Hiruzen responded. "The current state of the shinobi world is unstable, and war may break out at any moment. I have been meaning to reach out to you to discuss countermeasures. Now that you have personally come to the Hidden Leaf, this is a perfect opportunity for us to deliberate."

This was diplomacy—formal diplomacy!

Thus, both men assumed their official diplomatic demeanor, conversing with solemnity and respect. The atmosphere was harmonious.

Of course, much of this was merely pleasantries—words that had to be exchanged.

Hiruzen had already speculated on the true purpose of Mifune's visit but would not bring it up himself. In truth, the Black Samurai Armor was not particularly important to him. While it did not currently belong to him, if he wanted to claim it, he could do so with ease.

He was simply waiting for Mifune to broach the subject. He wanted to see how much the Land of Iron was willing to offer in exchange before deciding whether to hand it over. In the end, everything came down to benefits!

"A few days ago, I heard that the Hokage's personal disciple encountered danger in the Land of Rain. That Hanzō is truly despicable, mobilizing the entire forces of Amegakure to hunt him down, even participating in the battle himself. For a man of his stature to lower himself in such a manner—truly disgraceful," Mifune remarked.

"I see that you are quite forthright, Mifune," Hiruzen said with a slight smile. "You are correct. Hanzō is indeed a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. His reputation precedes him—he is a cancer upon the shinobi world. In truth, I have long considered attacking Amegakure. However, launching a war would inevitably lead to devastation, and I am reluctant to bring suffering upon innocent lives."

Diplomacy, at its core, was simply saying what needed to be said, depending on the audience.

Mifune knew that Konoha and Amegakure had become bitter enemies and were on the verge of war. Thus, it was only natural for him to express disdain for Hanzō.

Hiruzen, in turn, could not show weakness. Amegakure had provoked Konoha, yet Konoha had not retaliated. Thus, he had to provide a justification—claiming that he refrained from war out of concern for innocent lives, though the reality was far more complex.

From there, the two men continued discussing the broader situation in the shinobi world.

Kirigakure in the Land of Water was growing restless. A few years prior, they had orchestrated the destruction of Uzushiogakure, yet they had not annexed the Land of Whirlpools. In recent months, their movements had been increasingly aggressive. Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning was a militaristic village. The Third Raikage, A, was ambitious, and if war broke out, Kumogakure would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to act.

Iwagakure in the Land of Earth was also preparing for war. The Land of Earth was geographically isolated, filled with mountains and rich in minerals, yet its trade routes were limited. Expansion had always been its goal, and war was the means to achieve it.

The Land of Wind was in the worst position. A desert nation with declining national strength, Sunagakure was the weakest of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. They would not initiate war, but if one broke out, they would certainly exploit the situation for their own gain.

In essence, among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, only Konoha had no interest in starting a war. War was always about profit, and Konoha, being the wealthiest and most resource-rich, had no need to instigate one.

After over two hours of discussion, Mifune finally brought up the Black Samurai and the Black Samurai Armor.

"Hokage, I have heard that the Black Samurai who appeared recently in the Land of Rain is now in Konoha. Is that true?" Mifune inquired.

"Yes," Hiruzen confirmed without hesitation. "He is one of my shinobi. Though he obtained the Black Samurai Armor by chance, I see it as fate. We have decided to invest all our resources into nurturing him."

Clearly, Hiruzen was preparing to drive a hard bargain.