Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Onoki's sarcasm made the two queens behind Shikadai Nara turn pale. The masked Anbu showed no expression, but their slightly trembling bodies betrayed their emotional turmoil.

The Jonin from the Akimichi clan stepped forward, ready to retort, but Shikadai Nara spoke first:

"Hehe, Lord Tsuchikage, Konoha has no intention of underestimating you. I am Shikadai Nara, and I am here to discuss peace talks with Iwagakure. Once terms are finalized, Konoha's higher-ups will come to sign the peace agreement."

"Though Hokage-sama could not attend due to pressing matters, his two disciples, Lord Orochimaru and Lord Raiden Uzumaki, can represent his will and sign the agreement with you."

"You must be familiar with Lord Orochimaru, the one who advanced the frontlines to the Land of Earth. Surely you also know Lord Raiden."

"Lord Orochimaru, one of the 'Legendary Sannin,' and Lord Raiden, 'Konoha's Thunder,' will not dishonor you with their presence."

Despite Onoki's provocation, Shikadai Nara remained calm and even smiled as he spoke. Although his tone was polite, his words were pointed, implicitly reminding Onoki of Konoha's dominance in the conflict.

"You insolent brat!"

Onoki frowned at Shikadai's remarks, while Atsuchi, who had been amicable earlier, and Kitsuchi, standing calmly nearby, both looked displeased, their gazes growing colder.

The tension in the room became palpable as murderous intent filled the air. Konoha's guards immediately went on alert, the atmosphere becoming suffocatingly oppressive. Yet, Shikadai seemed unfazed, sipping his tea leisurely.

"An interesting fellow. Let's hear what you have to say, then," Onoki said with a faint smile.

Hearing this, Shikadai breathed an inward sigh of relief. Though outwardly composed, he was deeply anxious. The peace talks with Iwagakure were fraught with uncertainty, especially since Iwagakure had attempted to intercept and kill Raiden Uzumaki. What Shikadai didn't know was that Onoki himself had led the ambush.

"Since Konoha is willing to discuss peace, let me present Iwagakure's conditions," Onoki began.

"First: Return the Tailed Beast."

"Second: Withdraw all Konoha forces from the Land of Earth and the Land of Rain."

"Third: Compensate for the damage caused by Konoha during the war."

"If Konoha agrees to these terms, we will invite Lord Raiden Uzumaki to Iwagakure to sign the peace agreement, and we can move forward amicably."

Onoki spoke as if these demands were entirely reasonable, seemingly oblivious to their audacity.

"Tsuchikage-sama, do you truly believe Iwagakure holds an absolute advantage in this war?" Shikadai replied coolly.

"Lord Raiden made a few requests as well, and I hope Iwagakure will consider them."

"They aren't unreasonable. Lord Raiden proposes that Iwagakure compensate Konoha with funds and ninjutsu in exchange for the Tailed Beast."

"As for a truce, it depends on you. If Iwagakure wants to continue the war, Konoha will not hand over the Tailed Beast."

Shikadai's calm demeanor impressed even Onoki, who found himself admiring the young strategist despite his anger.

"That brat! Does he think Iwagakure cannot fight without a Tailed Beast? Asking us to trade it for money and ninjutsu—preposterous!" Onoki slammed the table in fury.

"If Konoha lacks sincerity, there's nothing more to discuss! Kitsuchi, show them out!"

"Tsuchikage-sama, Konoha is sincere. Please reconsider," Shikadai said, bowing slightly before leading his guards out under Kitsuchi's guidance. Once Konoha's delegation had left, Onoki's anger dissipated as he sat back down.

"Atsuchi, what's your take on the peace talks?" Onoki asked, sipping his tea.

"Konoha's response was unexpected. Despite your demands, they remained composed. That Nara Shikadai is no ordinary individual," Atsuchi replied.

"Even with the assassination attempt on Uzumaki Raiden, Konoha's terms aren't excessive. Their restraint suggests desperation, Konoha is likely at its breaking point. If we persist, Konoha won't last much longer. I propose reinforcing our presence in the Land of Grass and the Land of Taki to open new fronts. Konoha's resources are spread thin."

Onoki chuckled. "You've grown sharper, but your understanding of Konoha is outdated. Konoha's newer generation is brimming with talent. Figures like the 'Legendary Sannin,' 'Konoha's Thunder,' 'Golden Flash,' 'Konoha White Fang,' and the 'Evil Eye' ensure their strength has not diminished."

"Prepare our forces for a naval assault on the Land of Frost. I plan to strike Cloud Ninja."

"Why attack Cloud Ninja?" Atsuchi asked, shocked.

"Hehehe, kid, that's why you're still young!"

"Go, spread the news that I led a team to kill 'Konoha's Thunder' and failed. Frame the negotiations between Konoha and Iwagakure as difficult and inconclusive. Make the details ambiguous, and release some smoke screens—perhaps claiming that Konoha's envoy was severely humiliated by the Tsuchikage."

"It's hard to extract any advantages from Konoha. They've taken our Tailed Beast, leaving us in a passive position."

"However, Cloud Ninja still presents a viable target!"

"They're currently engaged in conflict with Konoha, so their local defenses might be weak!"

As he said this, Onoki's face lit up with a knowing smile. He glanced back at Atsuchi, then stood up and exited the meeting room. 

(End of Chapter) 

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