Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

Shinki wasn't particularly concerned about the ongoing alliance negotiations. He was just waiting for the final outcome. However, when no updates arrived, Mitokado Homura showed up at his doorstep.

"It's going too smoothly—so smoothly that it's unsettling."

Normally, alliances between two villages involve extensive deliberation, as there are countless factors to consider and negotiate. Yet, the process seemed suspiciously easy this time, leaving Homura uneasy.

He had considered bringing up his concerns with the Third Hokage but hesitated. As for Koharu, she was too focused on minutiae to be of any real help.

Reluctantly, Homura sought out Shinki.

"If everything is going so well, doesn't that just mean the Cloud Village genuinely wants an alliance? Isn't that a good thing, Senior? What are you worried about?" Shinki asked, raising his hand to show he understood the concern.

If things proceed smoothly, you feel calm. But if they go too smoothly, you feel anxious. What kind of logic is that?

"If the negotiations had reached a fair balance, I'd feel at ease. But the Cloud Village has conceded on numerous fronts—far more than I expected."

Homura's old face was grave. "It's abnormal, Shinki."

Shinki paused to think, then broke into a chuckle.

Homura frowned, confused. "What's so funny?"

"Raikage has a clever plan, that's all," Shinki replied, shaking his head. "Think about it: Why would the Cloud Village, a proud and powerful faction, willingly concede so much? What could they possibly want from Konoha?"

Homura furrowed his brows in thought. He wasn't called a strategist for nothing, and Shinki's words quickly illuminated the situation. "The jinchūriki?"

Shinki nodded. "Exactly. The Cloud Village values their jinchūriki highly. They may have gotten the basics of creating a perfect jinchūriki from us, but they still lack the expertise and confidence to succeed on their own. Raikage's concessions are likely a calculated strategy to gain our cooperation."

It was no secret that creating a perfect jinchūriki was a complex process fraught with challenges. By conceding on trade, taxes, and other issues, the Cloud Village set the stage to make their request once the alliance was finalized. Refusing such a request would be politically awkward for Konoha.

"So, you're saying the Raikage is deliberately taking small losses now to ensure his larger goal is achieved?" Homura asked.

"Exactly. And since I've been involved in developing the perfect jinchūriki system, their real goal is likely to involve me directly," Shinki explained. "The Raikage knows that if his village approaches me formally after the alliance is signed, it'll be difficult for Konoha to refuse their request."

Homura muttered to himself, "A well-laid plan indeed. No wonder they were so willing to concede benefits to us."

Shinki smiled faintly. "Now that you understand, you might as well prepare for the inevitable. Once the agreement is signed, they'll make their move. Whether the village agrees or not is up to you, but don't count on me blindly going along with it."

Homura frowned. "If you refuse, then all our concessions will have been for nothing. What do you expect us to do?"

"That's not my problem, Senior. If you want to discuss strategy, I suggest taking it up with the Hokage," Shinki replied lightly, gesturing toward the kitchen. "Speaking of which, I have a pot on the stove, so if there's nothing else…"

Homura, understanding the dismissal, quickly stood. "Alright, I'll take my leave. Thank you for your time."

Homura left Shinki's house deep in thought, heading straight for the Hokage's office. By the time he arrived, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was already pondering similar concerns.

Homura burst into the office, causing the Hokage to sit up in surprise.

"Hiruzen, I've figured it out. The Raikage's concessions—everything—are part of a larger strategy. He's after our help with their jinchūriki!"

Hiruzen gestured for him to explain. After hearing the details of his discussion with Shinki, the Hokage nodded thoughtfully. "Shinki's assessment makes sense. The Raikage's willingness to suffer losses is too strategic to ignore. They want something big."

"Exactly," Homura agreed. "But here's the problem: What if Shinki refuses to cooperate? Our alliance would lose all meaning, and the Raikage's trust in us would shatter."

Hiruzen stroked his chin. "Shinki's involvement is crucial. Without his expertise, their perfect jinchūriki project cannot succeed. If he refuses, it'll create a diplomatic rift."

Homura sighed. "Then we need to find a way to ensure his cooperation—or we risk turning an ally into an enemy."

The Hokage nodded gravely, already considering the delicate balance required to navigate the situation without sparking conflict.

>>>>>

Complete story available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)

50% discount code (DDBFC)

Gimme power stonesssss

Also, leave a review please and check out my new story

[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]