Chapter 390: Chapter 390: Rock Village - One Step Wrong, Every Step Wrong
When the current Hokage and Raikage smiled, shook hands, signed their names, and stamped the alliance document, it marked a monumental shift. Konoha and Kumogakure were now officially allies.
This was no shallow agreement like the one with the Sand Village; it was a comprehensive and genuine alliance. The two villages pledged cooperation in military and economic domains, solidifying a partnership that included military assistance.
If Kumogakure were attacked, Konoha would be obliged to provide aid. Conversely, if Konoha were targeted, Kumogakure would send its ninja forces to assist.
The Hokage's office promptly issued an announcement, which sent Konoha into an uproar of excitement and celebration.
The Villagers React
The news spread quickly through Konoha, stirring discussions among villagers and shinobi alike.
"The Cloud Village is our ally now. Does this mean they won't attack us anymore?"
"Of course! Allies don't fight each other. If anything, they'll help us if we're attacked!"
"This alliance is a big deal. Who'd dare start a war against us now? They'd have to face both Konoha and Kumogakure. No village can handle that!"
For many, the alliance symbolized peace and security, a chance to rebuild and thrive without the constant fear of war.
The villagers' optimism was understandable. The scars of the recent war with the Sand Village had yet to heal, and the prospect of stability was a relief to all.
Reactions Beyond Konoha
While Konoha celebrated, the response in other villages was mixed.
In the Sand Village, there was little concern. Weakened by their past conflicts and financially strained, they had no capacity for war. As half-hearted allies of Konoha, they welcomed the news, knowing it meant no immediate threats to their survival.
In contrast, the reactions from Iwagakure (Rock Village) and Kirigakure (Mist Village) were far more uneasy.
In Iwagakure
"Damn it! I knew this would happen if the Raikage stayed in Konoha," Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, fumed as he slammed his fist on his desk.
Iwagakure had initially planned to propose its own alliance with Konoha. Onoki had refrained from making a move during his last visit to Konoha, intending to consult with his village's leadership first.
But before Iwagakure could act, Konoha had already secured an alliance with Kumogakure.
The news infuriated Onoki. He had envisioned a cooperative future between Iwagakure and Konoha, especially given their lack of recent conflicts. The Rain Country war had only forced Iwagakure's hand; they hadn't been aggressors.
"This alliance changes everything," Onoki muttered darkly.
Iwagakure now faced an impossible dilemma. For years, tensions with Kumogakure had simmered, and while open conflict had been avoided, a war with the Cloud Village was no longer a feasible option.
If they tried, they'd be facing both Kumogakure and Konoha—a battle they could never win.
"Call an emergency meeting. Notify the daimyo and all senior officials immediately!" Onoki barked.
The leadership of Iwagakure quickly assembled in the Tsuchikage's office. Once everyone had arrived, Onoki ordered his son, Kitsuchi, to distribute intelligence reports.
"Something significant has occurred in the ninja world, and it will deeply affect Iwagakure," Onoki said grimly. "Read the information yourselves."
The room fell silent as the leaders read the report.
Shock and Outrage
"Impossible! This can't be true!" one senior official exclaimed, standing abruptly. His hands trembled as he clutched the document.
Gasps of disbelief echoed through the room. Even the daimyo of the Land of Earth looked stunned.
"Konoha and Kumogakure… allies?" one official muttered. "This will completely disrupt the balance of power in the ninja world!"
Onoki grimaced. "Yes. The two strongest villages—militarily, economically, and strategically—have joined forces. This alliance puts every other village at a severe disadvantage."
For Iwagakure, the implications were dire.
In the past, their rivalry with Kumogakure had been manageable. Both villages avoided full-scale war because neither wanted to expend the resources or suffer the losses. But now, with Konoha backing the Cloud Village, any confrontation would be suicidal.
Strategic Consequences
Onoki addressed the room. "The Raikage isn't a fool. He made these concessions to Konoha for a reason. While the alliance may seem equal on paper, Kumogakure will undoubtedly reap more benefits in the long term. They've secured a powerful partner while further isolating us."
One advisor slammed his fist on the table. "What should we do now? If we remain isolated, Iwagakure's position in the ninja world will weaken further!"
Onoki sighed deeply. "For now, we must avoid any provocations with Kumogakure or Konoha. Our only option is to strengthen our internal defenses and seek alliances elsewhere. Perhaps Kirigakure…"
But even as he said this, Onoki knew the options were limited. Mist Village was unstable, Sand Village was weakened, and any smaller factions were of little consequence.
Iwagakure was cornered.
The Bigger Picture
Meanwhile, in Kumogakure, the Raikage felt a mix of relief and satisfaction. The alliance with Konoha had been a calculated gamble, but it had paid off. They had secured assistance in training a jinchūriki while ensuring Konoha's military backing in future conflicts.
In Konoha, the Hokage reviewed the alliance's details, confident that it would bring peace and stability to the village.
As for Shinki, he reflected on the broader implications.
"Allies are allies as long as interests align," he mused. "But when interests shift, today's friends can become tomorrow's enemies. For now, we've strengthened Konoha's position. Let's hope it stays that way."
Iwagakure, meanwhile, was left grappling with the consequences of hesitation. One step wrong, and every step thereafter led further into uncertainty and vulnerability.
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