— — — — — — —
After a long silence, Kaito finally spoke, his expression serious.
"Tsuchikage-sama, are you sure you're not joking?" He carefully observed Onoki as he asked.
Onoki shook his head decisively. "There's no need for the Hokage to test or doubt me. I am completely serious. I have come with full sincerity."
"Because I know very well that over the years, Konoha has essentially gained economic control over all the major ninja villages and nations."
"Additionally, the battle between Lord Hashirama and Uchiha Madara back then—wasn't that just a staged performance for us? The ultimate goal was to unify the ninja world."
"Moreover, I am aware that Konoha has long possessed the strength to unify the entire ninja world effortlessly."
"Given this, the high-ranking officials and think tanks of Iwagakure have made this choice. We hope that by being the first to surrender, we can secure some preferential treatment."
"What do you think?"
It wasn't just Kaito who was shocked and in disbelief—even Onoki himself was surprised by his own decision.
But there was no choice. He had no other options. Iwagakure had no other options.
"Oh?"
Kaito raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. He carefully studied Onoki before saying, "I never expected Tsuchikage-sama and Iwagakure to have such bold resolve. This really surprises me!"
"However, you have indeed made the best possible choice. I believe you'll be grateful for today's decision in the future."
"As for the preferential treatment you mentioned, since you are the first village to voluntarily submit, offering some benefits is only natural."
"These details can be properly negotiated—I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
As he spoke, Kaito exchanged glances with the First Hokage, Hashirama.
To think that Hashirama had actually been right about this!
Even Hashirama himself was quite surprised. Previously, it was only a theory, but he hadn't been absolutely certain it would happen.
Soon after, Kaito summoned Nara Shikayama, a representative of Konoha's advisory team, to negotiate with Onoki.
In the end, an agreement was reached: in exchange for surrendering, Iwagakure's major clans would receive a monthly supply of high-grade nutritional pills and limited quotas of Bloodline potions.
"Now that the agreement is signed, you should start making preparations on your end as soon as possible."
"Moving forward, Konoha will dispatch a sufficient number of personnel to take over the administration of Iwagakure and oversee its integration."
"I hope there won't be any unpleasant incidents, or it won't look good for anyone."
After signing the agreement, Uchiha Kaito warned Onoki.
"Of course!"
Onoki nodded solemnly. "You have my word, Hokage-sama. I will fully cooperate with Konoha to complete the village integration, personnel migration, and power transition."
Truth be told, before coming here, he had still felt some hesitation, gambling on the outcome.
But after learning about the high-level training resources Konoha had to offer and their incredible effects, both he and his trusted subordinates, including Kitsuchi and Akatsuchi, abandoned any illusions or second thoughts.
Just the existence of those Kekkei Genkai (Bloodline) potions alone left them in awe.
"To think that your village has made such terrifying advancements in researching Kekkei Genkai!"
"You've even cracked the secrets of the Uchiha, Hyuga, Senju, and Uzumaki bloodlines, and have successfully mass-produced corresponding enhancement potions."
"No wonder Konoha's power has been growing more terrifying in recent years!"
"Don't tell me… all Konoha shinobi now possess Kekkei Genkai?"
If that were true, it would be utterly horrifying.
"Not quite."
Kaito shook his head. "While these Kekkei Genkai potions are indeed being mass-produced, the materials and crafting process are still limiting factors, so the production volume isn't that high."
"Moreover, Konoha has strict internal exchange requirements—not just anyone can easily obtain these potions."
"Of course, at present, a significant number of Konoha ninjas have exchanged for Uchiha, Hyuga, Senju, and Uzumaki bloodline abilities."
"But compared to those, many have decided to exchange for Kekkei Genkai like Scorch Release, Magnet Release, Ice Release, and so on."
"For one, these Kekkei Genkai have lower exchange requirements."
"For another, for most ninjas, these abilities may actually be more practical and cost-effective than Sharingan or Byakugan."
After all, not everyone has the talent to fully master the Sharingan or Byakugan.
For non-contracted individuals, without advanced meditation techniques, awakening the Sharingan was already difficult, let alone utilizing it effectively.
But elemental Kekkei Genkai like Scorch Release were different.
As long as someone obtained such a bloodline, they could start using it immediately without requiring further awakening.
It was a direct and substantial boost to a ninja's combat power.
Furthermore, non-contracted individuals weren't even eligible to exchange for Uchiha, Hyuga, Senju, or Uzumaki bloodline abilities.
Neither Kaito nor the clan leaders of the Four Great Clans were willing to take that risk.
"I see! That makes sense!"
Onoki nodded in understanding before cautiously asking, "Then… will our Iwagakure shinobi have the chance to exchange for Uchiha, Hyuga, Senju, or Uzumaki bloodline potions in the future?"
He was tempted.
Who wouldn't covet those legendary bloodlines?
Especially the Uchiha's Sharingan.
Just look at Kaito and Uchiha Madara—their power made it clear how incredibly valuable Sharingan was.
Kaito gave Onoki a meaningful look before saying, "It's not impossible."
"As I mentioned earlier, if your people meet the contract requirements and form a contract with me, they will automatically gain permission to exchange for those Kekkei Genkai potions."
"At that point, as long as they have enough contribution points, they can exchange for them directly."
"Furthermore, from now on, we're all part of the same village. Iwagakure is a thing of the past."
"You should start adjusting to that reality."
Onoki stiffened before quickly nodding. "Of course! Of course! It's just an old habit, haha! My apologies!"
"Hm."
Kaito nodded indifferently. "That should cover most things."
"Oh, one more thing. I'll need a full record of all your village's exclusive ninjutsu, secret techniques, sealing jutsu, and ninja tools—including your Dust Release."
"Don't worry, we won't just take them without compensation. You'll receive appropriate contribution points in exchange."
"With those, you'll be able to exchange for rare Konoha ninjutsu, secret techniques, and even forbidden techniques from the Merit Pavilion."
"I expect you to gather everything soon—I'll personally come to collect them. No objections, right?"
Kaito was especially interested in Dust Release.
And there were other unique techniques that caught his attention as well.
.
.
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