Konoha Year Two.
Two visitors arrived in Konoha Village.
One had his face wrapped in bandages, the other had a bulbous red nose.
Mū, the future Second Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, and Ōnoki, the future Third Tsuchikage.
They had come to Konoha on behalf of Iwagakure in the Land of Earth, seeking an alliance and a peace treaty.
At the entrance of the Konoha White House, Uchiha Hikaru came out with his attendants to receive them.
Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju had gone off to capture more Tailed Beasts right after the New Year and were not currently in the village.
Hikaru received them in their stead.
Mū and Ōnoki stood before the White House.
Compared to Iwagakure’s rugged style, Konoha’s architecture was far more refined and elegant.
“You two have traveled a long distance.
The journey must have been tiring.”
Mū bowed slightly.
“Hikaru-sama.
On behalf of Iwagakure, I submit this peace treaty to Konoha, hoping that our two nations may form an alliance.”
Hikaru’s gaze rested on Mū, but he did not rush to respond.
He was particularly interested in this future Second Tsuchikage.
Aside from the Nine-Tails, there were not many things in the shinobi world that Hikaru coveted.
Raigō: Senju Satsu was one, but that was merely the icing on the cake.
Only Dust Release—the shinobi world’s only Kekkei Tōta—truly made his heart itch.
When it came to the greatest defense in the shinobi world, there were the so-called Sand Shield, Rotation, the Third Raikage’s Lightning Armor, and Itachi Uchiha’s Yata Mirror.
But when it came to the greatest offensive power, if Dust Release ranked second, no technique dared rank first.
Below the Six Paths level, it ignored all defenses.
Under Dust Release, all were equal.
There was no defense that one Dust Release could not overcome—if there was, then two would suffice.
In the original story, during the battle of the Five Kage against Uchiha Madara, the offensive output relied entirely on Ōnoki.
The other four Kage could only play supporting roles.
That alone showed how powerful Dust Release truly was.
“There is no rush.
The two of you have come a long way and must be tired.
It would not hurt to tour Konoha first.
Konoha was founded to dissolve hatred and protect peace in the shinobi world.
As the embodiment of love and peace, Konoha certainly does not wish to see war reignite in the shinobi world.”
Hearing Hikaru’s reply, both Mū and Ōnoki breathed sighs of relief.
They had heard that the Uchiha were proud and difficult to deal with, but this Uchiha Hikaru was unexpectedly humble, courteous, and approachable.
Before coming, Mū and Ōnoki had prepared themselves for the worst. Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
“Then we thank Hikaru-sama.” Mū nodded.
“Please take your time touring Konoha.” Hikaru said.
“The cultures of the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire differ greatly.
I will review this treaty carefully.
Tomorrow, both sides can sit down and discuss things properly.”
He turned and instructed Uchiha Tekka beside him: “Tekka, take our two guests for a tour of Konoha.”
“Yes, Hikaru-sama.”
Mū and Ōnoki understood.
An alliance between two nations was not something that could be decided overnight—it involved interests, equality of bargaining power, and mechanisms for resolving disputes.
None of this could be resolved quickly.
Mū and Ōnoki had already prepared themselves for several days of tough negotiations.
In the original story, Mū had indeed led Ōnoki on a diplomatic mission to Konoha, but they had been intercepted by Uchiha Madara and humiliated.
Over the following days, Konoha and Iwagakure held multiple rounds of negotiations regarding the alliance treaty.
In the conference room on the second floor of the Konoha White House.
Konoha representatives: Chancellor of the Chancellery Tobirama Senju, Chancellor of the Central Secretariat Nara Rokuon, Chancellor of the Department of State Affairs Hyuga Ten’nin, and Uchiha Hikaru.
Iwagakure representatives: Mū and Ōnoki.
The two sides went back and forth across the table, neither yielding an inch.
They discussed everything from trade provisions to military mutual assistance, from intelligence sharing to border demarcation.
Hikaru sat to the side throughout, not intervening.
With Nara Rokuon as his strategist, Tobirama Senju playing the bad cop, and Hyuga Ten’nin playing the good cop, Hikaru only needed to observe.
He only interjected when absolutely necessary.
“Hmph.” Tobirama Senju let out a cold snort.
“Konoha is currently the strongest among the Five Great Nations.
If the Land of Earth comes under attack from other nations, Konoha would have to help repel the invaders.
Therefore, Konoha cannot enter into a brotherly alliance with Iwagakure.
As a condition, Iwagakure should pay annual tribute to Konoha.”
“Impossible.” Mū refused categorically.
“Equality is the foundation.
This is Iwagakure’s bottom line.”
“Fine, no tribute.
After Konoha and Iwagakure form an alliance, Konoha will station troops in Iwagakure.
Konoha will send a small contingent of shinobi to the Land of Earth to deter the other nations and prevent them from attacking the Land of Earth.”
This was the countermeasure Konoha had agreed upon the day before.
Paying tribute was indeed unreasonable, but stationing a small shinobi contingent in Iwagakure—compared to the former—was somewhat more acceptable.
Mū’s expression darkened.
“No.” His tone was even harsher than before.
“Iwagakure will never accept foreign troops stationed on its soil.
If the Land of Earth is attacked by other nations, the Land of Earth can cover Konoha’s military expenses. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
But we will not accept stationing troops.”
What a joke.
If Konoha stationed troops in his home, what sovereignty would the Land of Earth have left?
“If this is Konoha’s attitude, then there is no point in continuing these talks.”
“This won’t do, that won’t do.” Konoha had already made concessions.
“As the strongest nation, Konoha gains no benefit from allying with Iwagakure.
Konoha would still have to help Iwagakure repel foreign enemies.
We must gain something tangible in return.”
The negotiations reached an impasse.
That was when Hikaru spoke.
“If Konoha and Iwagakure form an alliance, regarding trade, Iwagakure must not impose additional tariffs on Konoha’s goods, nor block Konoha’s goods from flowing into the Land of Earth.
Furthermore, when Konoha purchases mineral resources and goods from the Land of Earth, the price must be lower than for other buyers.”
“Surely that is not too much to ask?”
Compared to tribute and stationing troops, this condition was indeed far more moderate.
As the strongest ninja village, Konoha would naturally seek benefits.
Trade preferences and purchasing discounts would put Iwagakure at an economic disadvantage, but at least they did not infringe on sovereignty or dignity.
“This…” Mū thought for a moment.
“Agreed.”
“Then let us continue.”
The negotiations pressed on.
The talks lasted an entire day.
Both sides finally reached a preliminary consensus on trade provisions.
The alliance was essentially settled.
Specific tax rates, purchase discounts, and product lists would all require further refinement later.
In truth, Hikaru had already cast Kotoamatsukami on Mū at the very start of the negotiations.
The command embedded in Kotoamatsukami was simple: “Unconditionally obey any decision made by Uchiha Hikaru.”
This command did not affect Mū’s normal thinking or judgment in other areas.
He would still argue fiercely for Iwagakure’s interests.
But whenever Hikaru spoke, Mū would comply without question.
The Sharingan was the eye that reflected the heart.
The abilities of the Mangekyo corresponded to the obsession and state of mind at the moment of awakening.
When Hikaru awakened his Mangekyo, his obsession was a primal will to survive—to change everything.
His deep-seated desire was to escape, to avoid confronting this world.
And so, Uchiha Hikaru’s Mangekyo abilities manifested as Kotoamatsukami in his left eye and Kamui in his right.