In Naruto, build the strongest Hidden Mist Village.

Chapter 48 Kaguya Naoki, I Want a Draw with You
"is it?"

Kaguya Naoki's heart skipped a beat for a moment, but he immediately pretended to be relaxed, though he was secretly on guard and looked at Orochimaru.

After all, this guy wasn't exactly all that open and honest with his trading partner Danzo!
Orochimaru took a few steps forward, letting the sunlight shine on his face, as if trying to wash away some of the gloom.

If I'm not mistaken.

If Naoki-kun can lead the Hidden Mist ninja out of the Land of Fire victoriously, then this war can be considered a success.

"Having made a great splash in this battle and repeatedly played a key role in influencing the outcome, you, Kaguya Naoki, are naturally entitled to the greatest prestige."

Orochimaru's eyes flickered, and he couldn't help but lick his lips, quite satisfied with his deal.

By forcing back the Fog Shadows, the pressure on the village is relieved, and some rare materials can also be obtained along the way.

Slightly suppressing the thoughts in his mind, Orochimaru continued.

"By then, I doubt anyone in the entire Hidden Mist Village will be able to surpass Naoki in prestige."

"of course."

Naoki Kaguya nodded; this was also the reason why he was in such a hurry to prepare to withdraw the army.

If so many troops are defeated here, no matter how illustrious his previous military achievements were, they would probably not be able to cover up the fact that he was defeated.

Orochimaru swallowed hard, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes again.

If this brat didn't possess the Ice Release bloodline limit, and I wasn't entirely confident of defeating him, why would I have gone through all this trouble?

After a pause, Orochimaru continued with a smile.

"Since your prestige surpasses that of others, the position of Mizukage will be yours sooner or later."

"Right, Naoki Kaguya?"

"Yes, or no."

Naoki Kaguya smiled, completely unconcerned about Orochimaru's expression.

"Orochimaru-kun should agree with this, shouldn't he?"

"After all, the Fourth Hokage seems a bit far removed from someone with your outstanding military achievements."

Upon hearing the voice, Orochimaru's eyes turned completely cold, his face darkened, and a rare hint of resentment flickered in his usually calm and collected heart.

That wretched brat.

He clenched his fist slightly, his killing intent gradually intensifying.

Soon, he curled his lips into a smile, his previous resentment and murderous intent turning into mockery.

Old man, it seems you really are getting old. The future you envisioned has already been seen through by this brat!

I really look forward to the day when this guy becomes the Mizukage. I wonder if you and Minato Namikaze will still be able to suppress this genius from Kirigakure then.

Thinking this way, Orochimaru felt much better. He chuckled a few times and began repeating his own words.

"Naoki-kun, we are both smart people, so there's no need to dwell on these useless things anymore."

“You know very well that you need to leave in a victorious posture.”

"In exchange, I only need some materials, that's all."

When those materials were mentioned, Orochimaru's eyes suddenly lit up, and he could hardly contain his fervor.

"White limbs and bone dust—if even a fraction of that can secure victory in the war, why not?"

"Orochimaru-kun."

Naoki Kaguya immediately chimed in.

"Those materials can be given to you."

"So, how can you guarantee that we, the Hidden Mist Village, will leave victorious?"

Orochimaru couldn't help but lick his lips, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Naoki-kun, I am the commander-in-chief of Konoha."

During the battle, I deliberately fought you to a draw, and then allowed your Mist Village to withdraw from the battlefield.

"how?"

After saying that, Orochimaru stared intently at Kaguya Naoki, who remained silent.

He silently clenched his sleeves.

Some want to laugh.

Looking into Orochimaru's serious eyes, Kaguya Naoki was speechless.

As expected of Orochimaru, who is so confident that he believes he can easily defeat Itachi Uchiha.

So confident in dealing with me too.

He looked up and smiled.

"inappropriate."

"Orochimaru, why don't you lose to me one more time?"

"Anyway, you'll never become Hokage."

"impossible."

Orochimaru's expression turned cold, and he immediately refused firmly.

No matter how much evidence he had, he couldn't possibly agree to that request. If he pretended to lose to this brat again, he'd probably be permanently labeled a fool by those idiots.

This is something he cannot tolerate.

"That."

Naoki Kaguya paused, silently muttering a sentence to himself.

Since you're unwilling to feign defeat, then let's make sure you really are defeated.

After calming herself down, she continued to speak gently.

"Orochimaru-kun, well then, I have one more request."

"Our troop deployment needs to coordinate with your Konoha's troops."

"Once we reach a draw, it will be easier for us to withdraw smoothly."

"Once this is accomplished, we will immediately negotiate peace and absolutely will not interfere in the war again, how about that?"

After he finished speaking, Orochimaru fell into a brief silence.

Naoki Kaguya awaited his response with great confidence.

Orochimaru has not completely lost his feelings for Konoha. Konoha still holds a place in his heart. If he were to do something that seriously violates the interests of Konoha, he would absolutely not do it!
However, allowing Kirigakure to withdraw smoothly so that they can negotiate peace with Konoha is entirely in Konoha's current interest!

Konoha at this point has no desire to engage in a protracted war of attrition with Kirigakure. They simply want to reach a peace agreement as soon as possible so that they can free up their forces to continue defending the other ninja villages!
How could Orochimaru not agree if it wouldn't seriously harm Konoha's interests and he could obtain the materials he had been dreaming of?

Sure enough, not long after, Orochimaru slowly nodded.

"Of course."

As soon as the words were spoken, a huge weight was lifted from Kaguya Naoki's heart, and a wave of joy washed over him.

With this completely unexpected deal initiated by Orochimaru, the outcome of this war has become entirely clear.

He now has the potential to fight Orochimaru alone!

Furthermore, Minato Namikaze will not appear in this war.

At the same time, the Mist Legion was able to successfully withdraw from the battlefield.

This means that in the foreseeable future, after Kaguya Naoki decisively uses the power of the Shikotsumyaku to defeat Orochimaru, Kirigakure will be able to immediately withdraw from the battlefield.

Or, should we withdraw from the battlefield as victors?
A tremendous, immense prestige was about to fall into their hands.

Once back in the village, they can immediately launch a coup, begin reforms, strengthen the nation, and aim to conquer the four kingdoms to the west in the future.

At the same time, he trafficked bloodline limits and collected secret techniques to help him break through the Bloodline Limit Network and achieve the Six Paths.

How could he not be happy with such a bright future?

"Orochimaru-kun, here are two fingers for you. As for the rest of the materials, we'll see you after the war."

Orochimaru smiled.

"Naoki-kun, I hope that after this transaction, you will trust me more, instead of resorting to some pointless means to secure your interests."

Having said that, Orochimaru immediately disappeared into the jungle, while Kaguya Naoki turned around and waited quietly with hope for the arrival of war.

. . . . . . . .

"That's my entire plan. What do you all think?"

Orochimaru remained in a high position, quietly awaiting the response from the crowd.

Nara Shikaku was the first to stand up, followed closely by the others.

"Lord Orochimaru's plan is naturally without problem."
This time, we should be able to inflict some serious damage on these Hidden Mist ninjas!

Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction, putting away his meticulously prepared plan, which showed absolutely no flaws.

"Well then, everyone, go and make your preparations."

As soon as he finished speaking, the group of people walked out of the house together.

Once they reached a secluded spot, Nara Shikaku approached Kushina, who had fiery red hair.

"It's best not to reveal the Nine-Tails' power for now."

this is.

Kushina was initially puzzled.

How could they truly inflict heavy damage on so many Hidden Mist ninja in the war without revealing the Nine-Tails' power?

After a moment, she suddenly realized what she meant and asked with a hint of excitement.

Is it the Water Gate?

Nara Shikaku nodded slightly, and then added.

"It's just one possibility."

Whether Lord Minato can actually make it back is still unknown.

"Therefore, Lady Kushina, it would be best not to reveal the power of the Nine-Tails for the time being."

"I will have Haiyi inform you when it is necessary to use it."

After hearing this, Kushina nodded heavily.

(End of this chapter)