Starting with rogue ninjas, building the insect kingdom.

Chapter 242 Kakuzu's Compromise

Kakuzu stood at the edge of the camp, staring at the Iwagakure camp in the distance. He was waiting, waiting for the fighting to break out on the other side.

But no matter how long they waited, the opposite camp remained completely quiet; there was not a sound of fighting, nor even a quarrel.

Negishi Kusa leaned over and said, "Lord Kakuzu, they've been inside for two hours."

"I know."

"Won't something go wrong?"

Are you worried about them?

"Not really, it's just strange. Given Onoki's temperament, why would he talk to three kids for so long?"

Jiao didn't respond. He was just as puzzled, but he wouldn't admit it.

Half an hour later, there was finally some activity at the Iwagakure camp.

The camp gates swung open, and a group of ninjas filed out, not in an attack formation, but rather in a retreat posture.

Yahiko and his two companions emerged from the camp gate. Although they were covered in dust and dirt, they had no wounds and their steps were still quite steady.

Behind them, the tents of Iwagakure were being dismantled one by one, and the ninjas were packing their belongings in an orderly manner, clearly preparing to evacuate.

"Are they planning to withdraw their troops?" Kakuzu asked with a strange expression.

Five thousand troops camped at the border for five days, did nothing, and then just retreated? When did that old fox Onoki become so easy to talk to? Or does Yahiko really have some extraordinary abilities?

"Lord Kakuzu!" Yahiko saw him from afar and ran over quickly, a bright smile on his face. "We meet again!"

Kakuzu stared at him expressionlessly, not wanting to say anything more.

Yahiko ran up to him: "Lord Kakuzu, I have kept my promise. Lord Ōnoki has already withdrawn his troops."

"I saw him leave. But you need to explain clearly what you discussed with that old fox."

"Actually, it's nothing much. Lord Onoki said he just wants to use the route to Mount Kikyo in the direction of Konoha to set up a base near Kannabashi Bridge. He promised not to launch an attack, but just wants to open up a road to facilitate trade."

"Is he planning to build a military base at Shinnabashi Bridge?"

In an instant, Kakuzu's mind raced. Mount Kikyo and Kannabe Bridge were crucial passages to the Land of Fire. Ōnoki had planted his forces there, claiming it was for trade—no one would believe that.

He was about to refuse when Negishi Kusanagi spoke first, "If it's just a matter of borrowing the road, there shouldn't be any problem, right?"

After all, the troop strength was reduced from five thousand to five hundred, and the leader was changed from Onoki to Rōshi, which was already a huge concession.

People really can't stand comparisons; once there's a point of reference, their bottom line naturally becomes much more relaxed.

Even Kakuzu himself couldn't help but hesitate.

With five thousand people blocking his doorstep, he couldn't do anything. Five hundred people plus a Four-Tails Jinchuriki, while still an eyesore, at least he didn't have to be constantly watched.

Moreover, Konoha will not stand idly by once they learn that Iwagakure has planted its forces at Kannabe Bridge. In that case, it will be Konoha that suffers, not Kakuzu.

"Alright, let them pass. But let me make this clear: if those five hundred men dare to cross the line, I will make sure they never return."

"No, Lord Ōnoki said that we will only establish a base and will never launch an attack."

Kakuzu sneered, offering no reply. "Won't launch a preemptive attack? If you could believe Onoki's words, pigs would fly."

But he couldn't be bothered to explain it to Yahiko. The kid would understand sooner or later that in this chaotic world, promises were the least valuable thing.

Negishi Kusanagi quickly cleared a path, allowing the 500-man team led by Ooshi to pass.

Kakuzu stood on high ground, watching the large army cross the border and head towards Kikyō-yama.

Nothing unexpected happened along the way. He turned around and returned to his tent. He had just sat down and hadn't even had a chance to catch his breath when the tent flap was lifted.

"Lord Kakuzu—"

Kakuzu's face instantly darkened.

"Why are you here again? Are you never going to stop?!"

Yahiko grinned as he slipped into the tent, followed by Konan and Nagato; the three of them were practically haunting him now.

"You promised me that Ōnoki would withdraw his troops, so please sit down and let's talk properly." Yahiko showed no hesitation and went straight to a place to sit down. "Now it's time to talk about our business."

Kakuzu took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to curse.

"What are you talking about?"

"Go to Sunagakure to testify and help us clarify that you did not kill the Third Kazekage. In addition, we need your intervention to coordinate the cooperation, mission share division, and waterway construction that were previously agreed upon with Sunagakure."

"I can't leave."

"But you already promised..."

"The past is the past, and the present is the present," Kakuzu said matter-of-factly. "With five hundred Iwagakure soldiers stationed at Mount Kikyo, and the Four-Tails Jinchuriki also in charge, how can I leave?"

Seeing the three turn and leave, Kakuzu thought the matter was over.

But he was still too naive. The three of them had already anticipated that he wouldn't make a move easily, so they took advantage of his concessions and used them as leverage to continue their entanglement.

For seven consecutive days, Yahiko would suddenly appear when Kakuzu ate; someone would guard the door of his tent when he slept; and someone would even hand him toilet paper unexpectedly when he went to the toilet.

He, a seventy-year-old man, was being followed and harassed like this. If it weren't for those purple eyes with rims constantly watching him, he probably would have already ripped out Yahiko's heart.

Finally, he could no longer tolerate it and decided to compromise first.

"I really can't get away. How about this, I'll write a letter myself and attach some evidence, okay?"

After saying that, he took out a crystal ball from a small iron box.

"You've all seen the movie, right? This is the latest ninja tool, containing footage I've filmed."

It wasn't high technology at all; movies of that era were still black and white silent films, and film reels were huge.

The so-called video recorder is merely a mimicry reconnaissance insect disguised in a metal shell. However, with the help of chakra and a crystal ball, it can indeed play the recorded footage, theoretically functioning the same as a video recorder.

Moreover, given the knowledge of these ninjas, most of them would probably think that so-called high technology inherently requires chakra to operate.

Yahiko took the two items, infused them with chakra, and indeed saw the scene he wanted. He then carefully put them away.

Kakuzu spoke again: "As for the cooperation, I can give up my share of the mission, but they can only escort them to the border of the Land of Waterfall. Whether they can cross the Land of Rain is none of my business. I am not a native of the Land of Rain and cannot make that decision. As for the construction of the waterway, the reason is the same."

Whether you negotiate with Hanzo of the Salamander or go to Kusagakure is your business, not mine. After all, they are the ones in power in Amegakure, and their words carry more weight.

Yahiko thought about it carefully and agreed that it made sense. He bowed and said, "Thank you, Lord Kakuzu!"

Kakuzu waved his hand: "Get out of here, don't let me see you again."