Chapter 283: The Equality Agreement
"How is this possible!"
When Onoki informed the elders the news of Kirigakure's surprise attack, the entire meeting room was instantly thrown into a state of shock and unease.
One elder slammed the table, stood up furiously, and roared in disbelief, "How could Kirigakure act so quickly? What kind of tactics did they use?"
Onoki's expression was grave as he spoke in a deep voice, "The Mist ninjas used Water Release to create a waterway on land, bypassing the traditional landing process and sailing directly toward the Daimyo's residence."
Before he finished speaking, the room was abuzz with chatter. The elders exchanged glances, stunned and caught off guard by this tactic.
Kirigakure's approach was this wild?
"There's no time to discuss further. We must immediately go to the Daimyo's residence for support."
Onoki took a deep breath and began issuing orders: "Elder Genji, you will take over the ANBU and protect the village, ensuring the rear is secure. Kirigakure's primary target may be the Daimyo's residence, but we can't let our guard down. We need to be fully prepared."
Elder Genji nodded solemnly, "Understood. I will immediately arrange for personnel to strengthen the village's defenses."
Onoki continued, "The other elders will assist Elder Genji. Elder Riku, you will accompany me to support the Daimyo's residence. Kirigakure's swift action shows they came prepared. We must give it our all."
With that, Onoki led an elder out of the meeting room to rally the troops.
On the way, Elder Riku frowned and asked, "Kirigakure is coming aggressively. With just us, I fear we won't hold out until support arrives from the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning."
He didn't want to sound pessimistic, but Iwagakure's current situation was indeed dire. Two Jinchuriki had been captured, many jonin had died fighting Akatsuki, and even their relationship with the clones was strained.
Under such circumstances, Elder Riku couldn't see a path to victory.
Onoki waved his hand, "I understand your concern. Go and negotiate with the clones. If they have any conditions, you may agree to them at your discretion."
Elder Riku breathed a sigh of relief, nodded, and quickly headed to where NO.2 was being held.
Dust Release Clone NO.2 was the leader of the clones. After the battle with Akatsuki, he had voluntarily requested to be detained. If they needed the clones' help, they would have to negotiate with him.
With the nation in peril, they had to utilize every available force. The clones were a crucial part of Iwagakure's strength, especially against formidable enemies.
A few minutes later, Elder Riku arrived at NO.2's cell and signaled the guards to open the door.
The heavy iron door slowly creaked open. Inside, NO.2 sat cross-legged on the floor, meditating. His expression was calm, as if he had anticipated Elder Riku's arrival.
"More enemies? If there weren't, an elder of Iwagakure wouldn't be in a place like this."
"Exactly, which is why Lord Onoki sent me to talk to you."
Elder Riku wasted no time, getting straight to the point: "The village is facing a new threat. Kirigakure and the Land of Snow have joined forces to attack us. We need your help."
"An agreement! I want an agreement, or I won't let my brethren fight alongside you."
NO.2 stared intently at Elder Riku.
"Hm? What kind of agreement?"
"An equality agreement, granting clones the same rights as ordinary citizens of the Land of Earth!"
Hearing this, Elder Riku fell silent, quickly weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
NO.2's gaze was firm, fixed on Elder Riku, waiting for his response.
He knew that such a demand would be difficult for Iwagakure to accept, but it was the clones' long-standing demand and the precondition for their willingness to fight for the Land of Earth again.
Elder Riku took a deep breath and said tactfully, "NO.2, I understand your demand. But you must know that such an agreement involves the village's fundamental system. It requires discussion and approval from all the elders, and it's not something I can decide alone."
NO.2 chuckled coldly, "Why do you need all the elders' approval? This isn't the era of one village per nation. As long as Onoki agrees, and he's given you the power to make decisions."
In this critical time, Onoki wouldn't hesitate. Only when the Land of Earth was in crisis would the clones have a chance to secure equal treatment.
Elder Riku's heart tightened. He scrutinized NO.2 for a moment, realizing that concessions were inevitable, and said reluctantly, "Tell me your specific terms."
"First, the equality agreement must be personally signed by Lord Onoki and stamped, making it legally binding," NO.2 said.
"Agreed," Elder Riku nodded.
"Second, once the agreement is reached, clones will enjoy the same rights as ordinary citizens, including freedom of movement, participation in state affairs, education, and healthcare..." NO.2 continued.
Elder Riku bowed his head in thought and nodded, "Agreed."
"Third, if the Land of Earth violates the agreement, we have the right to take any necessary measures to protect our rights," NO.2 said firmly.
Elder Riku, who had been deep in thought, snapped his head up at this third point, which sounded more like a threat than a demand. After a moment's pause, he reluctantly nodded, "That is your right."
NO.2's demands were essentially the basic rights of citizens of the Land of Earth. It was clear that he had thought this through thoroughly, leaving little room for negotiation or maneuvering.
Even if there were, given the current state of the Land of Earth, it was unwise to antagonize the clones. It was best to make some concessions.
With this in mind, Elder Riku warned:
"But I must tell you, your rebellion has left a lot of resentment in Iwagakure. Even if the agreement is signed, life in the village may be difficult for you."
"I understand."
"Alright, then you should lead your people to support the Daimyo's residence as soon as possible."
NO.2 shook his head, his tone calm, "I'll wait until you've completed everything before I take them to support."
"… Fine!"
Elder Ri calculated the time it would take for Kirigakure's warships to reach the Daimyo's residence compared to how long it would take them to get there, and gritted his teeth, agreeing.
Kirigakure's violent advance would likely exhaust their ninjas, meaning they would probably rest along the way, giving them a chance to catch up.
…
On the other side, Onoki, after watching Elder Riku leave, first redirected the troops originally intended to support the front line to head to the Daimyo's residence. Then he sought out Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
"According to Bayakushi's report, Hyuga Fuji is also with the Kirigakure fleet. Are you confident you can kill him?"
Facing Onoki's direct gaze, Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, seated behind his desk, tapped it lightly, pondering for a moment before saying:
"I'm not sure."
The Tenseigan was a special evolution of the Byakugan, and few among the Ōtsutsuki clan possessed it. Isshiki knew less about it compared to the Rinnegan.
After all, the Rinnegan was related to the Divine Tree and was the second most challenging dojutsu to obtain after the Byakugan. It was too common, and acquiring it was relatively easy—just plant a Divine Tree on a planet.
But the Tenseigan… Isshiki had only read about it in books and never faced it firsthand, so he couldn't guarantee the outcome.
(End of Chapter)