Marvel: Trading with Worlds

"Cloud Shinobi decides to negotiate peace?"

When Kushina heard the news, she found it unbelievable. Not long ago, she had fought against them—this had to be a conspiracy.

However, Tsunade was privy to some inside information. Reports from Konoha's agents in the Land of Lightning indicated that it was probably true.

"Even if they don't pursue peace talks," one informant said, "they won't hold out for long. If it drags on, Konoha is bound to win, though it will be a pyrrhic victory. However, if peace talks do happen, Cloud Shinobi will likely make exorbitant demands—they've done so before."

Tsunade nodded, recalling how the Second Raikage had acted during negotiations with the Second Hokage. Even in defeat, he behaved like a robber: 'I've lost, but you still owe me!'

And then there was their brazen attitude toward secret techniques and bloodline abilities. Cloud Shinobi didn't bother with subtleties—they simply took what they wanted without courtesy or shame. 

Even Kain, who was infamous for underhanded tactics, knew to wear a mask when doing such things. Yet, Cloud Shinobi Village had no such reservations.

Tsunade continued, "They may give up on Kain, but the Six Paths Ninja Tools? I doubt they'll ever let those go."

"No way!" Kushina exclaimed. "Those tools belong to us—they were a gift from the boss. Even if they're defeated, they still make all these ridiculous demands. Give me enough time, and I can capture their Jinchūriki myself!"

Tsunade didn't doubt her. Kushina's Adamantine Sealing Chains were particularly effective against Jinchūriki and tailed beasts.

 If not for the young A's intervention during the last war, the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki would have already fallen into Kushina's hands.

Cloud Shinobi Village had no one who could counter Kushina, save the Third Raikage. But even if they switched opponents, Nawaki's Wood Style would still effectively restrain any Jinchūriki.

"I'm not in charge of the peace talks," Tsunade said reassuringly. "In the end, the village will decide. But with your current strength, you don't need to worry about them forcing you into anything."

She placed a hand on Kushina's shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry—I'm on your side."

Meanwhile, the Cloud Shinobi envoy for the peace talks had passed Konoha's camp and was already on the way to the village. 

The Third Raikage still had the strength to fight, but he knew that doing so would leave Cloud Shinobi severely weakened, forcing them to spend years recovering. 

It would also further strain their relationship with the Daimyo's court.

A truce was necessary, unless they saw a clear path to victory. However, the Third Raikage wasn't planning to negotiate peace honestly. 

While sending envoys to Konoha, he also submitted an alliance proposal to Rock Shinobi.

At this point, Rock Shinobi was unaware of Cloud Shinobi's peace overtures to Konoha. All they knew was that Cloud Shinobi and Konoha had recently been locked in a fierce battle. 

From their perspective, forming an alliance seemed perfectly logical.

In the land of Grass, after Namikaze Minato led the reinforcements to the battlefield, Jiraiya immediately went out to meet them.

"Minato, I feel at ease with you here. To be honest, Rock Shinobi reinforcements have been arriving in increasing numbers. The number of their ninjas on the other side now exceeds 3,000," Jiraiya said.

After leading Namikaze Minato and his team into the camp, Jiraiya began briefing him on the situation on the battlefield in the Land of Grass.

In summary, Konoha's situation was grim. The Rock Shinobi forces were nearly double their own in numbers. Even with Minato's reinforcements of 500, Rock Shinobi still outnumbered Konoha by at least 1,000 ninjas.

Although Rock Shinobi hadn't deployed their Tailed Beast Jinchūriki, their combined Earth Style techniques were formidable enough to make even Jiraiya retreat at times.

After listening to the report, Minato nodded thoughtfully. "Master Jiraiya, let's work together to defeat Rock Shinobi. However, I'll need you to cover me on the frontlines."

Jiraiya laughed. "Of course. As your master, it's my job to pave the way for you. Later, I'll summon the Jōnin captains in the camp and announce that you'll be the commander-in-chief of the battlefield here in the Land of Grass."

Minato looked surprised. "Master Jiraiya, why are you giving the command position to me? I didn't know about this, and I don't have any experience leading troops."

Jiraiya smiled. "Because you want to be Hokage, right? Sarutobi sensei told me that if I don't intend to become Hokage, I should support my disciples in achieving their goals."

"But there are others who are more suited to the position," Minato protested. "Seniors like Orochimaru and Tsunade—there are many ninjas in the village better qualified to be Hokage than me."

Jiraiya interrupted him. "They don't want it as purely as you do, Minato. I've always believed you're the most suitable for the role. What you're missing are the combat achievements to solidify your candidacy. Sarutobi-sensei and I will help you get those."

Jiraiya knew, of course, that Minato's competitors were formidable. Orochimaru's talents were undeniable, and Nawaki, as the grandson of the First Hokage and inheritor of his Wood Style bloodline, was a strong candidate.

 Jiraiya wasn't entirely sure how Sarutobi planned to help Minato surpass Nawaki, but he trusted his teacher.

Encouraged, Minato smiled with newfound confidence. "I understand, Master Jiraiya. I'll do my best."

Later, Jiraiya gathered the Jōnin in the camp and announced Minato's appointment as the new commander-in-chief of the battlefield.

Many Jōnin were surprised by the decision. However, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio and the Sarutobi clan's Jōnin had been informed beforehand. 

These clans, with roots deeply tied to Konoha's founding and history, rarely opposed Sarutobi Hiruzen's decisions.

For the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, supporting Minato's rise seemed preferable to backing Orochimaru or Nawaki as Hokage.

Orochimaru had experienced two ninja wars and already had his own team and followers within the village. 

If he were to become Hokage, his relationship with the Ino–Shika–Chō clans wouldn't be as close as that of the Sarutobi clan; with Nawaki, it would be even more distant.

The Senju clan had a tradition of supporting civilian ninjas, and Nawaki's personality, so similar to the First Hokage's, further emphasized this belief. 

Many thought Nawaki would advocate for the Uchiha as well.

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