Chapter 70 - 70: Alliance Between Konoha and Kumogakure

"Hmph!" The Third Raikage snorted, but he didn't refuse. The initial idea of a lightning strike on Konoha to gain benefits for Kumogakure was their original plan, but he wasn't opposed to cooperating with Konoha to fight against other villages. The other party could even capture Bee, so their strength was clearly not weak. Being allies with such a village seemed like a good idea. However, the Third Raikage hadn't expected that Kumogakure would still end up uniting, and even forming an alliance, with Konoha after all the twists and turns. Hopefully, there won't be any problems this time. Seeing that the Third Raikage didn't refuse, Hiruzen smiled knowingly. Hanzo was actually quite good. Scolding and blaming Hanzo still had to be done, but when fighting him, he could put in minimal effort, as long as the Land of Rain couldn't annex the Land of Iron. … The alliance between Konoha and the Kumogakure was announced quickly, with the basic framework finalized on the same day. The next step was to discuss the specific details. "Konoha and Kumogakure have allied?" Kushina's face crumpled when she heard the news. She had no good feelings for Kumogakure, the villain they caught recently was from Kumogakure. Furthermore, she had heard before that Kumogakure might have been involved in the downfall of the Uzumaki clan, and not just them, but other villages seemed to be involved as well. How did Konoha end up allied with Kumogakure? "This is a political relationship." Kazuki pondered for a moment before speaking to comfort her, "For the current Konoha, cooperating with Kumogakure is the best choice." "Konoha doesn't have the confidence to challenge all other villages alone." Kushina pursed her lips, wanting to say something, but no words came out. "The destruction of Uzushiogakure back then, Kumogakure was likely involved, but other villages were also involved. Just see it as dogs biting dogs." Seeing Kushina looking down, Kazuki spoke to comfort her. "Who talks like that?" Kushina instantly burst into laughter and tears. Only Kazuki would treat Kumogakure ninjas as dogs. If those people knew how Kazuki evaluated them, Kazuki would probably be seen as a thorn in their side. "Actually, there's no need to be afraid. Between nations, there are no eternal allies." "It's almost impossible for Konoha and Kumogakure to cooperate long-term. Kumogakure is also unwilling to be Konoha's sidekick for long." Kazuki stroked Kushina's beautiful hair, softly comforting her, "Instead of worrying about these things, it's better to recover from your injuries and train well. Perhaps in the future, there will be a chance to go to war with Kumogakure." After a pause, Kazuki leaned closer to Kushina's ear and whispered, "We'll investigate who was involved back then and find an opportunity to eliminate them." Kushina's eyes instantly widened, looking at Kazuki in disbelief. She hadn't expected Kazuki to propose such a suggestion. "Actually, we can also post a mission here in Konoha to search for Uzumaki clansmen scattered throughout the Ninja World." "As long as the bounty is high enough, I imagine the higher-ups won't refuse." "I don't believe the Uzumaki clan was truly completely wiped out." Kazuki paused again and continued, "However, even if these people return to Konoha, they might still be monitored afterward, as there might be some spies from other villages." "That's possible?" Kushina instantly became excited. Uzushiogakure was destroyed, their home was gone, and the best-case scenario for those clan members was a wandering life. If it were more tragic, Kushina couldn't even imagine such a life. "You can try it. Go ask Grandma Mito." Mito was very good to Kazuki, and Kushina's relationship with him went without saying. Kazuki knew that both of them cared deeply about the Uzumaki clan. He also thought of another Uzumaki clansman seemingly in the Land of Grass, Karin's mother. He would find an opportunity to 'steal' her out later. The Uzumaki clan shouldn't be so tragic. If the Uzumaki clan were still intact and joined Konoha, it would likely displease other clans, as this wasn't the founding stage of Konoha, and the Uzumaki clan's addition would affect their interests. But the current Uzumaki clan poses no threat to Konoha's various clans. Even if they were to become a clan, it would be impossible without decades, or even a century. By that time, Mito's influence would have long vanished. Moreover, in Kazuki's opinion, Hiruzen would not refuse. As long as they could be saved, Hiruzen would be their benefactor. The political significance goes without saying. Konoha chose not to abandon the annihilated Uzumaki clan, so what about other allies? "Okay, I'll go ask grandma right now." Kushina quickly ran towards Mito. "Is that really okay?" Mikoto asked with some concern. "I just suggested it. It should be fine. Grandma Mito probably wants this too. She didn't have the chance before, isn't this a good opportunity now?" Kazuki paused again and continued, "Actually, Grandma Mito could have used Bee to trade for Uzumaki clansmen from Kumogakure earlier, as they should have some, but she didn't do that." Perhaps for Mito, Konoha's interests had already surpassed those of the Uzumaki clan. However, Kazuki would not voice such thoughts. Kushina's existence had already compensated for Mito's regret, and Konoha had indeed put in effort, but a dark hand had annihilated the Uzumaki clan, and Kagami had even sacrificed himself. Even Mito couldn't say anything. In reality, how could Mito not bear some responsibility for the destruction of the Uzumaki clan? If Hashirama hadn't distributed the Tailed Beasts, other villages wouldn't have wanted Jinchuriki. If Mito hadn't displayed strength far exceeding ordinary Kage, other villages wouldn't have set their sights on the Uzumaki clan. It could be said that the destruction of the Uzumaki clan was entirely caused by this couple. Of course, other Daimyos also disliked them. If a ninja became a Daimyo, how would other ninjas view them? "Grandma Mito is truly great." Mikoto suddenly realized something and said, "Oh, by the way, Kazuki, can you teach me Chidori?" "Hm? Chidori? Of course, you also have lightning chakra nature, but without the Sharingan, it's difficult to control Chidori well." Kazuki agreed without even thinking.