Naruto from Warring states period

The meeting had dragged on for two hours, a tedious affair. Finally, with all the other clan leaders dismissed, only Madara, Hashirama, Tobirama, and Mito remained with me in the Hokage's office.

"So, Ryuu," Hashirama began, "what are your thoughts on an alliance between us?"

His words sent me into a brief reverie. "We will be allies," he'd said. The phrase echoed in my mind, bringing to the forefront the memory of the Uzumaki clan, once Konoha's allies. But in the Second Shinobi World War, Konoha had abandoned them, leaving them to perish. I knew the Hokage at the time was Sarutobi Hiruzen, but even he had allowed their allies to die. A chilling suspicion lingered – perhaps Konoha had played a hand in their demise.

"Let's forget it," I muttered, shaking off the unsettling thoughts. "Why dwell on a past that never came to be?"

"We can be allies," I agreed, "but on one condition."

Hashirama raised an eyebrow. "What condition?"

All eyes turned to me.

"First," I declared, "we will not aid Konoha in any future wars."

Before I could utter the second part of my condition, Tobirama erupted, "What? You won't help us in a war? Then what kind of allies are you?"

Even Madara and Izuna, usually stoic, nodded in agreement. Mito, however, remained silent, her gaze unreadable.

"This is your condition?" Hashirama sighed, accepting it. "Very well, I agree."

"Elder brother!" Tobirama exclaimed, aghast.

"What are you doing?"

"Calm down, Tobirama," Hashirama soothed. "Peace prevails now. It doesn't matter."

Tobirama knew this peace was a fragile balance, maintained by Hashirama and Madara's strength. He understood that this condition stemmed from my awareness of that delicate equilibrium.

"Okay," Tobirama conceded, though his expression remained grim

.

"Don't worry, Tobirama," I reassured him. "If war erupts, I'll sell you healing talismans at half price." His expression softened at that. "And I promise, if Konoha is attacked, my village will come to your aid as allies. The same applies to your village."

"Agreed," Hashirama nodded.

I had devised this condition strategically. Konoha, with its burgeoning pool of talent – Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, the White Fang, the Yellow Flash Minato – would likely emerge victorious from any future conflicts, regardless of our assistance.

As for the healing talismans, they were crafted with ordinary paper and a special ink. The ink itself was a mixture of our chakra, infused with yang release or enhanced through medical ninjutsu. This unique process was a closely guarded secret.

Even at half price, the talismans would fetch a handsome sum – 500 taels per piece. A lucrative proposition, indeed.

"Very well, you will be our allies, like the Uzumaki clan," Hashirama declared.

"Hai, Ryuu," Mito spoke, her voice gentle.

"May I visit your village? No one has ever found it. Many have tried, but all have failed."

I smiled. "Of course, you may. My village is concealed by an invisibility seal of my own creation."

"Elder brother, you can't leave now! You just became Hokage!" Tobirama protested.

"Don't worry, Tobirama. I'll leave a wood clone behind. And you have your Flying Thunder God Technique. We can return anytime."

"We will also go," Izuna declared.

"Agreed," Madara said with a rare smile.

"I will come too," Mito added.

Seeing their determination, Tobirama grumbled, "Then I'll go as well."

I was taken aback by his sudden change of heart.

"We will depart tomorrow," Hashirama announced, and everyone nodded in agreement.

With the alliance solidified, I left the Hokage's office.

Hokage Office

"Come in," Hashirama's voice resonated.

"Hokage-sama," Sasuke entered. "You wanted to speak with me?"

"Yes, Sasuke. We will be visiting the Hidden Valley Village tomorrow. Village security falls to you in our absence."

"Understood, sir. You will also leave a wood clone behind, correct?"

"Yes. Take good care of the village. Patrol the borders regularly. We will return within a week."

"Yes, sir."

Tobirama stood beside Hashirama.

"Tobirama, what do you think Ryuu's village will be like? No one knows what it looks like."

"We will see it soon enough. No need to speculate."

"You're no fun, Tobirama. How will you ever marry a girl if you're so serious?"

"Focus on your own marriage and starting a family, Hashirama. It doesn't matter if the girl is from another clan."

"Perhaps you should consider marrying an Uchiha girl. It would strengthen the ties between our clans."

Hashirama's laughter echoed through the office.

Tobirama's face darkened, and he stormed out of the room.

Hashirama chuckled, shaking his head.

To be continued...