Naruto: Tobirama Reborn, Invincible in the Ninja World

In the reception hall, five young Sunagakure shinobi sat stiffly, barely daring to rest fully on their seats as they waited for the Hokage's arrival. This visit was a plea for negotiations, and none of them wanted to risk angering Tobirama Senju over some minor mistake that could derail the peace talks.

The exception was Ebizō, who lounged in his chair as if he were still in Sunagakure. His demeanor was calm, almost casual—likely because he had already resigned himself to the possibility of failure and was fully prepared for war.

Before long, the measured sound of footsteps echoed through the room. Tobirama Senju entered first, followed closely by Shikaku Nara.

The Sunagakure delegation shot to their feet as though standing before their own Kazekage. Their bodies tensed as one, and they greeted Tobirama with synchronized precision:

"Hokage-sama."

Tobirama's acknowledgment was brief—a simple nod. His sharp gaze swept over Ebizō before he moved to the head of the room, taking his place in the center seat. Shikaku dutifully settled into the seat beside him.

Ebizō watched his young comrades fumble under the weight of their nervousness, their fear of Tobirama almost palpable. He let out a low "hmph," his expression darkening with irritation.

Noticing his disapproval, the younger shinobi quickly sat back down, though their trembling hands betrayed their unease.

Tobirama's voice broke the tense silence, direct and cutting.

"Speak. How does Sunagakure intend to address the matter of the Konoha Crush?"

His piercing gaze locked onto Ebizō, whose bandaged forehead wrinkled in surprise. He had expected at least a hint of formality, but Tobirama's bluntness left no room for pleasantries.

Ebizō composed himself with a brief cough before responding in a measured tone.

"Hokage-sama, the Konoha Crush was orchestrated by Orochimaru, a rogue shinobi of your village. Sunagakure was deceived by his schemes, unaware of the full scope of his treachery. Even our Kazekage fell victim to Orochimaru's betrayal."

Tobirama's expression remained unreadable. Encouraged by the lack of immediate rebuke, Ebizō pressed on.

"However, Sunagakure takes full responsibility for its role in the events. We have come here on behalf of our village with the utmost sincerity to offer our apology."

Leaning back into his chair, Ebizō waited, his keen eyes fixed on Tobirama.

The Hokage's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile.

"Sincerity? Let's hear it, then."

The room grew even tenser. The five Sunagakure shinobi looked as though they'd been struck by lightning. Was this truly the legendary Second Hokage? The man who had earned renown for his strategic brilliance? They had expected deliberation and decorum, not a brusque demand to lay all their cards on the table.

Ebizō, however, remained composed. Internally, he acknowledged the Hokage's calculated maneuvering.

So this is the infamous Tobirama Senju. He's sharper than I anticipated—impossible to predict.

After a prolonged silence, Ebizō exhaled slowly, producing a meticulously detailed scroll.

"Hokage-sama, this document outlines the terms Sunagakure has prepared. We are offering five billion ryō to compensate for the economic damages caused by the conflict, as well as 30% of Sunagakure's mission commissions for the next ten years."

He paused, allowing the weight of the offer to settle in the room before continuing.

"The five billion ryō is a direct acknowledgment of the losses Konoha has suffered, while the mission revenues will generate an additional three billion ryō over the decade. This, Hokage-sama, is the full extent of Sunagakure's sincerity."

Ebizō's sunken eyes bore into Tobirama's, searching for a response. He knew well the magnitude of their offer—one that could cripple Sunagakure's progress for years, perhaps even jeopardize its standing among the Five Great Nations.

Shikaku's eyebrows lifted slightly as he glanced at the scroll, evidently impressed by the sheer magnitude of the proposal.

Tobirama, however, remained unimpressed. His only response was a curt, dismissive, "Oh."

Ebizō's carefully maintained composure cracked. His face flushed with restrained anger as his subordinates fidgeted uncomfortably.

"Not enough, is it?" One of the younger shinobi, unable to contain himself any longer, snapped.

"What exactly does Konoha demand of us, Hokage-sama? What price must Sunagakure pay for forgiveness?"

His defiance hung heavy in the air, the tension thick enough to cut with a kunai. Even Ebizō, who had been prepared for Tobirama's resistance, found himself holding his breath.

Tobirama's answer came coolly, his tone unyielding.

"Money and resources are useful, but they are not enough to mend the rift created by betrayal. I will accept your terms of compensation. You may also retrieve your captured shinobi."

Ebizō's eyes narrowed in suspicion, unsure of where this was leading.

"But," Tobirama continued, "there is one more condition. The Ichibi jinchūriki—Gaara—will remain in Konoha. He requires our guidance, and his presence in our village will serve as a testament to Sunagakure's commitment to peace."

The room erupted into chaos.

"That's impossible!" Ebizō's voice thundered, echoing his subordinates' outrage.

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