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The group traveled at a steady, unhurried pace, arriving at the Hidden Rock Village four days later.
Upon invitation by representatives sent from the Hidden Rock Village, they proceeded to the Tsuchikage's office building.
This was Kazuki's first time visiting the Hidden Rock Village, and the unique architecture of the village caught his attention.
Each of the Five Great Shinobi Villages had distinct customs and architectural styles influenced by their environments, and the Hidden Rock Village's buildings were particularly striking.
Towering structures, reminiscent of Western-style castle spires from his previous life, stood prominently throughout the village.
By the time of the intensely hyped Boruto era, the architecture of the Hidden Rock Village had become almost unbearable to look at.
Using powerful Earth Release techniques, they had merged all the village's buildings together and covered them with earth-style constructions.
From a distance, the entire Hidden Rock Village resembled a massive, brownish mushroom.
By that time, Konoha, the Hidden Cloud Village, and even the weaker Hidden Mist Village had already begun developing into modern cities.
Only the Hidden Rock Village seemed to grow stranger with each passing year.
As for the Hidden Sand Village...
Its unique geographical constraints meant the village couldn't undergo significant changes.
Even if they wanted to reform, they had no means to do so—simply because they lacked the funds.
When there wasn't even enough money to train shinobi, who the hell had the energy to worry about whether the architecture was aesthetically pleasing?
In the middle of a vast desert, with sandstorms blowing daily, any attempt at renovation or reconstruction was inherently difficult.
"Your village's architecture is quite distinctive," Kazuki couldn't help but remark.
The Hidden Rock representative who had invited them and was serving as their guide smiled and said, "Since you find it interesting, sir, you're welcome to stroll around the village and take in the scenery."
"Let's pass on that for now. I'd rather meet with the Tsuchikage first."
The Hidden Rock Village's buildings were unique, and while they seemed intriguing at first glance, prolonged viewing made them feel rather monotonous. Moreover, compared to Konoha and the Hidden Cloud Village, this village was noticeably less prosperous. Frankly, there weren't many places worth exploring.
If he truly wanted to enjoy scenery, he could always return to the Land of Fire or visit the Land of Lightning.
For shopping and leisurely strolls, Konoha and the Hidden Cloud Village were far more suitable.
The Hidden Rock Village lagged quite a bit in that regard.
There was neither the desire nor the need to wander around, especially since Ōnoki was waiting at the Tsuchikage's office building.
It would be disrespectful to keep the main host waiting while he went off to explore the village.
Much like the rest of the village's architecture, the Tsuchikage's office building was plain and unadorned—constructed almost entirely of stone, with barely any other materials in sight.
"Uchiha Kazuki, it's been a while."
The rest of them remained outside the Tsuchikage's office, including Itachi and Shisui.
Kazuki met with Ōnoki alone, without any guards accompanying him.
"It has been a few years. I feel—" Kazuki studied the increasingly aged Ōnoki, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately swallowed the words he had intended to say.
He feared that if he uttered something like, "It's been years, Ōnoki, and you've gotten even shorter," the Tsuchikage might lose his temper.
"The Tsuchikage seems as spirited as ever."
Ahem,
"I can't compare to you young folks. Please, have a seat."
After Kazuki took his seat, the Tsuchikage's secretary brought in freshly brewed tea and then discreetly exited the office, closing the door behind her.
After taking a few sips of tea and carefully examining Kazuki's now fully matured features, Ōnoki sighed inwardly.
Konoha truly was a cradle for geniuses, producing them generation after generation. As for the Hidden Rock Village... well, thinking about it only brought sorrow.
Ōnoki still hadn't been able to select a suitable successor, which spoke volumes about the scarcity of talented shinobi in the Hidden Rock Village.
"Kazuki, regarding this matter, I initially had no intention of getting involved, nor did I wish to mediate. However, the daimyō of the Land of Grass persistently lobbied at the daimyō's palace, which led to this mediation."
Opening the conversation, Ōnoki first clarified his stance.
This kind of thankless task was something the Hidden Rock Village never wanted to take on.
But unable to resist the daimyō of the Land of Grass's persuasion, the daimyō of the Land of Earth was also swayed and joined in urging Ōnoki to intervene. Thus, Ōnoki had no choice but to accept the role of mediator and peacemaker between Konoha and the Hidden Grass Village.
"I'm aware. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."
Kazuki replied nonchalantly, "The Hidden Rock Village, like Konoha, is one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. As leaders among the villages of various nations, we shouldn't be burdened by such matters. So, there won't be a next time, right?"
"What do you mean by that?"
Are you threatening me?
Ōnoki narrowed his eyes, and a powerful aura filled the office. Kazuki, however, showed no intention of giving Ōnoki any face.
You have your constraints and your stance? Well, what about mine?
As one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, how dare the Hidden Rock Village step in as a mediator? Who the hell do you think you are?!
Since when do you get to tell Konoha what to do?
"Exactly what you think I mean. To put it bluntly, if it weren't for the fact that these clowns are getting on my nerves, Konoha wouldn't even bother with this matter. If you think I'm threatening you, then yes, you can interpret it as a threat!!!"
What, you want to throw down first? You think I'm the Third Hokage or something?
"Kazuki, you must understand that we each represent our respective villages. Every word and action could lead to significant trouble, even war. Some things are better left unsaid."
Though his words sounded indifferent, Ōnoki's face had already darkened.
Kazuki had genuinely shown him no respect whatsoever. This was only his first day in the Hidden Rock Village. Who knew how things would escalate once the negotiations began?
Judging by Kazuki's attitude and tone, it was clear he was here to teach the Hidden Grass Village a lesson.
If Konoha wanted to discipline the Hidden Grass Village, Ōnoki had no objections. But doing so on his turf, in his village, was a direct affront to him and the Hidden Rock Village.
"Think whatever you want."
Crossing his legs, Kazuki waved his hand dismissively, speaking with an air of casual ease:
"Since I'm here representing my village, every word I say and every action I take represents the entirety of Konoha! Ōnoki, times have changed."
Who the hell are you to tell me times have changed?
Ōnoki's face turned livid with anger. It was clear to him now—
Kazuki was here to stir up trouble. He was here to confront the Hidden Grass Village and, by extension, to humiliate the Hidden Rock Village.
By agreeing to act as mediators and peacemakers, the Hidden Rock Village had elevated what should have been a minor conflict between Konoha and the Hidden Grass Village to a matter between two major shinobi villages.
"If you're unhappy, you can threaten me with war. Or you can try to keep me here—just like how you mobilized tens of thousands of shinobi to exhaust the Third Raikage to death."
If you want a fight, I'll give you one. If you want war, I'll give you that too.
I, Uchiha Kazuki, am sitting right here!
My words are harsh—deal with it.
As for what you choose to do, Ōnoki, that's your decision.
You broke the rules first, so swallow your pride, and we can both walk away peacefully.
If you want to keep pushing, then push ahead. See if I care. At worst, we'll just have to battle it out.