The war between Hidden Sand and Konoha has lasted for two years, but compared to Hidden Sand, the war-weariness on Konoha's side is very strong.
Before fighting with Hidden Sand, Konoha had already fought with the Hidden Rain Ninjas in the Land of Rain. Many ninjas were already physically and mentally exhausted. In this situation, being dragged into the war rhythm by Hidden Sand, one can imagine to what extent Konoha was tired of the war.
Therefore, when the Third Kazekage delivered the reconciliation letter, according to Hakushi's estimate, there is a high possibility that Konoha would agree.
After all, this has always been Konoha's main strategy.
Continuing to exhaust resources against Hidden Sand would only allow other Ninja Villages to benefit.
"Honestly, we've already fought to this extent, we might as well gather our strength and defeat Hidden Sand in one fell swoop. Submitting such a meaningless reconciliation letter, they'll only come back again in the future."
Ruri sat on a rock, showing dissatisfaction on her face.
It had only been over a month since she left the village, and she hadn't yet fully fought with the Hidden Sand Ninjas. If the war ended now, Sakumo's squad's mission would be over.
"Well, it can't be helped, as many ninjas at the camp are weary of the war, and Hidden Sand ninjas are somewhat similar. Ending things peacefully now would benefit both parties. As for the future... let's talk about it then."
Considering what a Konoha Ninja should consider, Hakushi believed this was indeed the best solution.
"That's great, I thought we wouldn't be able to go back to the village for the New Year festival this year. I'm really looking forward to this year's festival."
Ayane said with a cheerful smile from the side.
Hakushi turned his head to the other side, pretending he didn't hear that.
"You have a point. Ending the war soon means we can go back and join the New Year festival... Besides, I'd like to go back and check on Kakashi."
Sakumo heard the three chatting and said with a smile.
"Kakashi?"
Hakushi and the other two were drawn to the name.
"Ah, I haven't told you, have I?"
Sakumo blinked in confusion.
"No, we haven't heard of this person at all. So... who is he?"
Hakushi shook his head.
"He's my son, Hatake Kakashi. He's only two years old this year, but I believe he will become an excellent ninja in the future."
Sakumo said this way.
"Son!?"
Hakushi and the other two were stunned and exclaimed loudly.
This couldn't just be called surprising; they had no idea Sakumo had a son.
"Why, is there something wrong?"
Sakumo looked at the three in a puzzled way.
"No... I thought Sensei Sakumo was still single till now. Didn't expect not only to be married but to have a son too..."
Ayane hastily explained.
Hakushi and Ruri also nodded repeatedly, as that was the image they had of Sakumo, indeed.
"Sorry, I thought I had mentioned it before."
"It's okay, just a bit surprising to hear suddenly. After all, this is a personal matter, and we hadn't had any contact with Sensei Sakumo before graduating from Ninja School. So, Sensei Sakumo's son is already two years old... Hatake Kakashi, that's a good name."
Ayane smiled.
But in her mind, she was thinking: What name would be good for the future child of me and Hakushi?
"Speaking of which, I'm somewhat remiss as a father, not being able to go back to the village to celebrate his birthday in September. In the blink of an eye, it's now November."
"There'll be a chance next year. When the time comes, just host then, Sensei Sakumo."
Hakushi smiled.
Sakumo's mouth twitched, and at the mention of hosting, he seemed to recall some memories that weren't so pleasant.
He didn't want to be on the verge of bankruptcy on his son's birthday, truly a mix of joy and sorrow.
"Really? Great, I'll come with an empty stomach then. Be ready, Sensei Sakumo."
Ayane confirmed with a smile.
Sakumo sighed as if his wallet wouldn't be safe, and then he looked at Ruri.
"Don't look at me like that. It's your son's birthday party. If you expect me to pay, wouldn't that be quite tactless? After all, you are Haku-sama."
No, I don't care about face. Hearing Ruri's heartless refusal, Sakumo retorted in his mind.
◎
Two days later, it was the day for Konoha and Hidden Sand to formally conclude the reconciliation letter and sign the ceasefire agreement.
The weather was clear, and the sun was shining bright.
Sakumo's squad set off back to the Konoha Camp on the border of the Land of Fire.
The signing was at nine in the morning.
Now, it was four in the afternoon.
This meant that the ceasefire agreement with Hidden Sand had already been signed. This news should have been passed back to the camp by now and would be conveyed back to the village at the fastest speed.
However, returning to the camp at five in the afternoon, Sakumo's squad of four felt something was off.
It was too stifling.
Or rather, it was painful.
The four looked at each other, not knowing what had happened.
Even knowing the war had ended, some would definitely be pained, but it shouldn't be this stifling.
Within this stifling atmosphere, there was also a desire to engulf everything with anger and murderous intent.
"What's going on?"
"Don't know, did something happen?"
Hakushi stroked his chin and began to ponder.
Was there a problem with the agreement?
Could it be that Hidden Sand didn't intend to fulfill the agreement's terms?
Otherwise, it couldn't explain all this.
"You're a Medical Ninja too, right? Hurry to the medical department; they desperately need help there!"
At this moment, a Konoha Ninja hurriedly ran over and said anxiously to Hakushi.