“Thank you so much!”
Outside Mount Katsuragi Fortress, sunlight streamed down on Senju Hashirama and Spider Elder, the Clan Head of the Earth Spider Clan, casting a warm glow. Senju Hashirama’s eyes showed genuine emotion, and before parting, he bowed deeply to Spider Elder, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.
“I am truly grateful that your clan has chosen to continue living in seclusion for the sake of future peace in the Ninja World!”
After lengthy negotiations and discussions, both parties finally returned to their original alliance treaty.
This had always been their initial goal.
Moreover, with Senju Hashirama, the God of Shinobi, personally coming to admit his fault and apologize for his brother Tobirama’s actions, how could the Earth Spider Clan dare to have any other thoughts? Spider Elder, the Clan Head of the Earth Spider Clan, who had already witnessed Senju Hashirama’s strength, was eager to agree to the terms of the treaty on the spot.
If it weren't for Senju Hashirama’s request for the Earth Spider Clan to continue their seclusion and keep the alliance secret, which raised suspicions among other clan members who doubted his intentions, it would have taken no time at all.
Fortunately, after Senju Hashirama knelt and sincerely explained the threats brought about by the Earth Spider’s Forbidden Technique, the Earth Spider Clan understood that their survival and safety were more important than the public announcement of the alliance.
Once this alliance was revealed, it would certainly attract the attention of other countries and Ninja, especially after two Forbidden Technique incidents had just occurred in the Land of Fire.
They also agreed to Senju Hashirama’s request.
He presented an important document co-signed by him and the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama—the alliance treaty with Konoha.
The signing of this secret treaty held significant meaning for the Earth Spider Clan.
Although the initial process was not smooth and was even full of twists and turns and difficulties, the final result was satisfying. The Earth Spider Clan, as a single clan, successfully signed an alliance with Konoha, which meant they could continue to reside within the Land of Fire without facing the predicament of forced relocation.
They also no longer had to worry about hostility from the Konoha Ninja Village in the Land of Fire due to their own powerful strength.
According to the alliance, when the Earth Spider Clan suffers any attack from external enemies, Konoha must spare no effort to provide support and assistance. In turn, the Earth Spider Clan must step forward when Konoha faces difficulties, using their unique Forbidden Technique as a deterrent to ensure Konoha’s safety.
Furthermore, Konoha also bore an important responsibility: to seal off all information about the Earth Spider Clan’s Forbidden Technique to prevent outsiders from prying into and coveting these powerful forces.
The achievement of this alliance not only brought stability and peace to the Earth Spider Clan, freeing them from worries about threats from Konoha, but also laid a solid foundation for the relationship between Konoha and the Earth Spider Clan. In the future, although the two parties would be a secret alliance, if either side suffered a major blow, the other could act as a hidden ally to provide support, surprising the enemy.
After Senju Hashirama departed,
“He truly lives up to his title as the God of Shinobi! He’s nothing like his brother, Senju Tobirama, who is cunning and ruthless; instead, he is a man full of benevolence.” Spider Elder praised from the bottom of his heart, his gaze falling upon his son beside him, who was called En no Gyōja, a hint of emotion and expectation in his eyes.
“The fate of the Earth Spider Clan is now entrusted to you.” Spider Elder’s voice was low and firm, as if carrying the weight of the entire clan. “Although the clan members strongly demand the abolition of the Earth Spider Clan’s annual selection of Forbidden Technique suitable users, you must remember that this Forbidden Technique is the key to our Earth Spider Clan’s continued existence.”
“Yes, Father!” En no Gyōja nodded silently, indicating that he understood his father’s meaning. However, his heart was not as firm as it appeared on the surface. A flicker of hesitation and doubt crossed his eyes, as if he held reservations about this decision.
Spider Elder saw all of this, but his face remained as calm as water, as if he hadn’t noticed his son’s inner turmoil. He knew the will of the majority of the clan, and this decision was not easily changed.
“I hope that after allying with Konoha, our clan can receive the protection of Konoha, that powerful shield.” Spider Elder said slowly, his voice revealing a hint of anticipation for the future. “Even without the protection of the Forbidden Technique, our clan can remain safe under Konoha’s patronage.”
The secret treaty between the Earth Spider and Konoha, like a deeply buried seed, finally broke through the earth and was achieved.
However, this alliance, known only to Senju Hashirama, was like a castle in the air; it could not achieve the goal of gaining the support of everyone in Konoha in the future. Therefore, even if the news of this alliance was to be kept secret, all the Clan Heads of the existing clans in Konoha had to be made aware of it.
Thus, upon returning to Konoha, Senju Hashirama immediately summoned all the Clan Heads of every clan in Konoha for a solemn and serious meeting. As the former Hokage, he solemnly declared: “From today onwards, the Earth Spider Clan is our Konoha Ninja Village’s eternally loyal ally. Whenever and wherever either party faces danger, both sides must unhesitatingly provide unlimited rescue. Furthermore, they will reside within the Land of Fire without needing to join the Village system. At the same time, I, as the Hokage, issue an order: after this meeting, no one is allowed to investigate this clan, and no one is allowed to expose this alliance to the outside world. This alliance will only exist among you Clan Heads and your Clan Head heirs.”
“Did you hear that? Anyone who violates this order, no matter who they are, once tracked down by the Anbu, will be considered a traitor to Konoha Ninja Village, and there will be only death for them!” Senju Tobirama, as the Second Hokage, stepped forward and stood beside Senju Hashirama, upholding the command issued by his elder brother.
His words were like a sharp sword, piercing straight into people's hearts, making the Clan Heads of various families present feel as if they had fallen into an ice cellar, a chill running down their spines. They secretly wondered, what kind of powerful medicine did this Senju Tobirama take? His hostility was so intense.
What the crowd didn't know was that as Senju Tobirama visited the families of the deceased Anbu one by one, feeling the sorrowful and hateful gazes from his trusted clansmen, Senju Tobirama’s heart had already suffered extreme trauma, and he deeply regretted the mistake he had made due to his carelessness.
While hating the Uchiha.
On the other hand, he was also frantically comforting himself, telling himself that everything he did was for Konoha, which made him feel a little better.
“What? Which obscure clan is this Earth Spider! To actually form an alliance with our Konoha as a single clan!” Sarutobi Sasuke frowned, “You should know that there are over a hundred large and small clans in our Konoha Ninja Village combined. The large Ninja clans have three to five thousand people, and the small ones also have dozens of people, but they are all considered to have a special skill to be called a clan. Even so, they must live in the Village and work for the Village’s stability.”
“These people live on the land of the Land of Fire and usually don't have to participate in the Village's defense. When they encounter danger, we still have to rescue them. Hokage-sama, although we will not let this alliance spread, you should at least let us know the reason for forming an alliance with the Earth Spider Clan!”
Sarutobi Sasuke, as a Clan Head Level powerhouse of the large Sarutobi Clan, was proficient in five Chakra nature transformations. He was the largest Ninja clan in Konoha, besides the Senju Clan, the Uchiha Clan, and the Hyuga Clan.
For no other reason, the Sarutobi Clan, despite having no real strength advantage and not being particularly powerful, relied on its unique survival ability. It was good at accumulating friendships and forming alliances, gaining a large number of allied partners to serve as a barrier to protect its own clan during the Sengoku period. At the same time, it promoted elites from other clans to join its own clan through the method of marrying in, which rapidly increased the total population of its clan. When joining Konoha, he even frantically expanded his manpower, taking in everyone, good or bad, to raise his status.
Ultimately, with five thousand people registered when Konoha was established, it became the largest clan besides the Bloodline Limit clans.
Of course, only one-fifth of these five thousand people were Ninja; the rest were just ordinary people.
But even so, by virtue of its many friendly allies and clans, the Sarutobi Clan was also the most influential clan in all of Konoha, outside of the Bloodline Limit clans.
As Sarutobi Sasuke spoke.
People from other clans also began to ask questions.
At least give some reason.
No matter what.
According to what Senju Tobirama said, Konoha was a Ninja Village established by all clans, and only a Hokage recognized by everyone was a true Hokage. In this way, even the Hokage could not act recklessly and issue mandatory orders.
At least, not openly.
The Ino–Shika–Chō and other clans, led by Sarutobi Sasuke, also did not hesitate and followed Sarutobi Sasuke in asking questions.
They were afraid that this so-called Earth Spider Clan was just an ally of the Senju Clan outside of Konoha.
Using Konoha, which belonged to everyone, to help the Senju’s allies.
This was truly unacceptable.
Only Elder Uchiha Feng, who represented the Uchiha Clan Head, remained unmoved. Among those present, no one was clearer about the Earth Spider's abilities than him. Although they had a feud with the Uchiha Clan, if they could serve as an ally of Konoha, the other party itself had the strength for it!
Therefore, facing Sarutobi Sasuke's question, Senju Hashirama also did not want to be a dictator, only saying: “The Earth Spider is involved in a matter concerning the security of Konoha Ninja Village. Only by placing them within Konoha's allies, and not having them join Konoha itself, can this secret be kept. This is a secret that only the Hokage will know in the future, and no one else is allowed to pry.”
“In the name of the Hokage, everything I have said is true. You must absolutely not investigate privately. Once any topic from this meeting is leaked, no matter what your identity as a Clan Head is, you will only have one path: a rogue Ninja!”
Seeing Senju Hashirama’s serious expression, making a guarantee in the name of the Hokage, everyone stopped pressing the matter.
No matter what.
As the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama’s unique personal charisma and credibility were guaranteed. At least, no one present would question him on the point of protecting the Village.
Then.
Taking advantage of all the Clan Heads being present.
Senju Tobirama also announced another topic. He said calmly, “Starting today, the Village will establish a police force and entrust it to the Uchiha Clan!”
“As a founder of Konoha, Uchiha Madara’s defection cannot be blamed on the Uchiha Clan. This is the treatment that a founder should receive, and I hope you make good use of it!”
Senju Tobirama said coldly, his face seemingly showing a hint of reluctance, but a slight gleam flashed in the corner of his eye, as if hinting that a new conspiracy had begun.
Beside him, Senju Hashirama saw this scene and finally nodded with satisfaction, letting out a sigh of relief in his heart, thinking: “With this, the compensation given to the Uchiha should be enough!”