Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!
Chapter 491: Ōnoki’s Sole Desire for Peace

Chapter 491 - 491: Ōnoki’s Sole Desire for Peace

The sudden incursion of the Konoha army sent shockwaves through the Land of Earth.

Ōnoki, however, had no time to dwell on Konoha's relationship with the Akatsuki. With urgency, he led his forces toward the border.

He had given strict orders—no one was to retaliate, even if the Konoha ninja attacked first. Everything was to be decided upon his arrival.

It had to be said, the old man had remarkable patience. He knew that the moment they fought back, there would be no turning back.

Had Konoha not been set on this course, he might have been able to defuse the situation before it escalated into full-blown war.

By the time Ōnoki arrived, the small vanguard of Iwa ninja had already been completely subdued by Fugaku.

Understanding Ōnoki's intentions, Fugaku chose not to advance any further, instead waiting in place for his arrival.

He wanted to see just how far Ōnoki was willing to endure.

...

"Lord Fugaku, Ōnoki has arrived at the Iwa forces' position."

"He has sent word requesting a meeting with you."

A Konoha ninja stepped into Fugaku's tent, delivering fresh intelligence.

"That old man really thinks we're here on vacation."

Fugaku let out a scoff. He wasn't sure if Ōnoki was senile or simply playing dumb.

With the Iwa ninja prisoners already in their camp, it should have been clear what was happening, yet Ōnoki still held back.

"He really doesn't want to fight."

"Too bad for him."

Duy may not have been the sharpest, but he was no fool.

Having just fought off a major threat, the Land of Earth had yet to stabilize, and Ōnoki certainly wasn't eager for another war.

Especially not against Konoha, a far stronger opponent than Kumogakure.

If he were in Ōnoki's position, he wouldn't want to fight either. A little humiliation was nothing compared to the alternative.

"Back in the Second Shinobi World War, Ōnoki took advantage of the chaos. Did he ever consider that this day would come?"

"Send a message back. There's no need for a meeting."

"Tell Ōnoki to keep his neck clean and wait for me."

Fugaku had never let go of his resentment toward Iwa for what they did in the last war, nor had he forgotten his uncle's sacrifice.

"Yes."

The Konoha ninja found Fugaku's words a little too bold, but he still prepared to deliver them exactly as instructed.

"Wait."

"If Ōnoki is willing to hand over Rōshi, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki..."

"I might consider giving him a chance to negotiate with Lady Hokage."

"Make sure he knows—I am Fugaku Uchiha, Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan of Konohagakure."

Just as the messenger was about to leave, Fugaku called him back to add these final words.

"Yes."

"Do you have any other orders?"

The ninja hesitated, awaiting further instructions.

"That's all. Go."

With Fugaku's confirmation, the messenger immediately set off.

...

"That's a pretty ruthless move."

Duy grinned at Fugaku, though there was no mockery in his tone. He knew exactly whose hands had killed the previous Uchiha Clan Head.

By demanding Rōshi by name and making his own identity clear, Fugaku ensured that the Iwa forces knew this was personal.

Whether Ōnoki agreed to hand over Rōshi or not, it didn't matter.

"Not really."

"I doubt it'll work."

Fugaku had no illusions that Ōnoki would actually surrender Rōshi. If he did, it would be the end of his time as Tsuchikage.

"The odds of them handing over the Four-Tails' Jinchūriki aren't high."

"But who's to say all the Iwa ninja will stand united?"

Even if the chance was slim, there was always a possibility that someone within Iwa would be tempted.

Trading one man for the safety of the village—it was a decision that even Ōnoki would have to weigh carefully.

Duy may have looked simple, grinning with his usual broad smile, but he was much sharper than he appeared.

Once this message reached Iwa, it would undoubtedly drive a wedge between Ōnoki and Rōshi.

And for a relationship that was already strained, this would only add fuel to the fire.

"You're right."

"The human heart is the most unpredictable thing."

Without even lifting a blade, Fugaku had already handed Ōnoki a serious dilemma.

Soon, the written message was delivered to Ōnoki's hands.

...

"Fugaku Uchiha?"

Ōnoki read the letter, his brow furrowing deeply.

He put it down, his mind in turmoil.

Being told to "keep his neck clean" was one thing—he could endure that insult.

But demanding Rōshi in exchange for a conversation with Tsunade? That was beyond ridiculous.

And yet... what if Tsunade really did agree to negotiations?

The more he thought about it, the more his mind spiraled. Frustration built in his chest.

"Father, you absolutely cannot hand over Rōshi!"

As Ōnoki sat in silent turmoil, Kitsuchi stepped forward, having just finished reading the letter himself.

His face burned with anger. There was no way he would let his father make such a foolish decision.

"Did I say I was handing him over?"

Ōnoki snapped back to reality, flipping the letter over on his desk.

Fortunately, it was just the two of them in the room—this news wouldn't spread for now.

"Fugaku Uchiha is after personal revenge."

"His words can't be trusted."

"The previous Uchiha Clan Head died by Rōshi's hands."

Kitsuchi knew his father too well and feared even the slightest hesitation.

"I know."

"Go. For now, do not speak of this to anyone."

Ōnoki wasn't in the mood to argue. He needed time to weigh the risks before making a decision.

"Father—"

"Go."

Kitsuchi was about to protest again, but Ōnoki cut him off sharply.

Seeing the determined look in his father's eyes, Kitsuchi hesitated before finally backing down.

Once he was alone, Ōnoki picked up the letter and reread it over and over.

It would be another sleepless night for him.

Meanwhile, Fugaku slept soundly.

...

The next morning, Ōnoki, looking exhausted, summoned the Iwa high command for an emergency meeting.

After a long night of deliberation, he had made his choice—he would make this information public.

Even if Rōshi was to be handed over, those words couldn't come from his mouth.

If Rōshi were to step forward of his own will, that would be the best outcome.

From the moment Ōnoki put Rōshi on the spot, Fugaku had already achieved his goal.

Once the meeting room was filled, Ōnoki glanced at Rōshi before passing the letter around for all to read.

As expected, every person who read it couldn't help but glance at Rōshi.

At first, Rōshi was puzzled, not understanding what was happening.

But as he read the letter, word by word, his hands began to tremble.

That slight tremor spoke volumes about his inner turmoil.

The words on the page hit him like a boulder crashing into a still lake, sending shockwaves through him.

His eyes filled with disbelief.

How absurd—it was his life being offered in exchange for a chance to beg Konoha for mercy.

And yet, the letter had made its way here.

Rōshi knew exactly what that meant.

Shouldn't this letter have never existed?

As that realization sank in, Rōshi slowly lifted his gaze to Ōnoki.

His bloodshot eyes were filled with silent accusation.